Cookie Policy

1. Introduction

Youthrise for Development (YFD) is an independent, non-profit, non-governmental organization committed to promoting sustainable development, youth empowerment, education, environmental conservation, gender equality, humanitarian assistance, and community resilience. This Cookie Policy explains how YFD uses cookies and similar technologies when you visit our website. We are committed to respecting your privacy and protecting your personal information. This Cookie Policy should be read together with our Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions.

2. Purpose of this Cookie Policy

The purpose of this policy is to:

• Explain what cookies are.
• Describe how YFD uses cookies.
• Inform users about the types of cookies used on our website.
• Explain how users can control or disable cookies. Promote transparency in accordance with applicable laws of the Republic of Cameroon and internationally recognized privacy standards.

3. What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files that are stored on your computer, smartphone, tablet, or other device when you visit a website.

Cookies allow a website to remember information about your visit, such as:

• Your preferred language;
• Login status;
• Website settings;
• User preferences;
• Browsing behaviour. Cookies help improve website functionality, security, performance, and user experience.

4. Types of Cookies We Use

Depending on the features available on our website, YFD may use the following categories of cookies.

4.1 Strictly Necessary Cookies

These cookies are essential for the proper functioning of the website. They enable basic functions such as:

• Website navigation;
• Security features;
• Access to secure areas;
• Form submissions;
• Session management. These cookies cannot generally be disabled because they are necessary for the operation of the website.

4.2 Functional Cookies

Functional cookies help the website remember your preferences and settings, including:

• Language preferences;
• Region selection;
• Accessibility settings;
• User interface preferences.
• These cookies improve your browsing experience.

4.3 Performance and Analytics Cookies

These cookies help YFD understand how visitors use the website by collecting anonymous statistical information. Information may include:

• Number of visitors;
• Most visited pages;
• Time spent on pages;
• Website performance;
• Navigation patterns.
• This information helps improve website performance and content. Where analytics tools are used, YFD will seek to ensure that information is collected and processed responsibly.

4.4 Security Cookies

Security cookies help protect the website and its users by:

• Detecting suspicious activity;
• Preventing fraud;
• Supporting secure browsing;
• Protecting user accounts where applicable.

4.5 Third-Party Cookies

Some services integrated into the YFD website may place cookies through trusted third-party providers. Examples may include:

• Embedded videos;
• Interactive maps;
• Social media content;
• Online donation platforms;
• Website analytics services. These cookies are governed by the respective privacy policies of those third parties. YFD does not control how third-party providers use their own cookies.

5. Why We Use Cookies

YFD uses cookies to:

• Ensure the website functions properly;
• Improve website security;
• Enhance user experience;
• Remember user preferences;
• Measure website performance;
• Improve website content and services;
• Support accessibility features;
• Diagnose technical problems.
• We do not use cookies to sell your personal information.

6. Information Collected Through Cookies

Cookies may collect information such as:

• Internet Protocol (IP) address;
• Browser type;
• Device type;
• Operating system;
• Language settings;
• Date and time of visits;
• Pages visited;
• Referring website;
• Website usage statistics. Where cookie information can identify an individual, it will be treated as personal data in accordance with YFD's Privacy Policy.

7. Cookie Consent

Where required by applicable law or where non-essential cookies are used, YFD will request your consent before placing such cookies on your device. When you first visit our website, you may see a cookie banner that allows you to:

• Accept all cookies;
• Reject non-essential cookies;
• Customize your cookie preferences.
• Your choices will be respected to the extent technically possible.

8. Managing Cookies

You can manage or disable cookies at any time through your web browser settings. Most browsers allow you to:

• View stored cookies;
• Delete cookies;
• Block cookies;
• Receive notifications before cookies are stored. Please note that disabling certain cookies may affect the functionality and performance of the website.

9. Third-Party Services

YFD may use trusted third-party service providers for functions such as:

• Website analytics;
• Secure payment processing;
• Email communications;
• Multimedia content;
• Website hosting. These providers may use cookies in accordance with their own privacy and cookie policies. Users are encouraged to review the privacy notices of third-party providers where applicable.

10. Children's Privacy

YFD is committed to protecting children's privacy. Our website is not intended to knowingly collect personal information from children through cookies for marketing or profiling purposes. Where children's information is processed as part of YFD's programmes, appropriate safeguards are applied in accordance with our Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy and Privacy Policy.

11. Data Protection

Information collected through cookies will be handled in accordance with:

• YFD Privacy Policy;
• YFD Data Protection Policy;
• Applicable laws of the Republic of Cameroon. YFD implements reasonable technical and organizational measures to protect information collected through cookies against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction.

12. Changes to This Cookie Policy

YFD may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect:

• Changes in legal requirements;
• New technologies;
• Website improvements;
• Organizational practices. The updated version will be published on our website with the revised "Last Updated" date.

13. Contact Us

If you have questions or concerns regarding this Cookie Policy or our use of cookies, please contact:

• Youthrise for Development (YFD)
• Head Office: Buea, South-West Region, Cameroon
• Telephone: +237 674 854 112
• Email: privacy@youthrisefordevelopment.org
• Website: www.youthrisefordevelopment.org

14. Governing Law

This Cookie Policy shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the Republic of Cameroon. Where YFD works with international donors or processes the personal data of individuals located in other jurisdictions, YFD will also seek to comply with applicable international data protection obligations, where required. Approved by:Board of DirectorsYouthrise for Development (YFD) Approval Date: 01/06/2024 Review Date: 30/06/2024