Who we are
The Seychelles Scouts Association (SSA) is a leading youth organization in Seychelles, dedicated to the development of young people in achieving their full physical, intellectual, social, and spiritual potentials. As an integral part of the global Scouting movement, we focus on character building, outdoor activities, community service, and leadership development. Our programs and activities are designed to instill values such as loyalty, patriotism, obedience, and self-reliance, thereby preparing young individuals to be responsible and active citizens.
The SSA operates across various regions of Seychelles, including North, Central, West, South, and the Inner Islands of Praslin and La Digue. We offer a range of programs for different age groups, each tailored to meet the unique needs and interests of young scouts. Our commitment extends beyond traditional Scouting activities, encompassing community service, environmental stewardship, and personal development.
In fulfilling our mission of “Educating young people to play a constructive role in society,” we collect and use information about our members, volunteers, and participants in our programs. This Privacy Policy outlines how we handle and protect this information, reflecting our dedication to respecting the privacy and confidentiality of all individuals associated with our organization.
The Seychelles Scouts Association is steadfast in its commitment to creating a better world, guided by the Scout Promise and Law and adhering to principles that foster unity, commitment, morality, spirituality, and independence.
For further information about the Seychelles Scouts Association, our programs, and our impact, please visit our website or contact our headquarters.
Comments
At the Seychelles Scouts Association, we encourage and welcome comments on our website as they foster community engagement and provide valuable feedback. To ensure a positive and respectful environment, we have implemented a process for handling comments on our site.
Data Collection in Comments: When you leave a comment on our website, we collect the information displayed in the comments form. This typically includes your name, email address, and the comment itself. Additionally, for security purposes and to prevent spam, we also collect your IP address and browser user agent string.
Use of Gravatar: To enhance the interaction within our community, we integrate the Gravatar service for users who choose to use it. An anonymized string (also known as a hash) created from your email address may be sent to the Gravatar service to verify if you are using it. This is solely for the purpose of displaying profile pictures in the context of comments. We highly recommend reviewing the Gravatar service privacy policy, available at Automattic Privacy, to understand how your data is handled by them. Upon approval of your comment, and if you are a Gravatar user, your profile picture will be visible to the public alongside your comment.
Comment Moderation: To maintain the integrity and positive nature of discussions, all comments undergo a review process. This is to ensure that the content is appropriate, respectful, and in line with the values of the Seychelles Scouts Association. Only after this review and approval will your comment be visible on the website.
Data Usage and Protection: The information collected through comments is used to enhance user experience, manage interactions on our site, and for spam detection. We are committed to protecting your personal information and ensuring that it is handled in accordance with our data protection policies.
Please note that commenting on our website is subject to our terms of use and this privacy policy. We reserve the right to remove or not publish comments that do not adhere to our community standards and policies.
Media
In our ongoing efforts to create an engaging and interactive online presence, the Seychelles Scouts Association allows for the uploading of images by our members and visitors to our website. While we encourage the sharing of photos and visuals that enhance the scouting experience, there are important privacy considerations to keep in mind.
Avoiding Location Data in Uploaded Images: If you choose to upload images to our website, we strongly advise against including images with embedded location data (EXIF GPS). Such data can pinpoint the exact location where a photo was taken, which might inadvertently disclose sensitive information about the whereabouts of our members, especially minors. Visitors to our website have the ability to download images and could potentially extract this location data. To protect privacy, please remove any EXIF GPS data from images before uploading them to our site.
How to Remove Location Data: Most modern devices and image editing software offer an option to strip out location data from your photos. We recommend utilizing these tools to remove any geotags or similar metadata before uploading images to our website.
Use and Responsibility of Uploaded Media: The images you upload may be used by the Seychelles Scouts Association for promotional purposes or in our digital content, aligned with our mission and values. Please ensure that you have the right to distribute any images you upload and that they are appropriate for a public, youth-focused audience. The SSA is not responsible for the misuse by third parties of images uploaded to our website.
Respecting Privacy and Permissions: In line with our commitment to the privacy and safety of our members, particularly youth, we ask that you obtain necessary permissions from individuals featured in your photos, especially when minors are involved, before uploading them to our website.
The Seychelles Scouts Association takes privacy seriously and expects all users of our website to adhere to these guidelines to ensure a safe and respectful digital environment for our community.
Cookies
Embedded content from other websites
Articles and content on the Seychelles Scouts Association’s website may feature embedded content from external sources. This can include a variety of media such as videos, images, articles, and other content hosted on websites other than our own. Here’s how embedded content works and what it means for your privacy:
Behavior of Embedded Content: Embedded content from other websites behaves exactly as if you have visited the source website itself. This means that these websites may interact with your browser or device in the same way as if you were directly browsing their pages.
Data Collection by Third-Party Websites: When you interact with embedded content, the hosting website may collect data about you, use cookies, or implement additional third-party tracking. The collection and use of your data by these third-party websites are governed by their respective privacy policies and practices, which we do not control.
Monitoring Interaction: These third-party websites may monitor your interaction with the embedded content, especially if you have an account with them and are logged into their service. For instance, if you watch an embedded video from a platform where you have an account, that platform might track your viewing as part of your activity on their site.
Recommendation: We advise our visitors to be aware of the privacy implications when interacting with embedded content. If you have concerns about how these third-party sites might use your data, we recommend reviewing their privacy policies and adjusting your settings or preferences on those sites accordingly.
Our Stance: While we strive to curate high-quality, relevant embedded content that enriches our users’ experience, the Seychelles Scouts Association is not responsible for the data practices of third-party websites. Our inclusion of embedded content does not imply endorsement of the data collection and processing practices of these external sites.
User Consent and Awareness: By interacting with embedded content on our site, you may be implicitly consenting to the terms and conditions, including the privacy practices, of the external website hosting the content.
Please remember that our priority is to maintain a safe, informative, and enjoyable online environment for our members and visitors, consistent with the values and principles of Scouting.
Who we share your data with
In the course of our operations, the Seychelles Scouts Association is committed to maintaining the confidentiality and security of your personal data. Here is an outline of our practices regarding data sharing:
Password Reset: If you request a password reset on our website, be aware that your IP address will be included in the reset email. This is a standard security practice, intended to protect your account from unauthorized access. Including the IP address helps in verifying the legitimacy of the password reset request and in maintaining the security of your account.
Limited Sharing: Beyond the specific scenario of a password reset, the SSA generally does not share your personal data with any third parties, except as required by law, or as necessary for the operation of our programs and activities. Any sharing of data is conducted with utmost discretion and in accordance with applicable data protection laws.
Service Providers: We may engage service providers or partners for functions such as website hosting, data analysis, IT services, email delivery services, and other similar services. In such cases, these service providers may have access to your personal information but only to the extent necessary to perform these services on our behalf. They are obligated not to disclose or use the information for any other purpose.
Legal Compliance and Protection of Rights: We may disclose your information if required to do so by law or in response to valid requests by public authorities (e.g., a court or a government agency). Additionally, we may disclose personal information when we believe in good faith that disclosure is necessary to protect our rights, protect your safety or the safety of others, investigate fraud, or respond to a government request.
Transparency and Consent: In situations other than those mentioned above, should there be a need to share your data with third parties, we will provide you with information about this sharing and, where necessary, obtain your consent.
The SSA is dedicated to upholding the trust you place in us as a member, supporter, or visitor to our website. We are committed to using your personal information responsibly and in line with our commitment to the values and principles of Scouting.
How long we retain your data
Understanding the duration for which your personal data is retained is crucial. At the Seychelles Scouts Association, we have specific retention policies for different types of data:
Comments: When you leave a comment on our website, the comment and its associated metadata are retained indefinitely. This long-term retention allows us to automatically recognize and approve any subsequent comments you make, bypassing the need for those comments to be held in a moderation queue. It streamlines the process and facilitates ongoing conversations without unnecessary delays.
User Registration and Profiles: For users who register on our website, we store the personal information provided in their user profiles. This may include your name, email address, and any other details you choose to add to your profile. As a registered user, you have the ability to view, edit, or delete your personal information at any time, with the exception of changing your username. This self-service approach ensures that you maintain control over your personal data. However, website administrators also have the ability to view and edit this information for administrative and support purposes.
Data Retention Purpose: The primary reason for retaining this data is to maintain a user-friendly environment on our website, allowing for efficient interaction and management of accounts. It also aids in facilitating a community where members can engage, share, and participate in discussions over time.
Data Security and Privacy: While we retain user data, we ensure that it is securely stored and protected in accordance with our stringent data protection and privacy standards. We are committed to safeguarding your information against unauthorized access, alteration, or destruction.
Data Removal Requests: If you wish to have your data removed or if you decide to delete your account, you can request this, and we will process your request in line with applicable data protection laws. Please note that certain data may be retained for legal or regulatory reasons even after your account is deleted.
At the Seychelles Scouts Association, we take our responsibility for your data seriously. Our retention policies are designed to respect your privacy while ensuring that we can provide a consistent and meaningful experience on our website.
What rights you have over your data
At the Seychelles Scouts Association, we believe in empowering you with control over your personal data. Here are the rights you have regarding the data we collect and process:
Right to Access Your Data: If you have an account on our site, or have left comments, you are entitled to request an exported file of the personal data we hold about you. This includes all the data you have provided to us. The purpose of this right is to ensure transparency and to allow you to understand the extent of data we have collected about you.
Right to Erasure: You also have the right to request that we erase any personal data we hold about you. This is sometimes known as the “right to be forgotten” and allows you to ask for the deletion of your information from our records. However, this right is not absolute and does not extend to any data we are obliged to keep for administrative, legal, or security purposes. For example, we may need to retain certain information to comply with legal obligations or for the resolution of disputes.
How to Exercise Your Rights: To exercise either of these rights, you can contact us through our website or directly at our headquarters. We will respond to your request in accordance with the applicable data protection laws and regulations.
Verification of Requests: To ensure the security of your data, we may need to verify your identity before processing your request. This is a precautionary measure to prevent unauthorized access to your personal information.
Time Frame for Response: We aim to respond to your requests promptly and within the legally required time frame. Our goal is to address your concerns about your personal data efficiently and effectively.
Limitations and Exclusions: Please note that certain data may not be erased if retaining it is necessary for us to fulfill our legal obligations, settle disputes, or enforce our agreements.
The Seychelles Scouts Association is committed to upholding your rights concerning your personal data. We ensure that these rights are respected and facilitated in line with our overarching principles of privacy and data protection.
Where your data is sent
The Seychelles Scouts Association employs certain measures to ensure the integrity of our website and the safety of our online community. Here’s an overview of how data, particularly from comments, is handled:
Spam Detection: Visitor comments on our site may be checked through an automated spam detection service. This is a common practice used to prevent malicious or unwanted content from being published on our website. The purpose of this process is to maintain a safe and constructive environment for all users to engage in.
How Spam Detection Works: When you leave a comment, it may be sent to a spam detection service. This service analyzes the comment to determine if it resembles spam based on various criteria, such as content, frequency, and patterns identified in other spam messages.
Data Processing Location: The data sent to spam detection services is typically processed in servers located outside of Seychelles. These services operate globally and use sophisticated algorithms to effectively identify and filter out spam.
Privacy and Security in Data Processing: We ensure that any third-party service providers, including spam detection services, adhere to stringent data protection and privacy standards. The SSA takes great care to partner with reputable organizations that respect the privacy and security of your data.
Minimization of Data Sharing: Only the necessary information required for spam detection is sent to these services. This usually includes the content of the comment, along with certain metadata like the IP address.
Compliance with Data Protection Laws: Our practices in data processing and sharing align with applicable data protection laws and regulations. We are committed to upholding the highest standards of data privacy and security.
The use of automated spam detection services is part of our commitment to maintaining a positive and secure online experience for all members and visitors of the Seychelles Scouts Association website.
Children’s Privacy
The Seychelles Scouts Association is deeply committed to safeguarding the privacy of children, who form the core of our membership and activities. Given the nature of our organization, which actively involves youth, we have specific policies in place regarding the collection and handling of children’s personal data.
Collection of Data from Children: In alignment with our mission to support young people in their development, we collect personal information about child members, including names, dates of birth, and other relevant details. This information is typically provided by parents or guardians upon the child’s registration in our programs.
Parental Consent and Involvement: We recognize the importance of ensuring that parents or guardians are fully informed and involved in the data collection process. Therefore, we obtain explicit consent from parents or guardians before collecting personal data from children under the age of consent, as defined by applicable data protection laws.
Use of Children’s Data: The information collected from child members is used strictly for the purposes of administering our Scouting programs, activities, and events. This may include communication about upcoming events, program updates, and administrative matters related to Scouting activities.
Protecting Children’s Data: We take the responsibility of protecting children’s data very seriously. Access to this data is restricted to authorized SSA personnel and volunteers who need the information to carry out their roles in our programs. We implement robust security measures to prevent unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction of children’s personal data.
Rights of Parents and Guardians: Parents or guardians have the right to review, amend, or request the deletion of their child’s personal data held by us. They can also refuse further collection or use of their child’s data. Requests related to a child’s personal data can be made through the contact information provided in our privacy policy.
Compliance with Laws: The SSA adheres to all applicable laws and regulations concerning children’s privacy and data protection. We continually update our practices to stay aligned with legal requirements and best practices in child data protection.
Ensuring the privacy and safety of our young members is integral to our values and operations. The Seychelles Scouts Association is dedicated to creating a secure and nurturing environment for all children in our programs.
Third-Party Links
In our endeavor to provide valuable information and resources, the Seychelles Scouts Association’s website may contain links to external third-party websites. It is important for our users to understand the following aspects regarding these links:
Nature of Third-Party Links: These links lead to websites that are not operated or controlled by the SSA. They are provided for your convenience and to offer additional information. This might include links to scouting resources, educational content, partner organizations, sponsors, or other relevant external sites.
Independence from Third-Party Sites: The presence of these links on our website does not imply endorsement, sponsorship, or approval of the content, policies, or practices of the linked external websites. Each third-party website has its own terms of use and privacy policy, which might differ significantly from ours.
Your Interaction with Third-Party Websites: When you click on a third-party link and leave our website, you are subject to the terms and policies of the external site. We encourage you to be aware when you leave our site and to read the privacy statements of any other site that collects personally identifiable information.
No Control Over Third-Party Privacy Practices: We do not have control over, and assume no responsibility for, the content, privacy policies, or practices of any third-party websites or services. The SSA is not responsible for the protection and privacy of any information you provide while visiting such sites.
User Discretion Advised: Exercise caution and look at the privacy statement applicable to the website in question. If you have any concerns about these external links, please feel free to contact us for clarification.
Our commitment to providing a safe and respectful digital environment extends to guiding our users when they navigate away from our site. We aim to ensure that our community is well-informed about their digital interactions, especially in the context of third-party resources.
Changes To The Privacy Policy
The Seychelles Scouts Association is committed to maintaining the highest standards of privacy and data protection. As such, our Privacy Policy may be updated or amended from time to time. It is important for our members, volunteers, and website visitors to be aware of the following:
Ongoing Updates: To ensure our policy remains up-to-date with legal requirements, technological advancements, and organizational changes, we periodically review and may modify this Privacy Policy.
Notification of Changes: While major changes will be communicated through our website or other official channels, we encourage you to periodically review this policy to stay informed about how we are protecting your information.
Effective Date of Changes: Any changes we make to our Privacy Policy will be effective as of the date they are posted. The top of the Privacy Policy page will include the date of the latest update for your reference.
Your Continued Use Implies Consent: Continuing to use our website and participate in our programs after changes have been made to this policy will constitute your acceptance of those changes. We advise you to review the policy regularly to ensure that you agree with its terms.
Feedback and Inquiries: We welcome any questions, concerns, or feedback about our Privacy Policy. If you have any queries or need clarification regarding any changes, please do not hesitate to contact us.
The Seychelles Scouts Association is dedicated to transparency and open communication regarding our privacy practices. We strive to ensure that our community is always well-informed and confident in how their personal data is handled.
Your Rights Under Data Protection Law
In alignment with our commitment to uphold the principles of privacy and data protection, the Seychelles Scouts Association recognizes and actively supports the rights granted to individuals under data protection laws, particularly as they pertain to the laws in Seychelles.
1. Right to Access: You have the right to request access to your personal data that we hold. This includes the right to be informed about the nature of the data, how it’s being used, and the purposes for which it is used.
2. Right to Rectification: If any personal data we hold about you is incorrect or incomplete, you have the right to request that we correct or complete it.
3. Right to Erasure: Also known as the ‘right to be forgotten’, this right allows you to request the deletion of your personal data, especially if it is no longer necessary for the purposes for which it was collected.
4. Right to Restrict Processing: You have the right to request that we restrict the processing of your personal data under certain conditions, such as if you contest the accuracy of the data or if the processing is unlawful.
5. Right to Data Portability: Where applicable, you have the right to have your data transferred to another controller. This right enables you to obtain and reuse your personal data for your own purposes across different services.
6. Right to Object: You have the right to object to the processing of your personal data, particularly if we are processing your data for direct marketing, or based on our legitimate interests or the performance of a task in the public interest.
7. Rights in Relation to Automated Decision Making and Profiling: You have the right not to be subject to a decision based solely on automated processing, including profiling, which produces legal effects concerning you or similarly significantly affects you.
Seychelles Data Protection Laws: As an organization based in Seychelles, we adhere to the Data Protection Act 2003, which regulates the processing of personal data. We commit to complying with national laws and regulations regarding data protection, ensuring that the personal information of our members and website visitors is handled in line with local legal requirements.
Exercising Your Rights: To exercise any of these rights, please contact us through the provided channels. We will respond to your request in compliance with Seychelles data protection laws.
The Seychelles Scouts Association takes its responsibility to protect your data seriously and is committed to ensuring that your data protection rights are respected and upheld.