2021-03-31-accounts - The Kindu Trust

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Trustees’ Annual Report For the period from 1[st] April 2020 to 31[st] March 2021

The Kindu Trust 1069574

Objectives and Activities

Objectives

The trustees shall hold the trust fund and its income upon trust to apply them for the following objects in Ethiopia:

a) To give emergency aid to the following vulnerable children
i. Orphaned and abandoned children who live on the streets, and
ii. Orphaned children who do not currently live on the streets, but who are at risk of being made homeless

by providing homes where they can receive regular meals, clean water for drinking and washing, clothing and accommodation, and protection from abuse. Each home of 6-7 children will have a house-mother who will be employed to look after the children in her care.

b) To pay the medical and dental treatment costs for children being assisted.
c) To make arrangements for the children being assisted to be enrolled at (free) local schools and to cover the cost of educational materials if necessary for their studies (e.g. exercise books, pens etc.)
d) To work with local Social Services departments to find suitable permanent family places for the children being assisted.

The trustees have referred to the Charity Commission’s general guidance on public benefit when reviewing our aims and objectives and in planning our future objectives.

Activities undertaken to meet our objectives

This report covers activities from April 2020 to March 2021. The coronavirus pandemic began to have a global impact just before April 2020 and our teams worked hard to continue our support under new circumstances.

In addition, in September 2020 The Kindu Trust merged with Link Ethiopia to form Together We Learn. All our activities transitioned to Together We Learn from this time.

The main activities outlined below were undertaken under The Kindu Trust from April 2020 and were completed under Together We Learn for the second half of the reporting period. The transfer of The Kindu Trust’s assets was made after this reporting period.

Student Sponsorship

Our sponsorship programme enables children from low income families to go to school. This year we supported 315 students through our sponsorship programme.

The Kindu Trust (1069574) Annual Report and Accounts 2020-21

The coronavirus pandemic this year led to a swift and decisive move from the Ethiopian government, announcing a state of emergency from April to August 2020. These measures meant that our students were not able to access education for the second semester of the academic year. As we sponsor students from disadvantaged families, most did not have access to TV or the internet to participate in remote learning initiatives. Most have illiterate parents, which made studying from home extremely difficult. In addition to this, many parents were impacted financially as there were fewer people around to support their small businesses and daily labour work was no longer available.

We took a number of steps to continue supporting students and their families throughout this time; we provided an advance on monthly sponsorship funds to enable families to bulk buy before prices increased. We bought soap, masks and other sanitation materials and our team ran a handwashing campaign for families in Gondar. Our Gondar office was open to students twice a week to access laptops, the internet and a printer so they could download and print lessons, worksheets and resources sent by teachers to continue their learning.

In August, the rainy season further reduced income opportunities already affected by the lockdown, so we ran a fundraising campaign to buy food parcels for families in urgent need and were able to provide supplies of oil, teff grain and flour to 587 families. Schools were reopened in October and our team acted quickly to distribute educational materials to students so they could resume their studies as soon as possible. Throughout the state of emergency our sponsorship coordinators remained in contact with families via phone to ensure their continued wellbeing.

Lijinete Women’s Network

Last year we began our Lijinete Women’s Network project. We trained 13 women who had experienced child marriage and motherhood to support girls in their community who are at risk of child marriage, assault or dropping out of school. Following leadership and confidence building sessions, all the women received business training and start-up loans to enable them to be financially independent.

The women met up every month to provide peer support to each other, discuss cases in their community and share experience from their businesses. The community meetings planned to engage large groups and community elders were not able to take place due to the coronavirus pandemic, but the network has had a remarkable impact on an individual level. At least two child marriages were actively prevented by network members and they provided support in various ways to a further 183 girls and women in their communities.

The network members faced a number of challenges in running their businesses as there was local unrest at the outset of the project. This was followed by the coronavirus pandemic and subsequent state of emergency, seriously limiting local demand. Nonetheless, the women have managed to sustain their businesses, repaying 64% of their loans so far and still managing to save 35% of the funds they had initially planned. Their savings will now be matched and once the loans are repaid, they will be redistributed to active members of the network, so that they have the chance to reinvest in their businesses.

Menstrual Hygiene Management

Girls in Ethiopia often lack access to sanitary products, information about periods, or even a private place to change. Cultural taboos around periods mean that it’s difficult for girls to learn about what menstruation is and how to manage it. This has a negative effect on their

The Kindu Trust (1069574) Annual Report and Accounts 2020-21

education as girls struggle to concentrate in class, miss school to avoid embarrassment, and sometimes drop out altogether.

As part of our work to support girls’ education, we provide reusable period packs and training about menstruation for female students. Days for Girls UK make the kits which provide a comfortable and reliable solution for girls to manage their period. Each colourful pack includes liners, shields, pants, and soap as well as waterproof bags for cleaning and ease of transport.

This year we were very happy to work with the Disability Coordinator at Azezo Primary school to provide 40 reusable period packs to girls affected by autism and blindness, as well as distributing a further 110 packs to disadvantaged pupils.

The Kindu Klub

The Kindu Klub is an educational club based in Gondar that provides homework support, access to learning spaces and organised play. The club provides a valuable space for children who attend state schools for only half a day, where they can be in a class of over 50 pupils, and whose parents are often illiterate and unable to help with school work.

This year we received an average of 97 pupils per week at the club where the dedicated youth worker arranged lessons to support their learning, provided homework support and led games, including weekly football sessions on Fridays. The club also provides access to computers so that children can learn IT skills, and a library where they can borrow fiction and study books.

Although the club had to close between April and August, in line with all schools and group activities, we resumed activities as soon as possible and ran a number of activities to support students during the pandemic. In May, older pupils who attended the club supported our youth worker and sponsorship team to set up handwashing stations around our compound, to distribute soap to families in the area and to deliver training on good handwashing practice. In June, our library facility was opened so students could borrow books and study from home, and pupils were invited to download and print worksheets sent by their teachers at the club. In August, we redirected funds that would normally be used to provide meals at the Kindu Klub to deliver emergency food parcels for families particularly in need.

In December, when activities were able to resume, we adapted the club space for socially distant learning, running sessions in smaller groups and with regular handwashing. We also took advantage of the extra space provided by an office move to build an outdoor canteen area so that students could enjoy their meals more safely under the shelter outside.

Playgroup

The playgroup is a space for pre-school sponsored children to socialise and play. Children visit with their guardians where they develop both by interacting with each other and with toys they often don’t have at home. Primary school starts at age seven in Ethiopia and few schools have kindergartens attached for earlier learning. The first years of a child’s life are vital to lay the foundations for learning in the future and the Playgroup exists to provide this, as well as support and resources for parents. 46 children a week attended the Playgroup when it was running this year.

Football Teams

The Kindu Trust runs football projects for girls and boys. The teams offer children the opportunity to express themselves and develop new skills outside of the classroom.

The Kindu Trust (1069574) Annual Report and Accounts 2020-21

We have been supporting a boys’ football team in Gondar for over 10 years. In 2017, we set up our first girls’ team - the first girls’ team registered in Gondar. Girls in Ethiopia tend to have fewer opportunities than boys because of concerns for their safety and a greater responsibility for household chores, so our girls’ teams are an important space for developing fitness, confidence and togetherness.

Our teams hold regular training sessions and participate in friendly matches and tournaments. Being part of the team can also open up opportunities beyond our expectations for our players, as one of the girls on the Gondar team was selected to play for Gondar University team this year.

Training sessions and matches were paused in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic. We were able to restart in-person sessions with a new team in January 2021. We thank Wild Frontiers for funding the girls’ football team project. This year they were able to fund repairs to the school shower block where the girls train so they can wash after training, as well as funding new kit and enabling them to have a meal each week. 53 children were part of three football teams in 2020.

Home Improvements

As part of our mission to enable children to succeed in education, we undertake projects wherever we can to improve the living environments of children. Adequate housing means security for the child, a safe place to live and a place to study and do homework. Many of our sponsored families live in very basic accommodation with few, if any, basic conveniences. We facilitate the construction of new homes, improve existing homes, install taps and electricity and provide bedding and other furniture. These improvements can reduce living costs and make homes healthier, safer and happier places to live. We built six new homes, installed six taps, installed four electric metres and supported six families to improve their homes in other ways.

Thanking Volunteers

We are grateful to have had the support of 6 volunteers in this period. Volunteers have supported in our UK office and remotely on specific areas of our work such as the website or evaluation of data.

Achievements and Performance

As a result of our work this year, the following has been achieved:

597 families received special help through the coronavirus pandemic.
315 students sponsored through education.
42 students accessed higher education.
26 students moved from primary to secondary education.
19 students achieved their certificate of secondary education.
3 students graduated from university or training courses.
192 families received medical support.
185 girls and women at risk of gender based violence and child marriage received advice or support.
150 girls received reusable period packs.
97 children received educational support at the Kindu Klub weekly.
36 children had access to our library.
32 children joined Friday football sessions.
53 children were part of three football teams.
46 children had access to meals, toys and early learning at Playgroup weekly.

The Kindu Trust (1069574) Annual Report and Accounts 2020-21

6 families had new homes built.
6 families had taps installed by their homes.
4 families had electricity installed in their homes.
6 families received funding to help improve their homes.

Financial Review

As of 31[st] March 2021 the total funds carried forward was £149,115 which is sufficient to cover our planned activities and continuance of our work.

Sources of Funds

All incoming resources are included in the Statement of Financial Activities when the charity is legally entitled to the income and the amount can be quantified with reasonable accuracy.

The charity’s principle source of funds is from sponsorship, which accounts for 70% of our income. Other sources include:

13% Gift aid
12% Individual donations
5% Grants

The Kindu Trust merged during this reporting period, all activities will be continued under our new constituted charity – Together We Learn, registered number 1165953, and The Kindu Trust’s assets will be transferred in the next financial year. The trustees consider that there are no material uncertainties about the charity’s ability to continue its activities under the new charity as a going concern.

Reserves Policy

The charity aims to have unrestricted funds of between three to six months running costs on deposit to meet unforeseen expenses that may occur in meeting its aims, and to bridge any temporary gaps in income. As of 31[st] March 2021 there was a net unrestricted funds balance of £41,648.

Principal Risks

At the time of writing, the conflict in Northern Ethiopia poses a risk to our ability to deliver our activities, to ensure the safety of our staff and beneficiaries, and our ability to run income generating activities in-country.

The trustees are aware of the risks, have contingency and risk limitation plans in place and review these at quarterly meetings, or exceptional meetings should these be required, under the new charity.

Structure, Governance and Management

Our governing document is the Trust Deed made on 15th May 1998. The charity is constituted as an unincorporated association.

New trustees are appointed by existing trustees.

In September 2020 The Kindu Trust merged into Together We Learn (registered charity number 1165953). This was also a merger of The Kindu Trust’s operations with another charity named Link Ethiopia (registered charity number 1112390). Merging into the new organisation enables us to operate as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation.

The Kindu Trust (1069574) Annual Report and Accounts 2020-21

Reference and Administrative details

Charity name: The Kindu Trust Registered charity number: 1069574 Principal address: 225-229 Seven Sisters Road, London N4 2DA

Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity

	Trustee name	Office(if any)
1	AshleyEngland	Chair
2	Maria Gabriella Otty
3	Elsabeth Gezahegn King
4	HollyMcKenzie
5	Jack Sharville	Treasurer
6	Matthew Stockdale

Name of chief executive

Caroline Walker, Chief Executive

Declarations

The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above.

Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees

Signatures
Full names	Ashley England	Jack Sharville
Positions	Chair	Treasurer
Date	28/01/2022	31/01/2022

The Kindu Trust (1069574) Annual Report and Accounts 2020-21

Independent Examiner’s Report to the Trustees

I report on the accounts of The Kindu Trust for the year ended 31st March 2021, which are set out on pages 8 to 10.

Respective Responsibilities of Trustees and Examiner

The charity’s trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity’s trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed.

It is my responsibility to:

examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act;
to follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act, and
to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.

Basis of the Independent Examiner’s Report

My examination was carried out in accordance with the general directions given by the Charity Commission. 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 any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a ‘true and fair view’ and the report is limited to those matters set out in the next statement.

Independent Examiner’s Statement

In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:

which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements (i) to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act and (ii) to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the 2011 Act have not been met; or
to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Alice Hearn ACA

Redhill, Surrey

28 January 2022

The Kindu Trust (1069574) Annual Report and Accounts 2020-21

	Charity No. 1069574 Period start date 01.04.20 To Period end date 31.03.21 The Kindu Trust Annual accounts for the period	Charity No. 1069574 Period start date 01.04.20 To Period end date 31.03.21 The Kindu Trust Annual accounts for the period
Statement of financial activities
Categories by activity Notes Incoming resources 2&3 Income and endowments from: Donations and legacies Charitable activities Other trading activities Investments Resources expended 4 Expenditure on: Raising funds Charitable activities *Reconciliation of funds:* Total funds brought forward *Total funds carried forward* *Total* Net income/(expenditure) *Total*		Unrestricted funds Restricted income funds Total funds Prior year funds £ £ £ £ 34,470 3,305 37,775 42,080 2,347 94,948 97,295 98,943 118 - 118 559 5 - 5 57 36,940 98,253 135,193 141,639 8,994 - 8,994 2,894 42,872 65,454 108,326 104,188 51,866 65,454 117,320 107,082 14,926 - 32,799 17,873 34,557 56,574 74,668 131,242 96,685 41,648 107,467 149,115 131,242

Balance sheet

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Total this year Total last year
£ £
Current assets
Debtors 15,434 13,899
Cash at bank and in hand 137,919 117,343
Total current assets 153,353 131,242
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 4,238 -
Net current assets/(liabilities) 149,115 131,242
Funds of the Charity
Restricted income funds 107,467 74,668
Unrestricted funds 41,648 56,574
Total funds 149,115 131,242
Date of
Trustee Signatures Print name
approval
Ashley England 28/01/2022
Jack Sharville 31/01/2022
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Notes to the accounts

Note 1 Basis of preparation

The financial statements of the charitable trust, which is a public benefit entity under FRS 102, have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) ‘Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2015)’, and Financial Reporting Standard 102 ‘The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland’. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, modified to include the revaluation of investments. There were no related party transactions for the period.

Fund Movement: Restricted funds are subject to specific conditions by donors as to how they may be used.

Trustee Remuneration: Trustees received no remuneration nor expenses.

Corporation Tax: The charity is exempt from taxation in respect of Income and Capital Gains under Section 505 of the Taxes Act 1988 and Section 256 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992 to the extent that such income or gains are applied exclusively to charitable purposes.

Note 2 Incoming Resources

All incoming resources are included in the Statement of Financial Activities when the charity is legally entitled to the income and the amount can be quantified with reasonable accuracy.

Note 3 Analysis of income

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Restricted
Unrestricted income
funds funds Total funds Prior year
Analysis £ £
Donations and Donations and gifts 17,328 3,305 20,633 27,908
legacies: Gift Aid 17,142 - 17,142 14,172
Total 34,470 3,305 [ 37,775 42,080 ]
Charitable Sponsorship - 94,948 94,948 94,469
activities: Projects 2,347 - 2,347 4,474
Other - - - -
Total 2,347 94,948 [ 97,295 98,943 ]
Other trading Merchandise sales 118 - 118 559
activities: Total 118 - [ 118 559 ]
Income from Interest income 5 - 5 57
investments: Total 5 - [ 5 57 ]
TOTAL INCOME 36,940 98,253 135,193 141,639
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Note 4 Resources Expended

Expenditure is recognised on an accruals basis as a liability is incurred. Expenditure includes VAT which is reported as part of the expenditure to which it relates. Charitable expenditure comprises those costs incurred by the charity in the delivery of its activities for its beneficiaries. It includes both costs that can be allocated directly to such activities and those costs of an indirect nature necessary to support them. Costs are split between categories based on staff time. Governance costs include those costs associated with meeting the constitutional and statutory requirements of the charity and include the costs relevant to the strategic management of the charity.