AFRICAN SCHOLARS FUND (UK) UK Address: 10 Lurkins Rise, Goudhurst, Cranbrook, Kent, TN17 1ED Tel: 07952 106408 email: africanscholarsfunduk@gmail.com Charity Number 1070406
Please find herewith the Chairman's Report for the past year 2024 and a Statement of Accounts for the Year commencing in January and ending 31 December 2024
CHAIRMAN'S REPORT FOR 2024
The year commenced with a Strategic Review of the work of the African Scholars’ Fund in South Africa. This was partially instigated and encouraged by the Trustees here in the UK on the basis of concerns we have regarding the operation of the ASF SA. In particular, our primary concern is that the administration costs of running the SA operation have grown rapidly over the past 10 years and have exceeded our estimation of what is reasonable for a charity.
The Strategic Plan, which evolved from the Workshop, identified the first Objective as:
The ASF must not run at a loss. Accounts must balance each year without taking into account any capital appreciation of investments.
The Plan included a requirement to Report on progress made and a requirement to Report the final outcome. While some progress has been made we consider that further work is still required to meet our requirements.
In the light of this we have decided to take the following actions:
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To retain any further transfer of funds to the ASF in South Africa (not specifically “ear-marked”) until such time that the Trustees in the UK are satisfied with the progress made against the agreed Strategic Objectives of the Plan, and particularly in relation to the financial imbalance;
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To review the Constitution of the Fund to allow the wider funding of alternative charities supporting Education Advancement operating in the region, particularly in the Western and Eastern Cape Province area;
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To consult, via this Annual Report, with our Donors on the current situation and invite their views on the way forward.
It should be noted that we continue to work with, and encourage the ASF in South Africa to meet their own strategic objectives, but ultimately it must be their responsibility. However, it is our responsibility as Trustees of this Charity to ensure that the monies donated towards education support in South Africa are used prudently and efficiently, and in our view, this is not currently the case.
We continue to have fruitful discussions with the South African Trustees on this matter and we hope that it can be resolved in the near future. However, while it is very disappointing to have to report this, we consider that it is an opportunity to look at the work being carried out by other educational charities in the region as alternative approaches to supporting education.
The Revised Constitution will have, as the Charity Objective a statement similar to as shown below:
To advance the Secondary Education of Children and young people in South Africa in such ways as the Trustees may in their absolute discretion determine, particularly in ways which may result in the award to such students of financial or other assistance.
You are welcome to contact me with any comments or queries on this matter, either using my email above, or via the post to the address, or to phone.
I am pleased to report that our UK Charity, yet again, carries no charges or expenses this year.
Sandy Elsworth
Chairman, Board of Trustees, African Scholars Fund (UK)
| STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTS TO | 31 DECEMBER | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| INCOME: | Donations Received | £24,319.15 | |
| Interest | £110.34 | ||
| Sub total Income | £24,429.49 | ||
| EXPENSES: | Bank charges | £0.00 | |
| Administration | £0.00 | ||
| Sub total Expenses | £0.00 | ||
| AVAILABLE FOR DISBURSEMENT: | £24,429.49 |
The Charity has no assets or liabilities.
Members of the Board of Trustees, ASF UK
Mr Sandy Elsworth. Chair Mr Peter Roberts, Vice Chair Ms Ruth Roberts Dr Miquela Walsh