Effective Date: 27th Aug, 2025
Last Updated: 27th Aug, 2025
1. Agreement to Terms
By accessing and using the services provided by Rooted in Naija (“we,” “us,” or “our”), a nonprofit organization, you (“participant,” “you,” or “your”) agree to be bound by these Terms of Service (“Terms”). These Terms constitute a legally binding agreement between you and Rooted in Naija.
If you do not agree to these Terms, please do not use our services or participate in our programs.
2. Description of Services
Rooted in Naija is a nonprofit organization dedicated to connecting young persons of the African diaspora with their ancestral heritage and cultural roots. Our services include:
- Heritage Trips: Educational excursions to Africa, beginning with Lagos, Nigeria
- Cultural Immersion Programs: Authentic experiences in food, art, fashion, music, and daily life
- Historical Education: Guided visits to key historical sites and learning experiences
- Language Learning: Introduction to Yoruba, Pidgin, and local phrases
- Community Building: Facilitating connections between participants and local communities
- Educational Workshops: Pre-trip and post-trip cultural and historical education sessions
- Digital Resources: Online content and resources related to African heritage and culture
Our primary focus is facilitating small-group trips that allow young adults of the African diaspora to:
- Reconnect with their roots and reclaim their African identity
- Experience authentic African culture beyond stereotypes
- Discover untold historical narratives
- Build global connections and lifelong friendships
- Develop confidence and pride in their heritage
- Become changemakers in their communities
3. Eligibility and Participation Requirements
To participate in our heritage trips and programs, you must:
- Be a young adult of the African diaspora (typically ages 18-26)
- Have the legal capacity to enter into binding agreements
- If under 18, have written parental/guardian consent and may require adult supervision
- Possess a valid passport with at least 6 months remaining validity
- Be able to obtain necessary travel visas and documentation
- Meet any health and fitness requirements for international travel
- Provide accurate and complete information during application and registration
- Comply with all applicable laws in your home country, Nigeria, and any transit countries
- Demonstrate genuine interest in cultural learning and heritage connection
- Agree to participate respectfully in all cultural and educational activities
4. User Accounts and Registration
4.1 Account Creation
- You may be required to create an account to access certain services
- You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials
- You agree to provide accurate, current, and complete information
4.2 Account Security
- You are solely responsible for all activities under your account
- Notify us immediately of any unauthorized access or security breach
- We reserve the right to suspend or terminate accounts that violate these Terms
5. Acceptable Use Policy
You agree NOT to:
- Use our services for any unlawful or prohibited activities
- Violate any applicable laws or regulations in Nigeria or internationally
- Infringe on intellectual property rights of others
- Transmit harmful, offensive, or inappropriate content
- Attempt to gain unauthorized access to our systems
- Engage in activities that could harm our reputation or business
- Use our services to harass, threaten, or discriminate against others
6. Intellectual Property Rights
6.1 Our Content
- All content, trademarks, and intellectual property on our platform remain our property
- You may not reproduce, distribute, or create derivative works without written permission
- Our name, logo, and branding are protected trademarks
6.2 User Content
- You retain ownership of content you submit to our platform
- By submitting content, you grant us a license to use, display, and distribute it
- You represent that your content does not infringe on third-party rights
7. Privacy and Data Protection
- Your privacy is important to us
- Our Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and protect your information
- We comply with applicable Nigerian data protection laws
- We may share information as required by law or to protect our rights
8. Payment Terms and Trip Costs
8.1 Program Fees
- Heritage trip costs include airfare, travel insurance, transfers, accommodation, meals, guided tours, cultural activities, and educational materials.
- Trip fees are stated in US Dollars ($).
- Fees do not typically include visa fees, personal expenses, or optional activities
- All fee inclusions and exclusions will be clearly outlined in your trip confirmation
8.2 Payment Schedule
- A non-refundable deposit is required to secure your spot.
- Payment plans may be available for qualifying participants
- Late payment fees may apply for overdue balances
8.3 Payment Methods
- We accept bank transfers, credit cards, online payments, and money orders
- International payment processing fees may apply
- All payments must comply with US and Nigerian financial regulations
- Scholarships and financial aid may be available for qualifying applicants
8.4 Additional Costs
- Participants are responsible for obtaining passports and visas
- Personal expenses, souvenirs, and optional activities are not included
9. Cancellation, Changes, and Refunds
9.1 Participant Cancellation
- More than 90 days before departure: Refund of all payments that have NOT been used for trip planning. Additionally, non-refundable deposit is not refundable.
- 60-90 days before departure: 50% refund of payments that have NOT been used for trip planning. Additionally, non-refundable deposit is not refundable.
- 30-59 days before departure: 25% refund of payments that have NOT been used for trip planning. Additionally, non-refundable deposit is not refundable.
- Less than 30 days before departure: No refunds available.
- Cancellation must be submitted in writing via email
- Refund processing may take 30-45 business days
9.2 Program Changes or Cancellation by Rooted in Naija
- We reserve the right to cancel trips due to insufficient enrollment (minimum group size required)
- We may modify itineraries due to safety concerns, political situations, or force majeure events
- If we cancel a trip, participants will receive a full refund or credit toward future programs
- We are not responsible for non-refundable expenses incurred by participants (flights, visas, etc.)
9.3 No-Show Policy
- Participants who fail to appear for departure will forfeit all payments
- No refunds will be provided for unused portions of the program due to early departure
10. Travel Safety and Participant Responsibilities
10.1 Health and Safety
- Participants must disclose any medical conditions, dietary restrictions, or special needs
- Current vaccinations may be required as recommended by CDC and Nigerian health authorities
- Participants are responsible for consulting healthcare providers before travel
- We reserve the right to exclude participants who pose safety risks to themselves or others
10.2 Travel Documentation
- Valid passport required with at least 6 months remaining validity
- Participants are responsible for obtaining necessary visas and permits
- We provide guidance but are not responsible for visa denials or documentation issues
- Failure to have proper documentation may result in denied boarding and forfeiture of fees
10.3 Conduct and Behavior
- Participants must respect local customs, traditions, and laws
- Inappropriate behavior, including harassment or discrimination, will not be tolerated
- Alcohol and substance use policies will be clearly communicated and must be followed
- Participants may be dismissed from the program for violations without refund
10.4 Group Travel Requirements
- Participants must remain with the group during scheduled activities unless otherwise approved
- Individual exploration time will be scheduled with safety guidelines
- Participants must follow instructions from trip leaders and local guides
- Emergency contact information must be provided and kept current
10.5 Photography and Media
- Participants consent to being photographed/filmed for educational and promotional purposes
- Individual privacy requests will be respected when possible
- Participants may not use images of other participants for commercial purposes without consent
11. Disclaimers and Limitations of Liability
11.1 Educational Program Nature
- Our programs are educational and cultural in nature, not professional travel services
- We partner with local guides, vendors, and service providers but do not guarantee their performance
- Itineraries may change due to weather, political conditions, or unforeseen circumstances
- Cultural experiences are authentic and may not meet all Western comfort standards
11.2 Travel Risks and Assumption of Risk
- International travel involves inherent risks including but not limited to: illness, injury, theft, political unrest, natural disasters, and transportation delays
- Participants voluntarily assume all risks associated with travel to Africa
- We are not liable for acts of terrorism, war, civil unrest, or government actions
- Medical facilities in destination countries may differ from home country standards
11.3 Service Availability
- Programs are provided “as is” and “as available”
- We do not guarantee specific outcomes or transformational experiences
- Weather, local conditions, or safety concerns may require itinerary modifications
- We reserve the right to modify or cancel programs with appropriate notice
11.4 Limitation of Liability
- Our liability is limited to the maximum extent permitted by law
- Our total liability shall not exceed the total amount paid by participant for the specific program
- We are not liable for indirect, incidental, punitive, or consequential damages
- We are not responsible for losses that could be covered by travel insurance
12. Indemnification
You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Rooted in Naija, its directors, officers, staff, volunteers, and affiliates from any claims, damages, losses, or expenses (including reasonable attorney fees) arising from:
- Your participation in our programs
- Your violation of these Terms
- Your violation of applicable laws or regulations
- Your negligent or wrongful acts during program participation
- Any injury or damage you cause to third parties
- Your failure to obtain required travel documentation or insurance
13. Program Dismissal and Termination
13.1 Dismissal from Program
- We reserve the right to dismiss participants for violation of program rules, local laws, or unsafe behavior
- Dismissed participants are responsible for their own return transportation and expenses
- No refunds will be provided for program dismissal
13.2 Voluntary Departure
- Participants who choose to leave a program early will not receive refunds for unused portions
- Participants are responsible for their own transportation and additional expenses
14. Governing Law and Dispute Resolution
14.1 Governing Law
- These Terms are governed by the laws of the jurisdiction where Rooted in Naija is incorporated
- Any disputes involving activities in Nigeria will also consider applicable Nigerian laws
14.2 Dispute Resolution
- We encourage resolution of disputes through good-faith negotiation and mediation
- For claims under $10,000, binding arbitration may be required
- You retain the right to pursue claims in small claims court where applicable
- Class action lawsuits are waived to the extent permitted by law
15. Changes to Terms
- We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time
- Material changes will be communicated to registered participants via email
- Changes will be effective 30 days after notification unless immediate changes are required for safety
- Continued participation in programs constitutes acceptance of modified Terms
16. General Provisions
16.1 Entire Agreement
- These Terms, along with any program-specific agreements, constitute the entire agreement
- They supersede all prior agreements and understandings
16.2 Severability
- If any provision is deemed invalid, the remaining provisions remain in effect
16.3 Assignment
- You may not assign your rights under these Terms
- We may assign our rights with reasonable notice to participants
16.4 Force Majeure
- We are not liable for delays, changes, or cancellations due to circumstances beyond our control including but not limited to: natural disasters, political unrest, pandemics, transportation strikes, or government actions
16.5 Nonprofit Status
- Rooted in Naija operates as a nonprofit organization
- Donations may be tax-deductible as permitted by law
- Our primary mission is educational and cultural, not commercial
17. Contact Information
For questions about these Terms, please contact us at:
Rooted in Naija
Email: contact@rootedinnaija.org
Address: 11469 Olive Blvd, #199, St Louis, MO 63141, USA.
Website: rootedinnaija.org
By using our services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms of Service.