PRIVACY POLICY AND PERSONAL DATA PROCESSING

1. Data Controller

Fundación Misión Gaia, a non-profit organization legally established in Colombia and identified with Tax ID (NIT) 900443803-3, is responsible for the processing of personal data collected through its physical and digital channels, within the framework of its educational, socio-environmental, cultural, and community-based programs, including its Spanish language program Spanish School Minca.

Main office:
Minca, Santa Marta, Magdalena – Colombia

Reference address (Google Maps – exact pin): https://maps.app.goo.gl/pbTcpFRaecmthPVZ9
(The geographic reference is used solely for institutional location and contact purposes.)

Institutional and data protection contact email: info@misiongaia.org

2. Applicable legal framework

The processing of personal data carried out by Fundación Misión Gaia is governed by current Colombian legislation, in particular:

• Article 15 of the Political Constitution of Colombia

• Law 1581 of 2012 – General Personal Data Protection Regime

• Decree 1377 of 2013

• Decree 1074 of 2015

• Circulars issued by the Superintendence of Industry and Commerce (SIC)

3. Guiding principles for data processing

Fundación Misión Gaia processes personal data in accordance with the principles of:

• Lawfulness

• Purpose limitation

• Freedom

• Transparency

• Restricted access and circulation

• Security

• Confidentiality

• Differential and community-based approach

In line with its mission, the Foundation adopts an ethical, educational, and rights-based approach, especially when working with rural communities, children, adolescents, and diverse populations.

4. Personal data collected and purposes

a) Contact and institutional interest forms

Data: name, email address, phone number.
Purpose: responding to information requests, registration for educational activities, contact with partners, volunteering, donations, or services offered by Fundación Misión Gaia and Spanish School Minca.

b) Educational and training programs (Spanish School Minca and others)

Data: full name, type and number of identification document, nationality, email address, phone number, address, basic academic information, and data required for administrative, accounting, or migration processes (when applicable).

Purposes:

• Academic and administrative management

• Compliance with legal obligations

• Educational follow-up

• Issuance of certificates and official documents

c) Institutional communications and newsletters

Data: name and email address.
Purpose: sending educational, cultural, socio-environmental, institutional, and impact-related information, always with prior, explicit, and voluntary authorization.

d) Access to digital platforms and spaces

Data: email address and credentials.
Purpose: management of users, students, volunteers, and partners.

5. Processing of data of children and adolescents

In community and educational programs involving children and adolescents, Fundación Misión Gaia:

• Requests express authorization from parents, guardians, or legal representatives

• Guarantees the best interests of the child

• Limits the use of data strictly to educational and protection purposes

In accordance with Law 1581 of 2012 and Law 1098 of 2006.

6. Use of social media and digital channels

Fundación Misión Gaia uses social media and digital platforms exclusively for educational, informational, community-based, and institutional communication purposes.

In the case of Meta platforms (WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram), their use is limited to:

• Educational or community WhatsApp groups and communication related to organizational programs and activities

• Communication channels for programs, courses, and activities

• Dissemination of institutional and socio-environmental information

Fundación Misión Gaia does not use social media for invasive commercial profiling purposes, nor does it share personal data with third parties for advertising purposes unrelated to its mission.

7. Confidentiality and circulation of information

Fundación Misión Gaia does not sell, rent, or commercialize personal data.

When it is necessary to share information with third parties (technology providers, payment platforms, communication, or analytics services), this will be done under confidentiality agreements, ensuring adequate data protection standards.

8. Data processors

Fundación Misión Gaia may rely on third-party data processors, such as:

• Email marketing platforms

• Google services (Analytics, Drive)

• Payment platforms (e.g., PayPal or others)

• Web hosting services

• Digital communication platforms

These providers may be located inside or outside Colombia and comply with international data protection standards.

9. PQR and Habeas Data contact channels

Data subjects may submit Petitions, Complaints, Claims (PQR) and requests related to the exercise of their Habeas Data rights through the following channels:

Email:  info@misiongaia.org

Institutional location: Minca, Santa Marta, Magdalena – Colombia

10. Rights of data subjects

The data subject has the right to:

• Know, update, and correct their personal data

• Request proof of the authorization granted

• Be informed about the use of their data

• Revoke authorization and request data deletion

• Access their data free of charge

• File complaints with the Superintendence of Industry and Commerce (SIC)

11. Data retention period

• Administrative, accounting, and contractual data: retained for the period required by law

• Communication and newsletter data: retained until the data subject requests deletion.

12. Policy updates

Fundación Misión Gaia may update this policy when necessary.
Any changes will be published through its official channels.

13. Photography and audiovisual material policy

Fundación Misión Gaia also has a specific policy on photography, video, and the use of audiovisual material, especially in educational and community contexts. Click here to learn more.

Fundación Misión Gaia

Minca – Santa Marta – Colombia