Our Commitment to Global Privacy Protection
Carifika operates in regions with different privacy laws, customs, and community norms. Regardless of where you live, we apply consistent protection standards, including:
- Collecting only the information we genuinely need
- Being transparent about how we use your data
- Respecting privacy customs in local communities
- Allowing you to access, update, or request deletion of your information
- Keeping your information secure and confidential
- Ensuring all Carifika chapters uphold these standards
Where local laws provide stronger protections, we honor the stricter standard.
Information We Collect
We may collect the following types of information when you engage with Carifika:
a) Basic Personal Information
Name, contact details, language preference, country/region, and voluntary details you choose to share.
b) Program‑Related Information
Information submitted for membership, volunteering, leadership roles, program applications, event registration, surveys, or community work.
c) Technical Information
IP address, device/browser type, and general website analytics.
Carifika uses minimal cookies and only for functionality or permission‑based analytics.
d) Sensitive Information (Optional)
Only if you voluntarily provide it — for example:
- Accessibility needs
- Dietary restrictions
- Cultural or community affiliations
- Emergency contact information
We never request sensitive information unless it is necessary to support your participation.
How We use Your Information
Carifika uses personal data to:
- Facilitate membership and volunteer engagement
- Manage programs, events, and projects across regions
- Communicate updates, opportunities, or announcements
- Support cultural preservation and community development initiatives
- Improve our website and global digital platforms
- Strengthen organizational operations and accountability
- Comply with local or international regulatory requirements where applicable
We do not use personal information for commercial advertising or profiling.
When We Share Information
Carifika may share information only when necessary:
a) With Carifika Chapters
To coordinate programs in your region (e.g., Carifika Jamaica, Carifika Nigeria, Carifika Canada, Carifika Uganda).
b) With Service Providers
For secure processing such as:
- Email communication
- Event registration
- Payment/donation processing
- Website hosting
All service providers must uphold strong confidentiality and data‑protection standards.
c) When Required by Law or Community Protection
In rare cases, we may disclose data to comply with a legal obligation, protect community safety, or safeguard organizational integrity.
Carifika never sells or trades personal information.
International Data Transfers
Because Carifika operates globally, information may be transferred across borders.
When this happens, we apply:
- Appropriate safeguards
- Secure systems
- Internal agreements ensuring consistent protection
- Data minimization to limit unnecessary transfers
We strive to maintain privacy principles that honor cultural and legal expectations in each region.
Security & Data Protection
We use a combination of technical, administrative, and physical safeguards to protect your information, including:
- Encrypted communication tools
- Access controls
- Staff training and confidentiality standards
- Periodic reviews of data storage practices
- Secure deletion and retention procedures
No system is perfect, but we work continuously to strengthen privacy and security across all Carifika chapters.
Your Privacy Rights (Global)
Regardless of where you are located, you may request:
- Access to your personal information
- Correction of inaccurate information
- Deletion of your information where appropriate
- Withdrawal of consent for optional data uses
- Opt‑out from receiving non-essential communications
To make a request, contact us at privacy@carifika.org or through your local Carifika office.
Children & Youth Privacy
Carifika engages youth in leadership and empowerment programs. We apply added care and protection when handling youth information, including:
- Collecting minimal data
- Seeking guardian consent for participants under local age thresholds
- Avoiding unnecessary digital tracking
- Protecting young people from exploitation or misuse of their data
We do not knowingly collect data online from children without appropriate consent.
Community Cultural Respect
Because Carifika works with diverse peoples, ethnicities, tribes, and nations, we uphold:
- Respect for cultural protocols
- Sensitivity around community‑defined identifiers
- Avoidance of unnecessary collection of tribal or ethnic data
- Consultation with community leaders when needed
Privacy is not only legal — it is cultural.
Data Retention
We keep your information only as long as necessary to:
- Support the program or service you’re involved in
- Meet organizational, cultural, or legal obligations
- Demonstrate accountability and impact
When no longer needed, your information is securely deleted or anonymized.
Changes to This Policy
We may update this policy to reflect growth, global expansion, legal changes, or community feedback.
Updates will be posted on our website with a new effective date.
Contact Us
For privacy questions, requests, or concerns:
Carifika Global – Privacy Office
Email: privacy@carifika.org
Website: carifika.org
Address:
Carifika Canada (Head office - Canada)
48 Bramalea Rd, Suite 208-222
Brampton, Ontario, L6T 2W4
Carifika Nigeria (Head Office - Africa)
44 Ebitu Ukewi Street, Jabbi District
Abuja, Nigeria
Carifika Global – Privacy & Data Protection Pack
Effective date: January 1, 2026
Contact (global):privacy@carifika.org | www.carifika.org
Office (mailing):
Carifika Canada (Head office - Canada)
48 Bramalea Rd, Suite 208-222
Brampton, Ontario, L6T 2W4
Carifika Nigeria (Head Office - Africa)
44 Ebitu Ukewi Street, Jabbi District
Abuja, Nigeria
Carifika Global respects your privacy. We collect only what we need to run our programs, memberships, volunteering, events and donations—never selling your data. You can access, correct or delete your information, opt out of non‑essential emails, and change cookie choices anytime via “Cookie Settings.” For questions or privacy requests, email privacy@carifika.org.
Regional fit, in one line: We follow globally recognized privacy principles and the strongest local standards where we work—including African Union data governance norms, CARICOM digital integration objectives, and ECOWAS baseline personal data protections.
Community-Friendly Privacy Notice
Who we are: Carifika Global is a community organization connecting African and Caribbean people across the world.
What we collect (and why):
- Your name and contact (so we can reach you about programs, meetings, and support).
- Program details you share (for membership, volunteering, training, events).
- Donations (amounts and receipts—card details are handled by our payment provider).
- Special needs you tell us (like a wheelchair space or food needs)—only to serve you better.
What we don’t do:
- We don’t sell your information.
- We don’t collect more than we need.
- We don’t keep information longer than needed.
How we protect your information:
We keep it safe using locked systems, staff training, and careful sharing only with trusted partners who help us run programs and events.
Your choices:
- Ask to see your information.
- Ask us to fix it if it’s wrong.
- Ask us to delete it if we no longer need it.
- Say no to messages you don’t want.
- Change your cookie choices on our website.
How to reach us: Talk to your local Carifika lead or email privacy@carifika.org.
Why this matters: Our communities value respect. Protecting your information is part of that respect.
Note for leaders: This plain‑language approach supports the AU Data Policy Framework goals (trust, inclusion, shared benefit) and regional harmonization ambitions in CARICOM and ECOWAS
Our Regional Alignment (AU • CARICOM • ECOWAS)
Carifika is a global, community‑first organization. We commit to privacy and data governance that reflect African and Caribbean values and legal norms:
- African Union
- We align our data practices with the AU Data Policy Framework—focusing on trustworthy data use, open yet safe data flows, and people‑centred benefits for the African digital economy. [au.int], [dimlisafrica.org]
- Where applicable, we also take note of the AU Convention on Cyber Security & Personal Data Protection (Malabo Convention), which sets continent‑wide expectations for personal data rights, national DPAs, and cooperation on security. [au.int], [africanlii.org]
- CARICOM
- We support the CARICOM Single ICT Space vision: harmonized digital rules, safer connectivity, and interoperable public services—so people and data can move securely across the region. [caricom.org], [ctu.int]
- We also respect the CARICOM Secretariat’s data protection and privacy rules as a regional governance reference point. [caricom.org]
- ECOWAS
- For West Africa operations, we reflect the ECOWAS Supplementary Act A/SA.1/01/10 on Personal Data Protection: create clear legal bases, respect data‑subject rights, and support national data protection authorities. [statewatch.org], [dig.watch]
Country‑level examples we track (for local chapters): Jamaica Data Protection Act, 2020; Barbados Data Protection Act, 2019; Trinidad & Tobago Data Protection Act, 2011 (parts in force). Local Carifika chapters honor the strictest applicable standard in their country
Cookie
Policy (website/app)
What are cookies?
Small text files that help a site work (e.g., keep you logged in) or help us understand visits (e.g., which pages are popular).
Types we use:
- Essential cookies – Make the site and forms work. (No consent needed; always on.)
- Analytics cookies (optional) – Help improve our website. We only load these with your opt‑in consent and you can change your mind anytime via “Cookie Settings.”
- No ad tracking by default. If we ever test ads or cross‑site tracking, we’ll ask first and provide opt‑out links where the law requires.
Your choices:
Use the “Accept / Reject / Manage” options on our banner or adjust settings later via “Cookie Settings.” For some regions (EU/UK), we do not drop non‑essential cookies until you opt in. [ico.org.uk]
Analytics configuration:
If we use tools like Google Analytics, we will:
- enable IP anonymization,
- set limited retention,
- use Consent Mode so the tool respects your choice, and
- provide an easy opt‑out. [gdprlocal.com], [support.google.com]
Children and cookies:
We don’t knowingly collect data online from children under local age thresholds. If any online service is directed to children under 13, we will follow COPPA requirements (enhanced notice, parental consent, and stricter retention/sharing rules).
Data Protection for Volunteers & Staff
This statement explains how Carifika handles personal information for volunteers, job applicants, contractors, and staff.
1) Information we collect
- Identifiers & contact: name, address, phone/email, emergency contact.
- Role & participation: application forms, background/reference checks where lawful, role descriptions, volunteer hours, training records.
- HR/contractor data (staff/contractors): CV/resume, qualifications, payroll/benefit data (processed by secure providers), performance info where applicable.
- Sensitive data (only when necessary): health or accessibility needs, demographic info you choose to share (used solely to support inclusion and safety).
2) Why we collect and use it
- To recruit, onboard, schedule, supervise, and support you safely and fairly.
- To deliver programs, measure impact, and meet safeguarding duties.
- To comply with local labor, tax, charity and safety laws.
- To recognize contributions and maintain contact (with your preferences).
3) Sharing & international transfers
- With service providers (e.g., HR/payroll, email, background screening where lawful) under strict contracts.
- With Carifika chapters to coordinate cross‑border projects, applying adequate safeguards for transfers and following regional expectations (AU data governance, CARICOM Single ICT Space, ECOWAS Supplementary Act). [au.int], [caricom.org], [statewatch.org]
4) Local law alignment (examples)
Where Carifika operates, local chapters align with their national data laws (e.g., Jamaica DPA 2020; Barbados DPA 2019; Trinidad & Tobago DPA 2011 [partial in force]) and, if stricter, those standards will govern staff/volunteer data in that country. [japarliament.gov.jm], [oag.gov.bb], [dlapiperda...ection.com]
5) Retention & security
- Keep only as long as needed for the purpose or legal obligations; then securely delete or anonymize.
- Use appropriate administrative, technical, and physical safeguards, adjusted to sensitivity and local risk.
6) Your rights and how to use them
- Access / Correction / Deletion (where applicable), and objection or restriction in certain cases.
- Withdraw consent for optional uses (e.g., newsletters, photos).
- Contact privacy@carifika.org or your local chapter’s privacy lead. We’ll respond within the timelines required by local law.
7) Fairness, culture & safeguarding
- We treat information with confidentiality and respect, mindful of community norms and cultural protocols when handling names, affiliations, or community‑sensitive identifiers.
- Youth and vulnerable‑person data receive heightened protection.
Full Website Privacy
Below is a concise, public‑facing page you can publish as /privacy. It is consistent with the sections above, while signaling regional alignment.
1) Who we are & scope
Carifika Global is a nonprofit that runs programs, memberships, volunteer opportunities, training, events and donations across Africa, the Caribbean and the global diaspora. This notice covers our websites, forms, and official channels.
Regional fit: We align to AU data governance guidance, CARICOM digital integration objectives, and ECOWAS privacy norms; local chapters also follow national laws (examples: Jamaica 2020; Barbados 2019; Trinidad & Tobago 2011—parts). [au.int], [caricom.org], [statewatch.org], [japarliament.gov.jm], [oag.gov.bb], [ttparliament.org]
2) What we collect & why
- Contact details; program and membership/volunteer info; donation and event details; cookie‑based site data (see Cookie Policy).
- Purposes: run programs; communicate; improve services; keep the site secure; meet legal obligations.
3) Sharing & international transfers
We share with service providers under contract and with regional chapters to coordinate programs—applying safeguards and minimal necessary transfers, consistent with AU/CARICOM/ECOWAS directions for trusted data flows. [au.int], [caricom.org]
4) Your rights & choices
- Access, correction, deletion (where applicable).
- Opt‑out from non‑essential communications.
- Manage cookies via “Cookie Settings.”
- Contact privacy@carifika.org.
5) Children & youth
We do not knowingly collect online data from children under local age thresholds; for any child‑directed service we will use parental consent and enhanced protections. [ftc.gov]
6) Updates
We may update this notice and will post the new effective date.
How
this pack aligns to recognized regional frameworks
- African Union – AU Data Policy Framework (shared standards, trusted data flows, public‑interest use) and Malabo Convention (privacy rights, DPAs, cybersecurity cooperation). [au.int], [au.int]
- CARICOM – Single ICT Space Roadmap (harmonized policy, secure infrastructure, common frameworks) and Secretariat Data Protection & Privacy Rules. [caricom.org], [caricom.org]
- ECOWAS – Supplementary Act A/SA.1/01/10 (minimum regional standards, DPAs, rights). [statewatch.org]
- Country examples – Jamaica DPA 2020; Barbados DPA 2019; Trinidad & Tobago DPA 2011 (partial in force). [japarliament.gov.jm], [oag.gov.bb], [dlapiperda...ection.com]
Contact Us
For privacy questions, requests, or concerns:
Carifika Global – Privacy Office
Email: privacy@carifika.org
Website: carifika.org
Address:
Carifika Canada (Head office - Canada)
48 Bramalea Rd, Suite 208-222
Brampton, Ontario, L6T 2W4
Carifika Nigeria (Head Office - Africa)
44 Ebitu Ukewi Street, Jabbi District
Abuja, Nigeria