Privacy Policy
We are committed to protecting your personal information and being transparent about how we use it.
Last Updated: January 2025
This Privacy Policy describes how the Urega Foundation ("we", "us", or "our") collects, uses, and shares information about you when you use our scholarship application platform and related services. By using our services, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy.
1. Information We Collect
We collect information you provide directly when you apply for our scholarship program. This includes: • Personal identification information (name, date of birth, gender) • Contact information (email address, phone number, residential address) • Academic records (school name, class level, grades) • Guardian or parent contact details • Supporting documents (birth certificate, school reports, identification) • Application essays and responses to scholarship questions We also automatically collect certain technical data when you visit our website, including your IP address, browser type, and pages visited.
2. How We Use Your Information
The information we collect is used solely for the following purposes: • Processing and evaluating scholarship applications • Communicating with applicants about application status, interviews, and results • Scheduling and managing interview processes • Administering the scholarship program for selected scholars • Improving our website and application experience • Complying with legal obligations • Sending program updates and notifications you have consented to receive We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information to third parties.
3. Information Sharing
We may share your information only in the following limited circumstances: • With authorized reviewers and committee members involved in the scholarship evaluation process • With our partner organizations directly involved in program delivery • With service providers who assist us in operating our platform (subject to strict confidentiality agreements) • When required by law or in response to a valid legal process • To protect the rights and safety of applicants, scholars, or the public Any third parties who receive your data are required to handle it with the same level of care we apply.
4. Data Retention
We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this policy: • Application data is retained for a minimum of three (3) years from the date of application, whether successful or not, for record-keeping and audit purposes. • Scholar data is retained for the duration of the scholarship and for five (5) years after the scholarship concludes. • You may request deletion of your data by contacting us, subject to any legal obligations we may have to retain certain records.
5. Data Security
We take the security of your personal information seriously. We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your data against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. These measures include: • Encrypted data transmission (HTTPS) • Access controls limiting who can view applicant data • Secure cloud infrastructure with regular security reviews • Role-based access for staff and reviewers However, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your information, we cannot guarantee absolute security.
6. Your Rights
You have the following rights regarding your personal information: • Access: You may request a copy of the personal data we hold about you. • Correction: You may request that we correct inaccurate or incomplete information. • Deletion: You may request that we delete your personal data, subject to legal retention requirements. • Objection: You may object to certain types of processing, such as marketing communications. • Withdrawal of Consent: Where processing is based on your consent, you may withdraw it at any time. To exercise any of these rights, please contact us at support@urega.org.
7. Cookies
Our website uses cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your browsing experience. Cookies are small text files stored on your device that help us: • Remember your preferences and settings • Understand how visitors use our site • Improve site functionality and performance You can control cookie settings through your browser. Disabling cookies may affect some features of our website.
8. Children's Privacy
Our scholarship program serves students, some of whom may be under the age of 18. We collect information about minors only with the knowledge and consent of a parent or legal guardian, as required by the application process. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13 without verifiable parental consent. If you believe a child's information has been submitted without appropriate consent, please contact us immediately.
9. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. When we make significant changes, we will: • Update the "Last Updated" date at the top of this page • Notify applicants and scholars by email where appropriate • Post a notice on our website Your continued use of our services after changes have been posted constitutes your acceptance of the updated policy.
10. Contact Us
If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or the handling of your personal data, please contact us: Email: support@urega.org Address: Douala, Cameroon We aim to respond to all privacy-related inquiries within 5 business days.
Questions about your data?
Contact our team and we'll respond within 5 business days.