Privacy Notice

1. Who is responsible

Sierra Leone Institute for Humanitarian and Sustainable Development ("SLIHSD"), Mile 91, Tonkolili District, Sierra Leone, is the data controller for personal data collected through this website and our services. This means we decide why and how your personal data is used.

2. Data we collect and why

• Identity and contact details (name, email, phone/WhatsApp, location) — to process applications, scholarship requests, donations and partnership enquiries, and to contact you. Basis: contract / steps before a contract.
• Application information (chosen programme, education, work background, messages) — to assess and manage admissions. Basis: contract.
• Staff account credentials — to provide secure access to staff tools. Basis: contract and legitimate interests.
• Support messages — to answer questions. Basis: legitimate interests.
• Usage and device data (IP address, browser, pages visited) — for security, fraud prevention and improving the site. Basis: legitimate interests.
• Updates about programmes — only where you ask for them. Basis: consent, which you may withdraw at any time.

Payment card details are collected directly by Paddle, not by us.

3. Who we share data with

• Service providers who host our website, database and email delivery, under confidentiality obligations.
• Paddle.com, our Merchant of Record, for the sale of our products, payments, tax compliance and invoicing.
• Professional advisers such as legal and accounting advisers.
• Authorities where required by law.

We do not sell your personal data.

4. International transfers

Some providers may process data outside Sierra Leone. Where this happens we rely on appropriate safeguards offered by those providers, such as standard contractual clauses.

5. Retention

We keep personal data only as long as needed for the purposes above — generally for the duration of your application or studies plus up to 6 years for records and legal obligations — then delete or anonymise it.

6. Your rights

Subject to applicable law, you may request access to, correction, deletion, restriction or portability of your data, object to processing, and withdraw consent. You may also complain to a relevant data protection authority. We aim to respond within one month. Contact info@slihsd.org.

7. Security

We use appropriate technical and organisational measures, including encrypted connections, access controls limiting applicant data to authorised staff, and secure hosting.

8. Cookies

We use only essential cookies and local storage needed to run the site and keep staff signed in. We do not use advertising cookies. You can clear or block cookies in your browser settings, though some features may stop working.

9. Contact

Privacy questions: info@slihsd.org or WhatsApp/phone +232 73655013.