Learn Shona
as a Family

Privacy Policy

Effective date: 19 June 2026 · Last updated: 26 August 2026

1. Who We Are

Dzidza Shona ("we", "us", "our") is a mobile application for learning the Shona language of Zimbabwe. This Privacy Policy explains how we handle information when you use the Dzidza Shona app ("App") on iOS or Android devices.

Contact: hello@dzidzashona.com

2. What Information We Collect

Information stored locally on your device only:

• Learner nickname or first name (optional, entered voluntarily)
• Learning progress (lessons completed, XP points, streak count, quiz scores)
• Achievement badges earned
• App settings and preferences
• Subscription status (Pro or Free)

We do NOT collect:

• Full names, email addresses, phone numbers, or addresses
• Passwords or account credentials (no accounts are created)
• Location data
• Advertising identifiers, and we do not use advertising or ad-tracking networks of any kind
• Photos, camera, or microphone data — the App does not request microphone access
• Usage analytics or behavioral tracking data

3. Third-Party Services

Some features send limited information to our backend and, in turn, to specific third-party services. None of these services ever receive your name, email, or any other identifying information — only what's described below.

Firebase (Google) — anonymous identity & optional family sync:
The App signs in to a random, anonymous Firebase account on first launch — no email, name, or personal details involved. This anonymous ID lets our backend tell real app installs apart from abuse, and is not an advertising identifier; it is never used for ads or tracking. If you use the optional Parent Dashboard feature, your device's learning progress is stored in Firebase's Firestore database under a 6-character code you generate and choose to share with another device — no other identifying information is attached. Firebase's privacy policy is available at firebase.google.com/support/privacy.

Anthropic (AI Tutor — Mudzidzisi):
When you use the AI Tutor feature, your typed question is sent through our backend to Anthropic's Claude API to generate a response. Only the text of your question is sent — never your name or any identifying information. Anthropic's privacy policy is available at anthropic.com/privacy.

OpenAI (Pronunciation Audio):
Most words are voiced by a real native Shona speaker's recording, bundled with the App. For the small number of words without a recording yet, tapping the speaker button sends that single word through our backend to OpenAI's text-to-speech API to generate audio, which is then cached locally on your device so the word never needs to be requested again. OpenAI's privacy policy is available at openai.com/privacy.

RevenueCat (Subscription Management):
Pro subscriptions are managed through RevenueCat, which receives your anonymous Firebase ID and purchase/subscription status from Apple or Google in order to unlock Pro features on your device. RevenueCat does not receive your name, email, or payment details. Their privacy policy is available at revenuecat.com/privacy.

Apple App Store / Google Play (Payments):
In-app purchases and subscriptions are processed entirely by Apple or Google. We do not receive or store your payment information. Their privacy policies apply to payment processing.

4. Children's Privacy (COPPA & GDPR-K)

Dzidza Shona is directed at children and families. We are committed to complying with the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) and applicable children's data protection laws globally.

• We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13 without verifiable parental consent
• The only personal data stored is a voluntary nickname/first name, kept locally on the device
• We do not use advertising networks or allow third-party advertising in the App
• We do not allow children to share information publicly or communicate with strangers
• When a child uses the AI Tutor, only the text of their question is sent — no name, age, or identifying information
• Parents can delete all data at any time through Settings → Data & Privacy → Delete All Data within the App

If you believe we have inadvertently collected personal information from a child under 13, please contact us at hello@dzidzashona.com and we will promptly address it.

5. How We Use Information

The limited information stored locally on your device is used solely to:

• Track your learning progress and display your stats
• Maintain your streak, XP, and achievements between sessions
• Remember your app settings and preferences
• Enable multiple learner profiles on the same device

We do not use your information for advertising, analytics, profiling, or any other purpose.

6. Data Sharing

We do not sell, rent, trade, or share your personal information with any third parties except as described in Section 3 (third-party AI services used for Pro features), and only to the minimum extent necessary to provide those features.

7. Data Storage & Security

All your data is stored locally on your device using your device's secure storage (AsyncStorage). We have no access to this data. Security is provided by your device's own security measures (passcode, Face ID, etc.).

8. Your Rights & Data Deletion

Because all data is stored locally on your device, you have full control at all times:

• View your data: Open the app → You tab → your stats are displayed
• Reset progress: Settings → Data & Privacy → Reset learning progress
• Delete all data: Settings → Data & Privacy → Delete all data
• Delete everything: Uninstall the app — all data is removed from your device

For EU/EEA residents, you have the right to access, rectify, erase, and port your data under GDPR. Since all data is local to your device, you can exercise all these rights directly within the App without contacting us.

9. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of significant changes by updating the "Last updated" date above and, where appropriate, providing notice within the App. Continued use of the App after changes constitutes your acceptance of the updated policy.

10. Contact

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, please contact us at:
📧 hello@dzidzashona.com

Terms of Service

Effective date: 19 June 2026 · Last updated: 26 August 2026

Please read these Terms of Service ("Terms") carefully before using the Dzidza Shona mobile application. By downloading or using the App, you agree to be bound by these Terms. If you do not agree, do not use the App.

1. Acceptance of Terms

These Terms constitute a legally binding agreement between you ("User", "you") and Dzidza Shona ("we", "us"). If you are using the App on behalf of a child, you (the parent or guardian) agree to these Terms on their behalf and are responsible for their use of the App.

2. Description of Service

Dzidza Shona is a mobile application that provides Shona language learning content including lessons, quizzes, dictionary access, AI-powered tutoring, pronunciation audio, proverbs, mini games, and achievement tracking. The App is available in a free tier and a paid Pro tier.

3. Eligibility

The App is designed for users of all ages, including children. Users under 13 years of age must have parental or guardian consent to use the App. By allowing a child to use the App, you confirm you are that child's parent or legal guardian and consent to these Terms on their behalf.

4. User Profiles

The App supports learner profiles stored locally on your device. No account registration or email address is required. Profile data (nickname, progress, achievements) is stored only on your device. You are responsible for all activity that occurs under profiles on your device.

5. Subscriptions & Payments

Free tier: The App is available for free with limited features as described in the app and on this website.

Pro tier: Pro subscriptions unlock additional features and are available as monthly or annual auto-renewing purchases, with a free trial period offered on the annual plan for eligible new subscribers. Prices are displayed in the App and may vary by region.

• Auto-renewal: Monthly and annual subscriptions automatically renew unless cancelled at least 24 hours before the end of the current billing period
• Free trial: If a free trial is offered, you will not be charged until the trial ends. Cancel any time before the trial ends to avoid being charged
• Cancellation: You may cancel at any time through your App Store or Google Play account settings. Cancellation takes effect at the end of the current billing period
• Refunds: All purchases are processed by Apple App Store or Google Play. Refund requests are subject to their respective refund policies
• Family profiles: A Pro subscription covers up to 3 learner profiles on the same device. Each device requires its own subscription
• Price changes: We reserve the right to change subscription prices. We will provide reasonable notice of any price changes

6. Acceptable Use

You agree not to:

• Use the App for any unlawful purpose or in violation of these Terms
• Attempt to reverse engineer, decompile, or extract the source code of the App
• Use automated tools to access or interact with the App
• Attempt to circumvent subscription restrictions or access paid features without payment
• Use the AI Tutor feature to generate harmful, abusive, or inappropriate content
• Misrepresent yourself or provide false information

7. AI-Powered Features

The AI Tutor (Mudzidzisi) and pronunciation audio features are powered by third-party AI services (Anthropic and OpenAI). We make reasonable efforts to ensure these features provide accurate and appropriate responses, but:

• AI responses may occasionally be inaccurate or imperfect
• We are not responsible for the accuracy of AI-generated content
• The AI Tutor is designed for educational use with children and includes content filters
• We reserve the right to modify or discontinue AI features at any time

8. Intellectual Property

All content within the App — including lessons, vocabulary, proverbs, illustrations, audio, and software — is the property of Dzidza Shona or its licensors and is protected by copyright and other intellectual property laws. You may not reproduce, distribute, or create derivative works without our express written permission.

The Shona language itself is the cultural heritage of the Shona people of Zimbabwe. We respect and celebrate this heritage and do not claim ownership of the language.

9. Disclaimer of Warranties

THE APP IS PROVIDED "AS IS" AND "AS AVAILABLE" WITHOUT WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED. WE DO NOT WARRANT THAT THE APP WILL BE UNINTERRUPTED, ERROR-FREE, OR FREE OF VIRUSES. WE MAKE NO WARRANTIES REGARDING THE ACCURACY OF LANGUAGE CONTENT, AI RESPONSES, OR PRONUNCIATION AUDIO.

10. Limitation of Liability

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, DZIDZA SHONA SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES, INCLUDING LOSS OF DATA, ARISING FROM YOUR USE OF THE APP. OUR TOTAL LIABILITY SHALL NOT EXCEED THE AMOUNT YOU PAID FOR THE APP IN THE 12 MONTHS PRECEDING THE CLAIM.

11. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Dzidza Shona from any claims, damages, or expenses arising from your violation of these Terms or misuse of the App.

12. Changes to the App & Terms

We reserve the right to modify, suspend, or discontinue any part of the App at any time. We may also update these Terms. Continued use of the App after changes constitutes your acceptance of the new Terms. We will provide reasonable notice of material changes.

13. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of Zimbabwe. Any disputes arising from these Terms or your use of the App shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Zimbabwe, without prejudice to any mandatory consumer protection rights you may have under your local law.

14. Termination

We reserve the right to terminate or suspend your access to the App at our discretion, particularly in cases of violation of these Terms. Upon termination, your right to use the App ceases immediately.

15. Contact

Questions about these Terms? Contact us at:
📧 hello@dzidzashona.com