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‘For the good in the game’

AFRICAID WHIZZKIDS UNITED, GHANA ANNUAL REPORT

1[ST] APRIL 2023 to 31[ST] MARCH 2024

Girls from Savanah International Academy, Ghana, - youth advisors to WKU and our new

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‘Creating a level playing field’ programme’
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Message from Africaid WhizzKids United CEO

As we reflect on Africaid WhizzKids United, Ghana, in 2023/24, we are proud to share the accomplishments and impact of Africaid WhizzKids United and its partners. Despite the challenges and uncertainties of our rapidly changing world, we remain steadfast in our vision and mission.

Vision

‘Help every young person we work with realize their full potential.’

Mission

‘To utilize football as a vehicle to promote youth friendly sexual and reproductive health and rights services - by championing healthy lifestyles, a healthy planet and advancing gender equality.’

This report highlights our progress, successes, failures, and lessons learned in 2023 in relation to delivering on our mission. We outline our initiatives, programmes, and services that have had a positive impact on the lives of the youth beneficiaries we serve. We also acknowledge the challenges we face and the opportunities we have created allowing WKU to adapt, innovate, and grow.

WKU’s approach as an NGO is to have a small core number of staff who are a competent, innovative, and dynamic in their approach. As a result, we look for like minded partners to collaborate and work with to meet our objectives. We believe these partnerships are key to our current and future successes. Our partnerships take many different forms. For example, in 2023 WKU signed a ‘programme contribution agreement’ with Alinea Foundation - WEE North, Ghana. Both organisations share a common goal of empowering young women in Northern Ghana. WEE North provides industrial skills training to over 3,000 young woman throughout Northern Ghana. WKU provides these girls with sexual and reproductive health and rights services, including health talks. At the start of 2024, WKU and WEE North developed a girls empowerment curriculum together – ‘Creating a level playing field’ using football as a vehicle to promote gender equality and SRHR services throughout the region. As a result, WKU has trained over 100 WEE North young women and equipped them with both the facilitation skills and equipment to deliver the 5- module curriculum to girls and boys in all 53 districts of Northern Ghana. This year alone, WKU and WEE North hope to work with over 2,000 youth promoting greater gender equality throughout the region.

On a personal note, whilst WKU works hard to bring about positive change in Northern Ghana, it is becoming increasingly more and more challenging. Climate change is certainly taking its toll. This year, daily temperatures ranged from 39 degrees to 49 degrees during the ever-extending dry season. Population growth, urbanization, prolific use of concrete and zinc in building, tree cover cleared for fire wood, etc. has contributed to rising temperatures and diminishing water levels. As a result, we see food insecurity increasing, crops failing, rising food prices, and increasing hardships for local people.

Climate change is real and yet it often the white elephant in the room. WKU is committed to finding ways to support both people (youth) and the planet because if we do not, there will not be any need for SRHR services or promotion of gender equality etc. in the future. WKU has begun working with innovative partners who are working to address climate change and/or mitigate risk. One such partnership is Element15 - a Dutch start-up that has developed a community water treatment system called BAR. The

system can be connected to borehole hand pumps to make the water, which normally contains elevated levels of bacteria, safe for human consumption. WhizzKids united has provided support in terms of logistics, local knowledge, and community buy-in to bring Element15 to the project sites in far rural communities. Our support helps to keeps costs down for Element15 allowing them to reach more communities in need. Element15 then gives a financial contribution towards WKU’s work.

Equally, we are proud to work with BURN DESIGN LAB who design efficient, durable, culturally appropriate cook stoves -that all can afford. By designing clean burning cookstoves that produce fewer emissions and require less fuel, BURN DESIGN LAB aim to save lives, reduce deforestation, and promote the economic empowerment of women in the developing world. WKU provides a subsidized storage facility for stoves and shea butter roasters bound for rural communities and BURN DESIGN LAB. WKU will also assist in scaling up sales of these innovative fuel saving stoves.

Going forwards, we are still very much committed to finalizing and implementing our Football13 programme which uses football to promote climate action among youth and develop tree nurseries in schools for planting throughout the region.

At WKU we recognise that, these days, we are very poor when it comes to using social media to highlight and showcase the work that we do. We are therefore delighted to announce that Dynamic Sport Marketing, Netherlands, has very kindly stepped up to manage our marketing and social media going - forwards – pro-bono. Visit https://www.dynamicsportmarketing.com/cause marketing/ Through their support, we hope to reach more potential cause conscious businesses’ supporters, and philanthropists to aid our work.

Our work certainly would not be possible without our much-valued supporters. On behalf of Africaid WhizzKids United I would like to thank all our team who volunteer their time and resources – from IT specialists to SRHR researchers. We are indebted to the many companies and organisations that support our work financially including Meal a Day, Keen Attachments Limited, FIFA Foundation, Stone Steps Foundation, Common Goal. We would also like to thank the many individual supporters who donate regularly including Des Moore, Christopher O’Connor, Arthur Jackson, Mark Heffernan, Xenia Polyakina, Cliff Huffman and everyone at team WKU USA. Without you, WKU would not exist.

On behalf of team WKU I would also like to thank Miah Roberts - Master of Public Health, Global Health, New York University who volunteered with WhizzKids for four months within the programme management team. Miah quickly adapted to life in Ghana and played a key role in programme development, implementation and capacity building, as well as helping us develop new partnerships.

Finally, as this is by far the longest CEO message anyone has ever had to read from me, a huge thank you to all our Trustees at Africaid WhizzKids United, Africaid UK and WhizzKids United, USA. Thank you for the support you give us and championing our endeavors.

For the good in the game,

Marcus McGilvray

CEO & Founder Africaid WhizzKids United

WKU Programmes, Ghana

In total, WhizzKids United had a direct impact on 2000 young people through the implementation and delivery of its outreach and clinical services. These are outlined below.

WKU’s ‘Play-on’

Play-on, designed by WKU, has been very successful in supporting the Department of Education, Ghana kindergarten curriculum for primary schools. The programme successfully uses football as a vehicle with which to impart the key learnings of the curriculum. This initiative has successfully improved learning outcomes for children aged 5 years to 12 years. Teachers have reported significant improvements in school attendance and increased confidence among learners, as they enjoy learning through play. This year 320 children have participated in the programme. We have also shared the Play-on programme with our friends in Sierra Leone so that even more children can benefit.

Play-on sessions include:

All about me
My family 3. Uses of the body parts
My local community
My Ghana
All around me
Turning from danger
Picking your team
Values and beliefs 10. Knowing your opponents

This programme is made possible through the kind and generous support of Keen Attachments Limited, UK.

WKU’s ‘Girl on the ball’

Our award-winning Girl on the ball, 30 session curriculum uses football as a vehicle to promote gender equality and empower women and girls in Ghana. With support from the FIFA Foundation and Common Goal, the curriculum covers various topics such as communication, decision-making, menstruation and menstrual hygiene, family planning, and sexual health.

61 girls successfully graduated from the programme in 2023, and all of them participated in WKU's youth-friendly clinic for services like sexual health risk assessment, mental health screening, HIV and Hepatitis B counseling and testing, and family planning.

WKU also hosted a 4-day workshop at its WKU Carlos Guerra training centre. Seven WEE North graduates were trained on how to facilitate ‘Girl on the Ball’ and went on to deliver the programme in their respective communities.

Football3

Designed by Common Goal/Streetfootballworld, Football3 is a unique approach to playing football that emphasizes fair play, respect, unity, and peace while promoting mixed-gender football. With support from FIFA Foundation and Common Goal, WhizzKids United uses Football3 to discuss important topics such as gender equality, teenage pregnancy, child marriage, and to encourage young people to access sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights services at WKU clinics.

In 2023, 473 boys and girls aged 12-18 years participated in the programme and all of them went on to attend WKU's youth-friendly clinic for sexual health risk assessment, mental health screening, HIV and Hepatitis B counseling and testing. Two girls also started family planning at WKU clinic because of the programme.

WKU Health Academy

WKU’s adolescent youth-friendly clinic, reached a significant milestone in 2023 by providing over 2,000 sexual and reproductive health and rights services. The clinic offers a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental space for youth to access vital healthcare, information, and resources, enabling them to make informed choices concerning their sexual and reproductive health and rights.

WKU Outreach

Our dedicated nurse led outreach team engaged with 553 young people, extending our reach, and ensuring that those in need had access to WKU’s SRHR clinical services.

Sexual Risk Assessment

WKU nurses conducted 964 sexual risk assessments, allowing us to better understand the needs of our patients and tailor our services accordingly.

Mental Health Screening

WKU mental health-screening program (adopted from the UN) reached 83 individuals, underscoring our holistic approach to healthcare.

HIV Testing and Counselling

WKU provided HIV testing and counselling to 182 individuals, with 0 reactive results and 182 non-reactive results.

Hepatitis B Testing and Counselling

WKU Hepatitis B testing and counseling services were provided to 881 individuals, resulting in 4 reactive cases and 877 non-reactive cases. Those individuals who tested positive were referred to Tamale Teaching Hospital for additional treatment and care.

Pregnancy Testing

We conducted 79 pregnancy tests, with 13 positive results. It’s worth mentioning that none of the girls who tested pregnant were recipients of WKU programmes.

Contraceptive Services

WKU provided:

42 clients with combined oral contraceptives (COCs)
60 clients with Depo-Provera injections

Condom Distribution

We distributed 501 condoms, promoting safer sexual practices and STI prevention.

Vital Signs

Our team recorded 1,144 vital sign measurements, ensuring the overall health and well-being of our patients.

Blood Sugar Testing

We performed 136 blood sugar tests, contributing to our comprehensive approach to healthcare.

STI Management and Treatment

We managed 160 cases of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and provided treatment and support and partner notification.

Health talks

Staff gave health talks to students of local schools and WEE North girls throughout the year – reaching over 500 youth. Topics covered included my body, menstruation, personal hygiene and SRHR. WKU Social enterprise

Thanks to the support from Stone Steps Foundation, USA, WKU was able to income generate $1,700 in 2023.

In April 2022, WKU’s 'Out restaurant and bar' was forced to close its doors due to the ongoing economic challenges faced in Ghana. Rising food prices were a key factor. Instead, we focused on developing an accommodation suite and conference venue. Going forwards, we will continue to promote our conference facilities and accommodation and at the same time, gauge when conditions are right to re-open the bar and restaurant. We are actively pursuing opening a weekday lunch time kitchen offering Nigerian food to the many thousands of Nigerians living and working in Tamale.

GAME CHANGERS ACADEMY

In April 2023, CEO of WKU, Marcus McGilvray set up Game Changers Academy Ltd with three investment partners. Construction of the academy was completed in December 2023. Game Changers Academy collaboration with AD Merida FC, Spain, aims to develop professional football players over the following years, with the aim of launching their careers in Europe and the USA. Already our focus of nurturing youth football talent to reach the professional level is underway with the recruitment of sixteen boys aged 14 and 15 years. WKU is the corporate social investment of the Academy, and we hope within five years the academy will be able to meet the majority of WKU’s running costs – ensuring the long-term sustainability of our work.

WKU Capacity Building

WKU formed a partnership with WEE NORTH, implemented by Alinea foundation and in March 2024 trained 110 WEE NORTH women to be facilitators of our new curriculum ‘Creating a level playing field. WKU also provided all the football equipment they will need to deliver 'Creating a Level Playing Field' in all 55 districts of Northern Ghana, paving the way for enhanced healthcare capacity and gender equality in the regions they serve. The curriculum development was a terrific collaborative effort between staff members from Wee-North and WKU.

WKU Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E)

WKU implements pre and post surveys with all its beneficiaries taking part in WKU outreach programmes. The surveys focus on SRHR and gender equality. As a result of our programmes we recorded:

Improved awareness of sexual and reproductive health services in Northern Ghana.
Improved accessibility, feasibility, appropriateness of sexual health education and reproductive services among boys and girls in Jisonayili community.
Increased utilisation and dissemination of sexual health and reproductive education and services among boys and girls in Northern Ghana.
Improved gender and behavioural gender equity in Northern Ghana.

Key preliminary findings from the M&E of the girls who took part in the SRHR pre-post questionnaire are:

All girls who participated in ‘Girl on the Ball’ accessed WKU sexual and reproductive health clinical services.
No reported pregnancies or child marriage among programme participants
An increase in the awareness of youth friendly services offered by clinics.
Increased utilisation of youth friendly SRHR services.
Increased family member interaction with their wards on SRHR.

Key findings from the gender equity pre-post questionnaire:

Increased of awareness of the need for gender equity
Increased understanding of the positive role football can play in addressing SRHR and gender equality.

Challenges:

Despite the progress made in advancing sexual and reproductive health and rights, several obstacles continue to hinder the delivery of comprehensive healthcare services to youth. Some of the challenges include:

Inadequate resources and funding, restricting our ability to fully address the needs of young people
Persistent stigma and cultural obstacles, preventing many from seeking vital sexual health services
Remote and hard-to-reach areas, posing significant challenges to engaging vulnerable youth and delivering services"

Going forwards

Building on our achievements and lessons learned, WKU is poised to embark on an exciting new chapter. Our plans are designed to further our mission and expand our impact, addressing the evolving needs and challenges of young people through a collaborative and partner approach.

Strategic Objectives

Our strategic objectives for the coming year include:

Strengthening Partnerships : We will continue to cultivate and deepen our partnerships with local organizations, community leaders, and government agencies to enhance the reach and effectiveness of our programs.
Expanding Outreach : We aim to increase our outreach efforts, ensuring that more young people in our community have access to our vital services and resources.
Enhancing Program Quality : We will focus on continuously improving the quality and impact of our programs, incorporating feedback from our participants and leveraging best practices in the field.
Investing in Staff Development : We recognize the importance of our dedicated team, and we will prioritize their professional development to ensure they are equipped to deliver the highest quality of care and support.
Diversifying Funding Sources: To ensure the long-term sustainability of our organization, we will explore new funding opportunities and diversify our revenue streams. This is by far the most pressing issue facing WKU going forwards. The world-wide economic downturn has resulted in people supporting local needs. As a result there are very few funding opportunities for NGO’s working in and for Africa.

WKU would like to thank Meal a Day, UK https://meal-a-day.org/ for its unwavering support and commitment to WhizzKids United spanning almost twenty years. In an ever-changing world, Meal a Day support of the CEO and WKU programmes has been unwavering. We remain forever grateful.

Africaid

Receipts and payments accounts CC16a For the period 1/1/2022 31/12/2022 To from

Section A Receipts and payments

to the nearest £ - - 14,402 - - - - - 14,402 - - - 14,402 - 26,657 5,826 - - - - - - 32,483 - - - 32,483 - 18,081 - 10,423 - 7,658 Restricted funds	to the nearest £ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Endowment funds	Total funds to the nearest £ 3,338 - 14,402 - - - - - 17,740 - - - 17,740 5,180 26,657 5,826 - - - - - - 37,663 - - - 37,663 - 19,924 - 25,481 5,557	Last year to the nearest £
			3,130
			25,000
			14,925
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			43,055


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			43,055

			4,606
			29,332
			19,177
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			53,115



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			53,115

- 18,081	-	- 19,924	- 10,060
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10,423	-	25,481	28,794
- 7,658	-	5,557	18,734

Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period

Categories B1 Cash funds B2 Other monetary assets B3 Investment assets B5 Liabilities B4 Assets retained for the charity’s own use Signed by one or two trustees on behalf of all the trustees	Details Account 23037827 Account 53067025 Details Details Details Details Signature Total cash funds (agree balances with receipts and payments account(s))	to nearest £ to nearest £ 13,201 - 7,658 14 - - - 13,215 - 7,658 OK OK to nearest £ to nearest £ - - - - - - - - - - - - Cost (optional) - - - - - Cost (optional) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Print Name Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Fund to which asset belongs Fund to which asset belongs Fund to which liability relates Amount due (optional)	to nearest £ Endowment funds
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			OK
			to nearest £ Endowment funds
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			Current value (optional)
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			Current value (optional)
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			When due (optional)






			Date of approval

Africaid Registered Charity No:- 1045461 Accounts for the Year ended 31 December 2023

Independent Examination Report

1) Proper Book-keeping

The book-keeping records are kept on a computer spreadsheet. Dominique Tatibouet has continued the role of Finance officer. The financial records continue to be kept in the same manner on a spreadsheet, he has prepared the year end reports for the year end 31 December 2023 from these records.

2) Cashbook and payment controls

The following sample of payments in the cash book were supported by invoices and reconciled to the bank statements

Date	Payee	Description	£
03-Apr-23	WKU Ghana	Football for Hope	5825.87
19-Jun-23	Marcus McGilvray Salary	Salary	1898.63
02-Oct-23	Celtic Payroll	Payroll processing	21.00
10-Nov-23	HMRC	PAYE	517.84

Payments are made via electronic payment using the BACS system.

3) Income Controls

The following receipts were checked to ensure that the income had been received, recorded correctly in the spreadsheet and traced to the bank statements.

Date	From	Description	£
29-Aug-23	WKU USA	Donation	4509.06
27-Dec-23	D A Moore donation	Donation Meal a Day	1500.00

4) Payroll Controls

The Salaries to employees were paid correctly, the preparation of payroll being outsourced to Celtic Payroll services. The payments have been made after tax and NIC has been deducted and HMRC PAYE requirements have been properly applied. The salary and associated payments for December 2023 did not clear the bank until 2 January 2024 so will be included in the 2024 accounts.

5) Bank Reconciliations - Closing funds

An ongoing bank balance is maintained in the spreadsheets for the current Account. The year end reconciliation was reviewed against cashbook and the bank statements and no unexplained entries were noted.

Closing Bank Balances at 31 December 2023	£
Barclays Current Account No: 23037827	5543.21
Barclays Business Saver Account No: 53067025	13.92
Paypal account:	Nil

6) Year End Procedures

The year end accounts are prepared on the receipts and payments basis and agree with the cashbook. There is an audit trail from the underlying financial records to the accounts.

Marie Larby Accountancy Unit 6A station Road Brompton Ind Park Brompton on Swale Richmond North Yorkshire DL10 7SN

Dated - 18 September 2024

Marie Larby Accountancy Ltd Registered in England and Wales No. 8034989 Unit 6A Station Road, Brompton on Swale, Richmond, North Yorkshire, DL10 7SN

2022-12-31-accounts