AVELLA SIGHTS (U) LTD TERMS AND CONDITIONS – VOLUNTOURISM

By submitting your application to join Avella Sights (U) Ltd, you (the “Participant”) acknowledge and accept these terms and conditions, thereby entering into a legal agreement with Avella Sights (U) Ltd (“Avella Sights,” “we,” “us,” “our”), a registered company with number 80034947573854 and registered office at Old Portbell Road, Kitintale, Kampala Uganda.

Hours and Flexibility

1. Both the Participant and Avella Sights are expected to demonstrate reasonable flexibility in organizing working hours, subject to the limitations outlined in sections 2 and 3 below.
2. Upon joining an Avella Sights program, the Participant may be required to adhere to the standard working hours of the country (Uganda), although specific working hours may vary depending on the project, and individual placement. Typically, the Participant’s working hours will span a five-day working week and should not exceed 8 hours per day. The Participant will not be obliged to work more than six days a week.
3. As part of every 12-week project, the Participant is entitled to a two-week holiday period. During this time, the Participant may choose not to engage in work for two weeks. It is strongly recommended that this holiday period is taken at the conclusion of the placement. Please note that holiday entitlement is not applicable for bookings shorter than twelve weeks.

Accommodations and Food

4. Avella Sights assumes responsibility for providing accommodations and food for the duration of the Participant’s placement.
5. If the Participant opts to reside in the accommodations arranged by Avella Sights during the entitled holiday period, provisions for food and lodging will be provided at no additional cost, strictly limited to this specific circumstance.
6. Should the Participant wish to extend their holiday beyond the entitled period, advance notice is required to make the necessary arrangements. However, Avella Sights will not be responsible for providing food, accommodation, or insurance during the extended period.
7. In order for the Participant to reside in local accommodations during the placement, Avella Sights staff must obtain permission from and register the Participant with local police and immigration authorities. It is a condition of this permission that the Participant should not invite guests, whether local or foreign, to stay overnight at their accommodations without prior approval from the relevant authority. Failure to comply with this condition will result in disciplinary action, subject to the “Complaints and Disciplinary Procedures” outlined below.

Insurance

8. The Participant is required to obtain appropriate travel and medical insurance that provides coverage for the entire duration of their project and travels abroad. The travel insurance policy must include emergency medical coverage, including repatriation, personal accident, personal liability, and loss of baggage.

Complaints and Disciplinary Procedures

9. Avella Sights aims to be flexible, helpful, and supportive, especially when the Participant encounters difficulties despite their best efforts. Nonetheless, formal complaints procedures (by the Participant) and disciplinary procedures (by Avella Sights) are necessary. Please refer to sections 10 to 12 below for further details.
10. If the Participant has a complaint regarding the procedures leading up to their departure, they may contact the Director’s office at +256 784 046867 during Avella Sights office hours. We will address the complaint promptly, whether it pertains to our central administration or any of our Volunteer Advisors. While on placement, the Participant is expected to exercise a high level of independence and initiative in resolving issues that may arise. If the Participant encounters a problem or complaint related to their work, they should first discuss the matter with their supervisor at the teaching or project placement. If the issue remains unresolved or pertains to accommodations, the Participant should discuss it with the relevant Avella Sights staff member responsible for accommodations.
11. In the event that the Participant’s complaint is not resolved satisfactorily at the local level, they may escalate the matter by contacting the Avella Sights Complaints Department via email at complaints@avellasights.com. The Participant should provide a detailed description of the issue, including any previous attempts to resolve it. Avella Sights will investigate the complaint and provide a response within a reasonable timeframe.
12. Avella Sights reserves the right to take disciplinary action against the Participant in cases of serious misconduct or breach of the terms and conditions outlined in this agreement. Such action may include termination of the Participant’s placement and removal from the program. Disciplinary procedures will be carried out in accordance with the severity of the offense and may involve verbal and written warnings, suspension, or termination of the placement.

Liability and Indemnity

13. Avella Sights shall not be liable for any loss, damage, injury, or inconvenience suffered by the Participant arising directly or indirectly from their participation in the program, except in cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct by Avella Sights.
14. The Participant agrees to indemnify and hold Avella Sights harmless against any claims, actions, costs, expenses, or liabilities arising from their participation in the program, except in cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct by Avella Sights.

Confidentiality and Data Protection

15. The Participant acknowledges that they may have access to confidential information during their placement. They agree to maintain the confidentiality of such information and not to disclose it to any third party without the express written consent of Avella Sights.
16. Avella Sights collects and processes personal data in accordance with applicable data protection laws and regulations. By participating in the program, the Participant consents to the collection, use, and processing of their personal data by Avella Sights for the purposes of managing and administering the program.

Termination

17. Avella Sights reserves the right to terminate the Participant’s placement and participation in the program at any time, without prior notice, if the Participant breaches any of the terms and conditions outlined in this agreement or engages in conduct deemed detrimental to the program or its participants.
18. The Participant may terminate their placement and participation in the program by providing written notice to Avella Sights. However, in such cases, no refunds or compensation will be provided for any unused portion of the program.

Governing Law and Jurisdiction

19. This agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the jurisdiction of the Republic of Uganda, where Avella Sights is registered. Any disputes arising from or in connection with this agreement shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts in said jurisdiction.
20. Amendment of Agreement: Avella Sights reserves the right to amend or modify this agreement at any time. Any changes will be communicated to the Participant via email or through the Avella Sights website. The Participant is responsible for reviewing the updated terms and conditions and complying with them.
21. Entire Agreement: This agreement constitutes the entire understanding between the Participant and Avella Sights regarding the program and supersedes any prior agreements or understandings, whether written or oral, relating to the same subject matter.
22. Severability: If any provision of this agreement is found to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect.
23. Waiver: The failure of Avella Sights to enforce any provision of this agreement shall not be deemed a waiver of its right to enforce such provision in the future.
24. Assignment: The Participant may not assign or transfer any rights or obligations under this agreement without the prior written consent of Avella Sights. Avella Sights may assign or transfer its rights and obligations under this agreement to a third party without the Participant’s consent.
25. Headings: The headings used in this agreement are for convenience only and shall not affect the interpretation of its provisions.
26. Force Majeure: Avella Sights shall not be liable for any failure or delay in performance under this agreement due to circumstances beyond its reasonable control, including but not limited to acts of God, war, terrorism, strikes, labor disputes, natural disasters, or governmental actions.
27. Relationship of Parties: The Participant and Avella Sights are independent contractors, and nothing in this agreement shall be construed as creating a partnership, joint venture, employment, or agency relationship between the parties. The Participant has no authority to bind Avella Sights or act on its behalf.
28. Notices: Any notices or communications required or permitted under this agreement shall be in writing and sent to the respective party’s address as provided in the application or as subsequently updated in writing. Notices may be delivered in person, by mail, or electronically.
29. Language: This agreement is written in the English language, which shall be the controlling language for all purposes. Any translations of this agreement into other languages are for convenience only, and in the event of a dispute, the English version shall prevail.
30. Survival: The provisions of this agreement that by their nature are intended to survive termination or expiration, including but not limited to confidentiality, intellectual property rights, limitation of liability, and dispute resolution, shall survive any termination or expiration of this agreement.
31. Counterparts: This agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.
32. Electronic Signature: By submitting your application electronically or by clicking “Agree” or a similar button, you acknowledge and agree that your electronic signature is legally binding and has the same force and effect as a handwritten signature.
33. Customer Support: Avella Sights will provide reasonable customer support to address any questions or concerns related to the program. Participants may contact Avella Sights through the designated support channels specified on the Avella Sights website.

Please review the terms and conditions carefully. By submitting your application and participating in the Avella Sights program, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these terms and conditions.