Privacy Policy

Effective date: 01 August 2025

  1. Introduction

PNG Family Empowerment Inc. (“PNGFE”, “we”, “us”, “our”) respects your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and protect personal information when you visit or use our website www.pngfe.org and our services, including E-Skul, E-Maket, E-Funding, E-Wallet, E-Registration (RTK GNSS), E-Database, E-Job Board, E-Community & Forum, and related platforms (collectively, “Services”).

  1. Information We Collect

We collect information you provide directly and information gathered automatically:

Information you provide:

  • Account and profile details: name, email, phone, address, ID documents, family details, membership status.
  • Payment and financial data: payment card details, bank details, E-Wallet transactions (processed via third-party payment providers).
  • Project and application data: funding proposals, business plans, farm/land details, RTK GNSS coordinates and land demarcation records.
  • Course data: enrollment, progress, certificates, feedback.
  • Communications: messages, support requests, forum posts, and attachments.

Information collected automatically:

  • Device and usage data: IP address, browser, device type, pages visited, referrer, timestamps, cookies, and analytics data.
  • Location data: approximate location from IP and precise location only if you consent (e.g., RTK GNSS demarcation requests).
  1. How We Use Your Information

We use data to:

  • Provide and operate the Services (membership, courses, marketplace, funding, payment processing, land registration).
  • Verify identity and perform RTK GNSS demarcation for E-Registration.
  • Process payments, disburse funding and refunds.
  • Communicate: notifications, updates, support, marketing (with opt-out).
  • Improve our Services and run analytics.
  • Comply with legal and regulatory obligations and to detect and prevent fraud or abuse.
  1. Sharing & Disclosure

We may share personal information with:

  • Service providers (payment processors, hosting, analytics, email, SMS).
  • Partners where required to fulfil orders, exports, or funding disbursements (e.g., logistics, buyers, financial partners).
  • Regulatory authorities when required by law.
  • With your consent, third parties in connection with crowdfunding, equity investors or loan providers.

We will not sell your personal data to third parties.

  1. Special Note — Land & RTK GNSS Data

Land registration details and RTK GNSS demarcation coordinates are sensitive. By submitting land information you consent to its storage on the PNGFE E-Database and to limited sharing with authorized partners for purposes of registration, demarcation, dispute resolution, funding and project implementation. We take extra care to secure this data and limit access to authorized staff and partners only.

  1. Cookies & Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar technologies to operate the site and improve user experience. See our Cookies Policy for details and how to manage preferences.

  1. Data Retention

We retain account and transaction data for as long as necessary to provide Services, comply with legal obligations, resolve disputes, and enforce agreements. Typical retention periods: membership and transactional records — minimum 7 years (or as required by law); course records — 5+ years; land registration records — indefinite while membership/registration is active.

  1. Data Security

We implement administrative, technical and physical safeguards (encryption, access controls, secure hosting) to protect personal data. No system is completely secure; we will notify affected users and authorities in the event of a data breach as required by law.

  1. Your Rights & Choices

Subject to applicable law, you may:

  • Access, correct, update, or delete your personal information.
  • Withdraw consent where processing is based on consent.
  • Object to or restrict processing in certain circumstances.
  • Export your data (data portability) where applicable.
    To exercise rights, contact us at admin@pngfe.org. We may require verification of identity.
  1. Children

Our Services are not intended for children under 16. We do not knowingly collect personal data from children under 16 without parental consent. If we learn we have collected such data, we will delete it.

  1. International Transfers

We may transfer, store and process data in jurisdictions outside PNG (for hosting, payments, analytics). We take steps to ensure adequate safeguards consistent with this Policy.

  1. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Policy. We will post changes on this page with a new “Effective date.” Significant changes will be notified via email if appropriate.

  1. Contact

PNG Family Empowerment Inc.
Email: admin@pngfe.org
Phone: +675 73285344
Address: Wairiki 4 Ward, Toma LLG, Gazelle District, ENBP, PNG

Terms of Service (Terms & Conditions)

Effective date: 01 August 2025

  1. Agreement to Terms

These Terms govern your access to and use of www.pngfe.org and PNGFE Services. By using the site or services (as a visitor, member, buyer, seller, funder, or partner), you agree to these Terms. If you do not agree, do not use our Services.

  1. Services Overview

PNGFE operates programs including E-Skul, E-Maket, E-Funding, E-Wallet, E-Registration, E-Database, E-Job Board, E-Community & Forum and related services. Services may change, be improved, or be discontinued at PNGFE’s discretion.

  1. Membership & Fees
  • Annual membership fee is K200 (or as updated). Membership grants access to specified member benefits.
  • Membership renews annually unless cancelled per our membership cancellation policy. Refunds are subject to our refund rules.
  1. User Accounts & Responsibilities
  • You must register with accurate information and keep credentials secure.
  • You are responsible for all activity under your account. Notify PNGFE immediately of unauthorized use.
  • You must comply with local laws, export rules, and our policies when using the platform.
  1. Marketplace Terms (E-Maket)
  • Sellers must provide accurate product information, meet quality standards, and comply with PNGFE inspection/monitoring.
  • PNGFE may handle marketing and export on behalf of suppliers. Logistics and export terms are agreed per order.
  • Disputes between buyers and sellers will be handled per the PNGFE dispute resolution process.
  1. Funding Terms (E-Funding)
  • Funding opportunities may be donation, equity or loan based. Each campaign/project will have specific terms.
  • PNGFE facilitates connections and disbursements but is not the lender or investor unless explicitly stated. Members must ensure accuracy of proposals and project use of funds.
  • Repayment, investor rights and equity arrangements are governed by campaign terms and separate legal agreements.
  1. Payments & E-Wallet
  • PNGFE uses third-party payment processors. By transacting you agree to provider terms.
  • E-Wallet balances, transfers, and refunds are subject to verification and anti-fraud checks. PNGFE is not liable for payment processor failures.
  1. Land Registration & RTK GNSS Services
  • By submitting land information you represent you have authority to register and authorize PNGFE to record coordinates and relevant documents.
  • PNGFE provides demarcation services; final legal status of land remains subject to customary and statutory processes.
  1. Intellectual Property
  • PNGFE owns copyrights, trademarks, and content on the site. You may not copy, reproduce or commercialize our content without permission.
  • Users retain ownership of their uploads but grant PNGFE a license to use content to provide the Services (display, host, distribute).
  1. Prohibited Conduct

You must not:

  • Violate laws or infringe others’ rights.
  • Post harmful, fraudulent, abusive or illegal content.
  • Attempt to breach site security or abuse platform features.
  1. Termination & Suspension

PNGFE may suspend or terminate accounts for violations, fraud, or inactivity. Members may cancel their membership per the cancellation policy; termination does not automatically remove data (see Privacy Policy).

  1. Disclaimers & Limitation of Liability
  • Services are provided “as is”. PNGFE disclaims warranties to the fullest extent permitted by law.
  • PNGFE is not liable for indirect, incidental or consequential damages.
  • Liability cap: where law permits, PNGFE’s liability is limited to amounts paid to PNGFE in the 12 months prior to the claim.
  1. Governing Law & Dispute Resolution

These Terms are governed by the laws of Papua New Guinea. Disputes will be handled via good-faith negotiation then, if necessary, subject to PNG jurisdiction.

  1. Changes to Terms

PNGFE may modify these Terms. Changes are effective when posted. Material changes will be notified to members.

  1. Contact

For questions: admin@pngfe.org

Data Protection Policy

Effective date: 01 August 2025

  1. Purpose & Scope

This Data Protection Policy sets out how PNGFE handles personal data in compliance with applicable laws and best practices. It applies to staff, volunteers, partners, members and service users who provide us with personal information.

  1. Data Protection Principles

We commit to processing personal data lawfully, fairly and transparently, for specified purposes, minimising data collection, ensuring accuracy, limiting retention, and protecting data via security measures.

  1. Roles & Responsibilities
  • Data Controller: PNG Family Empowerment Inc. determines purposes and means of processing.
  • Data Protection Officer / Contact: — contact: admin@pngfe.org.
  • Staff are required to follow this policy and report incidents.
  1. Lawful Basis for Processing

We process personal data on lawful grounds including: consent, contract performance, legal obligation, legitimate interests (e.g., fraud prevention), and vital interests where needed.

  1. Data Subject Rights & Procedures

Individuals may: access, correct, object to processing, erase data (where lawful), and request portability. Requests must be made in writing to admin@pngfe.org. We will respond within a reasonable timeframe and may require identity verification.

  1. Security Measures

We adopt reasonable measures: secure hosting, encryption, role-based access, strong password policies, staff training, secure backups, and periodic security reviews.

  1. Data Breach Response

In the event of a breach, PNGFE will: contain the incident, assess risk, notify affected individuals and regulators as required, and take remedial action.

  1. International Transfers & Third Parties

Data transferred to third-party service providers (hosting, payments, analytics) will be protected via contractual safeguards. We require partners to meet our security standards.

  1. Data Retention & Disposal

Retention periods are defined per category (membership, financial, course, land records). Data no longer required will be securely deleted or anonymised.

  1. Policy Review

This policy is reviewed annually or after significant changes. Updates are published on our website.

Cookies Policy

Effective date: 01 August 2025

  1. What are cookies?

Cookies are small text files placed on your device to store information about your visit and preferences.

  1. How PNGFE uses cookies

We use cookies to:

  • Enable core site functionality (session cookies)
  • Remember preferences and settings (preference cookies)
  • Analyze site use and performance (analytics cookies)
  • Provide advertising and third-party integrations (marketing cookies)
  1. Types of cookies we use
  • Strictly necessary: Required for site operation (cannot be turned off).
  • Performance & Analytics: Collect anonymous usage data (Google Analytics or similar).
  • Functional: Remember choices (language, login).
  • Marketing: Track browsing patterns to display relevant promotions (third-party providers).
  1. Third-party cookies

We use third-party services (analytics, payment gateways, social media plugins). These providers may set cookies; their policies apply to data collected by their cookies.

  1. Your choices & control
  • You can manage cookies via your browser settings (block or delete cookies).
  • On first visit, our cookie banner allows you to accept or manage cookie preferences.
  • Disabling cookies may affect site functionality (e.g., E-Skul progress tracking, E-Maket cart).
  1. How to withdraw consent

To change cookie preferences, use the cookie settings link on our site or adjust browser settings. For questions, contact admin@pngfe.org.

  1. Changes to this policy

We will update this Cookie Policy as necessary. Check the Effective date for updates.

Refund & Returns Policy

Effective date: 01 August 2025

At PNG Family Empowerment Inc., we value your trust. Here’s how our Refund & Returns process works for purchases across our E-Maket, membership, and training services:

  • Physical Products (e.g., crops, processed goods, small-industry items)

    • Report errors or damaged goods within 7 days of delivery with photo or video proof.

    • Return shipping is free if eligible; refunded or replacement items are shipped within 5 business days.

    • Goods must be unused and in original packaging.

  • Digital Products (e.g., E-Skul courses, membership, E-Funding application fees)

    • Refunds available for digital purchases only if requested within 24 hours and if access hasn’t been granted.

    • No refunds after materials or services have been accessed or used (e.g., course enrollment, funding review).

  • Membership Subscription (K200/year)

    • Full refund available within 7 days if no E-Skul course enrollment, E-Funding application, or E-Maket activity has occurred.

    • No partial refunds thereafter.

  • Process to Request a Refund:

    1. Contact admin@pngfe.org with your order/membership ID.

    2. State reason and attach proof (if product-related).

    3. We’ll confirm eligibility and process refunds — within 10 business days.

  • Non-Refundable Items:

    • Donations via E-Funding (unless campaign terms specify otherwise).

    • Shipping charges, unless due to PNGFE fault.

Need help? Contact our Support team — we're committed to your satisfaction.

Shipping Policy

Effective date: 01 August 2025

Your products deserve safe, reliable delivery. Here’s what to expect when ordering through PNGFE E-Maket:

  • Delivery Areas & Partners

    • We ship countrywide within PNG using trusted logistics partners.

    • International shipping available upon request — duties/taxes may apply.

  • Delivery Timeframes

    • Domestic orders: 3–7 business days.

    • Remote areas: 5–10 business days, depending on access.

    • International arrivals: 7–21 business days, subject to customs.

  • Shipping Fees & Duties

    • Domestic shipping: standard flat rate based on weight and distance.

    • International buyers will receive shipping cost estimates during checkout.

    • Duties and taxes are the buyer’s responsibility, unless otherwise specified.

  • Packaging & Handling

    • Goods are packaged using sustainable, sturdy materials to withstand transit.

    • Fragile items labeled accordingly — report damage within 7 days for resolution.

  • Tracking

    • Once shipped, you’ll receive an email with tracking number and logistics provider details.

For questions or to request special handling, email us at admin@pngfe.org.

Membership Cancellation Policy

Effective Date: 01 August 2025

PNG Family Empowerment (PNGFE) offers a 12-month membership subscription for K200 per year, providing access to a wide range of empowerment services, training, and opportunities.

  • Cancellation by Member:

    • Members may cancel their subscription at any time by submitting a written request via our official Contact Page or by emailing [admin@pngfe.org].

    • Cancellations do not automatically trigger refunds unless they meet the criteria in our Refund & Returns Policy.

    • If cancelled mid-term, benefits will remain active until the end of the paid period unless otherwise stated.

  • Cancellation by PNGFE:

    • We reserve the right to suspend or terminate memberships for violations of our User Code of Conduct, fraudulent activities, or breach of our Terms of Service.

    • In such cases, no refund will be issued unless required by law.

User Code of Conduct

Effective Date: 01 August 2025

To maintain a safe, respectful, and empowering environment across our E-Maket, E-Community, E-Forum, and other online platforms, members must follow these rules:

  • Respectful Communication: No hate speech, harassment, discrimination, or abusive language.

  • No Fraudulent Activities: Selling counterfeit products, misrepresenting services, or misusing funding is prohibited.

  • Intellectual Property: Do not post copyrighted content without permission.

  • Privacy Respect: Do not share other members’ private information without consent.

  • Law Compliance: All activities must comply with Papua New Guinea laws and relevant international regulations.

Violations may result in account suspension, permanent banning, or legal action.

Vendor / Seller Terms

Effective Date: 01 August 2025

These terms apply to all vendors and sellers on PNGFE’s E-Maket:

  • Product Quality: All goods must meet acceptable quality standards and not violate safety regulations.

  • Truthful Listings: Descriptions, prices, and product availability must be accurate.

  • Order Fulfilment: Vendors must ship or deliver products promptly after purchase.

  • Refund Compliance: Vendors must follow PNGFE’s Refund & Returns Policy.

  • Fees & Commissions: Vendors agree to applicable fees for platform usage as outlined in their vendor agreement.

  • Prohibited Items: No illegal, dangerous, or restricted products may be listed.

Failure to comply may lead to listing removal, account suspension, or termination without refund.

Donor & Investment Disclaimer

Effective Date: 01 August 2025

Our E-Funding platform operates as a hybrid crowdfunding model (donations, equity, and loans). While PNGFE reviews projects before listing, we cannot guarantee the success, profitability, or repayment of any funded project.

  • Risk Acknowledgement: Donors, investors, and lenders understand that contributions are at their own risk.

  • No Guarantees: PNGFE does not guarantee any returns or project completion unless otherwise stated in a legally binding agreement.

  • Transparency: Project creators must provide honest, timely updates, but PNGFE is not liable for their actions or outcomes.

  • Legal Compliance: All funding activities must comply with Papua New Guinea laws and applicable financial regulations.

By participating in E-Funding, you agree to these terms and accept the risks involved.