Online Global Learning Program Participant Agreement

THIS IS A LEGAL DOCUMENT THAT INCLUDES A RELEASE OF LIABILITY.
PLEASE READ CAREFULLY BEFORE SIGNING

In order to be permitted to participate in the EDU Africa online/virtual program, I hereby understand, agree, and represent that:

1. I will adhere to the virtual program timetable.
   Participants are expected to follow the prescribed virtual program timetable and be in attendance as required to meet the requirements of successful completion. Aside from attending the online sessions, additional offline work may be prescribed to students. Details of compulsory and optional segments of the virtual program are well highlighted within the information provided both before the virtual program starts and during orientation in the first session.
2. I agree to observe my personal conduct and be culturally sensitive at all times.
   All participants are expected to behave responsibly and in such a manner that their words are respectful of other cultures and do not equate to hate speech or any form of prejudice.
3. I will adhere to EDU Africa’s policies regarding sexual conduct, harassment, and assault.
   EDU Africa maintains that sexual harassment and/or assault in any form, be it verbal, cyber or otherwise, is unacceptable behavior regardless upon whom and where this type of behavior is inflicted. This includes participant behavior towards program managers, facilitators, lecturers, any EDU Africa staff, and third-party contributors.
4. I agree to the terms of virtual program termination.
   EDU Africa reserves the right to investigate the behavior of any participant and issue a formal warning before virtual program termination if a participant has caused offense or damage to property or persons, animals, or the environment, as stated in this agreement. If the offense is considered severe and/or breaks the laws of the relevant country, EDU Africa reserves the right to immediately terminate participation. In such a case, EDU Africa will not be liable for any refunds or costs incurred due to the premature termination of the virtual program.
5. I agree to be flexible and willing to adapt to differences or changes made to the virtual program itinerary. In line with this, I acknowledge that delays and alterations and their results (such as inconvenience or disappointment) are possible.
   While EDU Africa makes every effort to ensure that all virtual program activities are available as specified in the program itinerary, participants need to bear in mind that some situations are beyond EDU Africa’s control and adjustments may need to be made to ensure the continued running of the program. Changes in itinerary may be caused by local political conditions, mechanical breakdown, power cuts, or other circumstances, unforeseen or otherwise.
6. I acknowledge that views and laws on gender and sexual diversity vary by country.
   I understand that every culture within a country tends to have its own comprehension of sexuality. I, therefore, agree to take the responsibility to conduct the relevant research on the customs, norms, and laws around gender and sexual diversity of the country/countries that I will be virtually interacting with. Furthermore, I acknowledge the responsibility not to violate cultural norms or the laws of the land through my speech.
7. I certify that I am medically able to participate in the virtual program.
   I am aware of all my physical and mental health needs and I certify that I am capable and prepared to deal with those needs to the best of my ability. I also acknowledge the responsibility to communicate with EDU Africa and raise awareness of any need for support regarding my physical or mental health, and any functional differences before I commence the virtual program.
8. I acknowledge that virtual exchange sessions are recorded.
   I grant EDU Africa, its representatives, and employees permission to copyright, use, and publish images and/or video material of me and images/video material shared by me during the virtual program. Any likeness or image of myself secured or taken on any of EDU Africa’s virtual programs may be used by EDU Africa without charge in all media (whether now existing or in the future invented) for bonafide promotional or marketing purposes, including, without limitation, promotional materials of any kind in print and/or electronically. I expressly waive any rights I may have now, or in the future, to any revenue made with regards to the use of such images.
9. I acknowledge that EDU Africa shall not be liable for any damages caused by the total or partial failure to carry out the virtual program if such failure is:
   9.1 Attributable to the participant; or
   9.2 Unforeseeable or unavoidable and attributable to a third party unconnected to the organization; or
   9.3 A result of unusual or unforeseeable circumstances beyond the control of the organization such as strikes, war, civil or political unrest, quarantine restrictions, acts of civil disobedience, government action, or what is usually known as “force majeure”; or
   9.4 A result of an event that the organization and its agents, even with all due care, could not foresee or forestall.
   Where EDU Africa is found to be liable for damages in respect of its failure to carry out the virtual program, the participant will be compensated accordingly. Any independent arrangements that a participant makes which are not part of the virtual program are entirely at their own risk.
10. I acknowledge that EDU Africa will not accept liability for any mishap, accident or force majeure to participants or their property while they participate in a virtual program.
    This extends to any online/offline practical aspects of a program, for example, a cooking activity.
11. I agree to uphold standards of academic integrity while on this virtual program and understand that plagiarism is a punishable offense.
12. I acknowledge that all information that I have shared with EDU Africa is accurate. EDU Africa will not be held responsible for any inaccurate information provided or the consequences thereof.
13. I agree that EDU Africa may use the contact details I provided and pass them on to any third party connected with the operation of the specific virtual program in which I am participating.
14. I understand that I have the right to lodge a formal written complaint and/or to report an incident during or after the duration of my virtual program.
    This can be done by contacting the virtual program facilitator or emailing EDU Africa on info@edu-africa.com.
15. I acknowledge that I have read EDU Africa’s Child Protection Policy Document Extract and that I am willing to abide by the policy guidelines as stated therein.
16. This agreement supersedes any previous or contemporaneous understandings that I have had with EDU Africa or its agents, either oral or written.
17. Where applicable, I understand that I am subject to my host institution’s policies, procedures, rules, standards, and instructions at all times during my participation in the virtual program activities.
18. I represent that my agreement to the provisions herein is wholly voluntary and further understand that, before accepting this agreement, I have the right to consult with an advisor, counsellor, or attorney of my choice.
19. I represent that I am at least 18 years of age, or if not, that I have informed my parent/legal guardian/next of kin of this agreement and they consent to my participation in this virtual program.