Benchmates Foundation is a volunteer-led children’s education initiative in Nigeria. This policy describes information handled through this website and the safeguards planned for the reading-circle programme. It requires review by a qualified Nigerian lawyer before publication.

Information Sent Through This Website

The contact form asks for your name, email address, subject and message. When you submit it, the site sends your message to info@benchmatesfoundation.org through Resend, an email delivery service. A copy is also sent to a designated account configured by the Foundation; its address is kept in server-side configuration and is not shown on this site. Benchmates Foundation does not save a separate copy in a website database. [FILL IN: Resend processing and message-retention details, and the Foundation’s contact-message retention period.]

The website loads fonts from Google and embeds OpenStreetMap maps on the Contact and Open Bench pages. Those providers may receive your IP address and browser request details when their resources load. The site is hosted on Cloudflare Workers, which may process technical request logs. The site code does not set cookies or use analytics or advertising tags. Cloudflare log retention and any platform cookies still need confirmation.

Sandbox Checkout Testing

For local setup testing only, the site can send an amount in NGN to Bachs to create a sandbox checkout. The checkout is hosted by Bachs and may collect details entered there. Use test details only. This feature is disabled by default, does not transfer real funds and is not the live giving route. Bachs processing and retention terms must be reviewed before any live donation flow is considered.

Children’s Programme Information

For a child who joins a circle, the planned minimum record is the child’s name, age, area, guardian’s phone number, learning level and attendance. A guardian’s written consent is required for participation, data and photographs. Section 31 of the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023 requires guardian consent for anyone under 18.

Programme records are planned for encrypted storage, with a named list of people who can access them and a deletion date. The safeguarding, data protection and photo policies are being finalised. The retention schedule and storage provider must be confirmed before collection begins.

Sharing Information

The programme connects children to government schools and accelerated education centres. Any information needed for a referral will be handled with guardian consent and limited to what is needed for placement. We do not sell children’s information.

Photographs

Photographs require written guardian consent. A child whose guardian opts out still takes part. A child’s face and name are never shown together without permission.

Retention and Deletion Requests

The programme follows a child for three months after school placement through monthly home visits and school register checks. The retention period for contact messages and programme records after follow-up ends is not yet set. To ask to access, correct or delete information, email info@benchmatesfoundation.org. We will verify the request and explain any legal or safeguarding reason we cannot fulfil it.

Contact and Legal Review

For privacy questions, email info@benchmatesfoundation.org. This policy requires review by a qualified Nigerian lawyer before publication. [FILL IN: lawyer review]