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2021-07-31-accounts

Advantage Africa, pat&iways out of poverty "1 Report and Accounts Year ended 31 July 2021

Contents

Advantage Africa Report and Accounts Year ended 31 July 2021

Trustee-Directors’ Report Acronyms used
Charity and Company Information 2 ACAAssociated Chartered Accountant
AIDSAcquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome
Message from the Chair 3 COVID-19Coronavirus Disease 2019
FRSFinancial Reporting Standard
Governance 3 HIVHuman Immunodeficiency Virus
Objects of the Charity 3 HMRCHer Majesty’s Revenue and Customs
IAADInternational Albinism Awareness Day
Review of Activities 4 ITInformation Technology
Financial Review 15 KDPOKibwezi Disabled Persons’ Organisation
KESKenyan Shilling
Independent Examiner’s Report 18 KISEKenya Institute of Special Education
MWDGMigori Women with Disabilities Group
Statement of Financial Activities 19 SNUPASource of the Nile Union
of Persons with Albinism
Balance Sheet 20 SORPStatement of Recommended Practice
SPAUSingle Parents’ Association of Uganda
Notes to the Accounts UNUnited Nations
Accounting Policies 21 VATValue Added Tax
WCCWomen Challenged to Challenge
Income from Donations and Grants 22
Income from Charitable Activities 22
Income from Trading Activities 22
Expenditure on Raising Funds 22
Expenditure on Charitable Activities 23
Staff and Trustee-Directors 24
Tangible Assets 25
Stock 25
Debtors and Prepayments 26
Cash at Bank and in Hand 26
Creditors: Liabilities Falling Due Within One Year 26
Funds 27
Members 28

Front cover: Attendees arrive for cerebral palsy and epilepsy training in Ddwaniro. Rear cover: Arrival of pigs in Buyaga.

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Trustee-Directors’ Report

for the Year Ended 31 July 2021

Charity and Company Information

Trustee-Directors: David Barnett Christopher Chapman Pratima Dattani George Mwaura Rebecca Sherriff Mandy Smith Patrons: Martyn Joseph Jon Snow Company Secretary: Andrew Betts - Executive Director Governing Document: Memorandum and Articles of Association dated March 2002 Company Registration Number: 04388034 Charity Registration Number: 1092719 Registered Office: 9 High Street Olney Buckinghamshire MK46 4EB Telephone: 01234 711005 Email: information@advantageafrica.org Website: www.advantageafrica.org

Independent Examiner: Susan Plumb ACA Haines Watts Old Station House Newport Street Swindon Wilts SN1 3DU Bankers: HSBC plc 19 Midsummer Place Milton Keynes MK9 3GB

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Message from the Chair

The art of being resilient is to be able to withstand shock and the capacity to recover quickly. This has been a year of serious challenge and yet you will see from this Annual Report that Advantage Africa’s resilience has shone through.

There has been a lot said about the impact of COVID-19 on people’s lives, but if you are amongst the world’s poorest and most vulnerable people this impact is unimaginable. Advantage Africa responded quickly when the needs in our partner communities increased so suddenly. It held steady when the UK government decided to withdraw key international funds at the worst possible time during a global pandemic, when the world’s poorest people needed our support the most.

One definition of resilience is ‘spirited’ and on behalf of all the Trustee-Directors and staff we salute the spirit of our partners, all local, grassroots organisations, who against the odds, managed to reach people in the greatest need. Lives have been saved and this has required both spirit and courage.

During 2020/21, Advantage Africa’s infrastructure, resources, capacity, experience, and resilience proved capable during the uncertainties presented by COVID-19. This was made possible by our highly-valued supporters, including many individuals - whose donations increased by 25% when it really was most needed. If not now, then when?

On behalf of the Trustee-Directors, I want to thank our staff who work tirelessly, passionately and selflessly, and everyone who has provided much-needed support this year in lifting spirits and never letting us doubt the need to continue the cause of justice and fairness in the world.

Pratima Dattani Chair

Governance

Advantage Africa’s governance is described in its Memorandum and Articles of Association. The policy and operating decisions of Advantage Africa rest with the Trustee-Directors and the current Board is shown on page two. New candidates are considered by the existing Trustee-Directors according to the match of their skills and experience to our identified needs and are given an induction during their first few meetings.

Advantage Africa’s organisational policies cover all aspects of its operation including finance, employment, safeguarding and professional practice and we have a schedule for their periodic review e.g. our Safeguarding Policy is reviewed annually.

The Trustee-Directors usually meet four times a year to oversee Advantage Africa’s activities and monitor progress against the objectives of our Strategic Plan. In 2020/21 all meetings were held remotely on Zoom instead of in our office, in line with Charity Commission guidance. At each meeting, the Trustee-Directors reviewed the organisation’s impact in Kenya and Uganda, financial performance, fundraising and risk. Policies reviewed and revised this year included those on data protection and safeguarding and new policies were introduced on risk management, travel and subsistence, whistleblowing and volunteers code of conduct.

Objects of the Charity

Advantage Africa’s objects, as defined in its Memorandum and Articles of Association incorporated 6th March 2002 and amended by special resolution 31st May 2002, are ‘The relief of need, poverty, hardship and distress and the advancement of education amongst people in Africa, in particular by supporting and working with local people to develop sustainable initiatives within their own region’.

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In practice, Advantage Africa supports people affected by poverty, disability (including albinism) and HIV to improve their education, health and incomes. Our partnerships with local organisations in Kenya and Uganda help vulnerable people to help themselves and build a better future for their families and communities. Advantage Africa provides its partners with resources, advice and training as well as links to other sources of knowledge, skills and funds.

We actually supported nine partners and also undertook work that cut across all three of these programmatic themes. These partners were:

Thinu Primary School Mitaboni Primary School Kenya Institute of Special Education (KISE) Women Challenged to Challenge (WCC) Migori Women with Disabilities Group (MWDG) Kibwezi Disabled Persons’ Organisation (KDPO) Rescue Team for HIV & AIDS Single Parents’ Association of Uganda (SPAU) Source of the Nile Union of Persons with Albinism (SNUPA)

Review of Activities

Oversight

The Trustee-Directors have planned and overseen the activities of the charity with regard to the Charity Commission’s Good Governance Code, their guidance on ‘Public Benefit’, and ‘Working Internationally’ as well as HMRC’s recommendations on ‘Payments to Overseas Bodies’.

Vision and Strategy

Many millions of people in East Africa continue to live in relentless poverty, excluded from the benefits of economic growth and disproportionately affected by the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Among the most vulnerable people of all are those affected by disability and HIV who are often disregarded, stigmatised and denied their basic human rights so that they lack self-worth, opportunity and hope. Advantage Africa’s vision is for such vulnerable children women and men to be respected as equals, free from poverty, discrimination and fear, and to have appropriate education, good health and sustainable livelihoods. To this end, our current strategic goal is ‘better lives for the most vulnerable children and adults in East Africa’ and our objectives towards achieving it are to:

(1) Support the most vulnerable and excluded children, women and men to overcome poverty and meet their needs in a sustainable way.

(2) Contribute to changing the conditions, attitudes, policies and practices that keep them in poverty. (3) Create a more resilient and sustainable charity.

Advantage Africa’s team of four staff in the UK comprised Director Andrew Betts, Programme Managers Rob Aley (Kenya) and Jane Betts (Uganda) and Finance Manager Carole Holloway - who all worked to fulfil these objectives.

This Review outlines some of the activities carried out and impact achieved in 2020/21. Names of some beneficiaries have been changed in the report to protect their privacy.

Towards our first objective, supporting the most vulnerable people to overcome poverty, Advantage Africa’s Strategic Plan aims for us to support at least eight partner organisations to provide essential services to improve the education, health and incomes of vulnerable people .

Education

Disabled Children’s Education (Kenya)

In partnership with the Kenya Institute of Special Education (KISE), Advantage Africa worked to ensure the successful transition of learners with intellectual disabilities from school to adult life. Despite COVID-19 related closures, we supported 22 special education teachers trained in our model of school-to-home transition to put their new knowledge and skills into practice in 20 schools throughout Kenya. This resulted in curricula focused on practical vocational skills more suited to school leavers’ adult lives rather than academic rote learning. Teachers identified older students, often above traditional graduation age, who were ready to leave school and designed ‘individual transition plans’ with them and their families.

Advantage Africa assisted 16 students to complete successful transitions. 21 year-old Miriam, who has intellectual disabilities, was among them. She learnt animal husbandry working with the cows at her school in western Kenya and mastered the practical skills to rear her own cow at home.

Miriam learning animal husbandry skills at St. Catherine's Special School in western Kenya.

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Miriam lives with her single mother, three siblings and her grandparents. Her teacher Fredrick, says ‘At first the family was uncertain about this idea, but we have worked with them and now they have a very positive attitude. They can see that the grant for Miriam’s cow is good for her future and that she will be contributing to the whole family by selling milk’.

This initiative is breaking new ground for students, their families, and the education system, as it embeds transition practice into the schools’ culture. The widespread challenge of being ‘stuck’ in school and unable to transition into adult life which faces students with intellectual disabilities in Kenya is being addressed.

Special Education Units (Kenya)

The Mitaboni and Thinu Special Units supported by Advantage Africa re-opened in early 2021 after COVID-19 lockdowns; Advantage Africa’s ongoing support helped the schools to provide education and care for 50 pupils with learning disabilities. We funded much-needed renovations to the kitchen at Mitaboni, including new energy efficient cooking stoves, chimneys, roof repairs and a new window for better ventilation. Pupils and teachers celebrated with a wonderful meal and party!

While supporting some staff salaries, we also increased our efforts to gain full government support for the two special units with applications to the Kenyan Department of Special Education, which resulted in the approval of small ‘top-up’ grants for each school.

Early Years Education (Kenya)

Advantage Africa maintained support towards Rescue Team’s nursery school in Kalulini, eastern Kenya during the year. Like all schools, the nursery was forced to close due to COVID-19 and since reopening, returning pupil numbers were low due to the economic impact of the lockdown. The reduced income from the small fees hindered progress towards local sustainability but the remaining 15 pupils are learning well and enjoying playing together again; we expect numbers to bounce back soon.

Children in Kalulini return to school after a COVID-19 closure.

Education for Children with Albinism (Uganda)

The prolonged closure of schools across East Africa due to the COVID-19 lockdown was to the enormous detriment of children from the poorest households who were unable to access national broadcasts of lessons on radio or television. These included children with albinism in Uganda who felt increasingly isolated and marginalised as they fell behind their peers and began to lose confidence. Their parents, 80% of whom are single mothers already anxious about the pandemic’s impact on their families, were in despair about their children’s future.

As part of our COVID-19 response to improve families’ resilience during the crisis, Advantage Africa supported 90 families with children with albinism with large print educational materials and a ‘solar radio set’. Each set comprised a sturdy radio, solar panel, USB phone charger, four light bulbs and a direct connection charger. The radios enabled the children to hear national educational broadcasts and the bright light enabled them to comfortably read and write despite varying levels of visual impairment. 420 of their siblings and other family members also benefited from using the radios and lights.

Gemma with her solar powered radio and light.

Fazira from SNUPA reported ‘ The radio sets were also used for getting updated with the daily Government guidelines to prevent COVID-19. They were a source of entertainment too. One family narrated how the solar radios have greatly reduced boredom in her family, something that reduced the risk of getting the deadly depression. ’

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Health, Welfare and Rehabilitation

Distribution of food and hygiene packages to families affected by albinism during the COVID-19 lockdown in Uganda.

COVID-19, and the stringent lockdowns it caused, dominated Advantage Africa’s year as it devastated the livelihoods of the vulnerable people we support in East Africa. Casual work dried up, small businesses collapsed, prices escalated and people lived daily with hunger and fear for the future.

As Uganda entered a new lockdown in June and COVID-19 cases rocketed, oxygen dwindled and just 1% of its 47 million were people vaccinated, SNUPA Director Peter Ogik told us ‘ The situation is very horrible. People with albinism are contacting us to say they fear dying from hunger before COVID-19 kills them. I just spoke to Rose who is no longer able to sell pancakes outside the local church and has run out of food for her three young children. Yesterday they ate nothing at all and went to bed hungry .’

A UN spokesperson reported the continent ‘at a big disadvantage’ because ‘ African countries are still lifting people out of poverty, providing basic education and health services. Now spending and investment are drying up and that translates into distress and destitution’ .

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Community leader Frank brings food and comfort to Samuel
in rural Uganda.
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We saw this distress and destitution in the lives of people like Rose every day throughout 2020/21 as we mobilised the resources at our disposal to meet the immediate needs of people in our projects. Our partner organisations’ deep knowledge of local communities lay at the heart of this response; for example, SNUPA’s skin clinics enabled them to identify individuals and families facing extreme challenges, particularly in relation to the privations of the COVID-19 lockdowns, and help them cope and get back on their feet.

Using assessment tools developed last year we identified and provided urgent assistance to 2,122 people in 355 of the most vulnerable families in our partner communities. They were supplied with maize flour, rice, beans, sugar, salt, cooking oil, paraffin and soap to help them get through the COVID-19 crisis. Additional support was provided for housing, bedding, medication and other needs via our partners’ severe hardship funds.

Food distribution at Rescue Team’s Resource Centre.

On top of the hunger and anxiety caused by lockdown restrictions, Anne and her sons lost their small home due to flooding and were forced to live in makeshift accommodation. Daily life was desperately hard but their spirits and morale were greatly lifted by receiving their food and hygiene package and knowing that people cared for them.

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In Kenya, a further 90 families of people with disabilities benefited from food parcels provided through Advantage Africa’s ongoing partnership with Women Challenged to Challenge (WCC).

After witnessing our effective food distribution work, the County Government of Makueni in eastern Kenya approved Rescue Team to supply food parcels and girls’ hygiene kits worth £4,500 which reached a further 60 vulnerable households with essential support.

In addition to relief supplies, our COVID-19 response also included the provision of accurate information about the pandemic by our partners verbally within communities, by phone, on the radio and in written form. We also installed seven foot-operated handwashing stations for local medical centres and provided training in handwashing techniques to prevent disease transmission.

Demonstration of a foot-operated handwashing station in eastern Kenya.

Reducing the Spread and Impact of HIV (Kenya)

The demand for our partner Rescue Team’s services in the Kibwezi community has never been greater and more crucial than during the pandemic, and we’re proud to have supported them to maintain local HIV services throughout the year. 270 people (66% female and 34% male) received HIV testing and counselling and of those testing positive 92% were successfully linked to medical support and antiretroviral therapy. We also issued 319 home test kits and 10 clients were given post-exposure prophylaxis to stop the virus taking hold.

In addition, 8,500 prophylactics were distributed to prevent sexually-transmitted infections.

Regular phone calls, and visits where possible, were made to support people living with HIV, many of whom were very anxious about losing access to essential drugs and food during the lockdown. The most vulnerable families were assisted to obtain antiretrovirals and prioritised for food relief because their therapy requires good nutrition to be properly effective.

Preventing Skin Cancer among People with Albinism (Uganda)

This year we supported our partner the Source of the Nile Union of Persons with Albinism (SNUPA) to undertake 60 skin clinics for people with albinism across the Busoga sub-region and neighbouring districts to help them stay safe from skin cancer. Because of ongoing COVID-19 restrictions on movement and gatherings, the SNUPA team obtained government permission to travel directly to people’s homes to undertake many clinics rather than holding them in central locations. Our dermatologist Dr. Ngobi and his team carried out 1,591 comprehensive skin checks and each person with albinism received supplies of high sun protection factor sunscreen, wide-brimmed hats, and guidance on staying safe from the sun. In Busoga sub-region approximately 50% of people with albinism required cryotherapy to remove pre-cancerous lesions. In the newly-supported bordering districts, people’s skin was in a terrible condition and as many as 80% of the skin clinic participants required cryotherapy.

A young woman called Fatiya attended November’s skin clinic in Luuka District, which, due to a brief easing of restrictions on movement, took place in a centralised location. Like many other people who had received life-saving surgery supported by Advantage Africa, she has become a passionate advocate for helping people with albinism to protect themselves from skin cancer. Now a regular attendee at skin clinics, she shares her story and encourages others to take care of their skin. She told us ‘ I thank the people who treated me. I never thought this disease would heal. I got operated and I feel fine now!’

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Fatiya is full of joy after her skin cancer surgery.
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Some children and adults with albinism, in most cases attending the clinics for the first time, already had skin cancer requiring urgent treatment. This year, following Dr. Ngobi’s urgent clinic referrals, we enabled 26 people, ranging in age from seven to sixty-eight to receive life-saving skin cancer surgery and aftercare. We also supported several people with albinism who had extensive, inoperable skin cancer with palliative care. This included nutritious food, soap and bedding for improved hygiene and comfort, pain relief and clean dressings as well as regular emotional and spiritual support from SNUPA.

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Skin clinics for people with albinism include advice about protective clothing, sunscreen distribution and cryotherapy.

Skin cancer treatment doesn’t just benefit individuals; it affects the hopes and future prospects of whole families. Ali, who received life-saving surgery in May told us: ‘I’m a single father of three, I had lost the hope of looking after my children. But now, I’m recovering well and have a lot of energy. I appreciate what you do, may God bless you abundantly. Please send my appreciation to our friends who treated me.’

The SNUPA team were delighted to receive sun protection from Ultrasun UK which arrived in Jinja on Christmas Eve 2020. The consignment contained 4,791 bottles of sunscreen and 922 tubes of lip protection, vital to protect from cheilitis (severe inflammation of the lips at risk of turning cancerous).

SNUPA’s Director Peter Ogik with sunscreen from Ultrasun

Safe Water (Uganda)

Working with the Single Parents’ Association of Uganda (SPAU) we supported the rural community of Buyaga, which previously only had polluted, inaccessible water sources, to establish a borehole in the heart of their village. The borehole was completed and providing safe water by midDecember and is making an immense difference in the lives of an estimated 1,600 people. It has dramatically reduced illnesses such as typhoid and diarrhoea, particularly dangerous for very young and older community members, and has released people from gruelling daily walks to collect water.

The borehole’s establishment was accompanied by a two-day course in water management for the Buyaga community in which our trainers provided expert advice on hygiene, sanitation and long-term maintenance of the precious new water point.

Socially-distanced community water management training.

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Borehole digging in progress at Buyaga.
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Shelter (Kenya and Uganda)

Advantage Africa responded to numerous requests from the poorest families in our partner communities living in insecure and dilapidated homes and in fear of them collapsing in storms or being burgled. In Makueni County, eastern Kenya, this included new houses for four families of people with disabilities through our partner Kibwezi Disabled Persons’ Organisation (KDPO).

Using local materials and artisans who often donated free labour, these homes were built for around £1,000 each so that these vulnerable families could have secure housing. For example, Ngina, a young single mother with learning disabilities and her elderly and disabled mother, were previously living in a tiny mud shack, but now have a decent home where they sleep feeling safe and peaceful.

8 year-old Kioni is delighted to be back at school after her treatment to correct clubfoot.

Our wheelchair programme run in partnership with the NGO Motivation took delivery of 172 robust wheelchairs, mobility tricycles and supportive seating. KDPO’s assessments and fitting of these will continue throughout the rest of 2021 and 2022. Advantage Africa’s disability programme in Uganda grew this year as our partner SPAU provided wheelchairs for improved mobility and independence in their project communities. Patrick in Nsangala for example was fitted with a sturdy new wheelchair which has transformed his self-reliance and inclusion in community life.

Ngina outside her previous unsafe house, her new house and her celebration!

Across Kenya we repaired ten other homes with new roofing sheets, doors, wall and floor repairs and better wheelchair access where needed. 35 very vulnerable families with disabilities, most of whom were sleeping on the ground with rags for bedding were supported with beds, mattresses, blankets, sheets and mosquito nets. Mr Ochieng, an unemployed double amputee with health problems was one beneficiary; working with MWDG we provided him and his two children with mattresses and bedding and continue to monitor their welfare.

Rehabilitation Services (Kenya and Uganda)

We supported our partner KDPO throughout the year to provide assistive devices and physiotherapy despite COVID-19 lockdowns hampering clients’ access to their rehabilitation workshop and making community outreach visits difficult. New assistive devices were made for 18 people, including crutches, special footwear and seating aids. We also funded life-changing orthopaedic surgery and physiotherapy for two children to correct clubfoot, and five clients to be fitted for prosthetic legs so that they could walk unaided, some for the first time in their lives.

Patrick in his new wheelchair.

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SPAU also organised a week-long course with experts from Butabika Hospital for people affected by epilepsy and cerebral palsy in the rural community of Ddwaniro. The training was prompted by the avoidable and tragic death of a young girl called Regina during an epileptic seizure.

The epilepsy course was attended by 79 children and adults (plus carers) who regularly experienced debilitating and sudden seizures in which they lost consciousness and were in danger of injury. The training demystified the condition and provided practical guidance on keeping people safe during seizures and helping their recovery.

coordination, seating, mobility and self-reliance. Learning and laughing together, the parents formed firm friendships and strengthened their ability to cope. Grandmother Flora who cares for her young grandson with cerebral palsy said ‘We have received wonderful training which is an eye opener to all ’.

Gender-Based Violence (Kenya and Uganda)

Advantage Africa worked throughout the year to tackle gender-based violence, especially against women and girls with disabilities. We supported seven survivors of violence with medical attention, food and security for their homes together with friendship and counselling to help cope with their trauma. The incidents were reported to the police and several perpetrators arrested.

Ruth is a 21 year old mother who was brutally cut across the neck by her husband with a machete in a hideous ritual. The nerve damage meant she lost feeling in all her limbs. Advantage Africa supported Ruth’s immediate hospital treatment, a safe place to recover, trauma counselling and physiotherapy using parallel bars installed at her home. Ruth is making a good recovery; she can use her arms again and walk to church. The police are pursuing the case.

Epilepsy training post-seizure recovery position.

The large attendance surprised local community leaders who had no idea that so many people, normally isolated and overlooked, had epilepsy. Single parent Alice, who had been in confusion and despair about her son’s daily seizures said ‘ l have learnt a lot about epilepsy, no one will ever confuse me again. ’

Crucially, each attendee also received epilepsy medication to help them control their condition and a tailored schedule to ensure they had could access timely supplies in future. Out of all the attendees, 77 had never before had epilepsy medication. This included 80-year old Ronald who lost his right hand some years ago when he fell in a fire during a seizure. In the weeks following the training, most of the participants reported that they had experienced no further seizures and that the training and medication had transformed their daily lives. The cerebral palsy training was attended by 18 children and their parents, mostly single mothers. All had faced struggles, discrimination and isolation and were unsure how to help their child with cerebral palsy thrive and develop. Some lived with deep depression. Sylvia’s husband left her when Joseph, now aged two was born. She told the group ‘I’m tired of suffering. I cannot do anything for myself all the time I’m with Joseph and the worst thing is he cries all the time. I’m tired and desperate.’

Children with cerebral palsy are often malnourished as they struggle to eat and drink. The training equipped the parents and carers with practical skills to improve their children’s nutrition, hand/eye

Ruth practices walking again after being violently assaulted.

Our training programme in gender-based violence prevention and response for women with disabilities, local leaders, police and medics was limited by COVID-19. However, feedback from meetings we were able to hold suggested that attitudes to violence against women are changing. KDPO’s Coordinator Agnes said ‘It’s no longer me alone that is tackling violence against our members, the women themselves are now taking action. They know what to do and they’re no longer afraid to report violations’.

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Incomes

Pig rearing training in Buyaga; piglets being distributed; chicks, feeders and drinkers for poultry-rearing being unloaded.

Sustainable Enterprises for Vulnerable Families (Kenya and Uganda)

Our project, kindly supported by Noel Buxton Trust, to enable 290 vulnerable adults and children in 54 families to start sustainable enterprises from goat rearing in villages around Kibwezi was successfully concluded. In April 2021 the final 14 families in Kanyungu Village were each given four-days’ training in all aspects of goat rearing, two immunised female goats and a plastic water storage tank. A male goat was provided for breeding. Subsequent support visits to the project beneficiaries showed impressive outcomes, with 98% of the goats successfully bred and producing up to three offspring each, together with milk for family nutrition and income from milk sales. As the numbers multiply, animals are sold for income or handed on to others to start new enterprises and spread the impact of the project.

Lesah at home with her water tank and some of her goats. The two original goats have since multiplied to six.

Lesah is a young deaf woman and single mother of two. She was never given a chance to go to school because of her disability, and before the project she relied upon relatives for her survival. Lesah’s goats have multiplied to a herd of six and she looks after them very well by providing them with grazing and water and checking them regularly for ticks. Lesah sells over a litre of milk a day and her delighted mother says ‘My girl used to do nothing, only collect water, but now I’m so happy that she is providing something for us all!’

In Uganda we supported 135 single parent families in Buyaga with several days’ training in livestockrearing. Equipped with new animal husbandry skills, 40 families started rearing poultry, 25 raising goats and 70 looking after young pigs. All livestock were medicated and the families provided with the initial feeds needed to nurture their young stock. This was the first time any such activity had taken place in Buyaga and most of the chronically poor families had never raised livestock before.

Celia is a widow who cares for five young children. She’d been living a hand-to-mouth existence exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Celia started rearing pigs through the project and formed supportive friendships. She now has new hope for the future: 'The pigs will be my source of income and help me to feed my children and pay their schooling’.

Celia with her pigs in Buyaga.

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Following the epilepsy and cerebral palsy training in Ddwaniro, we supported the participants to develop a savings and loans project to improve their selfreliance and meet their basic needs. In May, the first 15 families were trained together in small business and financial management and each received a small capital grant to start their own enterprise such as selling ghee, snacks or clothes.

Formerly vulnerable families have gained selfconfidence, dignity and optimism for the future through these income-generating enterprises and their new self-reliance has been invaluable in navigating the ongoing uncertainties of COVID-19.

Building Partners’

Resilience and Capacity

In order to achieve our first objective of overcoming poverty for vulnerable people, Advantage Africa’s Strategic Plan directs us to strengthen the resilience and capacity of our partners to sustain their activities. Our two programme managers did this throughout the year with support towards project planning, management and monitoring. COVID-19 travel restrictions prevented them from making their usual support visits to partners and compelled the adoption of phone and video communications. In some cases we provided help to upgrade partners’ IT equipment and fund phone and internet credit to make constant contact possible, even in rural locations with low connectivity. More formal sessions included video training on COVID-19 (staying safe, adjusting project delivery approaches), strategies for organisational resilience and mental health awareness.

Training and assistance were also provided to build partners’ fundraising capacity. For example, in Kenya we assisted Rescue Team to write applications to the International Aids Society, AstraZeneca and the Makueni County Government – which funded vital COVID-19 relief. In Uganda we supported SNUPA to secure resources for their annual public commemoration of International Albinism Awareness Day (IAAD) on 13th June and to successfully apply for funding from the Disability Rights Fund.

Changing attitudes, policies and practices

This year, Advantage Africa, its beneficiaries and partners were largely focused on dealing with the impact of COVID-19 and resuming some of the practical long-term projects that were postponed during lockdown. This has meant progress towards our goal of ‘changing the attitudes, policies and practices that keep the most vulnerable women, men and children in East Africa in poverty, so that they can secure their rights and meet their basic needs in a sustainable way’ has been somewhat limited. However, some awareness raising, advocacy and campaigning has been possible and resulted in significant achievements:

Advocacy on Albinism (Uganda)

In Uganda, our solar radio distribution enabled our partner SNUPA to interview a sample of families about the impact of the project on the children’s education, mental health and daily lives. The compelling evidence collected from this survey was shared with local and national government to advocate for the inclusion of vulnerable groups and highlight gaps in the pandemic response. Such evidence gathering and advocacy was not restricted to the radio project; every practical activity we undertake with SNUPA highlights the immense challenges faced by people with albinism. For example, all skin clinics are authorised by district health authorities and witnessed by local government representatives who go on to become advocates in our call for changed national policy and practice. Each skin cancer operation we support makes allies of surgical teams in addressing the needless early deaths faced by people with albinism across Uganda.

Our support for partner staff training enabled Rescue Team’s Coordinator Burgwin Muthoka to continue his diploma in HIV Testing and Management and SPAU’s Project Officer Sarah to deepen her theoretical and practical understanding of cerebral palsy during a week-long training course in Kiwoko hospital. The course strengthened Sarah’s passion to help families affected by disability to have better lives and she can now offer technical expertise and advice across our partner communities.

Advantage Africa facilitated partners’ working with delivery providers, most notably Motivation for the provision of wheelchairs in an increasing number of communities across East Africa.

The amazing capability, compassion, hard work and resilience of all our partners inspired us throughout another year dominated by COVID-19.

Hasifa, councillor and SNUPA representative speaking at the 2021 commemoration of IAAD.

We also supported SNUPA to mark International Albinism Awareness Day (IAAD) under the 2021 theme ‘Strength Beyond All Odds’. This year their event was live-streamed on Facebook to highlight the challenges facing people with albinism, and called for their full inclusion in COVID-19 emergency relief.

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The group of 20 ‘Youth Ambassadors’ after their training.

Health Information for Young People (Kenya)

In Kenya, we began an innovative new digital information project with our local partner Rescue Team in collaboration with ten local youth groups. The project aims to increase understanding of young people’s health and development issues by creating and sharing reliable information using mobile phones. Mobiles, alongside social media and virtual groups, are increasingly popular among young people and their use enabled vital health information to be shared while more traditional face-to-face meetings were banned due to COVID-19.

The project began with five days’ training for 20 ‘Youth Ambassadors’ on HIV & AIDS, women’s rights, gender-based violence and sexual / reproductive health. Participants rated the training as ‘excellent’ overall, and Emmah of Malavu Jamii Youth Group said: ‘I wish we could stay even more, I have learned so many things I never knew’ . The youth groups are now developing creative and entertaining content including drama and animations to share and ultimately reach thousands of young people with potentially life-saving messages.

Preventing HIV and Gender-based Violence (Kenya)

On World AIDS Day on December 1[st] 2020, Kenya’s COVID-19 restrictions precluded the large gatherings which traditionally mark the event. We therefore supported our partner Rescue Team to communicate HIV prevention messages to a mass audience by inviting radio journalists to cover some of their visits to the homes of people living with HIV. Burgwin Muthoka, Co-ordinator of Rescue Team says, ‘This was effective in reaching the general public with awareness, advice and information. It got the voice of people living with HIV on the radio in their local language, and they were very open about their HIV status. ENE Radio has over 100,000 listeners in Makueni County so the impact was wide-reaching’.

As part of our work to tackle violence against women, we supported the drama group Twaweza to produce video clips to share on social media and KDPO and MWDG to appear on four local FM radio stations, overall reaching an estimated 1.4 million listeners in western and eastern Kenya. The information and advice they provided about women’s rights and gender-based violence resulted in many women subsequently contacting them for further guidance and support.

----- Start of picture text -----
MWDG broadcast about violence against women on local
radio ‘Milambo’ in western Kenya.
----- End of picture text -----

Advantage Africa

Trustee-Directors’ Report

13

Creating a more Resilient and Sustainable Organisation

By fulfilling this objective we aim to ensure that Advantage Africa is able to thrive and help vulnerable people in East Africa for many years to come. Unfortunately it has not been easy to strengthen our organisational and financial resilience during such a difficult climate for small charities that includes increasing competition for funds and overwhelming need presented by the pandemic across the world.

However, we did try to strengthen our team this year by approaching a major donor to fund a dedicated project manager to advance our ground-breaking albinism work in Uganda and beyond. Regrettably, despite significant interest being shown, the initiative did not quite fit with the preferred model of the donor. This leaves us with unfilled potential in that area of work and a continued reliance on the charity’s founders that sometimes makes it challenging to operate within the reasonable means of our human resources; a future issue to be addressed.

Advantage Africa’s albinism work, and our charity’s financial stability, also experienced a massive setback with the withdrawal (after it was due to start) of a major grant from the UK Government’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) for our planned project ‘Leaving No Person with Albinism Behind in Uganda’ caused by cuts to the UK aid budget. The withdrawal had an immediate impact on 1,000 people with albinism and their family members and a loss of funding to Advantage Africa of approximately £80k per year for the next three years. We spent well over 800 person hours on the application, due diligence and grant set-up processes, at immense cost to our organisation and staff well-being and the withdrawal left us with very little secure funding for our albinism work. We were left in a worse financial position than if we had never applied, at a time when charitable trusts were reporting a three-fold increase in the applications received from charities.

It is a testament to Advantage Africa’s financial resilience and the loyalty of our supporters that by the end of the year we had a firm financial commitment from our partner Ultrasun UK to support one crucial element of this project and several trusts had provided grants to mitigate a small part of the first year loss. This ensured that our albinism work would not collapse, and could continue to change many lives; for this we are most grateful.

We fulfilled our goals to make better use of volunteers in our fundraising, strengthen our systems and implement our fundraising strategy by maintaining a diversity of income sources. These activities will be increasingly important in the coming years as the economic and political climate, combined with COVID-19 is not always favourable to our focus on reaching the most vulnerable people in Kenya and Uganda.

Concluding Remarks

Despite the challenges of COVID-19 wreaking havoc in our partner communities, bans on travel to East Africa, the withdrawal of a major grant from the FCDO and increasing competition for funds among charities, 2020/21 was a successful year for Advantage Africa. We supported thousands of vulnerable people to improve their lives, including:

We’re grateful to everyone who made this possible including our many individual and organisational supporters. We look forward to 2021/22 with hope that there will be less need for COVID-19 relief and more long-term sustainable development in our partner communities, in fulfilment of our goal of ‘better lives for the most vulnerable people in East Africa’ .

Advantage Africa

Trustee-Directors’ Report

14

Financial Review

Income

Income in 2020/21 was £290k (£282k in 2019/20). Donations from individuals were 25% higher than the previous year (£183k vs £147k in 2019/20) and we also had an increase in donations from nonindividuals (£44k vs £37k in 2019/20). This helped offset a significant fall in grants from government, trusts and foundations (£59k vs £95k in 2019/20).

----- Start of picture text -----
Sources of Income
----- End of picture text -----

We are very grateful to all the individuals who supported us in the year, including 135 supporters who make a regular monthly donation (126 in 2019/20). There were a lower number of individual supporters making donations in the year (278 vs 319 in 2019/20) but one of these donated over £30k in July, leaving our unrestricted reserves in a stronger position than anticipated at the year end. These unrestricted reserves have given us a solid start to 2021/22 even though fundraising from government, trusts and foundations has become increasingly challenging.

We are also grateful for the support from the below government organisations, trusts, foundations and companies from whom we received donations of £2k and over in the year:

Church of Christ the Cornerstone Coles-Medlock Foundation Guernsey Overseas Aid & Development Commission Let Yourself Trust Mercury Phoenix Trust The Community of the Presentation Trust The Green Hall Foundation Ultrasun (UK) Ltd World Day of Prayer

£15k of the £34k grants from trusts and foundations was received in the last month of the year, also strengthening the foundation of our work into 2021/22.

Expenditure

Expenditure for the year was £283k (£273k in 2019/20). The higher spend on charitable activities (£243k vs £231k in 2019/20) reflects the partiallyresumed programmes delayed in 2019/20 by the COVID-19 lockdowns in Kenya and Uganda. These lockdowns continued to varying degrees in both countries throughout the year, and with them the need for spending on urgent food and hygiene packages.

Expenditure on raising funds decreased slightly to £41k from £42k in 2020/21 (14% vs 16% in 2019/20). There were no public fundraising events held in the year by Advantage Africa or our supporters due to the continued difficulties in safely organising activities involving large groups. We planned to have runners in both the London Marathon and the Great North Run but the places were all deferred until 2021/22.

----- Start of picture text -----
Resources Expended
----- End of picture text -----

Total reserves increased significantly in the last month of the year due to the two donations previously mentioned (£30k unrestricted and £15k restricted).

Restricted reserves at the end of the year were £42k (£31k at the end of 2019/20), and unrestricted reserves were £88k (£92k in 2019/20).

Advantage Africa

Trustee-Directors’ Report

15

COVID-19 Impact

The urgent needs triggered by COVID-19 restrictions continued in 2020/21 and we supported 355 of the most vulnerable families with food and hygiene packages. We also enabled individuals to access vital medical treatment, funded handwashing stations, educational resources, and in some cases provided shelter and bedding. This was funded by both restricted (£12k) and unrestricted (£10k) funds:

Kenya: COVID-19 Support
Rescue Team for HIV & AIDS
Kibwezi Disabled Persons’ Organisation
Migori Women with Disabilities Group
Subtotal
Uganda: COVID-19 Support
Source of the Nile Union of Persons with Albinism
Single Parents’ Association of Uganda
Subtotal
Total
Funded by
COVID-19 Appeal
Other restricted funds donated by trusts
Unrestricted funds
Total		 No. of Families
Supported
No. of People
Supported
Total
£
40
405
2,966
48
355
5,355
15
52
2,450
103
812
10,771
117
752
7,667
135
558
4,811
252
1,310
12,478
355
2,122
23,249
5,493
6,818
10,939
23,249

Conscious of the need to protect each other and their families, three of Advantage Africa’s four staff continued to work fully or partially from home throughout the year and our weekly team meetings took place on Zoom or outdoors when the weather allowed. One meeting was dedicated to supporting the team’s mental health.

Low staff numbers and an increased need for staff members’ time during the pandemic arising from partners and for fundraising meant that we did not put any staff on furlough.

Income was adversely affected during the year due to the withdrawal of the strategically important FCDO grant (as mentioned in the Review of Activities). Applications to trusts and foundations were also much more competitive and harder to obtain that in previous years, something that has been felt by the whole charitable sector. Throughout the year however, our long-term relationships proved to be invaluable, both with individual donors and trusts that have followed and supported our work in previous years. As a result, the gap created by lower grant income was partially offset by an increase in donations from individuals.

Emelda, who was left disabled after being hit by a motorbike, receives emergency food from Shelia and Rodah of MWDG.

Advantage Africa

Trustee-Directors’ Report

16

Throughout the pandemic, reserves levels were carefully monitored with the Finance Sub-Committee (consisting of two staff members and three TrusteeDirectors) meeting online each month and paying particular attention to unrestricted reserves. The need to use funds to support the most vulnerable was balanced with that of managing risk within agreed levels, ensuring that Advantage Africa remains a going concern.

We are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the company and enable us to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. We also have a responsibility to safeguard the assets of the charity and to take reasonable steps to prevent fraud or any other irregularities.

Approval

Reserves Policy

In order to meet commitments to partners in Africa, the Trustee-Directors aim to maintain a level of reserves that will protect the charity against any dramatic fall in unrestricted income or unexpected rise in expenditure. The reserves policy was reviewed by Trustee-Directors during 2020/21 and amended to consider that Advantage Africa’s reserves should be maintained at between three to six months’ budgeted unrestricted expenditure with provision for projected partner costs. At the year end, the unrestricted reserves were within the range that is compliant with this policy.

This report was approved by the Trustee-Directors on 9th December 2021 and signed on their behalf by:

Pratima Dattani, Chair

Charity number 1092719 Company number 04388034

Risk Management

The Trustee-Directors have reviewed the risks to which a small charity operating in Africa with few employees is exposed. Financial Management Reports and a Risk Register are used to identify and monitor these risks monthly.

Internal Controls

Advantage Africa’s documented systems of internal financial controls protect against errors or loss. The controls include the delegation of financial authority amongst the staff and Trustee-Directors.

Trustee-Directors’ Responsibilities

Charity law requires us as Trustee-Directors to prepare financial statements for each accounting year which give a true and fair view of the state of the charity and income and expenditure by:

  1. Selecting suitable accounting policies and applying them consistently.

  2. Making judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent.

  3. Stating whether the applicable standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the accounts.

  4. Preparing the financial statements on a going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue operating.

Advantage Africa

Trustee-Directors’ Report

17

Independent Examiner’s Report

to the Trustees of Advantage Africa

I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the company for the year ended 31 July 2021 which are set out on pages 19 to 28.

Responsibilities and Basis of Report

As the charity trustees of the company (and also its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 (‘the 2006 Act’).

Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the company are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of your company’s accounts as carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the 2011 Act’). In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.

Independent Examiner's Statement

Since the company’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 Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales.

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 company as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act; or

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

  3. The accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the 2006 Act 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; or

  4. The accounts have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102).

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.

Susan Plumb ACA, ICAEW Haines Watts Old Station House Station Approach Newport Street Swindon SN1 3DU

Advantage Africa

Independent Examiner’s Report

18

Statement of Financial Activities

for the Year Ended 31 July 2021

Summary Income and Expenditure Account

Note
Income from:
Donations and grants
2
Charitable activities
3
Trading activities
4
Investments
Total Income
Expenditure on:
Raising funds
5
Charitable activities
6
Total Expenditure
Net income/(expenditure)
Transfers between funds
Net Movement in Funds
Reconciliation of funds:
Total funds brought forward
Fund Balances at 31 July 2021		 Unrestricted
Funds
Restricted
Funds
Total Funds
2020/21
Total Funds
2019/20

£
£
£
£
170,295
115,703
285,998
279,086
-
3,739
3,739
2,678
333
-
333
191
97
-
97
442

170,725
119,442
290,167
282,397
40,704
-
40,704
42,380
133,924
108,799
242,723
230,882
174,628
108,799
283,427
273,262
-3,903
10,643
6,740
9,135
-
-
-
-
-3,903
10,643
6,740
9,135
91,620
31,422
123,042
113,907
87,717
42,065
129,782
123,042

Movements on reserves and all recognised gains and losses are shown above.

Advantage Africa

Statement of Financial Activities

19

Balance Sheet

as at 31 July 2021


Note
Fixed Assets
Tangible assets
8
Total
Current Assets
Stock
9
Debtors
10
Cash at bank and in hand
11
Total
Current Liabilities
Liabilities falling due within one year
12
Net current assets

Net Assets

Fund Balances
Unrestricted funds: general funds
13
Restricted funds
13
Total		 Unrestricted
Funds
£
Restricted
Funds
£
31st July
2021
£
31st July
2020
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
2,659
150
2,809
8,784
88,709
43,252
131,961
118,366
91,368
43,402
134,770
127,150
3,651
1,337
4,988
4,108
87,717
42,065
129,782
123,042
87,717
42,065
129,782
123,042
87,717
-
87,717
91,620
-
42,065
42,065
31,422
87,717
42,065
129,782
123,042

For the year ended 31 July 2021, the company was entitled to exemption from audit under Section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.

Responsibilities of Trustee-Directors:

These accounts have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies regime.

Approved by the Trustee-Directors on 9th December 2021 and signed on their behalf by:

Pratima Dattani, Chair Charity number 1092719 Company Number 4388034 The notes on pages 21-28 form part of these accounts.

Advantage Africa

Balance Sheet

20

Notes to the Accounts for the Year Ended 31 July 2021

1. Accounting Policies

These financial statements are prepared on a going concern basis, under the historical cost convention (as modified by the revaluation of certain assets, which are measured at fair value through the Statement of Financial Activities). The 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), the Companies Act 2006 and Charities Act 2011. The charity meets the definition of a public benefit entity as set out in FRS 102.

The Trustees (who are the charitable company's directors for the purposes of company law) 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. The COVID-19 pandemic is a significant economic event for the world and has caused unprecedented uncertainty. It is therefore difficult to evaluate all the potential implications and outcomes to the wider economy and the charity’s operations, funding and suppliers. In particular the Trustees have considered the charity's forecasts and projections and the possible implications should projected income and / or expenditure vary unexpectedly. They 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. The following accounting policies have been applied in dealing with material items:-

a) Donated and Grant Income

Donated income and grants receivable are taken into account when received by the charity. Income from donations includes recoverable Gift Aid which 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. Goods donated for distribution to beneficiaries are recognised as income when receivable at fair value (as estimated and agreed with the donor).

b) Stocks

When donated goods, services and facilities are distributed, an expense in respect of those items is included in the Statement of Financial Activities. At the year end any goods that have not been distributed or consumed are recognised as stock.

c) Other Income

Investment income represents income generated by bank interest. The charity relies on volunteers to carry out some of its activities, 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. Income from charitable activities represents income received from consultancy which was undertaken in furtherance of the charity's charitable objects.

d) Expenditure

Expenditure, including irrecoverable VAT, is accounted for when incurred by the charity, regardless of when payment is made. Governance costs, which are included in expenditure on charitable activities but are identified separately in the notes to the accounts, include costs associated with the independent examination of the financial statements, compliance with constitutional and statutory requirements and any other expenditure incurred in the strategic management of the charity. Support costs which cannot be attributed to a single activity have been allocated on the basis of the percentage of staff time spent on fundraising, general community development, advocacy and campaigning and Trustee-Directors’ activities.

d) Funds

Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the Trustee-Directors in furtherance of the general objectives of the charity. Restricted funds are donations which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors.

e) Fixed Assets and Depreciation

Fixed assets acquired for use by the company are capitalised and depreciated over their estimated useful life unless they cost less than £500 when they are written off on purchase. The depreciation period for equipment and IT is four years.

f) Pension Costs

The company offers a defined contribution scheme for employees after three months’ service.

g) Taxation

The company is a registered charity and exempt from taxation under the Income & Corporation Taxes Act.

h) Cash Flow Statement

The company has taken advantage of the exemption provided by the FRS 102 SORP and has not prepared a Cash Flow Statement for the year.

Advantage Africa

Notes to the Accounts

21

2. Income from Donations and Grants


Individuals and associated Gift Aid
Government donors and charitable trusts
Churches, clubs, companies and schools
Total		 2020/21
2019/20
Unrestricted
Funds
£
Restricted
Funds
£
Total
£
Unrestricted
Funds
£
Restricted
Funds
£
Total
£
158,176
24,993
183,169
113,982
32,856
146,838
5,900
53,266
59,166
26,200
68,643
94,843
6,219
37,444
43,663
8,557
28,848
37,405
170,295
115,703
285,998
148,739
130,347
279,086

3. Income from Charitable Activities

Consultancy
Total		 2020/21
2019/20
Unrestricted
Funds
£
Restricted
Funds
£
Total
£
Unrestricted
Funds
£
Restricted
Funds
£
Total
£
-
3,739
3,739
-
2,678
2,678
-
3,739
3,739
-
2,678
2,678

4. Income from Trading Activities

Sales of crafts and other items
Other, including raffles, admission fees
and sales of donated goods
Total		 2020/21
2019/20
Unrestricted
Funds
£
Restricted
Funds
£
Total
£
Unrestricted
Funds
£
Restricted
Funds
£
Total
£
137
-
137
39
-
39
196
-
196
152
-
152
333
-
333
191
-
191
333
-
333
191

5. Expenditure on Raising Funds

Events
Appeals & newsletters
Salaries
Other direct costs
Support costs
Total		 2020/21
2019/20
Unrestricted
Funds
£
Restricted
Funds
£
Total
£
Unrestricted
Funds
£
Restricted
Funds
£
Total
£
-
-
-
638
-
638
811
-
811
1,744
-
1,744
32,955
-
32,955
32,905
-
32,905
2,323
-
2,323
2,503
-
2,503
4,615
-
4,615
4,590
-
4,590
40,704
-
40,704
42,380
-
42,380

Advantage Africa

Notes to the Accounts

22

6. Expenditure on Charitable Activities

2020/21 2019/20
Unrestricted Restricted Total
Unrestricted		 Restricted Total
Funds Funds £
Funds		 Funds £
£ £ £ £
DIRECT CHARITABLE COSTS
Community development in Africa
Salaries 60,742 3,620 64,362
60,383
3,688		 64,071
Other direct costs 614 349 963
883
2,560		 3,443
Grants payable1 53,347 104,830 158,177
31,218
111,687		 142,905
Support costs 8,326 - 8,326
9,247
-		 9,247
Total 123,029 108,799 231,828
101,731
117,935		 219,666
Governance costs
Salaries 3,477 - 3,477
3,365		 - 3,365
Accounts and examination 1,207 - 1,207
1,200		 - 1,200
Other direct costs 13 - 13
185		 - 185
Total 4,697 - 4,697
4,750		 - 4,750
Advocacy/campaigns/development education
Salaries 5,062 - 5,062
5,087
-		 5,087
Other direct costs 427 - 427
669
-		 669
Support costs 709 - 709
710
-		 710
Total 6,198 - 6,198
6,466
-		 6,466
Combined charitable activity 133,924 108,799 242,723
112,947
117,935		 230,882

1 Grants are given towards partner organisations once their work has been identified as falling within the objects and activities of Advantage Africa, and when a partnership has been built between Advantage Africa and both the partner and the beneficiary community through visits and detailed project planning. The aims and activities of the project are then defined in a formal agreement which is written, approved and signed by the partner organisation’s committee and Advantage Africa’s Trustee-Directors and which forms the basis for monitoring. A breakdown of grants payable is shown overleaf.

Advantage Africa

Notes to the Accounts

23

BREAKDOWN OF GRANTS PAYABLE
Kenya
Kibwezi Disabled Persons’ Organisation1
Mitaboni Special Education Project
Thinu Special Education Project
Kenya Institute for Special Education
Rescue Team for HIV & Aids
Migori Women with Disabilities Group
Subtotal
Uganda
Single Parents' Association of Uganda
Source of the Nile Union of Persons with
Albinism
Subtotal
Total		 2020/21
2019/20
Project
Costs
£
Allowances
£
Total
Grants
£
Project
Costs
£
Allowances
£
Total
Grants
£
15,570
6,708
22,278
14,047
7,565
21,612
933
1,470
2,403
80
1,570
1,650
-
1,214
1,214
378
643
1,021
1,417
-
1,417
2,373
-
2,373
9,553
4,215
13,768
5,818
4,392
10,210
2,595
560
3,155
2,621
275
2,896
30,068
14,167
44,235
25,317
14,445
39,762
38,760
3,727
42,487
27,971
3,538
31,509
61,544
9,911
71,455
63,586
8,048
71,634
100,304
13,638
113,942
91,557
11,586
103,143
130,372
27,805
158,177
116,874
26,031
142,905

1 Within grants payable to KDPO is £2,974 paid to Motivation Kenya for import duties on 172 mobility aids distributed by KDPO.

7. Staff and Trustee-Directors

Remuneration paid to key management personnel was £43k (£43k in 2019/20). No remuneration or travel and expenses were paid to Trustees or any person connected to them in either period.

A total of £23,043 (£18,713 in 2019/20) was donated without conditions by Trustees-Directors, key management personnel and their close families.

We are grateful for the assistance of approximately 5 volunteers who contributed their time freely towards helping with fundraising applications and newsletters.

No fees (2019/20: Nil) were payable to Haines Watts, other than for the Independent Examination.

Staff costs were as follows:

taff costs were as follows:
Gross Salaries
Employer’s National Insurance
Pension
Total
No. of staff		 2020/21
£
2019/20
£
96,618
95,351
4,406
5,309
4,831
4,768
105,856
105,428
4
4

There were no employees whose annual remuneration was £60,000 or more.

Advantage Africa

Notes to the Accounts

24

8. Tangible Assets

Equipment and IT Total £ COST At 1st August 2020 5,615 Additions in year - Disposals in year - At 31st July 2021 5,615 ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION At 1st August 2020 5,615 Depreciation in year - Less: Depreciation on disposals - At 31st July 2021 5,615 NET BOOK VALUE At 1st August 2020 - At 31st July 2021 -

9. Stock

Sunscreen and lip protection donated by Ultrasun UK for SNUPA to distribute among people with albinism to prevent skin cancer.

Opening Stock Received Distributed Closing Stock
1st August 2020 during the year during the year 31st July 2021
Sunscreen Value, £ - 2,396 2,396 -
Units (150ml) - 4,791 4,791 -
Lip Protection Value, £ - 461 461 -
Units (4.8g) - 922 922 -

Advantage Africa

Notes to the Accounts

25

10. Debtors and Prepayments


Prepayments
Accrued Income
Debtors
Deposit
Concessionary loans
Tax recoverable

Total
 2020/21
£
2019/20
£
618
805
507
5,816
-
17
600
600
-
250
1,084
1,295
2,809
8,783

Concessionary loans in 2019/20 comprised a loan of KES 60,000 (£486) made to an individual, enabling them to manage a partner organisation without hindrance. The loan was repaid in instalments in 2020/21.

11. Cash at Bank and in Hand



Bank operating accounts - UK

Bank operating accounts - Africa

Bank deposits

Petty cash

Total
 2020/21
£
2019/20
£
89,252
40,330
5,174
5,566
37,262
72,164
273
306
131,961
118,366

12. Creditors: Liabilities Falling Due within One Year




Trade Creditors
Taxation & Social Security
Accruals
Total
2020/21
£
2019/20
£
2,049
728
1,651
1,582
1,288
1,798
4,988
4,108

As of 31 July 2021, Advantage Africa has a five-year lease of its office premises ending 17th June 2023 with rent payable of £600 per month.

Advantage Africa

Notes to the Accounts

26

13. Funds
The restricted funds represent amounts received for
specific purposes
Kibwezi Disabled Person’s Organisation, Kenya
Disability Transition Project, Kenya
Rescue Team for HIV & AIDS, Kenya
Migori Women Living with Disabilities, Kenya
Single Parents' Association, Uganda
Source of the Nile Union of Persons with Albinism,
Uganda
IT Development
Education Support1
COVID-19 Support2
Other restricted purposes3
Total		 Opening
balance
£
Incoming
resources
£
Outgoing
resources
£
Transfers
in/out
£
Closing
balance
£
2,266
2,250
4,516
-
-
9,377
-
1,417
-
7,960
5
12,110
6,831
-
5,284
-
250
250
-
-
24,816
26,785
34,163
-
17,438
-4,576
66,791
51,339
-
10,876
-
-
-
-
-
438
-
438
-
-
-1,267
7,017
5,493
-
257
363
4,239
4,352
-
250
31,422
119,442
108,799
-
42,065

1 The Education Support fund was created in 2019/20 using funds donated in memory of Rosemary Reeder. As well as being a supporter of Advantage Africa, Rosemary was a teacher and so it was requested that the fund be spent in support of education. The remaining funds were spent in 2020/21.

2 The COVID-19 Support fund encompasses donations from Advantage Africa’s COVID-19 appeal.

3 Other restricted purposes includes our project with Women Challenged to Challenge to protect women with disabilities from sexual violence and support for Mitaboni and Thinu schools in Kenya.

All restricted funds have been spent in accordance with the restrictions placed on them by the donor. Further details of restricted funds are contained throughout the accounts.

The equivalent figures for 2019/20 were as follows:
Kibwezi Disabled People’s Organisation, Kenya
Disability Transition Project, Kenya
Rescue Team for HIV & AIDS, Kenya
Single Parents' Association, Uganda
Union of Persons with Albinism, Uganda
IT Development
Education Support1
COVID-19 Support2
Other restricted purposes3
Total		 Opening
balance
£
Incoming
resources
£
Outgoing
resources
£
Transfers in/
out
£
Closing
balance
£
4,308
8,129
10,171
-
2,266
4,457
8,613
3,692
-
9,377
94
160
249
-
5
2,582
44,817
22,583
-
24,816
3,445
47,106
55,127
-
-4,576
1,448
-
1,448
-
-
-
4,625
4,187
-
438
-
16,533
17,801
-
-1,267
2
3,041
2,677
-
363
16,332
133,025
117,935
-
31,422
4,308
8,129
10,171
4,457
8,613
3,692
94
160
249
2,582
44,817
22,583
3,445
47,106
55,127
1,448
-
1,448
-
4,625
4,187
-
16,533
17,801
2
3,041
2,677
16,332
133,025
117,935

Advantage Africa

Notes to the Accounts

27

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

Restricted funds
Unrestricted funds
Total		 2020/21
2019/20
Fixed assets
£
Bank & cash
balances
£
Other
net assets
£
Fixed assets
£
Bank & cash
balances
£
Other
net assets
£
Total
£
Total
£
-
43,252
-1,187
-
24,862
6,560
42,065
31,422
-
88,709
-992
-
93,505
-1,885
87,717
92,620
-
131,961
-2,179
-
118,367
4,675
129,782
123,042

14. Members

Each member of the company commits to contribute an amount of £10 if the charity is wound up.

Advantage Africa

Notes to the Accounts

28

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