Terms and Conditions

Introduction and Acceptance of Terms

1.1 About These Terms

These Terms and Conditions ("Terms") constitute a legally binding agreement between you ("User," "you," or "your") and The Educational Equality Institute ("TEEI," "we," "us," or "our"). These Terms govern your access to and use of all TEEI websites, platforms, programmes, services, and related content (collectively, the "Services").

The Educational Equality Institute is a Norway-based non-governmental organisation (NGO) that also holds United States 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status. We provide free educational services, language learning programmes, mentorship, and career support to disadvantaged communities worldwide.

1.2 Acceptance

If you are using our Services on behalf of an organisation, you represent and warrant that you have the authority to bind that organisation to these Terms.

If you do not agree to these Terms, you must not access or use our Services.

1.3 Eligibility

To use our Services, you must:

• Be at least 18 years of age, OR be at least 13 years of age with verifiable parental or guardian consent and supervision
• Have the legal capacity to enter into a binding agreement
• Not be prohibited from using the Services under applicable laws
• Not have been previously removed from our Services for violations of these Terms

1.4 Changes to Terms

TEEI reserves the right to modify these Terms at any time. When we make material changes, we will:

• Update the "Last Updated" date at the top of this document
• Provide notice via email to registered users
• Display a prominent notice on our platforms

Your continued use of the Services after changes constitutes acceptance of the revised Terms.

Definitions

About TEEI

3.1 Organisation Details

3.2 Our Mission

The Educational Equality Institute exists to expand educational equality for disadvantaged communities worldwide. Our motto is "Equality Through Education."

3.3 Our Programmes

3.4 Our Partners

TEEI works with partners including Oxford University Press, Babbel, itslearning, Kintell, DataCamp, Splunk, and others to deliver our programmes. Partnerships may change over time.

User Types, Eligibility, and Registration

4.1 User Categories

4.2 Ukrainian Programme Eligibility

For programmes specifically designed for Ukrainians affected by war and displacement, Learners must be:

• Ukrainian citizens, OR
• Permanent residents of Ukraine prior to February 2022, OR
• Individuals who can demonstrate they have been directly affected by the conflict in Ukraine

TEEI reserves the right to verify eligibility and may request documentation.

4.3 Learner Profile Privacy

4.4 Special Requirements for Minors

4.5 Mentor Verification

All Mentor applications are reviewed by TEEI before activation, including:

• Verification of corporate email domain
• Review of LinkedIn profile and professional history
• Assessment of stated expertise and experience

Platform Terms and Conditions

5.1 Account Registration

When registering for an Account, you agree to:

• Provide accurate, current, and complete information
• Maintain and promptly update your information
• Maintain the security of your login credentials
• Accept responsibility for all activities under your Account
• Notify TEEI immediately of any unauthorised access

5.2 Account Security

You must create a strong, unique password and not share your login credentials. TEEI is not liable for loss or damage arising from failure to protect your Account credentials.

5.3 Session Booking and Conduct

During Sessions, both Learners and Volunteers must:

• Join on time or provide notice of delays
• Maintain a respectful, supportive environment
• Keep conversations appropriate and professional
• Stay within the platform for all communication
• Follow the Code of Conduct (Section 7)

5.4 Cancellation and No-Shows

Cancel Sessions with at least 24 hours notice when possible. Repeated no-shows may result in Account suspension or termination.

5.5 Scope of Services

Mentors and volunteers provide guidance based on their experience. They do NOT provide:

• Legal, financial, medical, or other professional advice requiring licensure
• Guaranteed job placements or employment
• Financial assistance or loans
• Immigration assistance or legal status advice

Volunteer Agreement

6.1 Volunteer Status

By registering as a Volunteer, you acknowledge that:

• You are not an employee, contractor, or agent of TEEI
• You are not entitled to any compensation, benefits, or reimbursement
• You may discontinue volunteering at any time
• TEEI may discontinue your volunteer status at any time

6.2 Volunteer Commitments

6.3 Volunteer Rights

As a TEEI Volunteer, you have the right to:

• Receive support from TEEI in performing your volunteer role
• Decline Sessions or Learners for reasonable reasons
• Set your own availability and capacity limits
• Discontinue your volunteer relationship at any time
• Be treated with respect by all parties

Code of Conduct

7.1 Core Values

TEEI is committed to:

• Equality: Every person deserves access to educational opportunity
• Dignity: All individuals are treated with respect
• Integrity: Honest, ethical conduct in all interactions
• Safety: Protection of vulnerable individuals
• Community: Collaborative, supportive relationships

7.2 Expected Conduct

All Users must:

• Treat all individuals with respect, courtesy, and professionalism
• Value diversity and treat all people equally
• Provide accurate, truthful information
• Honour commitments and communicate when circumstances change
• Prioritise safety in all interactions

7.3 Prohibited Conduct

The following conduct is strictly prohibited and may result in immediate removal:

7.4 Reporting Violations

If you witness conduct that violates this Code, please report immediately to:

Email: contact@theeducationalequalityinstitute.org

Subject Line: Code of Conduct Concern

All reports will be handled confidentially. TEEI prohibits retaliation against individuals who report concerns in good faith.

Safeguarding

8.1 Protection of Children and Minors

8.2 Protection of Vulnerable Adults

Many TEEI Learners are refugees, displaced persons, or individuals affected by conflict. Volunteers must:

• Be sensitive to trauma and avoid actions that could cause distress
• Never exploit vulnerability for any purpose
• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries
• Not offer or request financial assistance
• Recognise signs of distress and respond appropriately

8.3 Reporting Safeguarding Concerns

Report any concern about safety or wellbeing immediately:

Email: contact@theeducationalequalityinstitute.org

Subject Line: Safeguarding Concern

In cases of immediate danger, contact local emergency services first, then notify TEEI.

Donations and Financial Contributions

9.1 Making Donations

TEEI accepts one-time donations, recurring donations, corporate donations, matching gifts, and planned giving. Donations are generally unrestricted and may be used to support any programmes at TEEI's discretion.

9.2 Tax Deductibility

9.3 Refund Policy

Donations are generally non-refundable. Refunds may be considered for demonstrable errors or fraud. To request a refund, contact us within 30 days at donations@theeducationalequalityinstitute.org.

Intellectual Property

10.1 TEEI Content

All content, materials, and intellectual property available through TEEI Services are the property of TEEI or our licensors and are protected by applicable copyright, trademark, and intellectual property laws.

10.2 Limited Licence

TEEI grants you a limited, revocable, non-exclusive, non-transferable licence to access and use TEEI content for personal, non-commercial, educational purposes. This licence does not include the right to copy, distribute, modify, or use content commercially.

10.3 Course Materials

Course materials from partners (Babbel, Oxford University Press, etc.) are for personal educational use only. You may not share, copy, or distribute course materials.

10.4 Session Recordings

Privacy and Data Protection

TEEI processes personal data in accordance with the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and Norwegian data protection laws. For complete information about how we collect, use, and protect your data, please review our Privacy Policy.

Key Points

• We collect only data necessary to operate our services
• We never sell your personal information
• Learner profiles are private by default
• You have rights to access, correct, and delete your data
• We implement appropriate security measures to protect your data

Disclaimers and Limitations of Liability

12.1 Services Provided "As Is"

TEEI SERVICES ARE PROVIDED ON AN "AS IS" AND "AS AVAILABLE" BASIS WITHOUT WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND. TEEI disclaims all warranties, including implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and non-infringement.

12.2 No Guarantee of Outcomes

TEEI does not guarantee any specific outcomes from participation in our programmes, including language proficiency improvements, career advancement, or job placement.

12.3 Volunteer Services

Mentors, Language Partners, and Volunteer Teachers are independent volunteers, not employees of TEEI. TEEI does not guarantee the quality or accuracy of volunteer advice and is not liable for their actions, omissions, or recommendations.

12.4 Limitation of Liability

12.5 Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless TEEI from any claims, liabilities, damages, losses, and expenses arising from your use of the Services, violation of these Terms, or violation of any third-party rights.

Account Termination

13.1 Termination by You

You may terminate your Account at any time by contacting us at contact@theeducationalequalityinstitute.org.

13.2 Termination by TEEI

TEEI may suspend or terminate your Account at any time for violations of these Terms, fraudulent or illegal activity, extended inactivity, or at TEEI's discretion.

13.3 Effect of Termination

Upon termination, your licence to use the Services ends immediately. We may delete your Account and User Content. Provisions that by their nature should survive will survive termination.

13.4 Appeals

If you believe your Account was terminated in error, you may appeal within 30 days by contacting us. TEEI will review appeals but is not obligated to restore terminated Accounts.

Governing Law and Dispute Resolution

14.1 Governing Law

These Terms are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Norway, without regard to conflict of law principles.

14.2 Jurisdiction

Any legal action relating to these Terms shall be brought exclusively in the courts located in Oslo, Norway. You consent to the personal jurisdiction of such courts.

14.3 Informal Resolution

Before initiating formal dispute resolution, you agree to contact us at contact@theeducationalequalityinstitute.org and attempt to resolve the dispute informally.

14.4 Time Limitation

Any claim arising from these Terms must be brought within one (1) year after the cause of action arises, or be permanently barred.

General Provisions

15.1 Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with our Privacy Policy, constitute the entire agreement between you and TEEI regarding the Services.

15.2 Severability

If any provision is found invalid, the remaining provisions remain in full force and effect.

15.3 Waiver

TEEI's failure to enforce any provision does not constitute a waiver of that provision.

15.4 Assignment

You may not assign your rights under these Terms without TEEI's consent. TEEI may assign these Terms to any affiliate or successor.

15.5 Force Majeure

TEEI is not liable for failure or delay due to circumstances beyond our reasonable control, including natural disasters, war, pandemics, or government actions.

15.6 Language

These Terms are provided in English. If translated, the English version prevails in case of inconsistency.

Contact Information

If you have any questions about these Terms and Conditions, please contact us:

Specific Inquiries

• Safeguarding concerns: contact@theeducationalequalityinstitute.org (Subject: Safeguarding Concern)
• Privacy and data requests: privacy@theeducationalequalityinstitute.org
• Donation inquiries: donations@theeducationalequalityinstitute.org
• Partnership inquiries: partnerships@theeducationalequalityinstitute.org