Privacy Policy

1. Information We Collect

1.1 Information You Provide Directly

When you apply to our mentorship program, contact us, or engage with our services, we may collect:

• Personal Identification Information: Name, email address, phone number, country, city
• Demographic Information: Age range, gender
• Educational & Professional Information: Prior tech experience, career goals, learning track preferences
• Technical Information: MyPayConnect username (for program management)
• Communication Data: Information in your messages, inquiries, or feedback to us

1.2 Information Collected Automatically

When you visit our website, we automatically collect certain technical information:

• Device Information: IP address, browser type, device type, operating system
• Usage Data: Pages visited, time spent, links clicked, referring website
• Cookies & Similar Technologies: We use cookies and analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics) to understand how visitors use our site

2. How We Use Your Information

M4ACE uses your information solely to support our nonprofit mission. We use your data to:

• Process Applications: Review and evaluate mentorship program applications
• Deliver Programs & Services: Provide training, mentorship, resources, and support
• Communicate: Send program updates, announcements, and respond to inquiries
• Improve Services: Analyze usage patterns to enhance our website and programs
• Verify Eligibility: Confirm technical requirements (e.g., MyPayConnect account)
• Issue Certificates: Generate and verify certificates of completion
• Measure Impact: Track outcomes and success metrics to improve our nonprofit initiatives
• Comply with Legal Obligations: Meet regulatory requirements and protect rights

3. Legal Basis for Processing (GDPR)

For users in the European Economic Area (EEA), we process your personal data based on:

• Consent: You have given clear consent for us to process your data for specific purposes (e.g., application submission)
• Legitimate Interests: Processing is necessary for our nonprofit mission to provide free tech education and mentorship
• Legal Obligation: We need to comply with applicable laws

4. How We Share Your Information

M4ACE does not sell, rent, or trade your personal information. We may share your data only in the following circumstances:

• With Mentors: Limited information (name, learning track) shared with assigned mentors
• Service Providers: Third-party tools that help us operate (e.g., Google Forms, MyPayConnect, email services, analytics platforms)
• Legal Requirements: If required by law, court order, or governmental authority
• Protection of Rights: To protect M4ACE, our users, or the public from harm or illegal activity
• With Your Consent: Any other sharing with your explicit permission (e.g., testimonial publication)

5. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Our website uses cookies and similar technologies to:

• Essential Cookies: Enable core website functionality
• Analytics Cookies: Help us understand how visitors use our site (via Google Analytics)
• Preference Cookies: Remember your settings and preferences

You can control cookies through your browser settings. Note that disabling certain cookies may affect website functionality.

6. Data Security

We take data security seriously and implement industry-standard measures to protect your information:

• HTTPS encryption for all data transmitted to our website
• Secure servers and databases
• Access controls limiting who can view personal data
• Regular security assessments and updates

However, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your data, we cannot guarantee absolute security.

7. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to:

• Provide you with our programs and services
• Comply with legal obligations
• Resolve disputes and enforce our agreements
• Measure program impact and outcomes

Typically, we retain application data for the duration of your participation in our program plus 3-5 years for impact assessment and alumni engagement.

8. Your Privacy Rights

Depending on your location, you may have the following rights:

• Access: Request a copy of the personal data we hold about you
• Correction: Request corrections to inaccurate or incomplete data
• Deletion: Request deletion of your personal data (subject to legal obligations)
• Objection: Object to certain types of data processing
• Portability: Request your data in a machine-readable format
• Withdraw Consent: Withdraw consent for data processing where consent was the basis

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us at support@m4ace.com

9. Children's Privacy

Our programs are designed for individuals aged 16 and above. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 16. If we learn we have collected such data, we will take steps to delete it promptly.

10. International Data Transfers

M4ACE operates primarily in Africa, but our website and services may be accessed globally. Your data may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your own. We take appropriate safeguards to ensure your data is protected in accordance with this Privacy Policy.

11. Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites, social media platforms, or services (e.g., WhatsApp, MyPayConnect). We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these external sites. Please review their privacy policies before sharing personal information.

12. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. We will notify users of significant changes by:

• Posting the updated policy on our website with a new "Last Updated" date
• Sending email notifications to active program participants

We encourage you to review this policy periodically.

13. Contact Us

If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us: