worldwrite FRONT COVER worldbytes
----- Start of picture text -----
Reg Charity No 1060869
----- End of picture text -----
Home to WORLDbytes: The School of Citizen TV
Annual report & accounts From November 2020 to October 2021
worldwrite worldbytes
WORLDwrite
Report of the Trustees For the year ended 31 October 2021
The trustees present their report together with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 October 2021. The financial statements have been prepared based on the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the financial statements and comply with the charity’s trust deed. WORLDwrite is a charity registered with the Charity Commission under registration number 1060869.
Legal and administrative information
The Trustees for the period were: Dr Graham Barnfield Kirk Leech Dr Shirley Lawes
Registered office & operational address
The WORLDwrite Volunteer Centre Millfields Lodge, 201 Millfields Road
London E5 0AL
Tel (+44) 020 8985 5435 Email: world.write@btconnect.com Websites: www.worldwrite.org.uk www.clrjames.uk
Correspondent
Director Ceri Dingle
Independent Examiner
Jane Sandeman
Member of the Association of Certified Chartered Accountants
Bankers
The Cooperative Bank PLC
1
worldwrite worldbytes
WORLDwrite Structure, governance and management
The trustees who held office during the financial year are set out on page 1. The trust deed provides for a minimum of three trustees. When there is a requirement for new trustees, these are identified and appointed by the remaining trustees. Over the past year the charity was administered by a management committee comprising of:
Dr Graham Barnfield...................................................... ......... Trustee and Chair Kirk Leech .....................................................................................................Trustee Dr Shirley Lawes ..........................................................................................Trustee Andrew Hirst ...............................................Camera Tutor & Building Manager Ceri Dingle.................................................................Director & Acting Treasurer Fraser Myers .......................................................................... Production Advisor Kate Abley .....................................................Volunteer Production Coordinator Marisa Pereira ...........................................................................................Producer Rob Harris .............................................................................Film Director & Tutor Sally Millard .......................................................................Finance & Fundraising Steve Daley ....................................................................................... Camera Tutor Stuart Simpson ....................................................................................Accounting Toby Marshall ............................................................................Education Officer Tsedal Powell ................................................................Volunteer representative Viv Regan ............................................................... Advisor Youth work & media
The trustees annually review the risks that the charity faces. These include areas of risk relating to employing staff, the involvement of volunteers and work with young people to ensure best practice procedures, policies and insurance cover. The charity undertakes this review annually and takes steps to lessen any strategic or operational risks. In the past year this has included measures to ensure the premises, staff and volunteers are Covidsecure.
2
worldwrite worldbytes
History, objectives, activities of the trust and public benefit
WORLDwrite’s first youth programmes took place in 1994. The charity was officially constituted under a trust deed dated the 13th day of February 1997 and awarded charitable status on the 21st February 1997. The charity gained DfES recognition as an NVYO (National Voluntary Youth Organisation) in January 1999 and United Nations DPI accreditation as an NGO in December 1999.
The legal objects of the charity are to advance the education of young people between the ages of 13 and 25 inclusive, particularly by way of international exchanges and tours, in subjects such as history, geography, politics, international affairs, culture, languages, in interpersonal relationships and practical life skills so as to assist young persons in growing to full maturity as individuals and as members of society.
Historically, the charity ran global youth exchange programmes and educational projects often reporting back ‘on film’. While maintaining global partners, its global reach and internationalist principles, the charity gradually evolved to become the film-focussed educational entity it is now. Today, the charity works to realise its charitable objectives by providing free film and media training to young people and supporting them to research and produce alternative programmes for broadcast.
The charity set up WORLDbytes, a pioneering online Citizen TV channel to showcase and share the programmes made. The charity also produces filmed works and documentaries as specific educational projects. The charity works to maintain and develop partnerships to provide further opportunities for young people to improve their learning, future prospects and access work opportunities. These opportunities include events, debates, commissions, CV workshops, taster sessions, talks and master-classes.
powers or duties to which the guidance is relevant. The charity is fully compliant with the Charity’s act of 2016. It does not use professional fundraisers and seeks to comply with best practice in all fundraising activities. WORLDwrite’s charitable objects are enshrined within its governing documents and the trustees ensure that these are carried out for public benefit through:
-
. the maintenance of the charity’s unique ‘open door’ volunteer-learner policy to ensure access for all;
-
. providing free film and digital media training to young people who could not otherwise afford it;
-
. assisting young people to develop new skills and knowledge, to access the world of work, to become active citizens and to use their own concerns and ideas to research and develop educative programmes;
-
. developing and disseminating media based educational projects which challenge contemporary prejudice and stereotypes;
-
. promoting local and global understanding and the advancement of new knowledge to the wider world through programme making, exchange partnerships, documentaries and events;
-
. encouraging young people and volunteers to assist their peers locally and globally.
Public Benefit & compliance
As trustees we confirm WORLDwrite has complied with the duty in section 4 of the Charities Act 2006, with the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations of 2008 and Charities Act of 2011 to have due regard to the Charity Commission’s general guidance on charities and public benefit, when exercising any
3
worldwrite worldbytes
Aims and achievements of the past year
The staff team and centre facilities
Despite the uncertainties of Covid, for the past year WORLDwrite has maintained a small staff team consisting of a Director, a part-time Volunteer production coordinator, peripatetic camera tutors and a core crew of volunteers. At the charity’s volunteer centre in Hackney, London E5, facilities include 11 cameras, professional sound equipment, two AVID editing suites, a dedicated studio complete with sound proofing, a discussion show studio and set, blue screen back drop, autocue, a large screen for viewings and teaching, a projector and inflatable video booth for indoor and outdoor events and shoots.
WORLDwrite adapted quickly to the Covid restrictions, developing online Citizen TV training where volunteers made use of their phones and laptops to conduct pieces to camera, interviews and film contextual material. This way, not only were we able to still make short documentaries but we also developed and expanded our training methods. Since re-opening when restrictions were lifted in the late summer, we have effectively combined online and intensive faceto-face learning with practical shoots for uniquely crowd-filmed reports and documentaries.
Over the past year, having developed new ways of working, the charity worked to realise its public benefit commitment by fulfilling the following aims as set out in the previous year’s annual report, these were:
-
To continue to develop its Citizen TV project and provide quality volunteer learner opportunities in Citizen TV making and the production of programmes. This may take place online and, when possible, face to face.
-
To ensure WORLDbytes continues to give voice to alternative views and benefit the public through exploring challenging ideas and disseminating programmes which advance fresh thinking, are of educational benefit and use as campaign tools.
-
To assist unemployed young volunteer-learners with work experience opportunities, references and credits.
-
To continue screenings, dissemination and promotion of the charity’s major documentaries, where possible.
-
To ensure further funding is secured to provide quality Citizen TV training and volunteer-learning opportunities supported by professional staff.
-
To continue financial support to WORLDwrite’s Ghanaian partners.
-
To raise funds to maintain a volunteer centre and to maintain a small reserve.
4
worldwrite worldbytes
1. To continue to develop its Citizen TV project and provide quality volunteer learner opportunities in Citizen TV making and the production of programmes. This may take place online and, when possible, face to face.
This year the charity provided eight online only and six online and face-to-face six-week volunteer learner packages and shorter intensive training packages to 412 young people and older citizens from diverse backgrounds.
Volunteer-learners received free training and support in: researching subjects; professional standard filming on mobile devices and laptops; professional camerawork; sound; lighting; studio shooting; live shooting; live-streaming, interview technique; presenting; autocue use and digital marketing.
Alongside training sessions the charity hosted film screenings and virtual events including career workshops for young people to hear from professionals in production, film-finance and journalism. The four films and 64 videos from livestreamed events volunteer learners worked to produce over the period, reflect the ingenuity the charity mustered, to innovate and persist in the strange and uncertain conditions imposed by lockdowns.
Due to Covid restrictions, the charity was sadly unable
to welcome external partners or overseas groups or undertake its usual number of commissions to film conferences and events.
2. To ensure WORLDbytes continues to give voice to alternative views and benefit the public through exploring challenging ideas and disseminating programmes which advance fresh thinking, are of educational benefit and use as campaign tools.
WORLDbytes Citizen TV programmes have as their criteria: involvement and engagement of the maximum number of volunteer-learners possible; subject matter suggested by volunteers which isn’t already in the mainstream; programmes which are campaigning in nature; programmes which explore challenging ideas and are of educational benefit for the makers and the viewer. All 68 of the videos produced during the year have been uploaded to WORLDbytes and video hosting sites, including Vimeo, Viddler, YouTube and Daily Motion, to ensure their maximum dissemination.
5
worldwrite worldbytes
During the year WORLDbytes used its existing pioneering formats such as Views on the Streets as well as new formats and live-streaming to enable volunteers to raise their concerns and cover challenging issues of public interest. Examples of programmes made, include the following:
Spreaders
To mark the 1st anniversary of lockdown in the UK, over 40 young people collaborated online, to produce this uniquely crowd-filmed short documentary. The film reveals their concerns about the effect of restrictions on young people’s lives. Using web cams and mobiles, their tales weave a compelling case. Young people have been labelled uncaring, ignorant, super spreaders, their education degraded and job prospects severely curtailed.
Citizens Without Sanctions: the scourge of vaccine passports
Just as everyone was looking forward to an end to lockdown, to attending cinemas, festivals, clubs, sporting events and holidays abroad, the prospect of freedom was overshadowed by the threat of vaccine passports. Shot by a young Citizen TV
crew using mobiles and webcams we learn why it is important to take a stand against these divisive measures.
Freedom: Views on the Streets
As lockdown restrictions in the UK eased, an intrepid crew of young volunteers learning to shoot, took to the streets of Hackney in East London. They interviewed each other and the public on their hopes and fears for freedom. The crew gleaned interesting insights that are well worth sharing while getting a taste of what a Citizen TV production involves. Engaging with and taking fellow Citizens seriously we believe is a must and always an eye opener.
Afghanistan: views on the streets
At the end of August 2021 as the last flights left Kabul, a crew of young WORLDwrite volunteers hit the streets of East London to gauge public reaction. These interviews are telling, if only to be expected. Concern for those left behind in Afghanistan and dismay at the prospects for women are overarching themes. That this is a disaster of the West’s making is clear to all. The West, the majority tell us, should never have been there in the first place.
6
worldwrite worldbytes
Freedom Babbleon
On December 19th 2020 WORLDwrite ran an inspiring live-streamed all day event. Some of WORLDwrite’s long-standing supporters, friends, young volunteers and celebrities, a hundred in all, provided the world with their four-minute take on freedom. Some recorded, some live, they spoke, recited, and sang. Their 4 minutes apiece over a continuous 8 hours, covered all aspects of freedom and why it is essential for humanity to thrive.
Our Citizen TV School trained some of the younger contributors online, enabling them to make their own videos speaking to camera.
Many more listened in, provided technical support and kept the live chat going with inspirational quotes and requests for donations. Over 300 attended the event on the day which also raised an inspiring £5000 for the charity. Most of the resulting four-minute shorts are now available as valuable educative resources and are listed below. Volunteers worked hard to finalise these 64 videos to share with the wider public. These are all available to view on WORLDwrite and on YouTube. Apologies to the 26 whose contributions did not result in videos. This was not because of their content but due to their interrupted recording during livestreaming.
The Fight For Freedom by Brendan O'Neill
Brendan O’Neill, editor of spiked, was the launch speaker at WORLDwrite’s successful Freedom Babbleon. Brendan kicked off the day with what’s needed to recover our freedom, not least the foundational belief in our ability as free individuals to selfgovern.
Trust Us: Viv Regan at the Freedom Babbleon
Viv Regan, Managing editor of spiked, explains why trust is the backbone of freedom. A message first aired at the Freedom Babbleon and worth sharing every Christmas, everywhere.
He who destroys a good book, kills reason: 17th century lessons on freedom
Rob Harris is an editor, WORLDwrite Camera tutor & Management Committee member. Speaking at the Freedom Babbleon Rob provides inspiring and engaging lessons from history.
Self-Censorship and the Arts by Andrew Doyle
Andrew Doyle is a writer and satirist. In this engaging and insightful short, Andrew argues to brilliant effect that artists should trust their instincts, take risks and not give in to conformism. Self-censorship he explains, is dangerous and damaging.
No, Silence Isn’t Violence by Mick Hume
Mick is a spiked columnist & author. He explains why the slogan ‘silence is violence’ which became popular through the BLM protests in 2020, is a grave threat to free speech. He argues that it is perfectly possible to be uncompromisingly anti-racist and to support unfettered free speech.
Is the Enlightenment over? By Robert Tombs
Robert is Emeritus professor of French history, Cambridge University. Here he helps us understand the progress in freedom of thought and speech heralded by the Enlightenment. He explains, when we disapprove of what is said, we must as Voltaire did, defend the right to say it.
Lockdown and Dissent by Fraser Myers
Fraser is deputy editor at spiked; producer of the spiked podcast & a former WORLDwrite film producer. In his compelling contribution to the Freedom Babbleon, he asks us to keep on dissenting, questioning and probing and never just assume the government has got it right.
Why cancel culture is a threat to us all by Tom Slater
Tom is the editor of spiked and presenter of the Last Orders podcast. He explains that cancel culture is not just claiming high profile scalps, lesser known individuals are being fired. Leftists, he tells us, are denying us freedom of expression, and advancing bosses rights, a danger for us all.
7
worldwrite ~~worldbytes~~
Women’s Freedom by Ella Whelan
Ella Whelan is co-convenor of the Battle of Ideas Festival a journalist and author. In her short piece, Ella points out that the obsession with women’s bodies and safety is bad news for women’s freedom. Meanwhile, she explains, one thing that doesn’t get talked about is women’s bodily autonomy and abortion.
Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night by Austin Williams
Austin Williams is Director of the Future Cities Project and a Senior lecturer in Architecture at Kingston School of Art. In this passionate piece Austin outlines the devastating consequences of the loss of freedom over the past twelve months. He goes on to read Dylan Thomas’s famous
poem, an inspiring pointer to the rage we must demonstrate in order to be free.
11. Why freedom is not just another word by Professor Frank Furedi
Frank Furedi is Emeritus Professor of Sociology, University of Kent and the author of Democracy Under Siege: Don’t Let Them Lock It Down! In his contribution, Frank explains that freedom is a risky ideal as its outcome cannot be anticipated. Freedom has become subordinate to safety,
forgetting that safety without freedom is the kind of safety associated with being slaves or in a prison.
12. 1984-Newspeak by Penny Lewis
Penny Lewis is a lecturer at the University of Dundee and at Wuhan University. Penny provides a timely warning. Growing censoriousness and new hate crime legislation in Scotland are frighteningly similar to Orwell’s Newspeak. She reads from the appendix on the ‘removal of words’, a chilling lesson for our time.
How to go out during Lockdown: A spoof by Andy Hirst
This short spoof was created by camera tutor and art restorer Andy Hirst for the Freedom Babbleon. Only allowed out for an hour? Andy Hirst overcomes overzealous rule-makers in style.
14. Poland, abortion & women’s right to choose by Dominik Cromack
Dominik is a Film Studies & English Student at the University of Leicester & a WORLDwrite volunteer. In his short piece Dominik explains the devastating crack down on access to abortion in Poland and its impact on women.
15. The Scottish Martyrs: by Alastair Donald
Alastair Donald, Associate Director of the Academy of Ideas gives us an engaging liberty lesson from history. We learn of lesser-known Scottish heroes, radical democrats who, despite imprisonment and deportation, didn’t give up on the fight for equality and representation.
Safety & wellbeing vs freedom & reason by Dr Ashley Frawley
Dr Ashley Frawley is Senior lecturer in sociology & social policy, Swansea University. As safety becomes the ultimate goal across every aspect of our lives, a veritable industry of harm creation has developed Ashley explains. Sadly, she tells us, even people who oppose lockdown do so not on the basis of freedom but of safety. We forget at our peril she says that the most oppressive regimes argue that their draconian laws are for our protection, for our safety.
Stop the road closures By Niall Crowley
Niall is a former WORLDwrite Coordinator, a designer, marketing and publishing specialist. He is currently working with campaigns in London against draconian road closures and attempts to modify our behaviour. Niall explains that local councils have used Covid as an
excuse to impose controls on where we can and can’t drive, regardless of the needs and wishes of local people.
Women should be free to choose circumcision by Brid Hehir
Brid Hehir is a writer, researcher & social activist on Female Genital Mutilation/Circumcision (FGM/C). She is also a former NHS worker. Brid makes a compelling case based on years of research and work with affected communities that neither men nor women should be
criminalised for practicing circumcision. Freedom, Brid argues has to mean choice not legal enforcement.
8
Muhammad Ali-The Freedom Fighter by Joan Hoey
Joan is Editor of the Democracy Index at the Economist Intelligence Unit. Joan provides an inspiring 4 minutes on Muhammad Ali. He did not toe the line or do what was expected of him and paid a price for his support for freedom. In today’s unfree times, we should remember Ali's courage and like him stand up for freedom and above all be brave.
20. Great Quotes: A Freedom Babbleon short
WORLDwrite volunteers Rosa Fass and Saara Arab Cruz researched and compiled these inspiring quotes on freedom and free speech for the Freedom Babbleon.
Why free speech is essential for universities by Lee Jones
Lee Jones is Associate Professor of International Politics at Queen Mary, University of London. Lee explains why free speech is vital for the pursuit of truth.
Hong Kong protests & mass surveillance in China by Ava Majumdar
Ava is a media student at Goldsmith’s University, specialising in film and digital communications. For the Freedom Babbleon, which Ava helped organise, she tells us of the crackdown on protestors in Hong Kong. The suppression of free speech means the suppression of democracy and has parallels with Covid rules in the UK.
Border Controls and Santa by Steve Roberts
Steve is an entrepreneur from West Yorkshire and a former mine worker. He reports on his experience of the local border police who were back in action to stop people travelling over Christmas.
Censorship & South Park by James Owens
James is a trainee videographer and WORLDwrite volunteer and in this thought-provoking short, he highlights the censors’ role in deciding what we can watch. Apparently, we will either be offended or become monsters if we watch a popular cartoon that doesn’t conform to woke sensibilities.
worldwrite ~~world~~ bytes
To Whoever Stays At Home by Sabine Beppler-Spahl
Sabine Beppler-Spahl is Director of Sprachkunst36, Chair of Freiblickinstitut e.V and German Correspondent for spiked. Sabine shares with us a stirring message for today from Bertolt Brecht.
Real freedom and the realm of necessity by Norman Lewis
Norman Lewis is Director of Futures-Diagnosis Ltd, a writer & commentator. Norman explains why we need liberation from the realm of necessity. Quoting Marx he explains that freedom under capitalism will always be constrained and struggling for freedom allows us to glimpse a better society.
Censorship and Harm Under Lockdown: Eve Kay
Eve Kay is an award-winning Executive TV Producer. Her four-minute short on censorship is a vital one and close to all of our hearts at WORLDwrite's Citizen TV station.
A song for the Freedom Babbleon by Maeve Fitzpatrick
Youthful singer with a stunning voice, Maeve Fitzpatrick, brings us this fine rendition of Crazy Love by Van Morrison. Maeve was singing from home for the Freedom Babbleon.
An Englishman’s Home: privacy under siege by David Axe
David Axe is a Brexiteer, Brexit Party GE2019 candidate and Director of Invoke Democracy Now. David reflects with panache on the unprecedented level of intrusion in our private lives and curtailment of our freedom in this engaging 4 minute short.
Myth-Busting objections to free expression by Dr Terri Murray
Dr Murray is Director of studies at Hampstead Fine Arts College a writer and author of Islam, Identity and the Twilight of Liberal Values. Her compelling piece challenges to great effect many of the excuses used to curtail what we can see, hear & think.
9
9
worldwrite ~~worldbytes~~ Gambling with our freedoms by Jon Bryan
Jon Bryan is a poker player & writer on gambling. Jon argues to great effect that freedom has to include freedom to have a flutter and not be treated like children.
Bella Ciao by Elisabetta Gasparoni
Elisabetta is a teacher of Italian language and literature. She explains the story behind the popular Italian song Bella Ciao: canto popolare di resistenza e di libertà and ends with her own unaccompanied rendition.
Mind-forg’d Manacles by Gareth Sturdy
Gareth Sturdy is a Science teacher and organizer of the AOI Education Forum. Gareth reflects on lockdown London and the resemblance to William Blake's London and Mindforg’d Manacles in this short.
Fear of Freedom Alan Hudson
Alan Hudson is Emeritus Fellow Kellogg College, University of Oxford. Alan discusses contemporary fears, the quest for certainty and resulting conformism. He refers to pertinent lessons from Dewey, Fromm, & Kant in his short contribution to the Freedom Babbleon.
Dear Humza, love from Patti by Dr Carlton Brick
Carlton is a Lecturer in sociology at the University of the West of Scotland. Carlton gives us this rendition of an excellent number by Patti Smith in support of freedom of expression. He performs it as a letter to Humza Yousaf who is pushing Scotland’s new hate crime legislation which has been challenged by numerous artists, activists and academics.
Un doble, por favor by Alex Cameron
Alex is an Art Director, Graphic Designer and Design Writer based in Madrid, Spain. In his contribution Alex reflects on the ‘best of times & worst of times.’ He looks forward to real freedom when we can ALL meet together once more.
My top 8 banned songs by Hilary Salt
Hilary is the director at First Actuarial plc. Hilary talks about her top 8 banned songs. Her conclusion, with which we wholeheartedly concur, is Ban Nothing, Question Everything.
Freedom or Death by Kate Abley
Kate Abley is a teacher, the Volunteer Production Coordinator at WORLDwrite and a novelist. In her short piece Kate argues we have been made week and unhealthy by allowing the government to decide for us how best to protect our families and friends.
Viva la liberta from Mozart’s Don Giovanni by Klaus Alfs
Klaus Alfs is a sociologist, author & editor based in Germany. As he rips off his mask, Klaus tells us with great passion that the opera houses should all be performing Mozart’s great opera to put liberty back to the fore.
Why Technocrats Hate Pubs by Justin Smyth
Justin Smyth is a librarian and is co-founder of the Dublin Salon. Justyn tells us that, conviviality, good cheer and unchecked fun are the raison d’etre of the pub yet anathema to the parched mindset of technocratic elites.
Freedom – what Freedom for South East Asia? By Para Mullan
Para is operations Director at EY-Seren. In this engaging, vital and very insightful short contribution, Para gives us the low down on the draconian restrictions holding people back in South East Asia.
Je suis Samuel by Dennis Hayes
Dennis Hayes is Professor of education at the University of Derby and Director of Academics For Academic Freedom. Dennis argues with great passion and foresight that we must remember the sacrifice made by Samuel Paty, the French school teacher decapitated for teaching the importance of free speech. Without free speech Dennis reminds us, education is worthless.
10
worldwrite ~~worldb~~ ytes
De-coronalize: Smash the mental lockdown by Matthias Heitmann
Mathias Heitmann is a Zeitgeist critic, author & comedian. His entertaining piece has a serious message too as he tells us to smash the mental lockdown.
A poem by Bobby Sands by Kevin Rooney
Kevin is a retired teacher and author. He tells us about the ‘dirty protest’ in the Maze prison or H-Blocks, for prisoner of war status and the hunger strikes. Bobby Sands died on hunger strike in May 1981. The hunger strikers’ aims were to be treated as political prisoners not criminals.
The Human Impulse for Freedom Can be Discovered in the Most Unexpected Places by Rob Bashforth
Rob is a Consultant at CBMDC Building Schools for the future Ltd. Rob shares a story of the freedom discovered by a war-time fighter pilot John Gillespie Magee who wrote the poem High Flight. He was killed in an accidental mid-air collision over Lincolnshire in England in 1941.
The Tron by Marcus Gilchrist
Marcus Gilchrist is a university manager and citizen of Edinburgh. His subject ‘The Tron’ recorded for the Freedom Babbleon, reflects on the informal gatherings of the past on New Year’s Eve and what has been lost.
47. Indian writers on Freedom by Vivita Sequeira
Vivita Sequeira is a technology consultant and Head of a Computer Science Department. In her inspiring short piece Vivita shares beautiful and evocative poems on freedom by Indian writers to great effect.
Freedom and increasing mastery over nature By Rosie Cuckston
Rosie is the organiser of the Birmingham Salon. Rosie tells us how excited she was by the vaccine and more breakthroughs which give us more control over nature and potentially more freedom. Yet science, she explains has been routinely censored over the past year.
Dark Days by HorseThieves
The band HorseThieves produced this storming piece to make freedom rock at the Freedom Babbleon.
Scots Wha Hae by Linda Murdoch
Linda Murdoch is Director of careers at the University of Glasgow. Linda explains that the legacy of Robert Burns has been betrayed by Scottish elites who treat him as merely a tourist attraction. Burns night will never be the same.
The green taboo by Daniel Ben-Ami
Daniel is a journalist and author, his books include 'Ferraris for All'. Daniel explains that the consensus on climate and the environment insists we must make do with less. It brands questioning the apocalyptic vision of a climate emergency as evil. This as a result, precludes problem solving through technological innovation and human ingenuity.
A Plea For Free Speech by Frederick Douglass read by Manick Govinda
Manick Govinda is an Independent Arts Consultant & Writer. Manick gives us a shortened version of the brilliant plea for free speech by former slave, abolitionist, social reformer and statesman Frederick Douglass.
Freedom & Global equality by Millicent Kumeni
Millicent Kumeni, a market trader living in Ghana, explains the impact of lockdowns in Ghana and why real freedom requires serious development.
Samuel Paty by David Perks
David is the Principal of East London Science School. In his contribution David decries the stunning silence in the UK education community following the murder of French schoolteacher Samuel Paty. He urges educationalists to stand up for free speech and for us all to back teachers who do.
11
worldwrite ~~worldbytes~~ I Dream of Freedom by James Hirst
Talented actor James Hirst presents this excerpt from the play by Preston so convincingly we think he’s just doing facetime in his kitchen.
Freelancer freedom & the hospitality sector by Abi
Abi is a TV Runner & Trainee Researcher, a MAMA Youth Project Alumni and former WORLDwrite volunteer. Abi explains that despite everyone spending more time in front of their screens, a younger generation working in the media are getting financially screwed.
At the doorstep, Election 2019 by James Woudhuysen
James Woudhuysen is a visiting Professor at London South Bank University. James takes us to the real world and the streets of Carshalton and Wallington in the South London borough of Sutton where he stood as a Brexit party candidate. James reassures us that the democratic impulse is alive and well and living everywhere.
The Freedom of Useless Knowledge by Alka Sehgal Cuthbert
Alka is an educator, writer and researcher. Alka tells us that no knowledge is useless and we shouldn’t confuse developing knowledge with how useful it may be. There are those she tells us who fear us thinking too freely. Their attempts to curtail or control knowledge can only result in philistinism or authoritarianism.
An Answer to Modern Pessimism by Andrew Thomas
Andrew describes himself as a politically confused baker. In his contribution Andrew is honest and engaging, explaining that he'd always thought of himself as on the left, yet the left are the most anti-freedom. He ends on an optimistic note however.
What Does it Mean to be Free? By Saara Alicia
Saara is a Spanish and International Relations student at the University of Reading. In this short which she made at home for the Freedom Babbleon, Saara shares her thoughts in engaging dub poet style.
Without Freedom We Cannot Take Responsibility by Sally Millard
Sally is a Head of Finance in the charity sector and a WORLDwrite Management Committee member. She argues that our freedom to take responsibility has been eroded as in the case of child rearing.
Whose story is it, anyway? Identity Politics and the Right to Report by Dr Andrew Calcutt
Andrew is a veteran journalist and academic. Andrew explains that voices are growing louder which say that unless you have lived the story you are not qualified to report on it. This conflates the experience with the story telling he explains and is a dangerous mistake. The freedom to be more than we are, more than our own direct experience he concludes is one we must hold on to.
Fourth Wo rld by Lesley Katon
Lesley is a creative director, strategist and producer at Lesley Katon. In this four-minute short Lesley talks about the life and times of the travel writer Jan Morris and reads from some of her excellent writing.
12
worldwrite worldbytes
3. To assist unemployed young volunteerlearners with work experience opportunities, references and credits.
During the year we continued to provide references for young people seeking employment and college places. Sadly, the Lockdowns and COVID restrictions made it impossible for us to welcome groups of young volunteers from any of our partner organisations or to offer work experience at our centre. We agreed that some young volunteers could count their online participation as work experience. We were able to welcome 4 volunteers working in separate Covid secure spaces to our centre from May 2021 to assist the Volunteer Coordinator with promotion and administration.
During Lockdown we were able to help our volunteers gain film credits by developing our online film training packages. Using their phones and laptops volunteers shot two uniquely crowd-filmed documentaries to great effect. Several young volunteers were also involved on the production side of our Freedom Babbleon developing their live production skills. After lockdown more young volunteers earned film credits on face-to-face shoots, which resulted in further programmes.
Award winners
We are delighted that, thanks to the Jack Petchey Foundation, and despite lockdown, young volunteers were able to collect important awards for their endeavours during the year. The following young people, some of whom feature below, were achievement award winners voted for by their peers, for November 2020 to October 2021: Rosa Fass: age 22, Shuangqing Li, age: 23, Lily Russel-Jones, age: 23, Bushra Fatima, age: 22, Krista Bernhofa, age: 25, Nicky Detain, age: 18, Chiara Laferla, age: 17, Emma Stimpson, age: 18, Max Sedley, age: 16 and Maria Astardjieva, age: 22.
Their awards are richly deserved and the charity would like to thank them all for their contribution and congratulate them.
13
worldwrite worldbytes
4. To continue screenings, dissemination and promotion of the charity’s major documentaries, where possible.
1917: Why the Russian Revolution Matters
In February 2021 we made our feature length documentary on the Russian Revolution available freeto-view on our WORLDwrite Citizen TV channel and on YouTube. It has been viewed over a thousand times at the time of writing.
Screening & WORLDwrite Picnic
In August 2021 we held a Garden Party and Screenings at our centre. Due to COVID restrictions, we were only able to welcome some of the crews we had worked with, but not actually met face-to-face. We screened three short films shot by our young volunteers to 100 attendees.
14
worldwrite worldbytes
Every Cook Can Govern: The Life, Impact and Works of CLR James
Also in August 2021, we made our acclaimed and award-winning feature length documentary on the life and works of C.L.R. James available on our Citizen TV Channel. The film, which has been screened all over the world, remains a uniquely educative historical document. The charity felt that as DVDs are utilised less and less it was time to make it freely available everywhere. The film also screened in Brooklyn along with a presentation by Director Ceri Dingle.
5. To ensure further funding is secured to provide quality Citizen TV training and volunteer-learning opportunities supported by professional staff.
Breakthrough funding during the year came in the form of a Covid Recovery Grant of £20,000 from the Jack Petchey Foundation. The foundation’s extraordinary support and commitment to young
people allowed WORLDwrite to run 8 multi-faceted training packages benefitting 406 young people with over 103 workshops including 24 intensive face to face sessions and practical weekends. The charity is hugely grateful to the foundation for its ongoing encouragement and support for young people.
The Sadhvi Sharma Memorial Scholarship Fund
WORLDwrite Management Committee Member Sadhvi Sharma died suddenly and tragically in March 2021 aged just 39. Sadhvi made a tireless and aspirational contribution to the world over many years through film work and her writing. Her profound commitment to the betterment of humanity never failed to inspire. She will be missed by many.
During the year the charity established a scholarship fund supported by her family, to assist individuals interested in following a similarly inspiring and fearless path. The fund will provide annual paid internships for individuals interested in working with the charity and using film, TV and journalism to promote the best for humanity. By helping young people develop media skills as Sadhvi did, to share ideas that will make the world a better place for us all is we hope a befitting legacy.
15
worldwrite worldbytes
6. To continue financial support to WORLDwrite’s Ghanaian partners.
Despite financial difficulties over the past year, the charity has continued to support Ghanaian partners who have faced even greater difficulties during the pandemic with restrictions exacerbating pre-existing levels of poverty. The charity provides small donations every year to families in Accra, Old Fadama and the village of Tsibu Bethel. Pictured above are some of the families the charity helps standing in between Ghana volunteers, Patience Agbetti and Millicent Kumeni, who the charity also supports. A total of £1848 was sent to Ghanaian families during the year with special thanks to friends who contributed.
7. To raise funds to maintain a volunteer centre and to maintain a small reserve.
During the year the charity managed to win a small grant of £1000 thanks to the Small Charities Coalition and Betty Messenger Trust to make the charity’s Volunteer Centre Covid Secure. This allowed for improved Gazebo cover for outdoor camera training and group meetings, a hand sanitation stand and the installation of hand dryers in the toilets.
During the year 15 Volunteers organised the WORLDwrite Freedom Challenge to help pay our Volunteer Centre rent and bills. It was a day of minimarathons on Saturday 10th April where volunteers ran, walked or cycled 5 or 10k in their local area. They raised a much needed £4,098, with special thanks to Lola, Holly & Shaungqin pictured here.
The charity’s aims for the year ahead
-
The Trustees believe the charity has met its aims during the past year despite major setbacks due to Covid 19. The Trustees and management Committee have agreed the following aims for November 2021 to October 2022.
-
To continue to develop its Citizen TV project and provide quality volunteer learner opportunities in Citizen TV making and the production of programmes. This may take place online and, when possible, face to face.
-
To ensure WORLDbytes continues to give voice to alternative views and benefit the public through exploring challenging ideas and disseminating programmes which advance fresh thinking, are of educational benefit and use as campaign tools.
-
To assist unemployed young volunteer-learners with references and credits.
-
To continue screenings, dissemination and promotion of the charity’s films and videos, where possible.
-
To ensure further funding is secured to provide quality Citizen TV training and volunteer-learning opportunities supported by professional staff.
-
To continue financial support to WORLDwrite’s Ghanaian partners.
-
To raise funds to maintain a volunteer centre, upgrade equipment and to maintain a small reserve.
16
worldwrite worldbytes
Financial review and reserves
Income
During 2020-2021 income received by WORLDwrite totalled £87,692. This consisted of £42,603 in restricted funds and £45,090 in unrestricted income. The charity has continued to develop and utilise online methods and social media to attract donations through the website ‘Justgiving’ and through a PayPal account. This has helped volunteers to raise funds online. Donations and appeals raised £24,573 in the year. The charity’s Friends scheme raised £14,201 including Gift Aid claimed from H.M.R.C. The sale of the charity’s services to film events were largely prevented by COVID-19 and film and second-hand book sales via the charity’s Amazon store remained low although there was some improvement on the year before. Sales amounted to £6,316 in unrestricted income. The charity was delighted to receive continued support from the Jack Petchey Foundation through its Achievement Award scheme and its transformative Covid Recovery Grant. Grants received by the charity as restricted funds totalled £42,603.
Expenditure
Total expenditure for the year amounted to £76,219. WORLDwrite managed to keep the costs of managing and administering the charity over the past year down to £1,424 and are grateful to all staff and volunteers who have carried out this work unpaid and provided resources. This has allowed the charity to maximise funding for direct charitable projects in another very financially difficult year. The charity continued to cover volunteer expenses and provide for subsistence and travel while it was open, totalling £1,169 in the year, ensuring best practice in volunteer engagement and provision. The charity sought to cut costs where possible, while its centre was closed, but had to continue paying key bills for which no reprieve was available. These amounted to £22,685 in the year. The charity recognises the need to maintain a small free reserve of £5,000 to ensure it is able to respond to emergencies and safeguard the future of the charity.
17
worldwrite worldbytes
Statement of Financial Activities for the year ended 31 October 2021
| Incoming Resources Donations and fund-raising appeals Friends scheme Grants received in furtherance of the charity's objectives Activities for generating funds: Sale of tickets,DVDs,Books,Services Total incoming resources Less: cost of generating funds Fund-raising costs Net incoming resources available for charitable application Charitable expenditure Costs of activities in furtherance of the charity's objectives Exchange programmes outward & inward + partner support Film facility project- News channel Women Film Volunteer centre costs Managing and administrating the charity Total charitable expenditure Total resources expended Net incoming resources Total funds brought forward Total funds carried forward The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year |
Notes Unrestricted funds Restricted funds 20 to 21 Total 19 to 20 Total |
|---|---|
| £ £ £ £ |
|
| 2 24,573 0 24,573 16,966 |
|
| 3 14,201 0 14,201 13,933 |
|
| 4 0 42,603 42,603 24,076 |
|
| 5 6,316 0 6,316 3,532 |
|
| 45,090 42,603 87,692 58,508 |
|
| 6 205 72 277 216 |
|
| 44,884 42,531 87,415 58,292 |
|
| 7 1,848 1,848 1,658 |
|
| 7 12,188 38,074 50,262 35,866 |
|
| 7 0 167 |
|
| 8 13,159 9,527 22,685 21,115 |
|
| 9 1,023 400 1,424 1,321 |
|
| 28,218 48,001 76,219 60,127 |
|
| 28,423 48,073 76,496 60,343 |
|
| 16,666 (5,470) 11,196 (1,836) |
|
| 11 9,979 1,176 11,155 12,990 |
|
| 26,645 (4,294) 22,351 11,154 |
|
18
worldwrite worldbytes
Charity Balance Sheet as at 31 October 2021
| Notes | 31 October 2021 |
31 October 2020 |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| Fixed assets | ||
| Tangible assets 10 |
0 | 975 |
| Current assets | ||
| Accrued income *1 | ||
| Cash at bank & in hand | 22,351 | 10,179 |
| Net current assets | 22,351 | 11,154 |
| Current liabilities | ||
| Creditors falling due within one year: | ||
| Net current assets | 22,351 | 11,154 |
| Funds | ||
| Unrestricted funds: general reserves | 26,645 | 9,979 |
| Restricted funds | (4,294) | 1,176 |
| Total funds 12 |
22,351 | 11,155 |
The report of the trustees and financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and signed on their behalf by:
Signed Date: 2nd January 2022 Dr Graham Barnfield, Chair of the Trustees
19
worldwrite worldbytes
Notes forming part of the financial statements for the year ended 31 October 2021
(a) Accounting convention
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in notes to the accounts and comply with the charity’s governing document, the Charities Act 2011 and Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard for Smaller Entities published on 16 July 2014.
(b) Incoming resources
Grants, donations and all income are included in the financial statements during the period in which they are received. All grants received are treated as restricted income to be expended according to their intended purpose. Grants which are intended to fund activities beyond the financial year in which they are received are carried forward as a balance to be expended as intended in the following year. Income from donations, the charity’s friends scheme and appeals is treated as unrestricted income and is available for expenditure approved by the management committee unless the donor has specified the manner in which the income is to be spent, in which case it is treated as restricted income.
(c) Resources expended
(e) Fundraising costs
These include direct expenditure and overhead costs of staff and volunteers in the UK who promote fundraising, including events.
(f) Costs of managing and administering the charity
These represent costs incurred by the organisational administration of the charity and compliance with constitutional and statutory requirements.
(g) Funds accounting
Funds held by the charity are: Unrestricted general funds - these funds which can be used in accordance with the charitable objects at the discretion of the trustees. Restricted funds – these are funds that can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes. Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the accounts.
(h) Taxation
As a registered charity, the organisation is exempt from taxation on its income and gains to the extent that they are applied for its charitable purposes.
Expenditure is included when incurred. The majority of costs are directly attributable to specific activities. Certain shared costs are apportioned to activities in furtherance of the objects of the charity. Office costs and property related costs are apportioned on the proportion of floor area occupied by the activity. Staff costs and office costs are allocated in the same proportion as directly attributed staff costs.
(d) Tangible fixed assets and depreciation
All assets costing more than £500 are capitalised. Depreciation is not charged on historic artefacts as the residual value is considered to be higher than carrying value. Furniture and equipment is written off on a straight-line basis over their estimated usefulness of four years.
20
worldwrite worldbytes
2. Donations and fund raising appeals
| Unrestricted | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| funds | Restricted funds | 20 | to 21 Total | 19 | to 20 Total | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | |||
| Donations and fund-raising appeals | 24,573 | 0 | 24,573 | 16,966 | ||
| 3. Friends scheme | ||||||
| Unrestricted | ||||||
| funds | Restricted funds | 20 | to 21 Total | 19 | to 20 Total | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | |||
| Friends scheme | 14,201 | 0 | 14,201 | 13,933 | ||
| 4. Grants received in furtherance of the charity's objectives | ||||||
| Unrestricted | ||||||
| funds | Restricted funds | 20 | to 21 Total | 19 | to 20 Total | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | |||
| Hackney discretionary grant | 7,350 | 7,350 | 5,000 | |||
| HMRC JRS GRANT | 17,003 | 17,003 | 14,604 | |||
| Jack Petchey Awards | 2,250 | 2,250 | 2,250 | |||
| Betty Messenger | 1,000 | 1,000 | 0 | |||
| Jack Petchey Covid Recovery Grant | 15,000 | 15,000 | 0 | |||
| Ayn Rand | 0 | 2,222 | ||||
| Grants received in furtherance of the | ||||||
| charity's objectives | 0 | 42,603 | 42,603 | 24,076 |
5. Sale of tickets/DVDs/books/services
| Sale of tickets/DVDs/books/services 6. Fund-raising costs Materials/Justgiving |
Unrestricted funds Restricted funds 20 to 21 Total 19 to 20 Total £ £ £ £ |
|---|---|
| 6,316 0 6,316 3,532 |
|
| Unrestricted funds Restricted funds 20 to 21 Total 19 to 20 Total £ £ £ £ |
|
| 205 72 277 216 |
21
worldwrite worldbytes
7. Costs of activities in furtherance of the charity's objectives
| Partner support Equipment (items under £500) Depreciation (items over £500) Tutors & Freelance staff Volunteer support Wages/NI/Pensions Books/materials/filmstock Subsciprions/Software Screenings/festivals Centre maintenance/H&S/supplies Postage/phones/internet Stationery Insurance Costs of activities in furtherance of the charity's objectives |
Exchange programme outward Film facility / News Channel WOMEN FILM 20 to 21 Total 19 to 20 Total £ £ £ £ £ 1,848 1,848 1,658 3,201 3,201 435 975 975 4,042 15,242 15,242 5,636 1,169 1,169 851 25,863 25,863 18,032 0 31 1,837 1,837 4,245 131 131 167 12 12 59 625 625 1,154 93 93 0 167 167 181 947 947 1,200 |
|---|---|
| 1,848 50,262 0 52,110 37,691 |
8. Volunteer centre costs
| Rent, utilities & bills Phone and internet Centre maintenance/H&S/COVID setup & supplies Volunteer centre costs |
Unrestricted funds Restricted funds 20 to 21 Total 19 to 20 Total £ £ £ £ 12,027 7,748 19,775 19,048 139 102 241 0 992 1,677 2,669 2,066 |
|---|---|
| 13,159 9,527 22,685 21,114 |
22
worldwrite worldbytes
9. Managing and administrating the charity
| Postage & phones Volunteer support Training Printing Bank charges Managing and administrating the charity |
Unrestricted funds Restricted funds 20 to 21 Total 19 to 20 Total £ £ £ £ 156 156 375 77 77 0 0 135 867 323 1,190 810 0 1 |
|---|---|
| 1,023 400 1,424 1,321 |
10. Tangible fixed assets
| Cost As at 1st Nov 2020 Additions At 31 October 2021 Depreciation As at 1st Nov 2020 For the year ending 31 Oct 2021 At 31 October 2021 Net book value At 31 October 2021 At 31 October 2020 |
Unrestricted funds Restricted funds 31 October 2021 £ £ £ 0 12,127 12,127 0 |
|---|---|
| 0 12,127 12,127 |
|
| 0 11,152 11,152 975 975 |
|
| 0 12,127 12,127 |
|
| 0 0 0 |
|
| 0 975 975 |
23
worldwrite worldbytes
11. Restricted funds
| Hackney discretionary grant FORD BRITAIN TRUST HMRC JRS GRANT Jack Petchey awards Betty Messenger Jack Petchey Covid Recovery Grant Restricted funds |
Balance at 1 Nov 2020 Incoming resources Resources expended Balance 31 Oct 2021 £ £ £ £ 0 7,350 7,350 0 975 0 975 0 0 17,003 17,003 0 201 2,250 2,451 0 0 1,000 1,000 0 0 15,000 19,294 (4,294)* |
|---|---|
| 1,175 42,603 48,073 (4,294) |
*The Jack Petchey Covid Recovery Grant final instalment of £5000 had not arrived in the bank in time for inclusion in this report but arrived a few days later. It was spent in keeping with the budget agreed by the foundation in the correct time period. Hence it appears in these accounts as an overspend.
Restricted Funds
The nature and purpose of the restricted funds can be summarised as follows:
Hackney Discretionary grant: The charity was provided with a discretionary grant funded by the government’s Covid-19 business support scheme from Hackney Borough Council towards its volunteer centre costs.
Ford Britain Trust: The amount indicated represents the final depreciation on items of equipment (a camera) purchased in previous years thanks to the Trust.
HMRC Job Retention Scheme Grant: The charity claimed some support for the Director’s partfurloughed post from the Job Retention Scheme run by HMRC during the year.
Jack Petchey Achievement Awards: The Jack Petchey Foundation recognised WORLDwrite as a member of its Gold scheme and provided a youth achievement awards grant over the year. Awards are given to nominated young volunteers at WORLDwrite, who may decide how the charity uses the corresponding £250 grant award.
Betty Messenger Foundation (Small Charities
Coalition): The charity was delighted to receive this help to make it’s Volunteer Centre Covid-secure for the benefit of young participants.
Jack Petchey Covid Recovery Grant: The charity was able to recommence its programmes and Citizen TV training packages for young people thanks to this stand out grant support from the foundation.
24
worldwrite worldbytes
12. Analysis of net assets between funds
| Fixed assets Cash at bank |
Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Total funds £ £ £ 0 0 0 26,645 (4,294) 22,351 |
|---|---|
| 26,645 (4,294) 22,351 |
13. Paid Employees
13.1 Staff Costs
| Unrestricted Funds | Restricted Funds | 20 to 21 Total | 19 to 20 Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | £ | £ |
| 5639 | 33926 | 39565 | 23669 |
| __________ | |||
| 13.2 FTE in the year | |||
| Full time equivalent | 20 to 21 FTE | 19 to 20 FTE | |
| Director | 1 | 1 | |
| Producer | 0.75 | 0.25 | |
| Peripatetic tutors | 0.25 | 0.10 | |
| Editor | 0 | 0.15 | |
| 2.0 | 1.5 |
25
worldwrite worldbytes
Independent examiners report to the trustees of WORLDwrite
I report on the accounts of the charity WORLDwrite for the period 1 November 2020 to 31 October 2021 set out in this report.
Respective responsibilities of the Trustees and Examiner
As the trustees of WORLDwrite, a charity registered with the Charity Commission, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts: you consider that the audit requirements of section 43(2) of the Charities Act 1993 (the Act) does not apply.
It is my responsibility to state, on the basis of procedures specified in the General Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 43(7)(b) of the Act, whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of independent examiner’s report
My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in the audit, and consequently I do not express an audit opinion on the view given by the accounts.
Independent examiner’s Statement
In connection with the examination, no matter has come to my attention:
(i) which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements - to keep accounting records in accordance with section 41 of the Act; and - to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and to comply with accounting requirements of the Act have not been met;
(ii) or to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Signed
on this day: 4th January 2022
Jane Sandeman
Member of the Association of Certified Chartered Accountants 98 Beech Hall Road
London E4 9NX
26
worldwrite worldbytes
Thank you
WORLDwrite would like to thank friends of the charity and individuals for the invaluable support they have provided over the past year, allowing the charity to survive. The charity would also like to thank the volunteers who, despite Covid, have continued to support the charity and provide new insights.
For designing this annual report a special thank you is due to Niall Crowley.
27
The Sadhvi Sharma Memorial Scholarship Fund
This scholarship fund is being set up in honour of longstanding WORLDwrite management committee member Sadhvi Sharma who died in March 2021 aged just 39.
The fund will provide annual paid internships for individuals interested in working with the charity and using film, TV and journalism to promote the best for humanity.
In her early 20’s, Sadhvi Sharma became a WORLDwrite volunteer. She helped develop and launch its film facility, worked on films in Ghana, the UK and India, became part of the staff team as volunteer coordinator and remained a vital member of the charity’s management committee until her untimely death. Sadhvi’s unfailing courage and commitment to the advancement of our common humanity saw her
speaking up for modernization in Mumbai, challenging population control policies globally and campaigning for unfettered free speech and freedom in the UK. As an advocate of the most direct democracy possible Sadhvi believed in the capacity of us all to improve our lot and shunned the behind closed-door politics of institutions who seek to control rather than work for Citizens.
This scholarship fund will assist individuals interested in following a similarly inspiring and fearless path by developing media skills as Sadhvi did, to share ideas with the world that will make it a better place for us all.
To make a donation and make Sadhvi’s legacy matter visit: www.justgiving.com/campaign/sadhvisharmamemorialfund