Privacy Policy

Last updated: May 2025

Vidya The Change ("VTC", "we", "our") is a non-profit organisation based in Tadipatri, Anantapur District, Andhra Pradesh, India. We are committed to protecting the personal data of the students, families, and volunteers who trust us.

1. What data we collect

Through our registration and volunteer forms we collect:

• Student's full name, date of birth, gender
• Parent/guardian names (father's name, mother's name)
• Contact details: WhatsApp number, email address, home address
• Academic details: school/college name, class/year, medium of instruction
• Device access information (smartphone, laptop availability)
• Program interest and self-introduction
• Volunteer details: name, email, phone, role preference, message

2. Why we collect it

We collect this data solely to:

• Enrol students into our skill development programs
• Contact families via WhatsApp to share program updates
• Plan programs appropriate to student age and academic level
• Coordinate with volunteers and partners
• Report impact metrics to donors and partner organisations (in anonymised form only)

3. Data involving minors

Many of our students are under 18. In compliance with India's Digital Personal Data Protection Act (DPDPA) 2023, we require a parent or guardian to provide consent before a minor's data is submitted. The consent checkbox on our registration form confirms this parental consent.

4. How we store your data

Data is stored securely on a private, access-controlled cloud database with restricted permissions. Only authorised VTC team members can view registration records. We do not sell, share, or rent your personal data to any third party.

5. How long we keep it

We retain student records for up to 5 years from the date of last program participation. This allows us to track long-term impact, support alumni, and meet reporting obligations to donors and partner organisations.

Volunteer and partner records are retained for up to 5 years from the date of last engagement or communication. You may request deletion of your data at any time and we will act on it within 30 days.

6. Your rights under DPDPA 2023

You have the right to:

• Access the personal data we hold about you
• Correct any inaccurate data
• Request deletion of your data ("right to be forgotten")
• Withdraw consent at any time (without affecting prior processing)

To exercise any of these rights, email us at admin@vidyathechange.org. We will respond within 30 days.

7. Cookies and analytics

This website does not use tracking cookies or third-party analytics. No behavioural data is collected from visitors.

8. Contact

Vidya The Change
Tadipatri, Anantapur District, Andhra Pradesh — 515411
Email: admin@vidyathechange.org