PRIVACY POLICY

Scholar Buddies Literacy Programmes NPC
Last Updated: 21 October 2026

1. Introduction

Scholar Buddies Literacy Programmes NPC ("Scholar Buddies", "we", "us", or "our") respects and values the privacy of everyone who visits our website, participates in our educational programmes, or supports our organisation.

We are committed to protecting your personal information and ensuring that it is collected, processed, stored and used responsibly, lawfully and transparently, in accordance with South Africa's Protection of Personal Information Act, 4 of 2013 (POPIA).

This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, protect and manage personal information obtained through our website, https://scholarbuddies.co.za/, and our organisational activities.

2. Information We Collect

Depending on how you interact with Scholar Buddies, we may collect the following personal information:
- Personal details: Names, surnames and relevant identifying information.
- Contact information: Email addresses, telephone numbers and information submitted through our contact forms.
- Learner information: Information reasonably necessary for participation in our educational programmes, including school details, grade levels and learning support needs.
- Donation information: Donor names, contact details, donation amounts and relevant transaction information where donation facilities are available.
- Volunteer and partnership information: Details provided by individuals, schools or organisations interested in supporting our activities.
- Website information: Technical information such as IP addresses, browser types and website usage data, where collected through our website's hosting, security or analytics systems. We aim to collect only the personal information reasonably necessary for a specific, lawful purpose.

3. How We Use Your Information

Scholar Buddies may use personal information to:
- Respond to enquiries, requests and communications.
- Coordinate literacy, mathematics and other educational support programmes.
- Communicate with learners, parents, guardians, schools, volunteers and community partners.
- Administer donations, contributions and organisational support.
- Share information about our programmes, events and activities where permitted by law.
- Improve our website, services and educational initiatives.
- Maintain organisational records and comply with applicable legal obligations.

We process personal information only where there is an appropriate lawful justification under POPIA, including consent where required.

4. Protection of Children's Personal Information

As an organisation dedicated to supporting children's education, Scholar Buddies recognises the importance of protecting the privacy, dignity and safety of every learner.
Where our educational programmes require the collection or processing of children's personal information, we will comply with the additional protections established under POPIA.
Where required, we will obtain consent from a parent or legal guardian, or otherwise rely on an applicable lawful authorisation before processing such information
We will not knowingly publish identifiable photographs, personal details or educational information about children for promotional purposes without the appropriate authorisation or consent.
Children's personal information will be used only for legitimate, authorised purposes and protected against unauthorised access or disclosure.

5. Sharing of Personal Information

Scholar Buddies respects the confidentiality of personal information and does not sell personal information to third parties. We may share information with authorised employees, volunteers, educational partners, service providers or relevant authorities where necessary and legally permitted.
Any sharing of personal information will be limited to legitimate organisational purposes, subject to appropriate confidentiality and security safeguards.

6. Information Security

We are committed to taking reasonable technical and organisational measures to protect personal information against loss, misuse, unauthorised access, disclosure, alteration or destruction.
Access to personal information will be limited to individuals who require it to perform authorised duties.Although we take reasonable precautions to safeguard information, no internet-based system can guarantee complete security.

7. Cookies and Website Analytics

Our website may use cookies and similar technologies to support website functionality, improve user experience, maintain security and understand website performance.
Where optional analytics or other non-essential tracking technologies are used, we will provide appropriate information and obtain consent where required by applicable law.
Visitors may manage or disable cookies through their browser settings, although certain website features may be affected.

8. Your Rights Under POPIA

Subject to applicable legal requirements, you have the right to:
- Request confirmation of whether we hold your personal information.
- Request access to personal information we hold about you.
- Request the correction, updating or deletion of information that is inaccurate, outdated or unlawfully processed.
- Object to certain types of personal information processing.
- Withdraw consent where consent is the basis for processing.
- Lodge a complaint with the Information Regulator of South Africa.
To exercise your rights, please contact us using the details below. We may request reasonable proof of identity before responding to a request.

9. Retention of Personal Information

Scholar Buddies will retain personal information only for as long as reasonably necessary to fulfil the purpose for which it was collected, or as required or permitted by applicable law.
When personal information is no longer required, we will take appropriate steps to securely delete, destroy or de-identify it.

10. Third-Party Websites and Services

Our website may contain links to third-party websites, social media platforms or external services. Scholar Buddies is not responsible for the privacy practices or content of websites operated by independent third parties.
We encourage visitors to review the privacy policies of external websites before providing personal information.Where service providers process personal information outside South Africa, we will ensure that applicable cross-border transfer requirements under POPIA are met.

11. Changes to This Privacy Policy

Scholar Buddies reserves the right to review and update this Privacy Policy to reflect changes in legislation, organisational activities or information-processing practices. Any updates will be published on this page, together with the relevant revision date. We encourage visitors to review this Privacy Policy periodically.

.We are committed to handling your personal information with care, confidentiality and respect.