Terms of Service

1.Introduction

Welcome to the website of Soma Foundation Rwanda (“SFR,” “Soma Foundation Rwanda,” “we,” “our,” or “us”). Soma Foundation Rwanda is an education technology nonprofit organization committed to expanding access to quality education, digital learning resources, and skills development for underserved communities. Through our initiatives, partnerships, and educational solutions, including SOMABOX, we seek to make learning more accessible, particularly in communities with limited access to reliable internet connectivity and digital educational resources.

These Terms of Service (“Terms”) govern your access to and use of our website, its content, and any features or information made available through it. By accessing or using our website, you agree to comply with these Terms. If you do not agree, you should discontinue using the website.

These Terms apply to the public website only, unless expressly stated otherwise. Specific programs, training activities, digital learning platforms, services, partnerships, and other initiatives may be subject to additional terms, participation agreements, or institutional arrangements.

2.About Soma Foundation Rwanda

Soma Foundation Rwanda works to promote educational access, digital inclusion, learning opportunities, and the effective use of technology in education. Our activities may include:

• Developing and supporting educational technology solutions.
• Providing access to educational resources and learning materials.
• Supporting teachers, learners, schools, and educational institutions.
• Conducting digital literacy and skills development initiatives.
• Organizing training sessions, workshops, and educational events.
• Collaborating with nonprofit organizations, government institutions, schools, donors, and technology partners.
• Conducting research, monitoring, evaluation, and learning activities.
• Sharing information about our programs, partnerships, and impact.

Information published on our website is intended to help visitors understand our work, access relevant resources, and explore opportunities to engage with the Foundation.

3.Eligibility and Acceptable Use

You may use our website for lawful purposes, provided that you comply with these Terms and all applicable laws. If you are under the age of 18, you should use the website with appropriate parental or guardian guidance where necessary. Certain programs, services, or activities may have separate age and eligibility requirements.

When using our website, you agree to:

• Provide accurate information when submitting forms or inquiries.
• Use the website responsibly and for lawful purposes.
• Respect the intellectual property rights of SFR and other rights holders.
• Avoid interfering with the operation, availability, or security of the website.
• Refrain from using the website to harm, threaten, harass, or unlawfully discriminate against others.
• Respect the privacy and rights of other users and individuals.
• Comply with any additional rules that apply to particular resources or services.

You must not:

• Use the website for fraud, unlawful activities, or misleading representations.
• Attempt to gain unauthorized access to our website, servers, accounts, or systems.
• Introduce malicious software, viruses, harmful code, or other disruptive technologies.
• Scrape, harvest, or collect personal information from the website without appropriate authorization.
• Use automated systems in a manner that places an unreasonable burden on our website or infrastructure.
• Copy, distribute, modify, or commercially exploit protected materials without permission or another lawful basis.
• Misrepresent your affiliation with Soma Foundation Rwanda or imply that we endorse your activities without authorization.
• Use our name, identity, or materials in a way that is misleading, fraudulent, or unlawful.

We reserve the right to take reasonable measures to protect our website, users, and organizational interests where these Terms are violated.

4.Website Content and Educational Resources

We may publish information, articles, reports, educational materials, photographs, videos, announcements, research, downloadable resources, and other content through our website. Unless otherwise indicated, website content is provided for general informational and educational purposes.

Although we seek to ensure that information is accurate and useful, we do not guarantee that all website content will always be complete, current, error-free, or suitable for every individual purpose. Educational materials and other resources may be updated, revised, replaced, or removed as our programs and organizational priorities evolve. You are responsible for assessing whether information obtained through our website is suitable for your particular circumstances.

Nothing on our website should be interpreted as a guarantee of admission to a program, employment, funding, educational achievement, business success, or any particular outcome.

Where resources are subject to specific licensing conditions, those conditions will apply in addition to these Terms.

5.Intellectual Property Rights

Unless otherwise stated, the website and its original content are owned by, licensed to, or used with permission by Soma Foundation Rwanda. This may include:

• Text, articles, reports, and publications.
• Logos, trademarks, branding, and visual identity.
• Photographs, illustrations, graphics, and videos.
• Website design, layout, and original visual materials.
• Original educational content and learning resources.
• Original materials relating to SOMABOX and other SFR initiatives.
• Other materials developed or commissioned by the Foundation.

These materials are protected by applicable intellectual property laws.

Permitted use. You may access and use our website for personal, educational, research, or other lawful non-commercial purposes, subject to any restrictions displayed alongside particular materials. You may share links to our publicly accessible website pages and appropriately acknowledge SFR when referring to our published work. Where permitted by law, limited quotations may be reproduced with appropriate attribution and without misrepresenting the original material.

Restricted use. Unless we have provided prior written permission, or applicable law otherwise permits, you must not:

• Reproduce or republish substantial portions of our protected materials.
• Sell, commercially exploit, or redistribute our proprietary educational resources.
• Modify or create derivative works from protected content in a manner that infringes our rights.
• Remove copyright notices, attribution, or ownership information.
• Use our logo, name, or branding in a way that implies an unauthorized partnership or endorsement.
• Represent SFR’s work, publications, or materials as your own.

Third-party materials. Some materials appearing on our website may belong to third parties, including partner organizations, contributors, educational institutions, or content providers. Such materials remain subject to the rights and licensing conditions of their respective owners. Their appearance on our website does not automatically grant permission to reproduce or commercially use them.

If you wish to use material owned by Soma Foundation Rwanda, please contact us for permission.

6.SOMABOX and Digital Learning Solutions

Soma Foundation Rwanda supports access to educational resources through initiatives such as SOMABOX, a learning solution designed to make digital educational content accessible in environments where internet connectivity may be limited.

Information on our website about SOMABOX and related educational technology is provided to explain our approach, activities, and intended benefits. The availability of particular features, resources, technical specifications, or services may vary depending on the deployment, hardware, software configuration, participating institution, and applicable agreement.

Unless expressly agreed in writing:

• Website descriptions do not constitute a binding product specification or warranty.
• Access to information about SOMABOX does not automatically grant a right to use, reproduce, modify, or distribute its proprietary components.
• Educational content accessed through a particular deployment may be subject to separate licensing terms.
• Technical support, maintenance, device access, content updates, and service levels are governed by the applicable agreement, where one exists.

Users and participating institutions must use the relevant devices and learning systems responsibly and in accordance with applicable instructions and agreements. Nothing in this section overrides any separate contract, license, or agreement that specifically governs the use of SOMABOX or a related solution.

7.Applications, Programs, and Participation

From time to time, we may publish announcements inviting individuals or institutions to apply for programs, training, workshops, employment opportunities, volunteer activities, partnerships, or other initiatives.

Submitting an application or expression of interest does not guarantee acceptance, selection, funding, employment, participation, or any other outcome.

Eligibility criteria, application deadlines, selection procedures, participant responsibilities, and other requirements may be communicated separately for each opportunity. Participants may be required to sign additional documents, including:

• Program participation agreements.
• Training or learning agreements.
• Codes of conduct.
• Safeguarding commitments.
• Consent and authorization forms.
• Photography and media release forms.
• Data protection notices or consent forms, where applicable.

Where separate written terms apply to a program or service, those terms will govern the relevant activity to the extent of any inconsistency with these website Terms. We reserve the right to amend, postpone, suspend, or cancel activities where reasonably necessary, subject to any applicable agreement and legal obligations.

8.Donations and Financial Contributions

Where the website provides information about fundraising, donations, or financial contributions, such information is intended to help visitors understand how they may support our work. Unless an authorized donation facility is expressly made available, the publication of donation information does not itself constitute an online payment service.

Where donations or payments are accepted through our website or an authorized third-party platform:

• The applicable payment instructions and terms will be provided through the relevant channel.
• Payments may be subject to the terms of the payment service provider.
• Donors should verify the authenticity of payment instructions before transferring funds.
• Any conditions relating to restricted donations, refunds, cancellations, or receipts will be communicated where applicable.

Soma Foundation Rwanda will not be responsible for payments sent to unauthorized individuals or accounts purporting to represent the Foundation, except to the extent that liability cannot lawfully be excluded.

Nothing in these Terms creates a promise that a donation will produce a particular result or measurable impact.

9.Privacy and Personal Information

Your use of our website may involve the collection or processing of personal information. Our handling of personal information is explained in our Privacy Policy, which should be read together with these Terms.

Our Privacy Policy describes the categories of information we may collect, how information may be used and shared, how it is protected, and the rights available to individuals under applicable law. Where a particular activity requires consent or additional privacy information, we will provide appropriate notices or forms.

You should not submit confidential, sensitive, or unnecessary personal information through a general website contact form unless the relevant process specifically requests it and appropriate safeguards are available.

For privacy-related questions or requests, please contact us using the details in the Contact Information section below.

10.Third-Party Websites and Services

Our website may contain links to third-party websites, social media platforms, educational resources, partner organizations, or other external services. These links are provided for convenience, reference, or informational purposes.

Soma Foundation Rwanda does not control all external websites and does not necessarily endorse their content, products, services, opinions, or practices. Your use of third-party websites is subject to their own terms, privacy policies, and other applicable conditions. We encourage you to review the relevant terms before using an external service or providing information to a third party.

We are not responsible for the availability, accuracy, security, or practices of independent third-party websites, except where applicable law provides otherwise.

11.Website Availability and Security

We seek to keep our website accessible, functional, and secure. However, we do not guarantee uninterrupted availability or that the website will always be free of technical errors, defects, malicious software, or other harmful components.

Access may occasionally be interrupted due to maintenance, software updates, hosting issues, connectivity problems, security concerns, or circumstances beyond our reasonable control. We may modify, suspend, restrict, or discontinue website features where reasonably necessary for maintenance, security, operational needs, or organizational reasons.

Users are responsible for maintaining appropriate security on their own devices and for using suitable precautions when accessing websites, downloading files, or communicating online. Nothing in this section excludes any legal responsibility that cannot lawfully be excluded.

12.Disclaimer of Warranties

To the extent permitted by applicable law, the website and its general informational content are provided on an “as is” and “as available” basis. Soma Foundation Rwanda does not make a blanket guarantee that:

• All information published on the website is complete or error-free.
• The website will be continuously available.
• Every educational resource will meet every user’s particular needs.
• Website content will produce a particular educational, professional, or economic outcome.
• External websites or services will remain available or operate without errors.

We will take reasonable steps to maintain useful and reliable website content, but users should independently verify important information where necessary. Nothing in these Terms limits a consumer, participant, or other person’s mandatory legal rights where those rights apply.

13.Limitation of Liability

To the extent permitted by applicable law, Soma Foundation Rwanda will not be liable for indirect, incidental, special, or consequential losses arising from the use of, or inability to use, the public website or reliance on general website information. This may include loss arising from temporary service interruptions, inaccuracies in general informational content, or the unavailability of third-party websites.

Nothing in these Terms excludes or restricts liability for fraud, intentional misconduct, or any other liability that cannot lawfully be excluded or restricted under applicable law.

These limitations apply to the public website and do not override specific obligations, warranties, or remedies established by a separate written agreement. Where applicable law imposes liability that cannot be excluded, our liability will be determined in accordance with that law.

14.Indemnification

To the extent permitted by applicable law, you may be responsible for losses, liabilities, or reasonable costs directly arising from your unlawful use of the website, your infringement of third-party rights, or your material violation of these Terms.

This section does not apply to the extent that a loss was caused by the negligence, misconduct, or breach of legal obligations of Soma Foundation Rwanda, or where responsibility cannot lawfully be transferred to you. Nothing in this section is intended to impose an unlawful or unreasonable obligation on website visitors.

15.Suspension and Termination of Access

We may restrict or suspend access to all or part of our website where reasonably necessary to:

• Protect the security or integrity of the website.
• Prevent unlawful activity or misuse.
• Respond to a material breach of these Terms.
• Comply with legal requirements.
• Maintain or update our systems.

Where reasonably practicable, we may provide notice before taking such action. However, immediate action may be necessary in urgent security or legal circumstances.

Suspension of website access does not automatically terminate participation in a separate SFR program or contractual arrangement. Any such action will be governed by the applicable agreement and law.

16.Contact Information

If you have questions about these Terms, wish to request permission to use our materials, or need clarification about our website or services, please contact:

• Soma Foundation Rwanda (SFR)
• Registration No: N°908/RGB/NGO/LP/06/2023
• Address: 87 KG 601 Street, Kigali, Rwanda
• Email: info@sfrw.org
• Website: www.sfrw.org
• Subject line: Terms of Service Inquiry

We will review inquiries and respond as reasonably practicable.

17.Governing Law and Dispute Resolution

These Terms are governed by the laws of the Republic of Rwanda, except where mandatory rules of another applicable jurisdiction require otherwise.

If a disagreement arises concerning the interpretation or application of these Terms, we encourage the parties to seek an amicable resolution through good-faith communication. Where a dispute cannot be resolved amicably, it may be referred to the competent courts or other legally authorized dispute-resolution mechanisms in accordance with applicable law.

Nothing in this section removes a person’s right to approach a competent authority or exercise a mandatory legal right.

18.Changes to These Terms

Soma Foundation Rwanda may revise these Terms to reflect changes in our website, educational initiatives, technology, organizational practices, or applicable legal requirements. The updated version will be published on this page with a revised date at the top.

Where a change materially affects users or requires additional notice under applicable law, we will take reasonable steps to communicate the change. Your continued use of the website after revised Terms are published constitutes acceptance of those revisions only to the extent permitted by applicable law. Where affirmative acceptance is legally required, we will seek it.

19.Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found to be invalid, unlawful, or unenforceable by a competent authority, the remaining provisions will continue in effect to the extent permitted by law. The affected provision will be interpreted or limited, where legally possible, to give effect to its intended purpose without infringing applicable law.

20.Entire Agreement and No Waiver

These Terms govern your use of the public website and, together with any policies expressly incorporated into them, constitute the general terms applicable to that use. They do not replace any separate agreement governing a specific program, partnership, service, software license, donation arrangement, or other contractual relationship.

If we do not immediately enforce a provision of these Terms, that does not necessarily mean that we waive our right to enforce it later.

21.Final Statement

Soma Foundation Rwanda is committed to using technology responsibly, promoting equitable access to education, and creating opportunities for underserved communities.

By using our website, you agree to use it responsibly, respect the rights of others, and comply with these Terms and applicable law. Thank you for supporting Soma Foundation Rwanda’s mission to make education and digital learning opportunities more accessible.