**The Bethany Children’s Trust Annual Report to 31 August 2023** 



## **Charity information** 

## **Trustees of The Bethany Children’s Trust (BCT)** 

Mrs Gill Bradley Mrs Ruth Ejvet (until January 2024) Ms Rose Ndolo Mr Geoff Walls (until November 2023) Mrs Hazel Whiting 

## **Chief Executive Officer** 

Lyn Edwards 

## **Governing Document** 

Trust Deed dated 23 December 1998, as amended 5 December 2003 Charity Registration Number 1073817 

## **Registered Office** 

Office 214, Hill House, 210 Upper Richmond Road, London SW15 6NP 

## **Website** 

www.bethanychildrenstrust.org.uk 

## **Independent Examiner** 

Archie McDowall, BA, CA, Stewardship, 1 Lamb’s Passage, London EC1Y 8AB 

## **Bankers** 

The Co-operative Bank plc Natwest Head Office Bracknell Branch PO Box 101 5 High Street 1 Balloon Street Bracknell Manchester Berkshire M60 4EP RG12 1DH 


## **BCT is dedicated to mobilising Christians to respond to the needs of children at risk.** 

Our vision is to see the Christian church leading the way in building a local and global society where every child is loved, safe, valued, nurtured and free to reach their God-given potential. Through teaching, training, advice, networking and financial support, BCT equips project partners to help restore the lives of marginalised and vulnerable children and to bring about changes in the attitudes, practices and situations that harm them. These marginalised children include those affected by abuse, exploitation, HIV, homelessness, disability and poverty. 

Cover photo: Jf Lefèvre/Adobe Stock 

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## **The Bethany Children’s Trust Annual Report to 31 August 2023** 

Charity information  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Letter from the Chair of Trustees  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 BCT’s approach to fundraising  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Commitment to public benefit  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 How BCT has benefitted marginalised children  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Case study: Harry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 BCT by numbers  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 APRECOM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 LVLE  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Transformation Resources  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Wukwashi wa Nzambi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Connecting with others . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Mobilising resources  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Income and expenditure  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Looking forwards  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Independent examiner’s report  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Statement of financial activities  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Balance sheet  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Notes to accounts  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Detailed Statement of Financial Activities  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Appendices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 

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**THE BETHANY CHILDREN’S TRUST REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2023** 



THE BETHANY CHILDREN’S TRUST 

## **Letter from the Chair of Trustees** 

Psalms 9:11 “I will give thanks to you, LORD, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds”. 

Another year has passed and I am so grateful to our awesome God for all that he has done this past year through BCT and our partners. I am sure you will find this annual report an encouraging read, because of the inspiring accounts of the positive impact God is enabling! 

I am back in the Chairperson’s seat after a year’s break. Thank you to Ruth Ejvet for taking on the role during that time. It’s good to be back – especially as it means I’m working more closely with Lyn and the staff team again, which is a joy! 

My fellow trustees and I are grateful to each of our staff members who give so much of their time, talents, and energy with dedication and faithfulness. Please do pray for them. 

We are also deeply grateful to God for His provision of resources through you our supporters. I’d like to thank you for your support through prayer, encouragement, finance, and spreading awareness of BCT’s work. Please recognise that you are an important part of BCT and very appreciated. May the Lord bless you. 

I also want to honour our wonderful BCT partners. Joyce and Henry in Zambia, Odeth and Emma in Rwanda, and Rev Aruna in DRC all lead so passionately, humbly, and effectively. Despite experiencing such adverse circumstances, including food shortages, they persevere and serve. 

Together, let’s look forward with expectation to all that the Lord will do in each of us, through each of us, and in spite of each of us! We trust God for His provision and ask Him to release to BCT resources of all kinds to facilitate all that he is asking us to do. 

## Gill Bradley 

BCT Chair of Trustees 

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## **BCT’s Approach to Fundraising** 

BCT is just as committed to ‘friend-raising’ as to fundraising. We see building relationships with supporters and potential supporters as an integral part of raising funds to resource our own and our partners’ work. Therefore, we take a no-pressure approach to fundraising. Our focus is on sharing stories of transformation, highlighting how we are making a difference to individual children and entire communities, then presenting opportunities for members of the public to support this work, if they wish to. We use printed communications, social media channels and presentations at events in order to share these stories and leave it to the public to decide what their response may be, if any. If an existing supporter wishes to cease receiving communications from BCT, they can contact either our own office or the Fundraising Preference Service and we will ensure that they no longer receive such communications. 

Our policy means that we value the supporter and their wellbeing as an individual as much as any support they may be able to offer BCT. It means that we offer a range of opportunities to engage with BCT’s work beyond financial support and take time and care to nurture positive relationships with them. 

A small number of supporters choose to go beyond giving funds to BCT’s work and become BCT Ambassadors. These Ambassadors give of their time, expertise and resources to promote BCT’s work in their churches and communities, mobilising prayer and even organising their own fundraising events. We maintain close relationships with our Ambassadors, ensuring they are equipped for their efforts, up to date with good practice in fundraising, and fully aware of how grateful we are for their efforts on our behalf. 

We also write fundraising applications to appropriate grant-making trusts. 

## **Currently, funding is provided from a variety of sources:** 

**Grant-making Trusts** – We have a small but committed group of grant-making trusts who support us on a regular basis. Other grant-making trusts support us with occasional one-off gifts. 

**Supporters** – We receive ongoing monthly donations from many supporters, usually by standing order and direct debit, as well as occasional one-off donations. We also have long-standing relationships with a number of churches and businesses who support us financially. 

**Events** – We occasionally arrange fundraising events, or encourage our supporters to join us in taking part in fundraising events arranged by other organisations. (We ensure that any external event meets our ethical standards and faith values). We receive funding from supporters who have raised sponsorship by taking part in such events. 

**Legacy Funding** – We receive occasional funding by legacy donations. 

**Media** – BCT also encourages fundraising through the promotion of its charitable activities via its communications media: print publications, online presence and social media. 

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**THE BETHANY CHILDREN’S TRUST REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2023** 



THE BETHANY CHILDREN’S TRUST 

## **BCT’s vision and mission** 

## **Commitment to Public Benefit** 

BCT’s trustees confirm that they have paid due attention to public benefit in their role of overseeing the work of BCT and are satisfied that all BCT activities meet public benefit requirements as defined by the Charity Commission’s general guidelines. Everything BCT has done in the period covered by this report has been to bring benefit to the lives of our key beneficiaries – children at risk – by influencing, equipping and enabling churches, Christian projects and individuals to respond to their needs, and to address root issues, beliefs and practices that harm them. 

## **Summary of BCT’s objects, as set out in its Declaration of Trust** 

- a)  To relieve persons, particularly children who are in conditions of need or hardship or who are sick, and to relieve the distress caused thereby in such parts of the world as the Trustees may from time to time decide. 

- b)  To advance the Christian faith in accordance with BCT’s Statement of Beliefs in such parts of the world as the Trustees may from time to time decide. 

- c)  To advance education in accordance with Christian principles by such means as the Trustees may consider appropriate. 

## **BCT’s Vision…** 

## **BCT’s Mission…** 

…is to equip the Christian Church to lead the way in building a local and global society where every child is loved, valued, safe, nurtured and free to reach their God-given potential. 

…is to mobilise a Christian response to the needs of the most marginalised children. We work wherever God leads us, strengthening the capacity of churches to lead their communities in caring for children and addressing the roots of beliefs, practices and circumstances that harm them. We work with churches directly, through local project partners and by networking and collaborating with other organisations. 

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**How BCT has benefited marginalised children** 

## **We assisted churches and Christian organisations to develop initiatives to bring about holistic transformation in the lives of vulnerable children** 

BCT exists to transform the lives of vulnerable children. We believe wholeheartedly that every child is created in God’s image and therefore inherently precious. And we believe that every child should be loved, cared for and enabled to fulfil their God-given potential. Therefore, we actively seek out the most marginalised of children – the ones who slip through the net, who are neglected by their communities and whose suffering goes unnoticed because they are hidden away or overlooked – and we act to see their lives changed, practically, socially, emotionally and spiritually. 

We believe in the Church. We believe churches are uniquely placed to influence change on a local basis, and that they understand their communities, their children and the most important local issues far better than we do. So, local churches are our focus. We seek to equip churches to reach their own communities, rather than doing it for them, so that they will continue to influence godly transformation even many years into the future. We connect with and equip churches directly through our _Transformation Resources_ , and indirectly through our project partners. 

## **Enabling projects to develop strategically and according to good practice** 

Our project partners are extraordinary people. They do incredible work, often in the harshest of circumstances and with minimal material reward. They are determined, courageous and deeply committed. We’re privileged to work with them, fight battles together and see young lives changed. However, a significant part of our deep commitment to our partners is to identify ways in which their already excellent work could be strengthened. So, drawing on over 24 years’ experience, we work alongside our partners to help them in formulating strategies which will enable them to meet their communities’ most acute needs. We help them to make the most of the resources and personnel available to them, and to operate in line with best practice in safeguarding and project management, in order to reach and serve marginalised children as effectively as possible. 

## **Enabling projects to monitor and evaluate their work and to be accountable** 

Monitoring and evaluation are vital in helping our UK team to understand our partners’ work. So, we equip our partners to report on their own work: to highlight the measurable outcomes from their efforts and show which areas of their work are most effective and fruitful. Their quarterly 

monitoring and evaluation reports help us to offer our partners specific advice on how to refine their approach. And partly based on our partners’ reports, we work with each of them to devise an annual plan and budget which supports and emphasises the most effective areas of their work. 

## **Creating resources to challenge harmful attitudes and beliefs** 

BCT has a range of resources that respond to issues that can lead to the abuse and neglect of children and to strengthen families and communities. Our resources address pressure points, such as food insecurity, physical and mental health, disability, stigma and the pressure on family relationships, with a view to helping individuals, families and communities to thrive, because that is how children are also best able to thrive. These are issues that have been raised both within the communities we serve and in our wider networks, so we know that we are responding to felt needs. 

Providing local churches with resources to train their communities makes important ideas accessible to a much wider audience than if we simply delivered the training ourselves. It has the potential to exponentially increase our impact. 

These insights have led us to create _Transformation Resources_ . These resources address child abuse by unpacking the attitudes and beliefs which cause it. ‘Transform Disability’ addresses misconceptions about disability and disabled children, ‘Transform Families’ encourages positive parenting by discussing common views on family life, and ‘Let’s Grow!’ tackles food insecurity through addressing lack of knowledge about nutrition and agriculture. BCT staff have also been involved in creating resources for the Stop Child Witch Accusations coalition (see page 21), which explore biblical perspectives on physical and mental health, sickness and healing. 

All of the completed _Transformation Resources_ material is available for download, absolutely free, through our website. Each element of the resources is piloted through trusted churches and Christian agencies – including our project partners – before being released for general use. 

## **Provision of training** 

As part of our commitment to strengthen and add value to our partners’ work, we help them to identify areas in which they would benefit from training, and we then enable them 

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**THE BETHANY CHILDREN’S TRUST REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2023** 



THE BETHANY CHILDREN’S TRUST 

HOW BCT HAS BENEFITED MARGINALISED CHILDREN 

to access training which meets their needs. This either involves delivering the training ourselves or, where the training requires a specialism that we do not have within the organisation, helping our partners to access training from an alternative provider. For example, the Tanari Trust has delivered training in creating positive relationships for APRECOM staff and volunteers, to strengthen and inform their work with children and teenagers. 

In July we were able to carry out our first overseas project visit since before the pandemic. We travelled to Rwanda and spent time with APRECOM, which is based in Kigali, to monitor and evaluate their work, and to discuss their plans and priorities for the year ahead. We were able to see the work on the ground among teenagers, families of children with disabilities, and those affected by HIV/AIDS. We were also able to deliver training to around 100 church leaders, including some living and working in the UNHCR refugee camp in the Bukora area, in trauma and building resilience in families. The APRECOM team benefitted from bespoke training in responding to trauma. FCO advice against all but essential travel to Goma, DR Congo, meant that we were not able to visit LVLE in-country, but the shared border between Rwanda and DR Congo meant that the LVLE team could cross into Rwanda and we were able to meet in Gisenyi. The primary focus of the time in Gisenyi was to provide in-depth training for the team in trauma in children, and intervention strategies which promote healing and recovery. We were also able to review LVLE’s work and discuss their plans and priorities for the future. 

## **Enabling networking** 

Our partners’ work can often be enhanced by connecting with other organisations and individuals who support marginalised children: either agencies who work in a similar 

geographical area to them, or who might be further afield but focus on similar issues. Whenever we become aware of a potentially fruitful connection, we encourage our partners to pursue it. In this way, both parties can benefit from sharing ideas and experiences. 

Similarly, we help our partners to identify potential new financial backers, so that they will be better resourced. In the end, we aim for all of our partners to reach a stage where they no longer need BCT’s support and are able to operate independently. 

## **Enabling projects to access information resources** 

Our UK team often has access to professional networks and information which our project partners do not. Therefore, we ensure that our partners can access important and useful resources by emailing them electronic documents or links to websites where such documents are available. 

## **Provision of finances, encouragement and prayer support** 

We often marvel at how much our partners can achieve on a shoestring budget. However, they still need financial support in order to operate. We work closely with each of our partners to identify their most strategically important activities. We then indicate at the start of the year which activities we intend to fund and at what level, to enable our partners to plan. Although this funding is subject to fundraising, we are invariably able to meet our commitments in this way. 

Alongside the provision of funds, we also support our partners in regular prayer and in ongoing encouragement, guidance and advice through email and WhatsApp contact. 

## **BCT supports and partners with projects that are:** 

## 

   - Willing to collaborate and network with others. 

- Community-based, church-led or parachurch, if working significantly with churches. 

   - Willing to be accountable through monitoring and evaluation and impact measurement of their work, good financial reporting and good, open communication. 

- Working with the most marginalised children, who are significantly at risk in the context within which they live, due to abuse and prevailing circumstances. 

   - Actively raising or desire to raise awareness within churches and communities of an issue/issues that are harmful to children. 

- Addressing roots of harmful beliefs, attitudes and practices. 

   - Willing to progress and develop. 

- Equipping local people to meet their own needs. 

   - Willing to be a voice on behalf of marginalised children or those at risk of abuse and/or to enable the children’s voices to be heard directly. 

- Working with replicable and sustainable models (or desire to). 

- Working with locally appropriate solutions to local problems. 

   - In under-resourced, neglected or isolated areas where marginalised children are exceptionally vulnerable and where there is little service provision. 

- Focussing on Child Protection and Children’s Rights. Emphasising the empowerment and support of parents/guardians and young people. 

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HOW BCT HAS BENEFITED MARGINALISED CHILDREN 


Photo: Zambia, Yoreh/Adobe Stock 

## **CASE STUDY Case study: Harry** 

Harry spent most of his 11 years hidden away at home. He was born with cerebral palsy and is unable to walk. He could not go outside, join in activities, socialise or be part of his community. Harry started going to a support group in Kabala, which is in Kitwe, Zambia. There he has met other children, received physiotherapy, and has been given a wheelchair. Harry has learnt to push himself around, giving him independence that he did not have before. He and his family are able to go to church together. He has just been accepted at a Special School in Zambia. 

## **CASE STUDY** 

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**THE BETHANY CHILDREN’S TRUST REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2023** 



THE BETHANY CHILDREN’S TRUST 

## **BCT by numbers** 


**----- Start of picture text -----**<br>
Between and children affected by HIV are members of<br>175 200 Inshuti Nziza clubs in Rwanda.<br>Between and marginalised teenage girls have been provided<br>30 35 with mentoring and life skills training.<br>church leaders in Nyamata attended quarterly<br>302 training in child protection and disability awareness.<br>new  new Synergie cells were trained to teach their communities<br>30 leaders of 6 to address abuse related to accusations of witchcraft.<br>Up to  street-living children have been enabled to<br>40 return to their families.<br>new gardens have been planted in Goma and the<br>80+ surrounding area, to improve families’ nutrition.<br>children per quarter have  received support shoes<br>An average of<br>6 received wheelchairs and 50 from Wukwashi.<br>children with disabilities per quarter<br>364  receive physiotherapy<br>weekly support groups for Zambian children<br>16 living with disabilities, and their parents.<br>children per quarter have 1:1 support through<br>140 the Wukwashi Mentorship Programme.<br>**----- End of picture text -----**<br>


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PROJECTS SUPPORTED BY BCT 

## **APRECOM** 

## **(AIDS Prevention Care and Outreach Ministry)** 

**Based in: Kigali, Rwanda Run by: Youth With A Mission (YWAM) Rwanda Partnered with BCT since: 2002 Supports: Children affected by HIV/AIDS Children living with disabilities** 

## **Context** 

APRECOM was established in response to the AIDS epidemic in Rwanda. Millions of Rwandans had been diagnosed HIV+ but had little or no access to support, advice or medication. APRECOM has addressed these needs since its inception, and continues to do so, through children’s clubs; advice, counselling and vocational guidance for young people; and support groups and practical helps for parents. 

More recently, APRECOM has become aware of the huge numbers of Rwandan children with disabilities, and the lack of understanding and access to essential services which they contend with on a daily basis. APRECOM has therefore added a second strand to its work, advocating for the rights and needs of disabled children and equipping churches to serve and welcome children with disabilities in their own communities. 

APRECOM has previously worked extensively in Kigali, but the initiatives there are now self-sustaining, allowing the team to focus its resources in other areas of the country, especially Bukora, Bugesera and Kajera. 

## **Key activities** 

- **Training churches to care for children** – Churches in Bugesera and Kigali have received quarterly training in child protection and the inclusion of children with disabilities. These churches have, in turn, been encouraged to pass on their training to others. 


Photo: Odeth 

   - **Combatting child abuse** – APRECOM has provided the ‘Touch Talk’ resource to churches in Bugesera and Kajera, to help them empower children to recognise and report abuse. 

   - **Inspiring young people with HIV** – The Inshuti Nziza Troop for young people, living with HIV. Through the Troop, APRECOM offers vocational skills, practical advice on managing their condition, and encouragement to live in hope and make wise life choices. The Inshuti Nziza Clubs provide vital support for over a 100 younger children affected by HIV. 

   - **Supporting adults with HIV** – APRECOM runs support groups for HIV+ adults, in Kajera, Bukora and Kigali. These groups are a source of advice and spiritual encouragement. 

- **Outreach to children with disabilities** – Bugesera churches are now identifying children with disabilities in their communities and offering their families help and support. This support includes regular gatherings for such families. 

- **Supporting vulnerable teenage girls** – The Queens Group welcomes on average 30-35 vulnerable teenage girls and teaches them confidence, self-respect and vocational skills. This is vital in a context where teenage girls are often drawn into abusive relationships or fall pregnant. 

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THE BETHANY CHILDREN’S TRUST 

- **Providing essential food** – The majority of the families in APRECOM’s network either rely on regular food supplies in order to take antiretroviral medication, or have had their livelihoods jeopardised by COVID, or both. Similarly, children with disabilities often struggle to absorb nutrients, so they have a particular need for regular, nutritious foods too. While searching for a more long-term solution, APRECOM is providing these families with regular deliveries of essential food items. 

- **Safeguarding community nutrition** – APRECOM is modelling vital principles of agriculture and healthy nutrition, through its community gardens. The team is also teaching these principles through BCT’s ‘Let’s Grow!’ resource. 

## **Impact** 

- **Practical support for disabled children** – 

- Churches which have received training in disability awareness are taking practical steps to help and welcome disabled children, including buying wheelchairs and building ramps at their premises. 

- **Safe environments for children** – Churches have a better understanding of child abuse, and have clear policies and processes to prevent and address such abuse. As a result, children in these churches are confident in reporting abuse and safe to grow and thrive. These churches are also rolling out the training to others in their networks. 

- **Young people with renewed purpose** – 48 young people who attend the youth group in Bugesera have returned to school, 20 have quit smoking and the group has welcomed 25 new young people. At the group training is given using BCTs ‘Lets Grow resource’ and the Tanari Trust Creating Positive Relationships training. 

- **Secure and confident children** – The young members of the Inshuti Nziza Clubs feel welcome, accepted and that they belong. They are growing in maturity, in their friendships with one another and in their relationship with God. They are also wellequipped, through ‘Touch Talk’, to recognise and report abuse 

- **Renewed hope for HIV+ adults** – The members of APRECOM’s adult support groups feel accepted, well supported and equipped to make wise decisions in handling their condition. And they are providing practical care and support for one another, including help when hospital care is needed. 

- **Teenage girls encouraged and empowered** – 30 teenage girls are playing active roles and taking on key responsibilities in their churches. 

- **Healthy families** – Through APRECOM’s food deliveries, 301 food packs have been given to most vulnerable of families. Helping them to be healthier and better nourished. (Also, those of them affected by HIV are better able to tolerate their medication.) 

- **Communities equipped to feed themselves** – Through APRECOM’s ‘Let’s Grow!’ training and model gardens, whole communities are better placed to grow nutritious crops and ensure their children are well fed. 


Photo: Thomas/Adobe Stock 

## **Figures** 

In any given quarter, APRECOM offers support to up to 280 children and 174 adults. 

BCT donated £10,425.00 to APRECOM this year, including funds sent as part of BCT’s efforts to address food scarcity in our project partners’ communities. 

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PROJECTS SUPPORTED BY BCT 

## **How BCT has benefited APRECOM this year** 

- Ongoing support and advice, by email and WhatsApp. 

- Detailed guidance on formulating annual plans and evaluating and developing the work. 

- Information resources. 

- Funding for: 

   - Quarterly training seminars in 10 churches in Bugesera, on child protection and disability awareness. 

   - Supporting churches in Bugesera to develop child protection policies and procedures. 

   - Quarterly training 4 new churches and 8 formerly trained churches in Kajera (350 leaders) on child protection and care for children with disabilities. 

- Training church leaders and volunteers in Gahanga to set up and run support groups for disabled children. 

- Quarterly meetings for 120 young people, to provide mentoring, spiritual guidance and training in agriculture and nutrition. 

- Providing the ‘Touch Talk’ resource to churches with child protection policies, along with training on how to use the resource with children. 

- Monthly meetings for 30 girls, from vulnerable families, to equip them with life and vocational skills. 

- Emergency food supplies and hygiene products for vulnerable families. 

- Administration, transport and networking. 

## **Ernesto’s story** 

Many of Kajera’s people are in limbo, struggling to refocus their lives since the genocide. Many have turned to alcohol; half the marriages end in divorce. 

Ernesto’s father used to drink heavily: Ernesto’s mother was threatening to leave. Ernesto, who’s 14, suffers multiple disabilities and is often very sick. He is unable to communicate but can babble, which he does all the time including at night. 

APRECOM started supporting them, and since then Ernesto’s father has given up alcohol and is committed to his family. APRECOM Director Odeth’s church gave them a cow; members of another church provide respite care for Ernesto. 

Joining an APRECOM support group, hosted by another family with a disabled child, has ‘changed everything’, says Ernesto’s father. ‘With the support of our friends there, who understand our situation perfectly, and visits from Odeth, we have been able to rebuild our family. We know we’re not alone.’ 

Pastor Sebahizi, who set up the group after BCT ‘Transform Disability’ training, says he’s donated ‘learned how to love’. £10,425 to **APRECOM** this year 

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THE BETHANY CHILDREN’S TRUST 

## **LVLE (Laissez Vivre Les Enfants)** 

**Based in: Goma, eastern DRC Run by: A church pastor, Rev Aruna, and members of local churches Partnered with BCT since:  January 2017 Supports: Children living in poverty, on the streets and/or accused of witchcraft]. Promotes child protection and addresses issues which make children more vulnerable to abuse** 

## **Context** 

Goma is hard ground, as are the surrounding rural areas, where LVLE also works. Poverty and deprivation are widespread, violence (including armed insurrection) is common and child abuse is often simply accepted as part of life. LVLE is determined that, even in this harsh environment, children should be safe to grow and thrive. LVLE provides direct support to Goma’s most marginalised children, especially to those who live on the streets. The team also trains church and community leaders in children’s rights and child protection, equipping them to create environments where children can thrive. This includes training using BCT’s ‘Let’s Grow!’ resource to address malnutrition and improve food security. 

A major focus of LVLE’s work is on addressing abuse arising from accusations of witchcraft against children, and the harmful beliefs which underlie these accusations. This involves direct intervention on behalf of children facing abuse related to accusations of witchcraft, and also teaching and training for church leaders to enable them to address the issue in their communities. As part of this, LVLE has created two ‘Synergies’ – networks of local pastors and civic authorities (including the police) – which promote child protection, particularly in unregulated contexts where false accusations and the resulting harm are commonplace. The Synergies provide systematic training in child witch accusations to counter false teaching and misunderstandings on the topic. 

## **Key activities** 

- **Outreach to street-living children** – LVLE directly supports around 50 children who live on the streets of Goma. The team meet these children every week at LVLE’s two ‘listening posts’. Support takes the form of practical advice and, for those who want to leave the streets, mediation with their families or help in finding a safe home. 


Photo: Travel Stock/Adobe Stock 

- **Child protection training** – Rev Aruna trains church leaders, school leaders and community leaders, teaching important principles of child protection and equipping them to address and prevent child abuse. Over local leaders benefit from this training, including follow-up and refresher training, in Karisimbi, Goma, and Turunga. 

- **Addressing nutrition and food scarcity** – Malnutrition and food scarcity continue to be significant problems, especially in areas around Masisi and Nyiragongo. LVLE are addressing these problems by training local leaders in principles of agriculture and nutrition, using BCT’s _Let’s Grow!_ resource. 

- **Building networks to address accusations of witchcraft** – LVLE’s two ‘Synergies’ bring together church leaders, police officers and civic authorities to address accusations of witchcraft against children in Masisi and Rutshuru. This year, the Synergies have carried out mapping exercises to identify areas with high incidences of child witch accusations, and established six more cells those communities. 

- **Training Synergie cells** – 30 leaders of the six newly established cells have been trained to address witchcraft accusations (using the SCWA* resource ‘The Heart of the Matter’) and safeguard vulnerable children in their communities. 

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PROJECTS SUPPORTED BY BCT 

- **Radio and TV broadcasts** – Rev Aruna appears weekly on three local radio stations in Goma, Rutshuru and Masisi, and once a month on local television in Goma, sharing information and ideas about children’s rights, child protection and violence against children, particularly in the context of discipline (beatings and deprivation of food both being common ways to ‘discipline’ children). These broadcasts enable him to spread important messages to a far wider audience than would otherwise be possible, and they generate a high level of engagement, with dozens of SMS texts and calls to the team every quarter. 

_(*Stop Child Witch Accusations – see ‘Connecting with others’ section, p20.)_ 

## **Impact** 

- **Children leaving the streets** – Through LVLE’s encouragement and mediation, around 40 children have been reintegrated into families. Team members continue to help those families resolve any difficulties, once the children are home, particularly behavioural challenges often linked to trauma. 

- **Prevention of abuse** – Through LVLE’s child protection training, church, school and community leaders are better informed about abuse and know how to respond to it. All the churches represented have created child protection policies, with LVLE’s guidance. They also pass on their understanding of the issue to their churches and communities, enabling others to recognise the signs of abuse and empowering children to report abuse against them. Similarly, listeners to Rev Aruna’s radio shows have begun reporting instances of child abuse, and are more vigilant in preventing this abuse. Children are also equipped to protect themselves from abuse, through ‘Touch Talk’. 

- **Leaders mobilised** – Through the Synergie cell groups, 30 more local leaders have been trained and mobilised to safeguard the children in their communities, and added to their local Synergie networks. 

- **Improved nutrition** – The ‘Let’s Grow!’ training has resulted in over 80 more new gardens being planted, providing families with nutritious plants to improve and diversify their diets, and to promote greater food security. 

## **Figures** 

The numbers of adults LVLE reaches vary from quarter to quarter. The team provide training for several cohorts of pastors, school leaders and local authorities during the year, and also conduct follow-up visits to cohorts who have already received training. The result is that LVLE impact several hundred men, women and children through their training initiatives, along with the listeners and viewers of the radio and television broadcasts. The numbers of listeners and viewers are hard to ascertain, but the team receive dozens of text messages and calls every quarter. Indicating strong engagement 

In an average quarter, LVLE directly supports around 50 street-living children. 

BCT donated £11,301.96 to LVLE this year. 


Photo: Rev Aruna 

- **Changing attitudes** – Rev Aruna’s weekly radio shows frequently lead to lively discussions with listeners on how best to care for children. The programme content presents listeners with important principles which are often entirely new to them, and gently challenges any negative attitudes and abusive behaviours towards children. 

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THE BETHANY CHILDREN’S TRUST 

## **How BCT has benefited LVLE this year** 

- Ongoing support, advice and encouragement from BCT staff, through email and WhatsApp. 

- In-person visit in July 2023, including training in Trauma for the team. This took place in Gisenyi, on the DRC/Rwanda border because of travel restrictions relating to entering Goma (armed conflict). 

- Guidance on developing strategic plans and measuring the impact of their work. 

      - Monthly TV programmes on the same subjects. 

      - Refresher training for 33 community leaders in Karisimbi in child protection and addressing accusations of witchcraft 

      - Training of a further 33 (deputies of the 33 community leaders trained last year) in Karisimbi. 

      - Refresher training for 33 community leaders in Goma in child protection and addressing accusations of witchcraft. 

- Training resources, including: 

   - ‘The Heart of the Matter’, which helps train church and community leaders to address child witch accusations. 

   - ‘Touch Talk’, which empowers children to recognise and report abuse. 

   - ‘Let’s Grow!’, which addresses nutrition and food security. 

   - ‘Sickness, Health and Healing’ and ‘Mental Health Matters’, which address issues around physical and mental health. 

- Funding for: 

   - Two weekly listening posts, to connect with and support street-living children. 

   - Mediation visits to families of children who wish to return home. 

   - Weekly radio shows on child protection, good parenting and violence against children (on three local radio stations). 

## **Raoul’s story** 

Raoul is a 9 year old boy whose father is also called Raoul. The child was a habitual thief and was regularly beaten by his father ‘to set an example to his younger brothers’. Eventually, the situation escalated to the extent that his father burnt his hands as a punishment. Raoul Jr could no longer bear it and ran away to the streets. His family tracked him down and took him home, but he ran away again immediately. He lived on the streets for three years until he met Rev Aruna and the team. Rev Aruna worked with him, gently, patiently and effectively, until one day, Raoul said that he wanted to go home and that he was no longer 

- Training of a further 33 (deputies of the 33 community leaders trained last year) in Goma. 

- An introductory meeting, three x two-day trainings and a review session, for 30 new pastors in Turunga, focusing on child protection and addressing accusations of witchcraft, including the creation of child protection policies. 

- A mapping activity for six communities in Masisi and Rutshuru, with a view to establishing six new Synergie cells. 

- Five days of training in addressing child witch accusations for 15 new Synergie cell leaders and refresher training for 10 older leaders in each of Masisi and Rutshuru (50 in total). 

- Refresher training for 50 church leaders from Nyiragongo who received training in ‘Let’s Grow!’ in 2022. 

- Training of 40 new leaders in two further sites in Mubambiro and Masisi in ‘Let’s Grow!’ 

- Administration costs. 

BCT donated compelled to steal and fight. £11,301.96 to The team visited Raoul Sr, who **LVLE** broke down in tears when he heard the news of his son. this year He wept and wept, repenting of the way he had treated his eldest son, and vowing never to do such a thing again. Eventually, the team felt that it was appropriate to reunite them, with careful monitoring. So far, the reinsertion has been a real success and the family is being knit back together with love and mutual understanding. 

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PROJECTS SUPPORTED BY BCT 

## **Transformation Resources** 

BCT donated £7,035.61 to **Transformation Resources** this year 

**Run by: BCT’s UK-based team, with advice and input from our overseas partners and experts on particular issues A project since: August 2017 Addresses: Harmful attitudes and beliefs, and principles for healthy family and community life** 

The abuse and neglect of children is so often underpinned by harmful attitudes and beliefs, or by a lack of understanding of children’s needs. In order to effectively prevent abuse, we must therefore address the beliefs behind it. Mindful of this, BCT has created _Transformation Resources_ , a suite of resources exploring issues which keep children on the margins and offering practical advice on how best to support and empower them. 

All of the resource material is designed for leaders in remote and deprived communities, contextualised to ensure it is relevant to these communities, and grounded in biblical teaching. The material is also rigorously tested by our project partners and other Christian workers on the ground. By producing and disseminating the _Transformation Resources_ , we serve communities we would otherwise never reach, and increase our impact exponentially. 

_Transformation Resources_ include material which addresses: issues around family relationships and parenting; disability inclusion; hunger, nutrition and food scarcity, and preventing the spread of COVID-19. As a member organisation of the Stop Child Witch Accusations coalition, BCT has also taken the lead in creating resources which offer biblical perspectives on sickness and on mental health: issues which are important in themselves and which often underpin accusations of witchcraft. 

## **Key activities** 

- **Writing and creation** – ‘Transform Families’ (modules 1-17) has been completed and formatted, and is now available for use through the BCT website. 

- **Translation and editing** – _Sickness, Health and Healing and Mental Health Matters_ (BCT’s resources concerning health, especially as it relates to accusations of witchcraft) have been translated into Swahili and are being formatted, ahead of release. ‘Let’s Grow!’ is now available in English and French, and Swahili. 

**Building relationships with collaborators** – We have connected with international Christian organisations, including the Salvation Army, and Operation Mobilisation. The Salvation Army have already used our resources in training workshops in several countries, and plan to integrate the material into their own training programme. 

- **Refining the web platform** – The resources area of the website has been restructured, so as to make it easier for visitors to find the material they need. 

## **Impact** 

- **Improved crop yields** – ‘Let’s Grow!’ is having an impact where it is being used, with increased yields and new individual and community gardens springing up. As a result, children in these communities have access to improved food supplies. 

- **Improved support for disabled children** – 

- ‘Transform Disability’, is continuing to prove effective in mobilising churches to respond to the needs of children with disabilities in their communities. For example, our partners in Rwanda and Zambia have been particularly effective in using the resource to train local churches, and then mobilising those churches to reach and support disabled children in their communities. 

- **Strengthened families** – Families in many communities have learned vital principles for communication, respect and mutual support, through ‘Transform Families’ training. 

- **Safeguarding health** – _Sickness, Health and Healing and Mental Health Matters Resources_ are helping to promote holistic health. 

- **Increased reach** – The resources have been used in Zambia, Rwanda, DR Congo, Burundi, Uganda, Kenya, South Africa, India and Jamaica and potentially in multiple other nations. We make the material freely available and so we receive partial feedback; its true impact may be wider and deeper than we know. 

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THE BETHANY CHILDREN’S TRUST 

## **Wukwashi wa Nzambi** 

**Based in: Copperbelt region, Zambia Run by: Local volunteers Partnered with BCT since:  2005 Supports: Children living with disabilities** 

## **Context** 

An estimated 93 million children worldwide live with disabilities. All of them must overcome obstacles in order to fulfil their potential. This is especially true of disabled children in the majority world, who must often contend with stigma, discrimination and lack of access to essential services, as well as their own physical or mental challenges. 

Wukwashi wa Nzambi (‘God’s help’) is dedicated to supporting children with disabilities and advocating for their needs and rights. The cornerstone of Wukwashi’s work is their network of support groups – run by teams of volunteers from local churches – which offers children and their parents practical support, advice and encouragement. Through these groups, Wukwashi offers physiotherapy and play therapy to disabled children, helping them to become stronger and develop social and motor skills. They also provide access to mobility aids, artificial limbs and medical interventions, not to mention advice and encouragement for parents, and refer children to specialist schools when appropriate. 

The Wukwashi team also works tirelessly to change common stigma around disability, and to provide parents with information they desperately need but rarely receive. Through training and awareness-raising in churches and through appearances on local media outlets, Wukwashi is making its message heard. Slowly but surely, attitudes are changing, stigma is diminishing and communities are enabling children with disabilities to thrive. 

## **Key activities** 

- **Support groups** – The backbone of Wukwashi’s work is its network of sixteen support groups for children with disabilities and their parents. At these groups, children receive physiotherapy and play therapy, benefit socially from strong relationships with one another and with group leaders, and are assessed for any mobility aids and medical treatment they might need. The parents benefit from invaluable practical advice, moral support and spiritual encouragement. 


Photo: Logan Venture/Adobe Stock 

- **Mentoring** – Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, Wukwashi continued to support families in its network through a mentoring programme. This involved weekly visits and phone calls to families with disabled children, offering encouragement and practical advice, particularly on physiotherapy exercises. As the pandemic ended Wukwashi has further developed the Mentorship Programme. They have strengthened, trained and supported the volunteers in this new role. The number of support groups using this new model of working has grown from five to eight. 

- **Physiotherapy** – Three physiotherapists visit Wukwashi’s support groups. Their treatments improve the children’s strength, muscle tone and range of movement, and they teach parents simple exercises to perform with their children at home. 

- **Providing mobility aids** – The team source and provide a range of mobility aids, including wheelchairs, walking frames, standing frames and support shoes for children with mobility problems. 23 children per quarter receive wheelchairs and 198 receive support shoes. Wukwashi also has a workshop to build supportive chairs, which help children sit upright and improve their posture. 

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PROJECTS SUPPORTED BY BCT 

- **Referrals to hospital** – The support groups are visited by doctors who assess the children’s needs for medical treatments and surgical interventions. In a typical quarter, 15 children are assessed and referred on to hospitals for treatment. When necessary, Wukwashi will cover the costs of transport for a child to attend hospital. 

- **Training workshops for church and community leaders** – Wukwashi challenges stigma and misguided beliefs around disability by providing disability awareness training for leaders – especially pastors. 

- **Wider advocacy** – Joyce and Henry regularly visit other churches, speak at conferences and appear on TV and radio broadcasts, to advocate for children with disabilities and share insights on how best to meet their needs. 


Photo: Joyce and Henry 

## **Impact** 

- **Parents encouraged and empowered** – Over 560 families have received support through Wukwashi’s mentoring programme. As a result, parents feel supported even when unable to attend support groups, and are equipped to meet their children’s therapeutic needs. 

- **Dramatic improvements in children’s conditions** – Typically, over 779 children per quarter attend Wukwashi’s support groups. The majority of them make great improvements, both in their physical conditions and in their capacity for social interactions. 

- **Improved movement** – Around 364 children receive physiotherapy in an average quarter. Those who receive this therapy almost all show dramatic improvements in their abilities to sit, stand or walk. These are vital steps towards independence. This is greatly helped by the professional physiotherapists training parents and group leaders, so that the exercises can be continued between formal physiotherapy sessions. 

- **Independence and integration** – Children with mobility problems are often stranded at home, unable to attend school or interact with their peers. Wheelchairs and standing frames transform their ability to move, and therefore offer them opportunities to attend school, play with friends and play a full part in their communities. 

- **Prospects for the future** – Providing wheelchairs and mobility aids to children with physical disabilities transforms their ability to access education and play a full role in their communities. It is hugely significant in helping them develop independence and a sense of purpose, and to build a bright future for themselves. 

- **Life-saving treatment** – Access to medical treatments always makes a tangible difference to a child with a disability and is, in some cases, literally life-saving. 

- **Church leaders inspired** – Wukwashi’s training for church leaders’ challenges harmful beliefs and, beyond that, inspires them with the biblical mandate to care for the most vulnerable. This training results in churches seeking out disabled children in their communities, bringing them out of isolation, and in taking practical steps to welcome disabled children, including installing ramps at church premises. 

- **Influencing harmful beliefs** – Wukwashi’s advocacy for children with disabilities is changing attitudes towards them. Gradually, children with disabilities are being seen and treated differently, within individual communities and wider Zambian society. 

## **Figures** 

Wukwashi typically engages over 779 children per quarter, with many families benefiting from more than one aspect of their work. The team also reaches large (but hugely varying) numbers of adults every quarter, through its training and advocacy initiatives. 

BCT donated £18,885.73 to Wukwashi this year. 

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**THE BETHANY CHILDREN’S TRUST REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2023** 



THE BETHANY CHILDREN’S TRUST 

## **How BCT has benefited Wukwashi this year** 

- Ongoing support, advice and guidance from BCT staff, by email, phone, Zoom and WhatsApp. 

- Focused guidance in formulating strategy and annual plans. 

- Provision of resource material, including ‘Transform Disability’ and ‘Let’s Grow!’ 

- Funding for: 

   - Running 16 weekly support groups for disabled children and their parents. 

   - Assessing children’s mobility needs and sourcing mobility aids and wheelchairs as needed. 

   - Arranging visits to support groups by doctors from local hospitals, to assess children for medical and surgical interventions. 

- Engaging physiotherapists to visit the support groups and treat the children. 

- A five-day training workshop for 80 support group leaders, covering first aid, feeding and ergonomics. 

- Annual visits to support groups to encourage and train the leaders and monitor progress. 

- A forum event for 350 parents of disabled children. 

- Recruiting new volunteers. 

- Staff training, administration, record-keeping and travel expenses. 

## **Alice’s story** 

Alice has Down’s syndrome. When she was born, her mother was given advice on how to care for a child with Down’s syndrome. It was difficult for her to accept that Alice is her child and she kept her hidden away. Alice’s mother met a volunteer from one of the Wukwashi support groups in Zambia. The volunteer invited Alice and her mother to the support group. Alice received physiotherapy, play therapy and speech therapy. She is doing well in all aspects of her development. At the support group, her mother met other parents with disabled children and was able to talk about how she was feeling. Alice is now part of her community and is flourishing. 

BCT donated £18,885.73 to **Wukwashi** this year 

20 



CONNECTING WITH OTHERS 

## **Connecting with others** 

## **Connecting with others around the issue of children accused of witchcraft** 

Witchcraft accusations – and the abuse which accompanies them – affect thousands of children worldwide. BCT remains committed to the Stop Child Witch Accusations coalition, raising awareness of child witch accusations and mobilising churches in affected communities to take action to protect vulnerable children. It does this through direct guidance and support and through using SCWA’s training tool ‘The Heart of the Matter’. Carolyn Gent has continued in her role as Chair this year, with Lyn Edwards and Susie Howe also serving on the Steering Committee, and BCT as an organisation is integral to SCWA’s activities. 

SCWA is collaborating with a team on the ground in Calabar, Nigeria, and with LVLE in Goma, DR Congo. The Calabar team trained its first group of pastors in the city in 2021, and has now extended the work with a second five day training in a rural area outside Calabar called Odukpani. The team systematically follows-up with the groups of pastors who have been trained, monitoring how they pass on the teaching in their respective churches and communities, and providing encouragement and refresher trainings as required. Those who have received training are also continuing to network together, sharing ideas and experiences. The team has also decided to take the teaching into local secondary schools, as one of the trained pastors is a school governor, and is able to provide a pathway in. LVLE’s work in Goma has been described in more detail above. ‘The Heart of the Matter’ teaching has reached literally thousands of adults and children this year, and has prompted active interventions in the cases of numerous specific children who were suffering as a result of being accused. 

This is crucial work in an area where witchcraft accusations against children – and associated abuse – are rife. These are the first steps in transforming the prevailing attitudes and thus making these communities safe places for children to grow. 

The collaboration with Salvation Army has grown and deepened. SCWA has been able to train members of the Salvation Army’s child protection team, and will be running a pilot training with team members on the ground in the Niger region of Nigeria, with a view to rolling out the programme in six African nations in the coming year or two. The Salvation Army is now represented on the SCWA Steering Committee. 

SCWA’s involvement with the UN has continued, too. The UN Human Right’s Council’s Resolution calling for the Elimination of harmful practices related to accusations of witchcraft and ritual attacks has been followed by the Pan African Parliament’s Guidelines, issues this year, for the implementation of the Resolution. In addition, the team in Calabar has campaigned successfully for the passing of a local law making it a punishable offence in Cross River State to accuse children of witchcraft. 

‘The Heart of the Matter’ continues to be an effective training resource in addressing child witch accusations. We have produced a further resource on ‘Dreams’, which are often misinterpreted in the context of accusations. And combatting witchcraft-related abuse remains an essential strand of LVLE’s work in DRC (see p14). 

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THE BETHANY CHILDREN’S TRUST 

## **Mobilising resources** 

Financial resources are essential to enable our project partners to continue and develop their work. BCT therefore provides each project with funding, to help enable its work. However, this is not a simple matter of handing each of our partners a blank cheque. We work together with each partner in drawing up an annual plan and budget, and we provide targeted funding for the most strategically important areas of their work. Quarterly reports from our partners then help us to monitor how this funding is being used. 

BCT must, in turn, raise funding from a variety of sources. This funding largely comes from individuals, from churches and from a few grant-making trusts. We also welcome income from fundraising events, as and when they occur. 

Effective communication is essential in encouraging members of the public to give to BCT – and to support us through prayer and advocacy. Our website, print publications and social media channels all enable us to showcase BCT’s work, engage a wider audience and encourage new supporters to get involved. 

## **Prayer support** 

Prayer is BCT’s engine. It drives our work and it is at the heart of everything we do. For example, we prioritise prayer within our UK team’s meetings, and we always pray for our project partners within our conversations with them. It is also a huge encouragement to us to have a network of supporters who pray regularly for BCT, for our project partners and for the children they serve. 273 of our supporters pray for us regularly, using our Bethany News and Prayer Magazine, and we have 158 prayer partners who receive ad hoc prayer requests by email. 

## **Ambassadors** 

Our Ambassadors are elite level BCT supporters. They represent BCT within their churches and communities, raising awareness of issues affecting marginalised children and mobilising prayer for BCT. When circumstances allow it our Ambassadors also sometimes organise fundraising events. We meet with our Ambassadors on Zoom to pray, share ideas and encourage one another. 

BCT’s approach to fundraising is outlined in detail on p5 of this report. 

22 



## **2022/23 Income and Expenditure** 

## **General** 

Each year, BCT endeavours to set a realistic income and expenditure budget, in line with its goals and objectives. BCT is prudent with its financial management and knows that it cannot achieve its goals and objectives in supporting projects, raising awareness and networking with churches and other agencies, without the generosity and loyal commitment of its supporters in their various forms: trusts and foundations, businesses, churches and individuals. 

## **Income** 

BCT’s total income in 2022/23 was £132,773, a year-on-year fall of £9,579 (-6.73%). This was the result of a £12,868 drop in unrestricted income being partly offset by a £3,289 increase in restricted income. Given the position of the UK economy generally and the exceptionally high level of inflation in particular, the net reduction was fully expected because of the inevitable squeeze on disposable incomes. Moreover, we have taken a cautious view in budgeting for income in 2023/24. 

With regard to the primary sources of income in 2022/23, donations from Trusts and Foundations fell from £48,609 to £47,186 (-2.93%), those from churches decreased from £17,146 to £12,493 (-27.14%) and those from supporters fell from £72,397 to £68,747 (-5.04%). Conversely, donations from businesses rose marginally from £4,200 to £4,347 (+3.50%) 

An analysis of income by primary source and fund is given below: 

||**Trusts/**<br>**Foundations**<br>**Restricted**|**Trusts/**<br>**Foundations**<br>**Unrestricted**|**Churches**<br>**Restricted**|**Churches**<br>**Unrestricted**|**Business**<br>**Restricted**|**Business**<br>**Unrestricted**|**Supporters**<br>**Restricted**|**Supporters**<br>**Unrestricted**|**Total**|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|**2022/23**|£37,826|£9,360|£5,061|£7,432|£3,090|£1,257|£11,582|£57,165|£132,773|
|**2021/22**|£31,749|£16,860|£6,345|£10,801|£3,000|£1,200|£13,176|£59,221|£142,352|




**----- Start of picture text -----**<br>
Supporters Unrestricted Trusts/Foundations Restricted<br>43% 28%<br>Trusts/Foundations<br>Unrestricted 7%<br>Churches Restricted 4%<br>Churches Unrestricted 6%<br>Supporters Restricted Business Restricted 2%<br>9% Business Unrestricted 1%<br>**----- End of picture text -----**<br>


23 

**THE BETHANY CHILDREN’S TRUST REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2023** 



THE BETHANY CHILDREN’S TRUST 

## **Expenditure** 

Total expenditure in 2022/23 was £142,968, a decrease of £9,138 (-6.01%) from 2021/22. The decrease came from a £12,696 drop in spend from unrestricted funds being partly offset by an increase in restricted spend of £3,558. Most of the former was a combination of cost savings from bringing our communications work in-house and a year-on-year reduction in website costs. Wonderfully, most of the latter was the cost of our first overseas trip to any of our project partners since before the pandemic, visiting both APRECOM and LVLE in July 2023. Details of what was achieved on the trip are given in other parts of this report. 

We take very careful consideration of our fund levels when making decisions on disbursements and spending on core costs. We continue our direct participation in, and giving financial support towards vital work for the ultimate benefit of some of the most marginalised children. Our biggest expenditure area continues to be the assisting and training of BCT’s partner projects and churches to meet the needs of children at risk in their communities. Spend on this in 2022/23 reached £77,931, i.e. 54.51% of the overall total. Across the other expenditure categories there was a net year-on-year decrease of £11,846. 


**----- Start of picture text -----**<br>
Administration Assisting Projects/ Mobilising  Connecting Resourcing Our  Total<br>Churches Champions Work Expenditure<br>2022/23 £17,920 £77,931 £17,776 £14,804 £14,537 £142,968<br>2021/22 £19,376 £75,223 £22,315 £17,729 £17,463 £152,106<br>£200,000<br>£152,106<br>2022/23 £142,968<br>£150,000<br>2021/22<br>£100,000<br>£77,931 £75,223<br>£50,000<br>£17,920 £19,376 £17,776 £22,315 £14,804 £17,729 £14,537 £17,463<br>£0<br>Administration Assisting Mobilising Connecting Resourcing Total<br>Projects/Churches Champions Our Work Expenditure<br>**----- End of picture text -----**<br>


24 



## **Looking forwards** 

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up”. (Galatians 6:9) 

Looking back over the last year, good things have been happening, even in incredibly tough circumstances for our project partners. The lives of some of the most marginalised children have been impacted positively, by the grace of God. Through the dedication, skill and creativity of our project partners, staff and volunteers, together with those who give BCT their time, skills, prayers and financial support, lives are being changed for the better. 

We have no doubt that our faithful God will continue to guide and provide for our work, and through it will transform children, families and communities. We look forward to the year ahead with faith and expectation. The circumstances in which our partners work continue to be difficult and challenging. However, by God’s strength we and they are willing to meet the challenges ahead. We will press on into the next year in the knowledge of the vital importance of BCT’s work, in full assurance of God’s faithfulness. There’s hard work ahead, with lean resources and with risks, but we continue forward with perseverance trusting that Christ, in his love, will bring in the harvest of transformed lives. 

The report of the trustees was approved by the trustees on 21st June 2024 and signed on their behalf by: 

Gill Bradley Chair of Trustees 

25 

**THE BETHANY CHILDREN’S TRUST REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2023** 



## **The Bethany Children’s Trust Report and Accounts** year ended 31 August 2023 

## **Stewardship** 

1 Lamb’s Passage, LONDON, EC1Y 8AB 

t: 0208 502 5600 e: enquiries@stewardship.org.uk w: www.stewardship.org.uk 

26 



## **INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE BETHANY CHILDREN’S TRUST** 

I have examined the accounts for the year ended 31 August 2023 on pages 28 to 37 following which have been prepared on the basis of the accounting policies set out on pages 30 and 31. 

## **Respective Responsibilities of Trustees and Examiner** 

The trustees of the charity are responsible for the preparation of accounts; they consider that the audit requirements under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 do not apply and that an independent examination is needed. 

It is my responsibility to: 

- (1) examine the accounts under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011; 

- (2)  follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Charities Act 2011; 

- (3) state whether particular matters have come to my attention. 

## **Basis of Examiner’s Statement** 

This report is in respect of an examination carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011, and 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 a review of the accounts and making such enquiries as are necessary for the purpose of this report. 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 statement below. 

## **Examiner’s Statement** 

Based on my examination, no matter has come to my attention which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect, accounting records have not been kept in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act 2011, or that the accounts presented do not accord with those records, or comply with the accounting requirement of the Charities Act 2011. No matter has come to my notice in connection with my examination to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn to enable a proper understanding of the accounts. 

Archie McDowall BA, CA 

Stewardship 1 Lamb’s Passage LONDON EC1Y 8AB 

25 June 2024 

27 

**THE BETHANY CHILDREN’S TRUST REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2023** 



THE BETHANY CHILDREN’S TRUST 

## **The Bethany Children’s Trust Statement of Financial Activities** year ended 31 August 2023 

|||**Unrestricted**|**Restricted**|**Total funds**|**Total funds**|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
||**Note**|**Funds**|**Funds**|**2023**|**2022**|
|||**£**|**£**|**£**|**£**|
|**INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM**||||||
|Donations and legacies|3|75,060|57,559|132,619|142,340|
|Investments|3|154|0|154|12|
|Total income and endowments||75,214|57,559|132,773|142,352|
|**EXPENDITURE ON**||||||
|Charitable activities|4|64,109|64,322|128,431|134,643|
|Raising funds|5|14,479|58|14,537|17,463|
|Total expenditure||78,588|64,380|142,968|152,106|
|Net gains/(losses) on investments||0|0|0|0|
|**Net income/(expenditure)**||(3,374)|(6,821)|<br>(10,195)|(9,754)|
|Transfers between funds||0|0|0|0|
|||(3,374)|(6,821)|<br>(10,195)|(9,754)|
|**Net movement in funds**||(3,374)|(6,821)|<br>(10,195)|(9,754)|
|**Reconciliation of funds:**||||||
|Total funds brought forward||66,110|44,276|110,386|120,140|
|**Total funds carried forward**||62,736|37,455|100,191|110,386|
|||||||



Movements on reserves and all recognised gains and losses are shown above. The notes on pages 30 to 36 form part of these accounts. 

28 



## **The Bethany Children’s Trust Balance Sheet** 

as at 31 August 2023 

|||**Unrestricted**|**Restricted**|**Total funds**|**Total funds**|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
||**Note**|**Funds**|**Funds**|**2023**|**2022**|
|||**£**|**£**|**£**|**£**|
|**FIXED ASSETS**||||||
|Intangible assets|7|0|0|0|957|
|Tangible assets|7|598|0|598|514|
|||598|0|598|1,471|
|**CURRENT ASSETS**||||||
|Debtors|8|9,310|0|9,310|14,360|
|Cash at bank|9|56,822|37,455|94,277|97,915|
|||66,132|37,455|103,587|112,275|
|**CURRENT LIABILITIES**||||||
|Liabilities falling due within one year|10|3,994|0|3,994|3,360|
|Net Current Assets||62,138|37,455|99,593|108,915|
|**NET ASSETS**||62,736|37,455|100,191|110,386|
|**FUND BALANCES**||||||
|Unrestricted funds|12|||||
|General Funds||62,736|0|62,736|66,110|
|Restricted Funds|12|0|37,455|37,455|44,276|
|||62,736|37,455|100,191|110,386|
|||||||



Approved by the Trustees and signed on their behalf on 21st June 2024 by: 

Gill Bradley, Chair 

The notes on pages 30 to 36 form part of these accounts. 

29 

**THE BETHANY CHILDREN’S TRUST REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2023** 



THE BETHANY CHILDREN’S TRUST 

## **The Bethany Children’s Trust Notes to the Accounts** for the year ended 31 August 2023 

## **1 Statutory Information** 

The charity is registered with the Charity Commission in England & Wales. The charity’s registered number and principal address can be found on the Charity Information page of the trustees’ annual report. 

## **2 Accounting Policies** 

These financial statements are prepared on a going concern basis, under the historical cost convention. 

These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the “Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)” (“the Charities SORP”), with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (“FRS 102”) and with the Charities Act 2011. The charity meets the definition of a public benefit entity as set out in FRS 102. 

The Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 (the ‘2008 Regulations’) requires charities to prepare their accounts in accordance with ‘Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice effective from 1 April 2005’ but this accounting standard has since been withdrawn and has been replaced by the Charities SORP mentioned in the preceding paragraph. The charity has prepared these financial statements in accordance with the new Charities SORP; this departure from the 2008 Regulations is believed to be necessary for these financial statements to give a ‘true and fair view’. 

The principles adopted in the preparation of the financial statements are set out below. 

## **a) Going concern** 

The trustees have assessed whether the use of the going concern basis is appropriate and have considered possible events or conditions that might cast significant doubt on the ability of the charity to continue as a going concern. The trustees have made this assessment for a period of at least one year from the date of approval of the financial statements. In particular the trustees have considered the charity’s forecasts and projections and the possible implications should projected income and / or expenditure vary unexpectedly. The trustees have concluded that there is a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue to operate for the foreseeable future. The charity therefore continues to adopt the going concern basis in preparing its financial statements. In making this assessment the trustees have considered how Covid-19 might affect projections. 

## **b) Income** 

Income including investment income is recognised in the period in which the charity becomes entitled to receipt, the amount receivable can be measured with reasonable certainty, and receipt is probable. For the most part, income is generally recognised when it is received. Income is only deferred when the charity has to fulfil conditions before becoming entitled to it or where the donor has specified that the income is to be expended in a future period. 

- Income from donations and legacies includes: 

- i) Recoverable gift aid. This is recognised when the related donation is received. Gift aid that has not been recovered by the balance sheet date is included as a debtor. 

- ii) The charity relies on volunteers to carry out many of its activities, particularly those involving connection with our project partners, connection with other organisations and individuals in the furtherance of our aims, and the writing and provision of training resources. However, in accordance with the SORP, the value of these services has not been included in these financial statements as they cannot be reliably measured. 

- iii) Legacies. Income from legacies is recognised when a distribution is received from the estate or, if earlier, when the charity has been notified that a distribution will be made and the amount receivable can be reliably measured. 

30 



NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS 

## **c) Expenditure** 

Expenditure, including irrecoverable VAT, is recognised when it is incurred or, if earlier, when a legal or constructive obligation for a payment arises provided that it is probable that settlement will be required and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. 

The charity makes grants to other institutions to further its charitable objectives. Grants payable are recognised as constructive obligations arise, which is generally when the charity expresses a commitment to the recipient that can be measured reliably and then only to the extent that any conditions associated with the grant are outside of the control of the charity. 

Governance costs, which are included in expenditure on charitable activities but are identified separately in the notes to the accounts, includes costs associated with the independent examination of the financial statements, compliance with constitutional and statutory requirements and any other expenditure incurred on the strategic management of the charity. 

## **d) Fund accounting** 

General funds are unrestricted funds which are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the charity. Designated funds comprise unrestricted funds that have been set aside by the trustees for particular purposes. Restricted funds are donations which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors; they include donations received from appeals for specific activities or projects. Endowment funds are donations that are retained as capital in accordance with the donor’s wishes. The nature of the restriction determines whether the endowments represent permanent endowments or expendable endowments. 

## **e) Intangible fixed assets** 

The cost of software is capitalised and amortised on a straight line basis over its expected useful life, which is expected to be 3 years. 

## **f) Tangible fixed assets** 

Items purchased or donated for the charity’s own use are capitalised when the cost of purchased items, or the fair value of donated items, is more than £100 and the item is expected to benefit the charity over more than one accounting period. Depreciation is charged on a straight line basis so as to write down the value of each asset to its estimated residual value (if any) over its expected useful economic life. To achieve this objective the following rates of depreciation are charged: 

Equipment Over 2 to 3 years 

The carrying values of tangible fixed assets are reviewed for impairment in periods when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. 

## **g) Pension scheme arrangements** 

The charity operates defined contribution pension schemes for its employees. Obligations for contributions to these schemes are recognised as an expense when the liability arises. The assets of these schemes are held separately from those of the charity in independently administered funds. 

## **h) Taxation** 

The charity has taken advantage of the various reliefs from taxation available to charities and no tax is payable on the charity’s income. 

## **i) Financial instruments** 

The charity’s financial assets and financial liabilities all qualify as basic financial instruments, as defined by FRS102. Except for loans, creditors and debtors are measured at their expected settlement value (normally the amount of cash that the charity expects to pay or receive). The charity recognises liabilities for the principal of those loans that remains outstanding at the year end (i.e. the liabilities exclude any interest chargeable on the loans in future years). 

## **j) Exemption from preparing a cashflow statement** 

The charity has taken advantage of an exemption conferred by the Charities SORP and has not prepared a cash flow statement. 

## **k) Critical accounting estimates and areas of judgement** 

The trustees do not consider that there are any material sources of estimation or uncertainty at the balance sheet date that could result in a material adjustment to the carrying values of assets and liabilities in the next reporting period. 

31 

**THE BETHANY CHILDREN’S TRUST REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2023** 



THE BETHANY CHILDREN’S TRUST 

|**3**<br>**Voluntary income**<br>**Unrestricted**<br>**Restricted**<br>**Total**<br>**Total**<br>**Funds**<br>**Funds**<br>**2023**<br>**2022**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>General donations and legacies<br>70,957<br>56,272<br>127,229<br>136,079<br>Tax recoverable<br>4,103<br>1,287<br>5,390<br>6,261<br>75,060<br>57,559<br>132,619<br>142,340<br>Other income<br>Bank interest<br>154<br>–<br>154<br>12<br>Total Incoming Resources<br>75,214<br>57,559<br>132,773<br>142,352<br>**4**<br>**Charitable activity**<br>**Unrestricted**<br>**Restricted**<br>**Total**<br>**Total**<br>**Funds**<br>**Funds**<br>**2023**<br>**2022**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>**a**<br>**Direct Charitable Costs**<br>Assisting Churches<br>_Note 4c_<br>13,892<br>64,039<br>77,931<br>75,223<br>Connecting<br>14,745<br>58<br>14,803<br>17,729<br>Mobilising Champions<br>17,718<br>58<br>17,776<br>22,315<br>46,356<br>64,155<br>110,511<br>115,267<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>**b**<br>**Support & Administration**<br>Governance costs<br>1,965<br>1,965<br>1,583<br>GDPR compliance<br>35<br>35<br>40<br>Salaries and pension costs<br>11,614<br>11,614<br>11,210<br>Ofce rent & services<br>132<br>132<br>127<br>I.T., telephone and postage<br>1,402<br>1,402<br>2,362<br>Ofce supplies<br>39<br>39<br>30<br>Travel costs<br>44<br>59<br>103<br>72<br>Insurance<br>204<br>204<br>219<br>Professional Fees<br>450<br>450<br>230<br>Recruitment<br>27<br>27<br>58<br>Depreciation<br>1,550<br>108<br>1,658<br>3,226<br>Sundry<br>291<br>291<br>219<br>17,753<br>167<br>17,920<br>19,376<br>Combined charitable activity cost<br>64,109<br>64,322<br>128,431<br>134,643<br>The fee payable to the independent examiner for examining the accounts was £1,860 (2022: £1,824); in addition the<br>charity paid £654 (2022: £635) to Stewardship for payroll bureau services.|**3**<br>**Voluntary income**<br>**Unrestricted**<br>**Restricted**<br>**Total**<br>**Total**<br>**Funds**<br>**Funds**<br>**2023**<br>**2022**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>General donations and legacies<br>70,957<br>56,272<br>127,229<br>136,079<br>Tax recoverable<br>4,103<br>1,287<br>5,390<br>6,261<br>75,060<br>57,559<br>132,619<br>142,340<br>Other income<br>Bank interest<br>154<br>–<br>154<br>12<br>Total Incoming Resources<br>75,214<br>57,559<br>132,773<br>142,352<br>**4**<br>**Charitable activity**<br>**Unrestricted**<br>**Restricted**<br>**Total**<br>**Total**<br>**Funds**<br>**Funds**<br>**2023**<br>**2022**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>**a**<br>**Direct Charitable Costs**<br>Assisting Churches<br>_Note 4c_<br>13,892<br>64,039<br>77,931<br>75,223<br>Connecting<br>14,745<br>58<br>14,803<br>17,729<br>Mobilising Champions<br>17,718<br>58<br>17,776<br>22,315<br>46,356<br>64,155<br>110,511<br>115,267<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>**b**<br>**Support & Administration**<br>Governance costs<br>1,965<br>1,965<br>1,583<br>GDPR compliance<br>35<br>35<br>40<br>Salaries and pension costs<br>11,614<br>11,614<br>11,210<br>Ofce rent & services<br>132<br>132<br>127<br>I.T., telephone and postage<br>1,402<br>1,402<br>2,362<br>Ofce supplies<br>39<br>39<br>30<br>Travel costs<br>44<br>59<br>103<br>72<br>Insurance<br>204<br>204<br>219<br>Professional Fees<br>450<br>450<br>230<br>Recruitment<br>27<br>27<br>58<br>Depreciation<br>1,550<br>108<br>1,658<br>3,226<br>Sundry<br>291<br>291<br>219<br>17,753<br>167<br>17,920<br>19,376<br>Combined charitable activity cost<br>64,109<br>64,322<br>128,431<br>134,643<br>The fee payable to the independent examiner for examining the accounts was £1,860 (2022: £1,824); in addition the<br>charity paid £654 (2022: £635) to Stewardship for payroll bureau services.|**Total**<br>**2022**<br>**£**<br>136,079<br>6,261|
|---|---|---|
|||142,340<br>12|
|||142,352|
|||**Total**<br>**2022**<br>**£**<br>75,223<br>17,729<br>22,315|
|||115,267|
|||**£**<br>1,583<br>40<br>11,210<br>127<br>2,362<br>30<br>72<br>219<br>230<br>58<br>3,226<br>219|
|||19,376|
|||134,643|
|**Institutions Individuals**<br>**c**<br>**Grants**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>**Analysis by receiving project/appeal**<br>APRECOM<br>9,925<br>Transformation Resources<br>7,036<br>Stop Child Witch Accusation<br>13,471<br>Wukwashi<br>18,886<br>LVLE<br>11,302<br>Food Security campaign<br>500<br>Nyiragongo appeal<br>250<br>61,370<br>0|**2023**<br>**£**<br>9,925<br>7,036<br>13,471<br>18,886<br>11,302<br>500<br>250<br>61,370|**2022**<br>**£**<br>11,511<br>7,982<br>7,992<br>17,405<br>12,749<br>3,027<br>3|
|||60,669|
||||



|||**Institutions**|**Individuals**|**2023**|**2022**|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|**c**|**Grants**|**£**|**£**|**£**|**£**|
||**Analysis by receiving project/appeal**|||||
||APRECOM|9,925||9,925|11,511|
||Transformation Resources|7,036||7,036|7,982|
||Stop Child Witch Accusation|13,471||13,471|7,992|
||Wukwashi|18,886||18,886|17,405|
||LVLE|11,302||11,302|12,749|
||Food Security campaign|500||500|3,027|
||Nyiragongo appeal|250||250|3|
|||61,370|0|61,370|60,669|
|||||||



32 



NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS 

|**4**<br>**Charitable activity****_(continued)_**<br>**Institutions Individuals**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>**Analysis by key purpose**<br>Awareness raising<br>6,322<br>Training<br>25,548<br>Medical<br>7,250<br>Covid response<br>0<br>Food & sanitisation resources<br>2,350<br>Transport<br>598<br>Parent/Family support<br>2,364<br>Child/Young person support & empowerment<br>5,700<br>Enterprise<br>100<br>School Fees<br>399<br>Administration<br>10,739<br>61,370<br>0|**2023**<br>**£**<br>6,322<br>25,548<br>7,250<br>0<br>2,350<br>598<br>2,364<br>5,700<br>100<br>399<br>10,739<br>61,370|**2022**<br>**£**<br>1,868<br>25,553<br>10,950<br>5,400<br>0<br>518<br>48<br>4,090<br>335<br>1,927<br>9,980|
|---|---|---|
|||60,669|
||||



Within ‘Assisting Churches’ are grants made to projects. The main features of the grants made were to provide practical support and finance to children’s projects in Africa in three locations with the key purposes being as allocated above. 

|**5**<br>**Fundraising costs**<br>**Unrestricted**<br>**Restricted**<br>**Funds**<br>**Funds**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>Salaries and pension costs<br>11,613<br>Communication services<br>913<br>Travel costs<br>50<br>58<br>Printing and stationery<br>39<br>IT Costs<br>1,081<br>Telephone<br>301<br>Storage<br>59<br>Insurance<br>204<br>Training, Conferences & meetings<br>7<br>Postage & mailbox hire<br>92<br>Governance<br>0<br>Recruitment<br>27<br>Miscellaneous<br>93<br>14,479<br>58<br>**6**<br>**Staf & Trustees**<br>Gross wages, salaries & benefts in kind<br>Employer’s National Insurance costs<br>Employer’s Allowance<br>Employer’s Pension Contributions<br>Total staf costs|**Total**<br>**2023**<br>**£**<br>11,613<br>913<br>108<br>39<br>1,081<br>301<br>59<br>204<br>7<br>92<br>0<br>27<br>93<br>14,537<br>**2023**<br>**£**<br>55,742<br>3,986<br>(3,986)<br>1,672<br>57,414|**Total**<br>**2022**<br>**£**<br>11,210<br>3,264<br>72<br>30<br>2,051<br>278<br>55<br>218<br>43<br>105<br>0<br>58<br>79|
|---|---|---|
|||17,463|
|||**2022**<br>**£**<br>53,801<br>3,858<br>(3,858)<br>1,614|
|||55,415|
||||



During the year the charity had 3 full time equivalent employed staff (2022: 3). No staff received salaries at a rate of more than £60,000 per annum (2022: none). 

Remuneration payable to key management (excluding trustees) amounted to £42,278 in the year (2022: £39,603). Currently, key management is considered to comprise the Chief Executive Officer and the Finance Manager. 

33 

**THE BETHANY CHILDREN’S TRUST REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2023** 



THE BETHANY CHILDREN’S TRUST 

## **6 Staff & Trustees** _**(continued)**_ 

No remuneration was paid to any trustee during the year. No trustee received reimbursement for expenses incurred on BCT’s behalf (2022: Nil). Simeon Whiting, the son of trustee Hazel Whiting, invoiced BCT a total of £2,879 during the year for communication services provided to the charity (2022: £9,890). 

The total amount of donations funded by trustees [and connected parties] and key management was £5,217 (2022: £521). 

|**7**<br>**Fixed Assets**<br>**Intangible Fixed Assets**<br>**Website**<br>**£**<br>Cost<br>At 1st September 2022<br>5,744<br>Additions<br>0<br>Disposals<br>0<br>At 31st August 2023<br>5,744<br>Accumulated Depreciation<br>At 1st September 2022<br>4,787<br>Charge for the year<br>957<br>Disposals<br>0<br>At 31st August 2023<br>5,744<br>Net book value<br>At 31st August 2023<br>0<br>At 1st September 2022<br>957<br>**Tangible Fixed Assets**<br>**Computer Furniture &**<br>**& Software Equipment**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>At 1st September 2022<br>4,943<br>120<br>Additions<br>785<br>0<br>Disposals<br>(135)<br>0<br>At 31st August 2023<br>5,593<br>120<br>Accumulated Depreciation<br>At 1st September 2022<br>4,456<br>93<br>Charge for the year<br>674<br>27<br>Disposals<br>(135)<br>0<br>At 31st August 2023<br>4,995<br>120<br>Net book value<br>At 31st August 2023<br>598<br>0<br>At 1st September 2022<br>487<br>27||
|---|---|
||**Total**<br>**2023**<br>**£**<br>5,744<br>0<br>0<br>5,744<br>4,787<br>957<br>0<br>5,744<br>0<br>957<br>**Total**<br>**2023**<br>**£**<br>5,063<br>785<br>(135)<br>5,713<br>4,549<br>701<br>(135)<br>5,115<br>598<br>514|



34 



NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS 

|**8**<br>**Debtors and Prepayments**<br>Income tax receivable<br>Sundry Debtors<br>Prepayments<br>**9**<br>**Cash at Bank and in Hand**<br>Co-operative Bank<br>NatWest Bank<br>Petty cash<br>**10 Creditors: liabilities falling due within one year**<br>Trade Creditors<br>Accruals|**2023**<br>**£**<br>8,395<br>16<br>899<br>9,310<br>77,902<br>16,275<br>100<br>94,277<br>1,476<br>2,518<br>3,994|**2022**<br>**£**<br>10,586<br>7<br>3,767|
|---|---|---|
|||14,360|
|||81,936<br>15,879<br>100|
|||97,915|
|||752<br>2,608|
|||3,360|
||||



## **11 Multi-year contract commitments** 

The charity had a five year contract with Academia Ltd for the provision of cloud services which commenced on 1 May 2020. It had an option to terminate the contract after three years. The charity decided to take up that option and the contract ended on 30th April 2023. Nothing was paid in the year in respect of this contract (2022: £5,027). 

|Payments falling due:<br>Within one year<br>Between one and fve years<br>After fve years<br>|**2023**<br>**£**<br>–<br>–<br>–<br>–|**2022**<br>**£**<br>5,027<br>5,027<br>–|
|---|---|---|
|||10,054|
||||



## **12 Funds** 

**a** The restricted funds represent amounts received for specific purposes and the movements in the year are as follows: 

|Administration<br>APRECOM<br>LVLE<br>Stop Child Witch Accusation<br>Transformation Resources<br>Wukwashi (Zambia)<br>Food Security campaign<br>Nyiragongo appeal|**Opening**<br>**balance**<br>**£**<br>1,328<br>6,107<br>4,741<br>9,497<br>7,843<br>13,088<br>1,423<br>250<br>44,276|**Incoming**<br>**resources**<br>**£**<br>0<br>12,148<br>13,561<br>10,832<br>5,000<br>15,268<br>750<br>0<br>57,559|**Outgoing**<br>**Transfers**<br>**resources in the year**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>(341)<br>(11,548)<br>(12,348)<br>(13,471)<br>544<br>(7,036)<br>(544)<br>(18,886)<br>(500)<br>(250)<br>(64,380)<br>0|**Closing**<br>**balance**<br>**£**<br>987<br>6,707<br>5,954<br>7,400<br>5,264<br>9,471<br>1,673<br>0|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|||||37,455|



35 

**THE BETHANY CHILDREN’S TRUST REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2023** 



THE BETHANY CHILDREN’S TRUST 

## **12 Funds** _**(continued)**_ 

With the exception of Administration, the movement on each of the above funds reflects donations received and disbursements and expenditures made in the financial year in respect of activities carried out by the named project or in accordance with the named appeal or campaign. Funds unused at the end of the year are carried forward. A description of the purpose of the other funds and the nature of the restriction can be found in the Trustees Annual Report. 

The Administration fund is solely in respect of donations received for non project-related and non appeal or campaign-related purposes. The movement on this fund in the year concerned two items. Firstly, in financial year 2019/20 a donation of £650 was received towards the cost of incorporating a specific facility in our website.The website is being depreciated over a period of 3 years and £108 is this year’s depreciation charge for the facility in question. Secondly, £1,220 of the Administration fund’s opening balance are unused funds carried forward from previous years and are specifically restricted to cover the cost of BCT staff team social activities as and when incurred. £233 was incurred this year on travel costs when attending a staff team day in January 2023. The closing balance is again carried forward. 

For comparison, movements in restricted funds in the year to 31st August 2022 are reproduced below: 

|Administration<br>APRECOM<br>LVLE<br>Stop Child Witch Accusation<br>Transformation Resources<br>Wukwashi (Zambia)<br>Food Security campaign<br>Nyiragongo appeal|**Opening**<br>**balance**<br>**£**<br>1,545<br>7,878<br>10,528<br>5,946<br>11,193<br>13,486<br>0<br>253<br>50,828|**Incoming**<br>**resources**<br>**£**<br>0<br>9,739<br>6,935<br>11,543<br>4,595<br>17,007<br>4,450<br>0<br>54,270|**Outgoing**<br>**Transfers**<br>**resources in the year**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>(217)<br>(11,511)<br>(12,722)<br>(7,992)<br>(7,945)<br>(17,405)<br>(3,027)<br>(3)<br>(60,822)<br>0|**Closing**<br>**balance**<br>**£**<br>1,328<br>6,107<br>4,741<br>9,497<br>7,843<br>13,088<br>1,423<br>250|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|||||44,276|



**b** The assets and liabilities represented by the various funds are as follows: 

|Restricted funds<br>Unrestricted funds|**Fixed  Bank & cash**<br>**assets**<br>**balances**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>0<br>37,455<br>598<br>56,822<br>598<br>94,277|**Other net**<br>**assets**<br>**£**<br>–<br>5,316<br>5,316|**Total**<br>**£**<br>37,455<br>62,736|
|---|---|---|---|
||||100,191|



For comparison, the assets and liabilities represented by the various funds as at 31st August 2022 are reproduced below: 

|Restricted funds<br>Unrestricted funds|**Fixed  Bank & cash**<br>**assets**<br>**balances**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>0<br>44,276<br>1,471<br>53,639<br>1,471<br>97,915|**Other net**<br>**assets**<br>**£**<br>–<br>11,000<br>11,000|**Total**<br>**£**<br>44,276<br>66,110|
|---|---|---|---|
||||110,386|



## **13 Events since the year end** 

On 17th November 2023 Mr Geoff Walls stepped down as trustee after four years on the Board. 

On 24th January 2024 Mrs Ruth Ejvet stepped down as Chair and trustee after four years on the board. Mrs Gill Bradley, trustee, has taken over as Chair. 

36 



## **The Bethany Children’s Trust Detailed Statement of Financial Activities** year ended 31 August 2023 

|**Unrestricted Funds**<br>**Note**<br>**2023**<br>**2022**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>**INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM**<br>Donations and legacies<br>3<br>75,060<br>88,070<br>Investments<br>3<br>154<br>12<br>Total income and endowments<br>75,214<br>88,082<br>**EXPENDITURE ON**<br>Charitable activities<br>4<br>64,109<br>73,821<br>Raising funds<br>5<br>14,479<br>17,463<br>Total expenditure<br>78,588<br>91,284<br>Net gains/(losses) on investments<br>0<br>0<br>**Net income/(expenditure)**<br>(3,374)<br>(3,202)<br>Transfers between funds<br>0<br>0<br>(3,374)<br>(3,202)<br>**Net movement in funds**<br>(3,374)<br>(3,202)<br>**Reconciliation of funds:**<br>Total funds brought forward<br>66,110<br>69,312<br>**Total funds carried forward**<br>62,736<br>66,110|**Restricted Funds**<br>**2023**<br>**2022**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>57,559<br>54,270<br>0<br>0<br>57,559<br>54,270<br>64,322<br>60,822<br>58<br>0<br>64,380<br>60,822<br>0<br>0<br>(6,821)<br>(6,552)<br>0<br>0<br>(6,821)<br>(6,552)<br>(6,821)<br>(6,552)<br>44,276<br>50,828<br>37,455<br>44,276|**Total**<br>**Funds**<br>**2023**<br>**£**<br>132,619<br>154<br>132,773<br>128,431<br>14,537<br>142,968<br>0<br>(10,195)<br>0<br>(10,195)<br>(10,195)<br>110,386<br>100,191|**Total**<br>**Funds**<br>**2022**<br>**£**<br>142,340<br>12<br>142,352<br>134,643<br>17,463<br>152,106<br>0<br>(9,754)<br>0<br>(9,754)<br>(9,754)<br>120,140<br>110,386|
|---|---|---|---|



Movements on reserves and all recognised gains and losses are shown above. The notes on page 30 to 36 form part of these accounts. 

37 

**THE BETHANY CHILDREN’S TRUST REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2023** 



THE BETHANY CHILDREN’S TRUST 

## **APPENDIX 1** 

## **Structure, Governance and Management** 

## **Organisational Structure** 

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) is responsible for the day-to-day running of BCT, and all staff and volunteers report to her. In collaboration with her team, the CEO draws up BCT’s annual goals and objectives, taking into account the charity commission’s Public Benefit Requirement and BCT’s vision and mission, and annual budget. These are then passed to BCT’s trustees for discussion, revision and final approval. 

The CEO makes recommendations to the trustees at their quarterly meetings, in respect of BCT’s policies, procedures, disbursement of monies to BCT’s project partners and selection of new project partners. 

The trustees are responsible for final decision-making in respect of the above. In all aspects of decisions related to BCT’s objectives and activities, they take into account the Charity Commission’s guidance on Public Benefit. 

## **Appointment of BCT Trustees** 

Potential candidates for BCT trusteeship are given a job description and are required to complete and submit an application form and two references. Suitable candidates are then invited for an initial interview. At least two BCT trustees, one of whom must be the BCT Chair, are present at this interview. A proposal is then made to the board of trustees to appoint the successful candidate. This appointment must be ratified at a meeting of the board of trustees, according to Article 14 of the Declaration of Trust. 

Successful candidates are given a full set of all BCT’s policies, procedures and foundational documents, as well as a copy of the governing Deed of Trust document. They are also given the minutes of the four previous meetings of the board of trustees, a copy of the Charity Commission’s guide, ‘The Essential Trustee: What You Need to Know’ and a copy of the ‘Charities and Public Benefit’ document. All trustees are required to read BCT’s Safeguarding Policy and sign a commitment to upholding it. All new trustees are required to spend an induction day, meeting all members of staff and discussing their roles, and are also required to enhance their knowledge and understanding of issues pertaining to children at risk through the reading materials provided to them, and by attending study days or conferences from time to time. Pertinent reports and best practice papers are forwarded to BCT trustees, so that they maintain an awareness of issues that may affect their decision-making. 

## **Appraisal of BCT Trustees** 

All trustees are required to fulfil a six-month probationary period followed by a review. 

Upon successful completion of the probationary period, the term of office is for three years, followed by an appraisal. Trustees can then stand for a further term of office if the appraisal is satisfactory. BCT trustees are also required to undergo an appraisal after 18 months in office. The reviews are facilitated by the Chair and one other trustee. The term of office for the Chair of Trustees is 3 years, with an appraisal at 18 months. 

None of BCT’s trustees receive remuneration or other benefits for their work with BCT. 

## **Risk Management** 

BCT recognises the need, as well as responsibility, to assess all of its activities against risk, in line with the Charity Commission’s ‘Statement Of Recommended Practice 2005’ (SORP 2005). BCT’s Risk Management Policy demonstrates potential risks, the steps taken to mitigate or remove them, and BCT’s commitment to on-going monitoring and assessment. BCT has also drawn up a Business Continuity Plan as part of its Risk Management Policy. The greatest current risk is economic sustainability in light of the global economic climate, but BCT’s trustees confirm that they have reviewed BCT’s accounts on a monthly basis and put in place a strategy for on-going fundraising and increasing income for sustainability. 

38 



## **Responsibilities of trustees under charity law** 

The trustees are responsible for preparing the trustees’ annual report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). Charity law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of the affairs of the charity as at the balance sheet date and of its incoming resources and application of resources, including income and expenditure, for the financial year. In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to: 

1. select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently; 

2. observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP; 

3. make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent; 

4. state whether the applicable accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and 

5.   prepare the financial statements on a going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in operation. 

The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011 and the Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. 

## **APPENDIX 2** 

## **Reserves Policy** 

## **(Based on Article 19 of a meeting of BCT trustees, dated 2nd March 2002. Latest amendment by agreement of BCT trustees, 22nd November 2023.)** 

At any one time, BCT will, as a minimum, maintain an unrestricted fund reserve of at least £32,367. Funds pertaining to any reserve may be retained in one or more BCT accounts. The purpose of the unrestricted fund reserve is to: 

- Maintain an adequate level of unrestricted funds to provide security against unforeseen liabilities and funding changes, and; 

- For a period of at least three months, meet BCT’s running costs if it experiences unforeseen financial difficulties or is in a position where it will soon cease to operate as a charity. 

BCT will endeavour to have appropriately disbursed restricted donations no later than six months after the end of the previous financial year. 

## **Grant-making Policy** 

## **(Based on Article 18 of the minutes of a meeting of the BCT trustees on 2nd March 2002).** 

BCT has a Grant Making Policy that outlines criteria for issuing grants to projects and or individuals, the procedure for issuing grants and the review of grants. This policy is reviewed at set intervals, as are all BCT’s policies. 

39 

**THE BETHANY CHILDREN’S TRUST REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2023** 




## **Registered Office:** 

Office 214, Hill House, 210 Upper Richmond Road, London SW15 6NP www.bethanychildrenstrust.org.uk 

Charity Registration Number 1073817