1. Policy Statement
Global Path is unequivocally committed to fostering an inclusive, equitable, and respectful environment. We prohibit all forms of unlawful and unfair discrimination and are dedicated to providing equal access to our services and opportunities for every student, irrespective of their personal background, characteristics, or beliefs. We celebrate diversity and believe it strengthens our community and enriches the study abroad experience.
2. Scope
This policy applies to all aspects of Global Path’s operations, including but not limited to: service provision to students and parents, recruitment and treatment of staff, engagement with partners, and all internal and external communications. It is binding for everyone representing Global Path.
3. Protected Characteristics
Global Path prohibits discrimination, harassment, and victimization based on the following protected characteristics (this list is illustrative and non-exhaustive):
- Race, color, ethnicity, or national origin.
- Gender, gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation.
- Religion, faith, or belief system.
- Age, marital status, or family responsibilities.
- Disability, medical condition, or neurodiversity.
- Socio-economic background, parental education, or geographic origin within Zimbabwe.
- Political opinion or any other arbitrary basis.
4. Principles of Inclusive Service Delivery
In line with our student-centered mission, we actively ensure our services are accessible and equitable:
- Fair Access: All students are evaluated on their individual academic merit, aspirations, and potential, not on stereotypes or assumptions related to any protected characteristic.
- Cultural Competence: Advisors will receive training to provide sensitive and informed guidance to students from all backgrounds, respecting cultural, religious, and personal differences.
- Accessibility: We strive to make our physical premises (if applicable) and digital communications accessible. We will make reasonable adjustments to our processes to accommodate the needs of students with disabilities.
- Language & Imagery: All marketing materials, communications, and internal documents will use inclusive language and imagery that reflect the diversity of the Zimbabwean student population and the global community.
5. Expected Behaviors
All staff and representatives are required to:
- Treat every student, parent, colleague, and partner with dignity and respect.
- Challenge stereotypes, biased assumptions, and discriminatory remarks or jokes.
- Ensure advice on destinations, universities, and courses is based on objective suitability, not personal bias.
- Maintain confidentiality regarding a student’s personal characteristics unless disclosure is required for providing appropriate support (e.g., facilitating disability accommodations with a university).
6. Prohibited Conduct
The following behaviors are strictly forbidden and constitute a breach of this policy:
- Direct Discrimination: Treating someone less favorably because of a protected characteristic.
- Indirect Discrimination: Applying a provision, criterion, or practice that disadvantages people with a particular protected characteristic.
- Harassment: Engaging in unwanted conduct related to a protected characteristic that violates dignity or creates an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating, or offensive environment.
- Victimization: Subjecting someone to detrimental treatment because they have made or supported a complaint under this policy.
7. Reporting and Breach Management
- Any student, parent, or staff member who experiences or witnesses discrimination is encouraged to report it immediately through the Complaint & Grievance Policy (Policy 10) channel.
- All reports will be treated with the utmost seriousness, confidentiality, and sensitivity.
- A fair and thorough investigation will be conducted promptly.
- Any individual found to have violated this policy will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment or contract with Global Path.
8. Positive Action
Global Path is committed to positive action. We may initiate programs, outreach, or support services specifically designed to encourage and support students from groups that are under-represented in international education, provided such actions are lawful and aimed at achieving substantive equality.
9. Policy Review & Training
- This policy will be reviewed annually.
- Mandatory training on anti-discrimination, unconscious bias, and inclusive counselling practices will be provided to all staff at induction and in regular refresher courses.
10. Leadership Accountability
The leadership of Global Path holds ultimate responsibility for implementing this policy, promoting an inclusive culture, and ensuring accountability at all levels.
