Privacy Policy, Terms of Use & Legal Disclaimer

Rising Hope Empowerment Foundation (“Rising Hope,” “we,” “our,” or “us”)

This document governs your use of the website therisinghopefoundation.org and your participation in any program, form submission, donation, or interaction with Rising Hope Empowerment Foundation. By using this website, submitting any form, donating, or enrolling in any program, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agreed to this Privacy Policy, the Terms of Use, and the Legal Disclaimer set out below.

Part 1 — Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Rising Hope is a Nigerian non-governmental organization committed to rehabilitating individuals previously involved in cybercrime and fraudulent activities by providing guidance, support, and pathways to lawful livelihoods. In carrying out this mission, we collect and process both ordinary personal data (from website visitors and donors) and highly sensitive personal data (from program participants).

We are committed to protecting all personal data we handle in compliance with the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023, the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR) 2019, and all other applicable Nigerian and international data protection laws.

2. Who We Are

Rising Hope Empowerment Foundation is a non-profit organization operating in Nigeria. The most reliable way to reach us is through the General Contact Form on this website.

3. Scope of This Policy

This Privacy Policy applies to:

Visitors who browse our website.
Individuals who submit any form on our website, including the Online Academy Waitlist, Partnership & Involvement Form, Book Launch Waitlist, RHEF Intake Assessment, and General Contact Form.
Donors who contribute through our website.
Participants enrolled in our rehabilitation, training, or reintegration programs.
Volunteers, staff, partners, and any third party whose data we handle in the course of our work.

4. Information We Collect

4.1 Information collected automatically when you visit our website

IP address, browser type, device type, operating system, and language preferences.
Pages visited, time spent on pages, referring URLs, and approximate geographic location.
Cookies and similar tracking technologies (see Section 15).

4.2 Information you provide through forms and direct contact

Name, email address, phone number, and other contact details.
Information submitted through any of our forms.
Any message, attachment, or supporting document you choose to send us.

4.3 Donor information

Name, billing address, email, phone number.
Donation amount and frequency.
Payment details processed through our third-party payment processors (we do not store full card numbers on our servers).

4.4 Sensitive program-participant information

Due to the rehabilitative nature of our work, we may process:

Personal identification data.
Behavioral and background information.
Information relating to past or alleged involvement in cybercrime or fraud.
Digital activity disclosures, where voluntarily provided.
Psychological, social, educational, and economic background information relevant to rehabilitation.

Important: Program-participant data is classified as high-risk and sensitive, and is handled under the strict additional safeguards set out in Section 8 of this Policy.

5. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect strictly for the following purposes:

To operate, maintain, and improve our website.
To respond to your inquiries and provide the services you request.
To process donations and issue receipts.
To deliver rehabilitation, counseling, skills-development, and reintegration services.
To monitor the progress and impact of our intervention programs.
To send updates, newsletters, or program-related communications where you have consented.
To comply with legal obligations under Nigerian law.

We do not collect or process program-participant data for prosecution purposes, except where disclosure is required by law (see Section 8.5).

6. Legal Basis for Processing

We process personal data under one or more of the following legal bases recognized under the NDPR and the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023:

Explicit consent — freely given by the data subject.
Legitimate interest — including rehabilitation of offenders, crime prevention, and the public-interest mission of the Foundation.
Legal obligation — where Nigerian law requires us to process or disclose data.
Performance of a service — to deliver the program or service you have requested.

7. Voluntary Participation & Consent

Participation in any of our programs is entirely voluntary.
Participants must provide explicit, informed consent before any sensitive data is collected.
No coercion or forced disclosure is permitted at any stage.
Participants may withdraw consent at any time, subject to the legal limits set out in Section 8.5.
By submitting any form on this website, you give your express consent to the collection and processing of your information for the purposes described in this Policy.

8. Sensitive Personal Data — Special Provisions

8.1 Confidentiality assurance

For program participants we maintain strict confidentiality:

Identities of participants are protected at all times.
We do not publicly disclose any individual’s involvement in cybercrime.
Data is anonymized for reports, publications, and case studies.
Access is limited to authorized personnel only and is governed by role-based clearance.

8.2 Data minimization

We collect only information that is necessary for rehabilitation and the delivery of support services. We deliberately avoid the collection of unnecessary or excessive detail, especially detail that may expose participants to legal harm.

8.3 What we will not do

We will not collect deep operational details of past crimes.
We will not store unnecessary incriminating evidence.
We will not promise confidentiality beyond what Nigerian law permits.

8.4 Staff confidentiality obligations

All staff, volunteers, and contractors must:

Sign strict confidentiality agreements before being given access to participant data.
Undergo background checks where applicable.
Complete training on the handling of sensitive and high-risk data.
Access only the data necessary for their role.

Unauthorized disclosure results in immediate disciplinary action and may trigger legal consequences.

8.5 Legal boundaries on confidentiality

Confidentiality is a priority but it is not absolute. We may disclose information where:

It is required by Nigerian law or a valid court order.
There is a serious risk of ongoing or planned criminal activity.
National security concerns arise.
There is a credible risk of serious harm to the participant or to others.

Participants are informed of these limits before they give consent.

9. How We Share Your Information

We do not sell, rent, or trade personal data. We may share information only in the following limited circumstances:

With authorized service providers who help us run the website, process donations, send emails, or store data (each bound by confidentiality and data-processing agreements).
With law enforcement or regulatory authorities, only where required by law or a valid court order.
With partner organizations identified in Section 10, strictly within the limits set out in this Policy.
With your express consent, for any purpose you specifically authorize.

10. Law Enforcement & Partnership Framework

To remain credible, lawful, and effective, Rising Hope may engage with the following partners:

The Nigeria Police Force.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC).
Recognized cybersecurity organizations and legal bodies.

Our collaboration with these partners is governed by these principles:

Respect for human rights and dignity.
A rehabilitative, not punitive, orientation.
Strict compliance with Nigerian law.
Confidential handling of all sensitive information.

Rising Hope does not act as an investigative agency. Any information shared with a partner is shared only when legally required, with proper documentation, and through authorized personnel under the oversight of our Data Protection Officer.

11. Third-Party Services Used on This Website

Our website and operations rely on the following categories of third-party services. Each provider has its own privacy policy, and by using our website you also agree to the relevant terms of those providers where applicable:

Hosting — our website is hosted by a third-party hosting provider that processes server logs and traffic data.
Form management — form submissions are collected through Forminator and may be synchronized to Google Sheets for internal processing.
Donation processing — donations are processed through GiveWP and its associated payment processors.
Email and newsletter — email communications may be sent through Mailchimp or similar transactional email services.
Analytics — we may use Google Analytics or comparable services to understand how visitors use our website.

12. Data Security

Given the sensitivity of much of the data we hold, we apply the following safeguards:

Encryption of data in transit (HTTPS/TLS) and, where applicable, at rest.
Secure, access-controlled databases and cloud storage.
Role-based clearance levels for staff and volunteers.
Regular cybersecurity reviews and audits.
Strict protocols for the handling, storage, and destruction of confidential records.

No system can be guaranteed to be 100% secure. By using this website you accept that you submit information at your own risk.

13. Data Retention

Personal data is retained only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purpose for which it was collected, or as required by law.
Program records are securely deleted or anonymized after the participant has completed the program, unless a longer retention period is required.
High-risk and sensitive data is subject to stricter retention controls and earlier deletion timelines wherever practicable.

14. Your Rights

Subject to the limitations of Nigerian law, you have the right to:

Access the personal data we hold about you.
Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete data.
Withdraw your consent at any time, where consent is the legal basis.
Request deletion of your data, where legally permissible.
Object to or restrict certain processing activities.
Lodge a complaint with the Nigeria Data Protection Commission.

To exercise any of these rights, contact us through the General Contact Form on this website.

15. Cookies

We use cookies and similar technologies to operate our website, remember your preferences, analyze traffic, and improve user experience. You can disable cookies through your browser settings, though some parts of the website may not function properly if you do so.

16. Children’s Privacy

Our website and programs are not directed at children under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal data from children. If we become aware that we have inadvertently collected such data, we will delete it promptly. Parents or guardians who believe their child has provided us with personal data should contact us immediately.

17. International Data Transfers

Some of our service providers (for example, Google, Mailchimp) may store or process data outside Nigeria. Where this occurs, we take reasonable steps to ensure that the data is protected by safeguards equivalent to those required under Nigerian law.

18. Data Breach Notification

In the event of a data breach that poses a risk to affected individuals, we will:

Take immediate containment and remediation steps.
Notify affected individuals without undue delay.
Notify the Nigeria Data Protection Commission in line with the NDPR and the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023.

19. Data Protection Officer (DPO) & Contact

We have designated a Data Protection Officer who is responsible for monitoring compliance, handling sensitive-data concerns, and ensuring that data is processed ethically.

For any privacy-related question, data request, complaint, or concern, please reach us through the General Contact Form on this website. We will respond within a reasonable time frame consistent with Nigerian law.

20. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Policy from time to time. Material changes will be communicated through the website and, where appropriate, by direct notice to affected individuals. Your continued use of the website after any update constitutes acceptance of the revised Policy.

Part 2 — Terms of Use

1. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing or using the Rising Hope website, submitting any form, making a donation, or participating in any program, you agree to be bound by these Terms of Use. If you do not agree, please do not use the website or our services.

2. Permitted Use of the Website

You may use this website for lawful, personal, non-commercial purposes consistent with the mission of Rising Hope. You agree not to:

Use the website in any way that violates Nigerian law or the law of your jurisdiction.
Attempt to gain unauthorized access to any part of the website, server, or database.
Upload viruses, malware, or other malicious code.
Interfere with the proper functioning of the website, including by conducting denial-of-service attacks or automated scraping.
Impersonate any person or misrepresent your affiliation with any organization.
Submit false, misleading, or fraudulent information through any form.

3. Intellectual Property

All content on this website, including text, graphics, logos, images, videos, training materials, and software, is the property of Rising Hope Empowerment Foundation or its licensors and is protected by Nigerian and international copyright and trademark laws. You may not reproduce, distribute, modify, publicly display, or create derivative works from any content without our prior written consent, except for personal, non-commercial reference.

4. User-Submitted Content

By submitting any content through our website (including form responses, comments, or messages), you grant Rising Hope a worldwide, royalty-free, non-exclusive license to use, store, and process that content for the purposes set out in our Privacy Policy. You warrant that:

You own or have the right to share the content.
The content is accurate and not misleading.
The content does not infringe the rights of any third party.
The content does not contain unlawful, threatening, defamatory, or otherwise objectionable material.

5. Donations

All donations made through this website are voluntary and non-refundable, except where Nigerian law expressly requires a refund. Donations are processed by third-party payment processors, and you agree to their terms in addition to ours. Rising Hope is not responsible for failed transactions, payment processor errors, or fees charged by your card issuer.

6. Program Participation

Enrollment in any rehabilitation, training, waitlist, or partnership program is subject to additional terms communicated to you at the point of enrollment, including consent forms, the participant code of conduct, and the Legal Disclaimer in Part 3 of this document.

7. Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the content, privacy practices, or terms of those sites. Following any external link is at your own risk.

8. Disclaimers

The website and all content are provided “as is” and “as available”, without warranties of any kind, express or implied. Rising Hope does not warrant that the website will be uninterrupted, error-free, or free of viruses. Nothing on this website constitutes legal, financial, medical, or psychological advice; you should consult an appropriate professional for advice tailored to your circumstances.

9. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by Nigerian law, Rising Hope, its trustees, officers, employees, and volunteers shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, or punitive damages arising out of your access to or use of (or inability to use) the website, our programs, or any third-party service linked from the website.

10. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Rising Hope and its trustees, officers, employees, and volunteers from any claim, loss, liability, or expense arising from your breach of these Terms, your misuse of the website, or your violation of any law or third-party right.

11. Governing Law & Jurisdiction

These Terms are governed by the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Any dispute arising out of or in connection with these Terms shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Nigeria.

12. Severability

If any provision of these Terms is held to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect.

13. Changes to These Terms

We may revise these Terms at any time. The revised Terms take effect when posted on this page. Your continued use of the website after publication constitutes acceptance of the revised Terms.

Part 3 — Legal Disclaimer & Non-Complicity Statement

1. Purpose

This Disclaimer sets out the legal boundaries of Rising Hope’s work to rehabilitate individuals previously involved in cybercrime and fraudulent activities. It applies to every visitor, participant, partner, donor, and member of the public who interacts with Rising Hope.

2. Non-Complicity Statement

Rising Hope operates strictly as a rehabilitation and reform organization. We do not:

Support, promote, glorify, or facilitate cybercrime, fraud, or any other criminal activity.
Provide tools, knowledge, infrastructure, or resources for illegal activities.
Shield any individual from lawful investigation or prosecution.
Act as a substitute for law enforcement, legal counsel, or any government agency.

3. Voluntary Disclosure

Participants in our programs may voluntarily disclose past activities. However:

Rising Hope does not require, and will not solicit, a full disclosure of a participant’s criminal history.
Any information shared is used solely for the purpose of rehabilitation.
Participants are expressly advised not to disclose unnecessary incriminating detail.

4. No Legal Immunity

Participation in any Rising Hope program:

Does not grant immunity from criminal investigation or prosecution.
Does not replace, suspend, or fulfill any legal obligation a participant may owe to a law-enforcement agency.
Does not constitute legal representation, legal advice, or a guarantee of any legal outcome.

5. Mandatory Disclosure

Notwithstanding our confidentiality commitments, Rising Hope reserves the right to disclose information where:

It is required by law or a valid court order.
There is credible evidence of ongoing or planned criminal activity.
There is a serious and imminent risk to public safety or national security.

6. Limitation of Liability

Rising Hope, its trustees, officers, employees, and volunteers shall not be held liable for:

Acts or omissions of any participant, before, during, or after the program.
Any misuse by a participant of knowledge, skills, or contacts obtained through the program.
Legal, financial, or personal consequences faced by participants as a result of their own conduct.

7. Participant Responsibility

Participants agree, as a condition of their participation, to:

Engage exclusively in lawful behavior during and after the program.
Refrain from any ongoing criminal activity.
Use any skill or knowledge acquired through the program solely for legitimate, lawful purposes.
Treat all staff, volunteers, partners, and fellow participants with respect and dignity.

8. Acceptance

By using this website, submitting any form, or enrolling in any program, you acknowledge that you have read this Disclaimer and accept its terms. Submitting any form with the consent checkbox ticked constitutes your express agreement to this Privacy Policy, the Terms of Use, and this Legal Disclaimer in full.