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2023-12-31-accounts

Charity number: 1090810

WATOTO CHILD CARE MINISTRIES Wltot UNAUDITED ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

WATOTO CHILD CARE MINISTRIES

CONTENTS

Page
Reference and Administrative Details of the Charity, its Trustees and Advisers 1
Introductory Remarks 2
Trustees' Report 3 - 7
Trustees' Responsibilities Statement 8
Independent Examiner's Report 9
Statement of Financial Activities 10
Balance Sheet 11
Statement of Cash Flows 12
Notes to the Financial Statements 13 - 28

WATOTO CHILD CARE MINISTRIES

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS OF THE CHARITY, ITS TRUSTEES AND ADVISERS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

Trustees J Rwotlonyo, Chairman
G Skinner
J Skinner
J Penry
R Walsh
D Watt
G Wheeler (appointed 26 April 2024)
Charity number
1090810
Principal office
CMS House
Watlington Road
Cowley
Oxford
OX4 6BZ
Independent examiner
Wenn Townsend
30 St. Giles
Oxford
OX1 3LE
Bankers
The Royal Bank of Scotland
Drummond House
Redheughs Avenue
Edinburgh
EH12 9RH
Solicitors
Anthony Collins Solicitors
134 Edmund St.
Birmingham
B3 2ES

Page 1

WATOTO CHILD CARE MINISTRIES

INTRODUCTORY REMARKS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

A Message From Andrew White, Executive Director, Watoto UK

We express sincere thanks for the unwavering commitment of our sponsors and donors right across the UK through these difficult economic times. Our UK sponsors are some of the most loyal supporters across the globe, and we are so grateful for their dedication to the babies, children and vulnerable women we are supporting in Uganda and South Sudan.

Your generosity reflected in donations, with £687,612 received over the course of 2023. Thanks to the Gift of Love campaign in December, we could provide £1,928 to further supporting the work of the ministry.

2023 was a year of strategic development, preparing for the longer term and reawakening the organisation postCovid. In the past year, we've sought God's guidance, humbled ourselves, and embraced the opportunities and challenges set before us. While facing a cost-of-living crisis across the UK, the trustee board took the bold approach to appoint a new UK Executive Director and have enabled me in this role to begin restructuring for the journey to growth ahead.

Innovation is thriving at Watoto with projects close to our hearts, like Keep A Girl in School, making an enormous impact and capturing the hearts of all we meet with. Across our Watoto villages and Neighbourhood programs, we are now caring for an incredible 115 babies, 3,596 children, 1,373 mothers, 226 teachers and several thousand more through Keep A Girl in School.

Looking ahead to what the Lord has in store ahead, we are excited to be stepping into new beginnings. Our team are now working remotely across the UK, enabling us to hire the very best, keep running costs low and focus our mission on growing our support once more as the need for loving and caring homes remains ever present. Despite challenges, we remain committed, understanding the pressing need as estimates suggest 54% of the central African region daily face extreme poverty.

As we sought God's guidance, we have confidently moved forwards with hiring new team and bringing Watoto back to life in the UK. These roles will allow us to oversee the logistics of the choir and ensure that our sponsorship offering is back to pre-pandemic levels. Ephesians 3:21 reminds us that God can do immeasurably more than we ask or imagine, reinforcing our faith in pursuing our ministry's calling.

Rejoice with us as we witness God's transformative work in the lives of the children, young people, and families we serve. Thank you for partnering with Watoto UK on this incredible journey to celebrate Christ and care for our community.

................................................ A White Executive Director

Date: 30 July 2024

Page 2

WATOTO CHILD CARE MINISTRIES

TRUSTEES' REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

Objectives and Activities

Why Are We Here?

In 1984, during a time of civil war, aids epidemic and great civil upheaval, Watoto (Swahili for “children”) set up a church in Kampala, Uganda, to reach out to the poor and vulnerable of the country – women and children – in order to offer love, hope and an opportunity to enhance and change their lives through the teachings of the Bible. In 1999, Watoto Childcare Ministries was set up in the UK with a holistic approach to provide financial, spiritual and educational support to Watoto in Uganda. Since then, we have helped rescue thousands of abandoned children, placing them in loving families and we have come alongside vulnerable women, equipping them with skills and empowering them to become mothers and leaders.

The median age in Uganda is 15.9 years (UK – 40.7 years) making it the second youngest population in the world and, partly as a result, it is one of the poorest in the world with average family income less than £600 p.a. Watoto UK, through its sponsors and donors helps provide a loving family, home, education, food and medical care to over 3,000 orphaned and abandoned children each year. In addition, we also help support over 3,000 women and 15,000 children through the Watoto Neighbourhood programme.

There are similar, autonomous, organisations operating in the U.S.A., Canada, Australia, Brazil, Hong Kong and across Europe.

In setting our objectives and planning activities, the Trustees have referred to the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit and, in particular, to its supplementary public benefit guidance on religion and education and are able to confirm their belief that the trust’s activities are of public benefit.

Our core objectives are as follows:

• To advance the Christian faith in Uganda, the UK and such other parts of the world as the Trustees may, from time to time, see fit.

• To care for and relieve distress amongst those who are suffering under conditions of hardship, sickness, homelessness and need, mainly (but not exclusively) orphaned children and widows, in Uganda or such other parts of the world as the Trustees may, from time to time, see fit.

• To advance education in accordance with Christian principles and teachings by means of establishing and operating educational establishments in Uganda or such other parts of the world as the Trustees may, from time to time, see fit.

• To promote and fulfil such other charitable purposes beneficial to communities in Uganda and in other parts of the world as the Trustees may, from time to time, see fit.

Our core funding goes towards the provision of care for orphaned babies and children and vulnerable children and women in Uganda. Education and medical support are not free at the point of use in Uganda, so as well as helping to support the individual, we also support teachers, teaching and medical programmes. In order to achieve all this, we are also involved in the building and running of capital projects such as homes and schools and support many other local projects where the general aim is to set up self-sustaining and caring communities which can carry on the charitable objectives.

How do we achieve this?

We achieve our charitable objectives through multiple different streams including but not limited to grant funding, sponsorship activity and donations. We also regularly can be found giving interactive and engaging talks across the UK at churches, schools, or at concerts given by the Watoto Children’s Choir. Ninety per cent of the sponsorship money is then passed over to the Ugandan office of Watoto Childcare Ministries for distribution in accordance with the designated wishes of the sponsor or donor and fulfilling our core objectives as set out above.

We also encourage individuals and teams of volunteers to go to Uganda and assist with the many projects being undertaken (e.g. construction, maintenance, education, sustainability, development) and we consider the contribution from such volunteers in terms of time and experience to be invaluable. It has been a joy to see the first few visitors returning to Uganda through our Visit Watoto program, and in 2023 we sent a number of individuals and small groups to help support the work of Watoto in Uganda.

Page 3

WATOTO CHILD CARE MINISTRIES

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

Our operational costs are financed by fundraising activities, a 10% contribution from sponsorship and restricted donation receipts and from gift aid claimed on those sponsorship and donation receipts. Between October 2023 and December 2024, while operational costs are somewhat higher, it has been agreed with the Ugandan office that the UK office will retain an additional 8% from sponsorship and restricted donations to help offset costs, ahead of a return to growth and thus a plan to return to the 10% contributions from January 2025.

Fundraising activities

As well as raising awareness of Watoto and its objectives and raising new sponsors, our main fundraising comes from arranging and promoting the annual Watoto Children’s Choir tour, the many talks given up and down the UK and from merchandise sales at both of these events. Much of the merchandise is made in Uganda by the women that we help support and, each year, the choir tour has a new production the title of which is also their latest CD and, this too, goes on general sale. We are delighted to be welcoming back from April to July 2024, the “Better Days” performance of the Watoto Children’s Choir. In 2023, we have been earnestly preparing for this, and contracted a part-time Choir Tour Coordinator as part of this preparation.

The Trustees use the following key performance indicators:

• The amount of donations and sponsorship received and the net movement in number of sponsors/donors during the year:

• The cost efficiency of operations.

Cost efficiency of operations continues to be monitored in our office. Leading into 2023, the staffing levels were in place to continue minimal operations. In the appointment of an Executive Director in late 2023, the trustees are keen to see the UK return to growth and subsequently supported the Executive Director in a reorganisation of the team as we bid farewell to two finance employees moving into retirement, and subsequently outsourced much of the financial operation to the reputable firm of James Cowper Kreston. In the absence of a Director in place for much of the year, fundraising activities were few and far between, but plans for the year ahead were coming well into place and we anticipate a substantial return to growth in the year ahead.

Future Plans

As 2023 developed, we saw continuing opportunity for Watoto to re-establish itself in the UK through a bolstered and effective team, and in appointing Andrew White as Executive Director, we are excited to see a new-look team coming together. In 2024 we anticipate the hiring of a full-time Choir Tour Coordinator, alongside a fulltime Sponsorship Coordinator and even the possibility of hiring someone to come in to assist with development opportunities across the UK part-time. The choir will arrive in April 2024 and remain in the UK for three months, where we anticipate the tour performing to approximately 85,000 people across 81 different venues from northern Scotland to south-west England. Our new Executive Director plans to also conduct a UK-wide tour visiting with church leaders, sponsors and donors and we intend on exhibiting at five major Christian events across the country during the year also.

Page 4

WATOTO CHILD CARE MINISTRIES

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

Structure, Governance and Management

Governing Document

The Charity is constituted under a Trust Deed dated 9th March 1999, amended 6th November 2001 (charity No. 1090810) and is operated in accordance with its governing document, the deed of trust and constitutes an unincorporated charity.

The Trustee Board

The board of Trustees meets every six months to set and review the strategy of the Charity. The Executive Director is appointed by the board and to whom it delegates responsibility for the day to day running of the Charity.

The Board of Trustees is fully committed to the financial stewardship, quality and safety of the Charity.

The Trustees are guided by an agreed scheme of corporate governance which sets out their responsibilities and those of the Executive Director. The Board of Trustees regularly consider the skills mix required to support the Charity.

New Trustees are selected from long-term supporters of the Charity with the appropriate skills and are interviewed by Senior Trustees before being offered appointment. They are encouraged to visit Uganda to view the works undertaken there and they undertake an induction programme designed to ensure their understanding of the trustee role and their wider knowledge of Watoto and its philosophy.

All Trustees give of their time freely and no trustee received any remuneration during the year. Details of Trustees expenses are disclosed in note 8 in the accounts.

Risk Management

The Trustees regularly review the risks faced by the Charity, in particular those related to financial security and operationally surrounding choir tours, to ensure that key risks have been identified, and that suitable plans are in place to prevent or manage these risks. We approach risk management on three levels; strategic, operational and at project level. This enables both Trustees and staff to undertake the identification of risk and allows clear allocation of responsibilities for managing these risks. Trustees and staff use a clear understanding of risk to help inform decision making within the Charity, including decisions regarding use of resources, tour planning, sponsor recruitment and development.

Page 5

WATOTO CHILD CARE MINISTRIES

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

Financial Review & Trustee’s Responsibilities

Overview

The year ended with a deficit of £10,834 in unrestricted funds (2022 - £27,717 deficit) and a deficit in restricted funds of £40,933 (2022 - £4,346 deficit) giving a net total deficit for the year of £51,767 (2022 - £32,063 deficit).

Income

Restricted Funds

Sponsorship donations have seen a fall of 10.48% (£58,637) on 2022 levels, which was within the budgeted parameters for net attritional losses during the year. 2023 proved, as expected, to be difficult for finding sponsorship promotional opportunities with the limited staffing resources. Overall, income into restricted funds fell by £11.87 (69,095%) in 2023.

Unrestricted Funds

General donations fell by £3,784. Gift aid receipts fell by 4.67% (£4,570) from £97,861 in 2022 to £93,291 in 2023. A significant proportion of this can be attributed to the fall in sponsor numbers (as above) but we also have an increasingly aging donor base and the changing financial situations of many means that they are no longer able to gift-aid their donations. Allied with the extended inability to re-commence any fundraising activities, the Charity suffered a total deficit for the year of £51,767 (being £40,933 through restricted funds and £10,834 through unrestricted funds).

The nature of the Charity’s activities means that income growth is unlikely to be restored before mid-2024 at the earliest. In acknowledgement of this, the Charity continued to monitor and restrict expenditure wherever possible in 2023 and until such times as income generation can properly resume.

Expenditure

Restricted Funds

In line with the fall in income, grant fund payments to Uganda fell by 1.91% to £575,121 in 2023 (2022 - £586,315). The board noted that this trend was likely to continue whilst there was an inability to increase sponsorship numbers.

Unrestricted Funds

Overall, expenditure through Unrestricted Funds fell 10.47% (£21,991) from £210,088 in 2022 to £188,097 in 2023. There were trustee meeting expenses of £NIL in the year (2022 - £1,604).

At the year end the Charity holds reserves totalling £174,149 (2022 - £225,916), comprising restricted reserves of £123,592 (2022 - £164,525), and unrestricted reserves of £50,557 (2022 - £61,391). The Charity has available free reserves at the balance sheet date of £6,561 (2022 - £20,887). The Trustees acknowledge that this figure is low and continue to look to implement processes which will restore the balance to previous levels over the coming 3-5 years. With the next choir tour taking place in 2024, all efforts continue to be channelled into formulating – and holding – a break-even budget.

Investment Policy

The Trustees have the power to invest in such assets as they see fit. Funds are held in UK banks to enable the Charity to access them as and when required. Accessibility of funds is very important to the Charity as, this way, we are able to allocate and distribute funds as soon as they are required. The Trustees may, from time to time, use the services of a professional investment adviser; none were required in the year under review.

Reserves Policy

All reserves are held to be applied to meet with the objectives set out above. Free reserves amounting to three months operating costs should be held as a minimum requirement. The Trustees accept that, currently, this is not the case and are planning to see that this is achieved in the shortest time frame possible with effect from 2024 when the choir are expected to return. The effects of Covid-19 has meant that no choir tours were possible from 2021 to 2023 and the board are of the opinion that it is extremely difficult to achieve this aim until then.

Page 6

WATOTO CHILD CARE MINISTRIES

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

The Charity has three designated funds. A number of donors give monies with preference that it be used in one of three broad areas though this is not a specified restriction. These three broad areas and the funds created are:

Where Most Needed – A third group give donations freely but with an expressed preference that they be immediately available for use by the Country Director (with board approval) to put towards any emergency purpose or appeal, either in the UK or elsewhere in the world, as they see fit and appropriate. £3,492 was received into this fund during 2023 and the fund had a balance at the year end of £30,181.

Operational Development Fund – A number of individuals and churches give donations with a preference, in the first instance, that they be used to help advance the Christian faith and defray the costs of promoting and growing the work of Watoto in the UK. There was £NIL received into this fund during 2023 and the fund has a balance at the year-end of £12,900.

Keep The Choir On The Road – The choir has many supporters some of whom give money with the preference that, in the first instance, it be used to help defray any unforeseen (and, thus, unbudgeted) choir tour costs. £NIL was received into this fund during 2023 and the balance on the fund at the year-end was £915.

The board decided that these donations should be specifically recorded and acknowledged and set up these three designated funds to record this. No minimum or maximum fund balances have been set and it was envisaged that, under normal circumstances, the majority of these donations would be utilised in the year that they are received. However, since all such activity has had to be suspended since 2020, the board have agreed that income should continue to accrue into these funds until such times as activities recommence, and the funds can be properly utilised.

Approved by order of the members of the board of Trustees and signed on their behalf by:

................................................ J Skinner

Date: July 11, 2024

Page 7

WATOTO CHILD CARE MINISTRIES

STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES' RESPONSIBILITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

The Trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees' Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

The law applicable to charities in England & Wales requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Charity and of its incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure, for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees are required to:

The Trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the Charity's transactions and 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, the Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the provisions of the Trust deed. 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.

Approved by order of the members of the board of Trustees and signed on its behalf by:

................................................ . J Skinner

Date: July 11, 2024

Page 8

WATOTO CHILD CARE MINISTRIES

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of Watoto Child Care Ministries ('the Charity')

I report to the charity Trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Charity for the year ended 31 December 2023.

Responsibilities and Basis of Report

As the Trustees of the Charity you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ('the 2011 Act').

I report in respect of my examination of the Charity's accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.

Independent Examiner's Statement

Since the Charity's gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the 2011 Act. I confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of the ICAEW, which is one of the listed bodies.

Your attention is drawn to the fact that the Charity has prepared the accounts in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) in preference to the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice issued on 1 April 2005 which is referred to in the extant regulations but has been withdrawn.

I understand that this has been done in order for the accounts to provide a true and fair view in accordance with the Generally Accepted Accounting Practice effective for reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2015.

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:

  1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the Charity as required by section 130 of the 2011 Act; or

  2. the accounts do not accord with those records; or

  3. the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a 'true and fair' view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Signed:

Dated: 12 July 2024 FCA

Wenn Townsend, Chartered Accountants, Oxford

Page 9

WATOTO CHILD CARE MINISTRIES

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

Note
Income from:
Donations and legacies
3
Charitable activities
4
Other trading activities
5
Investments
6
Total income
Expenditure on:
Raising funds
Charitable activities
7
Total expenditure
Net movement in funds
Reconciliation of funds:
Total funds brought forward
Net movement in funds
Total funds carried forward		 Restricted
funds
2023
£
512,874
-
-
-
512,874
-
553,807
553,807
(40,933)
164,525
(40,933)
123,592		 Unrestricted
funds
2023
£
174,738
-
489
2,036
177,263
-
188,097
188,097
(10,834)
61,391
(10,834)
50,557		 Total
funds
2023
£
687,612
-
489
2,036
690,137
-
741,904
741,904
(51,767)
225,916
(51,767)
174,149		 Total
funds
2022
£
762,314
1,550
60
416
764,340
30
796,373
796,403
(32,063)
257,979
(32,063)
225,916

The Statement of Financial Activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.

The notes on pages 13 to 28 form part of these financial statements.

Page 10

WATOTO CHILD CARE MINISTRIES

BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2023

2023 2022
Note £ £
Fixed assets
Tangible assets 12 4,592 4,659
4,592 4,659
Current assets
Stocks 13 5,870 5,870
Debtors 14 37,505 145,102
Cash at bank and in hand 171,077 119,542
214,452 270,514
Creditors: amounts falling due within one
year 15 (44,895) (49,257)
Net current assets 169,557 221,257
Total assets less current liabilities 174,149 225,916
Total net assets 174,149 225,916
Charity funds
Restricted funds 16 123,592 164,525
Unrestricted funds 16 50,557 61,391
Total funds 174,149 225,916

The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Trustees and signed on their behalf by:

................................................ J Skinner

Date: 30 July 2024

The notes on pages 13 to 28 form part of these financial statements.

Page 11

WATOTO CHILD CARE MINISTRIES

STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

Cash flows from operating activities
Net cash used in operating activities
Cash flows from investing activities
Dividends, interests and rents from investments
Purchase of tangible fixed assets
Net cash (used in)/provided by investing activities
Change in cash and cash equivalents in the year
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year
The notes on pages 13 to 28 form part of these financial statements		 2023
£
52,107
2,036
(2,608)
(572)
51,535
119,542
171,077		 2022
£
(98,404)
416
-
416
(97,988)
217,530
119,542

Page 12

WATOTO CHILD CARE MINISTRIES

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

1. General information

The Charity is an unincorporated Charity registered with the Charity Commission (number 1090810), its principle address is detailed within the legal and administration section of the accounts.

2. Accounting policies

2.1 Basis of preparation of financial statements

The accounts have been prepared in accordance with the Charity’s trust deed, the Charities Act 2011 and the ‘Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)’ (effective 01 January 2019). The Charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.

The accounts are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the Charity. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.

Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy.

2.2 Going concern

At the time of approving the financial statements, the Trustees foresee no material uncertainties and are confident that the Charity has both adequate resources and the means of maintaining them for at least 12 months from the approved date of these accounts. Expenditure is largely fixed by nature and, thus, fairly predictable. Sponsorship income has held-up better than expected during the pandemic and, now that the worst is now behind us, the Trustees are confident that income will start to rise over the coming 12 months. The Charity has a number of temporary measures to fall back on should recovery not be at the expected rate. These include an increase in the level of retained sponsorship and a salary reduction.

2.3 Income

All income is recognised once the Charity has entitlement to the income, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount of income receivable can be measured reliably.

Grants are included in the Statement of Financial Activities on a receivable basis. The balance of income received for specific purposes but not expended during the period is shown in the relevant funds on the Balance Sheet. Where income is received in advance of entitlement of receipt, its recognition is deferred and included in creditors as deferred income. Where entitlement occurs before income is received, the income is accrued.

Where the donated good is a fixed asset, it is measured at fair value, unless it is impractical to measure this reliably, in which case the cost of the item to the donor should be used. The gain is recognised as income from donations and a corresponding amount is included in the appropriate fixed asset class and depreciated over the useful economic life in accordance with the Charity's accounting policies.

On receipt, donated professional services and facilities are recognised on the basis of the value of the gift to the Charity which is the amount it would have been willing to pay to obtain services or facilities of equivalent economic benefit on the open market; a corresponding amount is then recognised in expenditure in the period of receipt.

Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation.

Page 13

WATOTO CHILD CARE MINISTRIES

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

2. Accounting policies (continued)

2.3 Income (continued)

Income tax recoverable in relation to investment income is recognised at the time the investment income is receivable.

2.4 Expenditure

Expenditure is recognised on the accruals basis and is recognised as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to the expenditure, it is probable that settlement will be required and the amount of the obligation can be measured. Where possible, expenditure is allocated directly to activities undertaken. Support costs are allocated between the expenditure categories on a basis designed to reflect the use of the resource. The majority of support costs (80%) are apportioned on the basis of staff time spent on each activity; bank and finance charges are apportioned in line with receipts; governance costs are apportioned in an equal 3-way split.

Grant and donations paid are accounted for when paid.

All expenditure is inclusive of irrecoverable VAT.

2.5 Gift Aid

Where the right to receive Gift Aid has been established, the amount receivable is recognised as Income from donations and legacies in the Statement of Financial Activities.

2.6 Taxation

The Charity is not subject to Corporation Tax. It is entitled to claim from HM Revenue and Customs the tax associated iwth income received under gift aid.

2.7 Tangible fixed assets and depreciation

Tangible fixed assets costing £NIL or more are capitalised and recognised when future economic benefits are probable and the cost or value of the asset can be measured reliably.

Tangible fixed assets are initially recognised at cost. After recognition, under the cost model, tangible fixed assets are measured at cost less accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses. All costs incurred to bring a tangible fixed asset into its intended working condition should be included in the measurement of cost.

Depreciation is charged so as to allocate the cost of tangible fixed assets less their residual value over their estimated useful lives, using the straight-line method.

The estimated useful lives are as follows:

Motor vehicles - 5 years Office furniture - 5 years Office equipment - 5 years Computer equipment - 3 years Choir equipment - 3 years

The assets' residual values, useful lives and depreciation methods are reviewed, and adjusted prospectively if appropriate, or if there is an indication of a significant change since the last reporting date.

Gains and losses on disposals are determined by comparing the proceeds with the carrying amount and are recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities.

Page 14

WATOTO CHILD CARE MINISTRIES

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

2. Accounting policies (continued)

2.8 Stocks

Stocks are valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value after making due allowance for obsolete and slow-moving stocks. Cost includes all direct costs and an appropriate proportion of fixed and variable overheads.

2.9 Debtors

Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due.

2.10 Cash at bank and in hand

Cash at bank and in hand includes cash and short-term highly liquid investments with a short maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit or similar account.

2.11 Liabilities and provisions

Liabilities are recognised when there is an obligation at the Balance Sheet date as a result of a past event, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefit will be required in settlement, and the amount of the settlement can be estimated reliably.

Liabilities are recognised at the amount that the Charity anticipates it will pay to settle the debt or the amount it has received as advanced payments for the goods or services it must provide.

Provisions are measured at the best estimate of the amounts required to settle the obligation. Where the effect of the time value of money is material, the provision is based on the present value of those amounts, discounted at the pre-tax discount rate that reflects the risks specific to the liability. The unwinding of the discount is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities as a finance cost.

2.12 Financial instruments

The Charity only has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value with the exception of bank loans which are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

2.13 Operating leases

Rentals paid under operating leases are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

2.14 Pensions

Payments to defined contribution retirement benefit schemes are charged as an expense as they fall due.

2.15 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 and which have not been designated for other purposes.

Designated funds comprise unrestricted funds that have been set aside by the Trustees for particular purposes. The aim and use of each designated fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements.

Page 15

WATOTO CHILD CARE MINISTRIES

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

2. Accounting policies (continued)

2.15 Fund accounting (continued)

Restricted funds are funds which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors or which have been raised by the Charity for particular purposes. The costs of raising and administering such funds are charged against the specific fund. The aim and use of each restricted fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements.

Investment income, gains and losses are allocated to the appropriate fund.

3. Income from donations and legacies

Donations and gifts
Gift aid reclaimed
Donations and gifts
Gift aid reclaimed		 Restricted
funds
2023
£
512,874
-
512,874
Restricted
funds
2022
£
578,326
3,643
581,969		 Unrestricted
funds
2023
£
81,447
93,291
174,738
Unrestricted
funds
2022
£
82,484
97,861
180,345		 Total
funds
2023
£
594,321
93,291
687,612
Total
funds
2022
£
660,810
101,504
762,314

4. Income from charitable activities

Total funds 2023 £ - Speaker's fees

Page 16

WATOTO CHILD CARE MINISTRIES

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

4. Income from charitable activities (continued)

Speaker's fees
5.
Income from other trading activities
Income from non charitable trading activities
Choir tour - merchandise sales
Choir tour - merchandise sales
6.
Investment income
Interest receivable
Interest receivable		 Unrestricted
funds
2022
£
1,550
Unrestricted
funds
2023
£
489
Unrestricted
funds
2022
£
60
Unrestricted
funds
2023
£
2,036
Unrestricted
funds
2022
£
416		 Total
funds
2022
£
1,550
Total
funds
2023
£
489
Total
funds
2022
£
60
Total
funds
2023
£
2,036
Total
funds
2022
£
416

Page 17

WATOTO CHILD CARE MINISTRIES

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

7. Analysis of expenditure on charitable activities

Summary by fund type

Grant funding to Uganda
Choir Tour
Development and engagement
Grant funding to Uganda
Choir Tour
Development and engagement		 Restricted
funds
2023
£
553,807
-
-
553,807
Restricted
funds
2022
£
586,315
-
-
586,315		 Unrestricte
d funds
2023
£
120,623
32,343
35,131
188,097
Unrestricted
funds
2022
£
160,780
25,014
24,264
210,058		 Total
2023
£
674,430
32,343
35,131
741,904
Total
2022
£
747,095
25,014
24,264
796,373

8. Analysis of expenditure by activities

Grant funding to Uganda
Choir Tour
Development and engagement		 Activities
undertaken
directly
2023
£
560,096
1,907
3,730
565,733		 Support
costs
2023
£
114,334
30,436
31,401
176,171		 Total
funds
2023
£
674,430
32,343
35,131
741,904

Page 18

WATOTO CHILD CARE MINISTRIES

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

8. Analysis of expenditure by activities (continued)

Grant funding to Uganda
Choir Tour
Development and engagement		 Activities
undertaken
directly
2022
£
592,963
2,131
741
595,835		 Support
costs
2022
£
154,132
22,883
23,523
200,538		 Total
funds
2022
£
747,095
25,014
24,264
796,373

Analysis of support costs

Staff costs
Admin and office expenses
Admin travel and subsistance
Bank and finance charges
Van costs
Rent, services and insurance
Storage, repairs and maintanance
Office and IT equipment
Depreciation
Legal and professional
Governance		 Uganda
Programme
2023
£
72,332
8,172
5,941
5,483
-
12,203
-
3,348
618
2,325
3,912
114,334		 Choir Tour
2023
Developme
nt and
engagement
2023
£
£
7,364
13,872
948
948
1,128
742
607
607
2,170
-
10,664
10,664
3,087
-
191
292
75
75
290
289
3,912
3,912
30,436
31,401		 Total
funds
2023
£
93,568
10,068
7,811
6,697
2,170
33,531
3,087
3,831
768
2,904
11,736
176,171

Page 19

WATOTO CHILD CARE MINISTRIES

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

8. Analysis of expenditure by activities (continued)

Analysis of support costs (continued)

Staff costs
Admin and office expenses
Admin travel and subsistance
Bank and finance charges
Van costs
Rent, services and insurance
Storage, repairs and maintanance
Office and IT equipment
Depreciation
Legal and professional
Governance
9.
Independent examiner's remuneration		 Uganda
Programme
2022
£
123,921
4,514
887
7,311
156
10,785
152
1,735
840
1,396
2,435
154,132		 Choir Tour
2022
Development
and
engagement
2022
£
£
-
5,860
2,709
1,805
532
355
385
901
1,253
157
10,389
10,191
2,745
153
1,041
694
556
414
838
559
2,435
2,434
22,883
23,523		 Total
funds
2022
£
129,781
9,028
1,774
8,597
1,566
31,365
3,050
3,470
1,810
2,793
7,304
200,538
2023 2022
£ £
Fees payable to the Charity's independent examiner for the independent
examination of the Charity's annual accounts 6,000 5,700

10. Staff costs

Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Contribution to defined contribution pension schemes		 2023
£
89,350
1,780
2,438
93,568		 2022
£
116,705
8,841
4,235
129,781

Page 20

WATOTO CHILD CARE MINISTRIES

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

10. Staff costs (continued)

The average number of persons employed by the Charity during the year was as follows:

2023 2022
No. No.
Employees 5 5

No employee received remuneration amounting to more than £60,000 in either year.

The key management personnel of the Charity comprise the trustees and the Chief Executive and the total employee benefits (including pension contributions and employer’s National Insurance) of key management personnel was £17,300 (2022 - £55,625). During the period and the comparative Charity trustees were neither paid nor received any other benefits from employment with the Charity

11. Trustees' remuneration and expenses

During the year, no Trustees received any remuneration or other benefits (2022 - £NIL) .

During the year ended 31 December 2023, no Trustee expenses have been incurred (2022 - £1,604) .

12. Tangible fixed assets

Cost or valuation
At 1 January 2023
Additions
At 31 December 2023
Depreciation
At 1 January 2023
Charge for the year
At 31 December 2023
Net book value
At 31 December 2023
At 31 December 2022		 Motor
vehicles
£
19,144
-
19,144
19,144
-
19,144
-
-		 Office
furniture
£
1,324
-
1,324
1,084
131
1,215
109
240		 Office
equipment
£
6,633
-
6,633
6,488
75
6,563
70
145		 Computer
equipment
£
20,148
2,608
22,756
19,651
562
20,213
2,543
497		 Choir
equipment
£
48,638
-
48,638
44,861
1,907
46,768
1,870
3,777		 Total
£
95,887
2,608
98,495
91,228
2,675
93,903
4,592
4,659

Page 21

WATOTO CHILD CARE MINISTRIES

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

13.
Stocks
Finished goods and goods for resale
14.
Debtors
Due within one year
Trade debtors
Other debtors
Prepayments and accrued income
15.
Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year
Trade creditors
Other taxation and social security
Other creditors
Accruals and deferred income
Included in the creditors above are pensions of £25,677 (2022 - £19,340).
Deferred income at 1 January 2023
Resources deferred during the year
Amounts released from previous periods		 2023
£
5,870
2023
£
-
96
37,409
37,505
2023
£
2,045
25,677
1,776
15,397
44,895
2023
£
2,264
9,673
(8,381)
3,556		 2022
£
5,870
2022
£
460
58,273
86,369
145,102
2022
£
7,077
19,340
9,176
13,664
49,257
2022
£
3,694
8,830
(10,260)
2,264

Page 22

WATOTO CHILD CARE MINISTRIES

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

16. Statement of funds

Statement of funds - current year

Balance at 1
January
2023
£
Unrestricted funds
Designated funds
Where most needed fund
26,689
Operational development fund
12,900
Keep Choir on the road
915
40,504
General funds
General Funds - all funds
20,887
Total Unrestricted funds
61,391
Restricted funds
Child
40,789
Mother
3,815
Baby
3,716
Neighbourhood child
5,039
Neighbourhood mother
2,415
Teacher
216
Special needs
1,089
Seeds
2,157
Watoto Uganda support fund
90,523
Gift pool
703
Gulu Project
68
Christmas appeal
3,274
Sustainability Project
-
Keep a girl in school
1,000
Other appeals
5,617
Winnie's medical appeal
13
Visit Watoto
4,091
164,525		 Income
£
3,492
-
-
3,492
173,771
177,263
340,749
36,537
39,270
53,934
21,756
1,696
6,029
5,104
702
1,000
1,695
1,773
1,006
469
1,154
-
-
512,874		 Expenditure
£
-
-
-
-
(188,097)
(188,097)
(371,535)
(38,727)
(39,739)
(56,935)
(21,809)
(1,765)
(6,047)
(5,210)
(396)
(1,200)
(2,274)
(1,766)
(1,006)
(1,294)
-
(13)
(4,091)
(553,807)		 Balance at
31
December
2023
£
30,181
12,900
915
43,996
6,561
50,557
10,003
1,625
3,247
2,038
2,362
147
1,071
2,051
90,829
503
(511)
3,281
-
175
6,771
-
-
123,592

Page 23

WATOTO CHILD CARE MINISTRIES

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

16. Statement of funds (continued)

Total of funds
Statement of funds - prior year
Unrestricted funds
General Funds - all funds
Where most needed fund
Operational development fund
Keep Choir on the road
Restricted funds
Child
Mother
Baby
Neighbourhood child
Neighbourhood mother
Teacher
Special needs
Seeds
Watoto Uganda support fund
Gift pool
Gulu Project
Christmas appeal
Keep a girl in school
Other appeals
Winnie's medical appeal
Visit Watoto
Total of funds		 225,916
Balance at
1 January
2022
£
53,361
21,932
12,900
915
89,108
40,967
3,869
4,713
5,653
2,693
216
1,632
1,700
90,586
383
1,064
4,504
1,020
5,767
13
4,091
168,871
257,979		 690,137
Income
£
177,614
4,757
-
-
182,371
381,912
39,977
45,343
60,266
25,404
1,728
6,456
5,880
4,566
870
3,189
2,994
3,075
309
-
-
581,969
764,340		 (741,904)
Expenditure
£
(210,088)
-
-
-
(210,088)
(382,090)
(40,031)
(46,340)
(60,880)
(25,682)
(1,728)
(6,999)
(5,423)
(4,629)
(550)
(4,185)
(4,224)
(3,095)
(459)
-
-
(586,315)
(796,403)		 174,149
Balance at
31
December
2022
£
20,887
26,689
12,900
915
61,391
40,789
3,815
3,716
5,039
2,415
216
1,089
2,157
90,523
703
68
3,274
1,000
5,617
13
4,091
164,525
225,916

Page 24

WATOTO CHILD CARE MINISTRIES

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

17. Restricted funds

Restricted funds fall into three categories:

  1. Sponsorship – Sponsorship is an on-going regular commitment to support the holistic care of babies, children and mothers; either as individuals or as a general support to those areas. Sponsorship is promoted, and new sponsors gained, mainly at choir concerts and we are now developing new avenues for sponsorship income. Ninety per cent of all sponsorship income is sent directly to Uganda and the groups that we help support are:

Babies. Children.

Children with special needs – because of their additional care costs, sponsorship of these children is higher. Mothers.

Neighbourhood children and mothers – these are not located in our Watoto villages but in the surrounding neighbourhoods. All are single-parent families.

Teachers – education is not free in Uganda so, by employing its own teachers, Watoto can guarantee an education to all children in its care.

Watoto Uganda support fund – largely regular donations that are not restricted to any of the above but are for free distribution by Watoto Uganda.

  1. Appeals – These are discrete, single purpose donations usually in response to an appeal and 100% of these donations are sent to Uganda. We run an autumn / Christmas appeal each year to enable all in our care to receive a small gift at Christmas and, in addition to this, the UK supported the following appeals during 2022:

Gift pool – any separate donation made for a child are pooled so that all children may receive a small gift on their birthday.

Gulu project – this is a specific village project in the north of Uganda.

Keep a girl in school project – provides resources to help keep young, marginalised girls in school in Uganda and South Sudan e.g. school fees, uniforms, personal hygiene, mentoring.

Watoto education programme – provides comprehensive education to Ugandan youth through Ugandan educational institutions.

  1. Visit Watoto – sponsors and supporters are encouraged to visit Uganda and, if appropriate, volunteer to assist with one of our many ongoing projects. Visit Watoto is the receipt of monies to pay for travel, accommodation and subsistence on these trips and 100% of this money will be passed over to Uganda. At the outbreak of Covid-19, all visits to Uganda ceased with Uganda experiencing a much longer shutdown period than most parts of the world. As a result, visits under the scheme are expected to recommence during 2025.

18. Designated funds

Where most needed – this fund is available for the immediate use of the Chief Executive for any emergency purpose, either in the UK or elsewhere in the world, as he sees fit and appropriate.

Operational development fund – this fund is available to the Chief Executive in helping defray costs incurred in the development and growth of new fundraising activities and income streams.

Keep the choir on the road – this fund is available to defray any exceptional, unbudgeted choir tour costs.

Page 25

WATOTO CHILD CARE MINISTRIES

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

19. Summary of funds

Summary of funds - current year

Balance at 1
January
2023
£
Designated funds
40,504
General funds
20,887
Restricted funds
164,525
225,916
Summary of funds - prior year
Balance at
1 January
2022
£
Designated funds
89,108
Restricted funds
168,871
257,979		 Income
£
3,492
173,771
512,874
690,137
Income
£
182,371
581,969
764,340		 Expenditure
£
-
(188,097)
(553,807)
(741,904)
Expenditure
£
(210,088)
(586,315)
(796,403)		 Balance at
31
December
2023
£
43,996
6,561
123,592
174,149
Balance at
31
December
2022
£
61,391
164,525
225,916

20. Analysis of net assets between funds Analysis of net assets between funds - current year

Tangible fixed assets
Current assets
Creditors due within one year
Total		 Restricted
funds
2023
£
-
123,592
-
123,592		 Unrestricte
d funds
2023
£
4,592
90,860
(44,895)
50,557		 Total
funds
2023
£
4,592
214,452
(44,895)
174,149

Page 26

WATOTO CHILD CARE MINISTRIES

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

20. Analysis of net assets between funds (continued)

Analysis of net assets between funds - prior year

Tangible fixed assets
Current assets
Creditors due within one year
Total		 Restricted
funds
2022
£
-
164,525
-
164,525		 Unrestricted
funds
2022
£
4,659
105,989
(49,257)
61,391		 Total
funds
2022
£
4,659
270,514
(49,257)
225,916

21. Reconciliation of net movement in funds to net cash flow from operating activities

Net expenditure for the year (as per Statement of Financial Activities)
Adjustments for:
Depreciation charges
Dividends, interests and rents from investments
Decrease in stocks
Decrease/(increase) in debtors
Decrease in creditors
Increase in accruals and deferred income
Net cash provided by/(used in) operating activities
22.
Analysis of cash and cash equivalents
Cash in hand
Total cash and cash equivalents		 2023
£
(51,767)
2,675
(2,036)
-
107,597
(6,095)
1,733
52,107
2023
£
171,077
171,077		 2022
£
(32,063)
3,717
(416)
94
(49,742)
(23,965)
3,971
(98,404)
2022
£
119,542
119,542

Page 27

WATOTO CHILD CARE MINISTRIES

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

23. Analysis of changes in net debt

Cash at bank and in hand At 1
January
2023
£
119,542
119,542		 Cash flows
£
51,535
51,535		 At 31
December
2023
£
171,077
171,077

24. Operating lease commitments

At 31 December 2023 the Charity had commitments to make future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases as follows:

Not later than 1 year
Later than 1 year and not later than 5 years		 2023
£
22,554
-
22,554		 2022
£
22,554
22,554
45,108

25. Related party transactions

There were Trustee expenses of £NIL during the period (2022 - £1,604). There were no amounts owing to or owed by the Trustees or other related parties at the balance sheet date (2022 - £NIL). These payments are permissible under sections 19 and 20 of the Charity’s trust deed.

Aggregated donations received from the Trustees or related parties without conditions during the period were £22,908 (2022 - £18,860).

Trustees of Watoto Child Care Ministries hold a controlling position in Watoto Uganda. Grant funding is paid to Watoto Uganda, and during the period this totalled £569,367 (2022 - £586,315).

Page 28