2 ee3 Tr wareness4 LA : Bn SS 9< 1° FOUNDATION ee ae ANNUAL REPORT ti my, i iy FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 2023*
Awareness
Email: mail@awareness-foundation.com Website: www.awareness-foundation.com
Tel: +44 74865 90393 Address: 134C London Road, London SM6 7HF
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
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|Purpose .................................................................................................................................................... 3|
|Celebrating 20|[th]|anniversary .................................................................................................................... 4|
|Our Achievements in 2023 ...................................................................................................................... 4|
|•|Back to the Past ..................................................................................................... 4|
|•|Fast Forward to the Future .................................................................................... 5|
|Our Activities & Programmes ................................................................................................................. 6|
|Sad News & Acknowledgment .............................................................................................................. 18|
|Legal and administrative information .................................................................................................... 19|
|Awareness Foundation ........................................................................................................................... 20|
|Statement of trustees’ responsibilities ................................................................................................... 20|
|Statement of financial activities ............................................................................................................. 22|
|Balance sheet ......................................................................................................................................... 23|
|Statement of cash flow ........................................................................................................................... 25|
|Notes to the accounts ............................................................................................................................. 26|
|Independent examiner’s report to the trustees of Awareness Foundation .............................................. 30|
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Awareness Foundation
Registered charity in England & Wales, no: 1099873
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PURPOSE
Awareness Foundation was incorporated as a company limited by guarantee and registered in England No: 4637942 on 15 January 2003 and was registered as a charity No: 1099873 on 7 October 2003. On 10 October 2019 Awareness Foundation changed its registration to that of a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO).
The Foundation is an international humanitarian charity driven by Christian values which builds peace through education and training. Awareness Foundation works to empower Christians everywhere to be a counter force of love and peace to the intolerance and mistrust that now prevail in so many of our communities, and to build understanding between the faiths. We do this through education and encouraging dialogue.
Unlike other humanitarian organisations, we do not provide instant emergency relief. Instead, we provide interventions that address the need for genuine peace-making and reconciliation in the Middle East. Focused currently in Syria where military and political conflicts, violence and displacement have devastated the lives of millions, our two interrelated programmes “Little Heroes” and “Ambassadors for Peace” aim to equip and empower children and young adults to become agents of peace and reconciliation in their communities. To the best of our knowledge, no other organisation is delivering anything that compares to Little Heroes and Ambassadors for Peace.
OUR ROYAL PATRON IS HRH THE DUCHESS OF EDINBURGH, GCVO GCSTJ, CD
Outside the Middle East, the Foundation helps Christians live their faith fully and faithfully in this diverse, globalised world through education and through work with Christian denominations strengthening community bonds, and through numerous activities with other organizations and faiths to foster community harmony.
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CELEBRATING TWENTIETH ANNIVERSARY
Awareness Foundation joyfully celebrated its 20[th] anniversary in 2023. The Foundation formally acknowledged this milestone with a Gala dinner celebration held at Tara Copthorne Hotel, and then followed by an International Conference under the title "East Meets West" in the presence of our Royal Patron, Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Edinburgh, GCVO GCStJ, CD. In this gathering, Awareness Foundation donors, volunteers and trustees convened to commemorate two decades of the Foundation’s mission to build peace through education.
With immense gratitude, the Awareness Foundation extended its heartfelt appreciation to all those who contributed to our journey, as our existence over the past twenty years would not have been possible without the caring guidance and involvement of our stakeholders. This included board members, beneficiaries, donors, churches, grant donors/foundations, partners, supporters, volunteers, and those indirectly involved, such as the media and the local community as well as our patrons and especially our Royal Patron.
We are incredibly humbled by the support received from the thousands of donors from all walks of life in the UK, the Middle East, North America and Hong Kong. Their generosity, valuable feedback, and active engagement have been pivotal to our success.
Unfortunately, as we all know, the situation in the whole region of the Middle East has been deteriorating for some time, especially the spread of violence and bloodshed in many countries. This hostile environment has made the work of Awareness Foundation ever so important and timely.
Awareness Foundation takes holistic approach which cares for children, young people and women spiritually, mentally and socially, and our programmes reflect deeply this distinctive approach. Our young people and the parents of the children confirmed and verified this uniqueness in most of their comments and feedback of our surveys.
OUR ACHIEVEMENTS in 2023
Back to the Past
We began this journey by looking at our core element driving our work which is peacebuilding through education and reflecting on where we have been and what is ahead. Our mission is ‘Deepening faith, building peace, living and demonstrating generous love’. For two decades we equipped Christians East and West to form an effective counter force to the intolerance and mistrust that prevail in so many communities, and to build understanding between the faiths. Now, twenty years later, we have made powerful strides towards strengthening our communities and assuring our beneficiaries that we are there to serve them whenever needed.
Over the years, Awareness Foundation staff and volunteers have witnessed ups and downs, celebrations and disappointments, and many of these memories made us resilient, flexible and adaptable which allowed us to build capacity and strengthen our resiliency to respond more to community needs.
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As we look back, there is an immense amount of pride at what we have accomplished. Throughout the short history of the Foundation, we have explored with enormous blessing different fields of education ranging from teaching classes to hosting important round table discussions to developing powerful teaching modules to leading pilgrimages to international conferences and delegation and of course finally focusing on our present programmes which have been running for a decade.
It is very heartening and gratifying to know that our work promoted peacebuilding, tolerance and understanding, enriched communities. We have never shied away from taking risks and developing new programmes to respond to the needs of suffering communities, we were hugely fruitful when we started in 2023 our women programme in Syria in partnership with JCI, and we were selected as best programme in Syria that year. It is worth noting that our staff team, as small as it is, supervise personally all the activities and programmes East and West.
Also 2023, marked the 20-year anniversary relaunch of Awareness Foundation website. We redesigned with the help of Verasoni founder & CEO Abe Kasbo; our Awareness Foundation America chair, our new website to modernize our systems and enhance the donor experience and better assess our impact.
Fast forward to the Future
When looking to the future and while we celebrated how far we have come as a charity, we acknowledge that much more still needs to be done. We are more determined than ever to support children, teens, young adults and women in the Middle East through our programmes; to touch and transform their lives, to build their sense of well-being, self-esteem, resilience, and emotional health, and to develop their own creative peace-building activities and initiatives, so that they promote peace and reconciliation in their diverse and wounded communities. We aim to enable them to be true peacemakers to help their society to emerge from its devastation and destruction.
We would like to take the opportunity to reinforce our core values that guide us to our decision making through the years. Our values have served as a connection thread uniting our past, present and future and reflected in our programmes and activities by ‘Empowering Christians and people of all faiths to embrace diversity and build harmonious communities’
Awareness Foundation continues its mission to build peace through education and our work reached thousands of children and young people in the Middle East. As of 2023, the Awareness Foundation has provided support to over 3,465 Little Heroes aged 6 to 12 across Syria, distributed 8,450 gifts to children in need , trained 285 leaders , and involved 4,830 families in our Little Heroes programme. Awareness Foundation has also taught over 1,239 young Ambassadors for Peace in Syria and Iraq, showing them how to handle conflict, how to transform and empower their communities, and how to build bridges with other faiths to promote peace and understanding. We also started our interfaith Pioneering Women programme by providing 50 hours of training to 30 women to become peacebuilders through their business.
Outside the Middle East, the Foundation helps Christians live their faith through education and through work with Christian denominations strengthening community bonds, and this is done through our media outreach including PAX Videos (over 701,197 views) and numerous activities with other organisations and faiths to foster community harmony.
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OUR ACTIVITIES AND PROGRAMMES
February – Appeal
In response to the devastating earthquake in Syria, Awareness Foundation launched an appeal to help our suffering people and communities there. Generous donations received were directed towards our work with churches and communities sharing a vision aligned with the objectives of Awareness Foundation. Our focus centred on addressing the mental, spiritual, and behavioural repercussions for children and youth in the areas affected by the earthquake.
Our commitment continued to be in the educational field prioritising mental empowerment and support for children, young people and women, and emphasising personal protection from harassment, grooming and kidnapping. We engaged in presenting stories tailored to children, aimed at helping them overcome mental traumas, and providing them with tangible educational aid.
We also worked on raising awareness to educate communities on personal hygiene and the maintenance of clean environments, particularly for those who had tragically lost their homes.
April – Lectures
The Executive Director of Awareness Foundation, the Revd Dr Nadim Nassar, accepted an invitation from Father Fadi Azar, the priest of the Roman Catholic Church in Latakia. The Revd Nassar delivered an engaging lecture titled "The Disciples and us after the resurrection" at a remarkable event attended by approximately 250 people from both Christian and Muslim background. The interactive session concluded with Revd Nassar addressing questions from the audience, fostering a sense of unity and understanding. We were extremely grateful for Fr. Fadi and his team for their care, support and for organising this meaningful event.
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Huda Nassar, the Awareness Foundation Director for the Middle East, was invited by the leader of the youth group at the Maronite Church of The Lady of Latakia to give a talk about Easter. Huda’s talk, titled "The miraculous fishing after the resurrection" provided a unique perspective on the significance of the season.
Additionally, Huda delivered another talk about the closed doors after the resurrection of the Lord. This event was hosted by The Fraternity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus at the Latin Church in Latakia.
April - Ambassadors for Peace, Aleppo, Syria
Embarking on our journey to Aleppo following the devastating earthquake, our hearts held a mix of emotions. The earthquake resulted in the death of thousands lives, leaving many more without homes and livelihood. Our mission was clear: to be peacemakers, offering support to the young people in that difficult time, helping them confront their fears and trauma, and providing a compassionate ear for their heart-breaking stories. These experiences of horror were quite different from all the ones they had lived during the war.
We were hosted by the Armenian Protestant church of Bethel and the head of the denomination the Revd Dr Haroution George Selimian, a member of the International Board of Trustees of Awareness Foundation. Sixty young people who come from seven Christian denominations, attended our Ambassadors for Peace programme. We divided the participants into groups to lead different workshops.
The opening service of the programme featured a spiritual meditation presented by the Revd Dr. Haroution Selimian. The training took two directions:
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Spiritual direction led by the Revd Dr Nadim Nassar under the title of "Fear in the time of the storm"; and
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Social direction led by Dr. Pierre Filfili under the title of "Facing Crises".
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In this collaborative effort, Awareness Foundation played a vital role in not only addressing the immediate need, but also providing spiritual and social tools for resilience and recovery.
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May - Ambassadors for Peace, Latakia, Syria
We began our Ambassadors for Peace programme at Our Lady of Annunciation Church for the Greek Catholics in Latakia to aid the community’s recovery from the recent earthquake.
The first day started with a worship service led by Fr Michael Kandalaft, the Parish Priest, joined by Fr. Vasken Koshkarian, the parish priest of the Orthodox Armenian Church in Latakia.
The morning session led by the Revd Dr Nadim Nassar delved into the theme of "Fear and Temptation", offering spiritual insight to navigate the challenges ahead. Following this, Dr Pierre Filfili led two workshops focusing on "Crisis management and social and psychological consequences". Dr Pierre Filfili training covered the following essential aspects:
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How does my life continue after the earthquake?
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How do I overcome the crisis?
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My personal effectiveness
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Investing in the positive side of the crisis
Participants, representing various Christian denominations in Latakia, were divided into groups to lead different workshops fostering ecumenical collaboration. The programme also included a creative worship of meditation and prayers, featuring different stations designed to facilitate an intimate connection with God.
Heartfelt gratitude was extended to our dear and faithful Patron David Tse, based in Hong Kong, for his endless generosity and especially his valuable gifts to the Ambassadors for Peace in Syria. these gifts, including ‘Power banks’ and ‘USB memory sticks’ proved to be essential for the participants, particularly university students. We are so grateful to David for his support and commitment as a remarkable example, inspiring us all to offer everything possible to those in need.
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May – Volunteers (Work-based learning placement, The University of Chester)
Awareness Foundation has been in partnership with the University of Chester since 2019, offering workbased learning placements to students who wish to volunteer. The 150-hour placements, aim to bridge the gap between classroom learning and practical skills needed in the real world.
The students/volunteers start the placement by taking onboarding orientation, Health & safety training, safeguarding, the Foundation’s mission, policies, and procedures before they start working.
This experience enhances various skills such as teamwork, communication, problem solving and social media marketing.
At the end of the placement, Awareness Foundation expresses gratitude to the volunteers for their efforts and provides them with evaluation and recommendation letters.
Awareness Foundation encourages volunteers to contribute their expertise in various capacities which can help reduce operational costs and foster a mutually beneficial relationship.
June - Ambassadors for Peace, Latakia, Syria, in Partnership with JCI (Junior Chamber International)
For the first time, Awareness Foundation ran Ambassadors for Peace programme in partnership with JCI (Junior Chamber International). Junior Makhoul, Chairman of the local of Directors of JCI, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing development opportunities for young people, played an important role in this partnership.
Revd Dr Nassar opened the training and introduced Awareness Foundation mission and objectives to the participants. Elza Nasra, Awareness Foundation coordinator, then introduced Dr. Pierre Filfili who led all sessions.
Dr Pierre Flifili started a day-long training which aimed to equip qualified personnel for psycho-social support in the aftermath of disasters.
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The target group for the training included young people aged 18 to 40, working within organisations, institutions and associations in the field of relief, crisis and disaster management across different communities in Latakia.
The training covered fundamental aspects such as introduction to disasters, both natural and man-made, exploring their impact, types, management strategies, and essential measures for preparedness to minimise damage. The training also shed light on the concept of immediate response, its fields of work, and the coordination and the organisation required to fulfil tasks effectively. The training concluded with a crucial section addressing how to deal with and protect those affected by disasters while providing humanitarian service.
June – Preaching
The Revd Nassar was invited to preach at the second oldest Cathedral in England, Rochester Cathedral. Thanks for all the love and care especially to the Dean, The Very Revd Dr Philip Hesketh and the Canon Chancellor the Revd. Dr Gordon Giles.
July & August - Pioneering Women programme
"Pioneering Women" was launched in partnership between JCI Latakia and the Awareness Foundation. The primary focus of the programme is to empower women to enter the job market by imparting the skills and knowledge necessary for them to create and manage their own projects. It is also critical to attract sponsors to ensure sustainability and success for the women projects as this can lead to mutually beneficial partnerships between the women and the sponsoring organisations.
We provided 50 hours of training to 30 diverse women ages 20-35 who come from different sectors of society. And the training was divided into three phases:
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Phase one was opened by the Foundation’s Middle East director, and it encompassed training sessions that covered entrepreneurship, management, creative thinking, and intellectual empowerment. Women partook in these sessions to acquire a solid understanding of leadership principles.
Phase two was a pivotal conference that brought the trained women with Syrian businesswomen & men, project collaborators, and official representative. The conference fostered connections between the participants and established a network to secure employment opportunities.
Our coordinator, Elza Nasra gave a speech and presented Awareness Foundation, in addition to other successful businesswomen who shared about their achievements to inspire and motivate aspiring entrepreneurs, and
we were very proud to listen to one of our Ambassador for Peace Grace Ashi who was invited to share her business experience and her expertise in her field.
Certificates were awarded at the end of the "Pioneering Women" conference, to the businesswomen who participated in the project training, and whose projects were presented during the conference.
Phase Three: Continuous monitoring is a crucial component of our programme that is aimed at helping women find sponsors and ways to turn their projects into realities. The Pioneering Women Project Committee plays a pivotal role in this process by regularly tracking the progress of individuals whose proposals have been adopted.
September - Ambassadors for Peace Walk
As we commemorate our 20[th] anniversary of Awareness Foundation’s ministry, we find ample reason to celebrate. Our commitment persists in engaging with young people, children & women in war zones like Syria where our mission is to empower and train them as Ambassadors for Peace within their devastated communities. This endeavour has been made possible only through the support and love of our friends.
Our annual Ambassadors for Peace Walk this year was between Aylesford Priory & Rochester Cathedral. We were kindly received at the Aylesford Priory by Brother Francis and the Dean of Rochester Cathedral, the Very Revd Dr Philip Hesketh. We are grateful to our friend and previous Trustee, Richard Smart, for preparing and leading this walk. The success of this walk was amplified by the participation
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of a wonderful group that walked with us, generously contributing to the funds for our Ambassadors for Peace Programme. Our hearts are filled with gratitude for the efforts that make our mission a reality.
September - Awareness Sunday
The annual Awareness Sunday was hosted by our Patron, Archbishop Angaelos, at his Cathedral in Stevenage. Together, we expressed our gratitude to the Lord for the ministry and the dedicated work of Awareness Foundation.
We were delighted to have with us some of our Trustees and a representative of our valued partner Embrace the Middle East, and we celebrated the Foundation's commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of those it serves.
September & October - Nadim’s trip to North America
Canada
The Revd Dr Nadim Nassar received an invitation from Huda Kandalaft, Congregational Designated Minister for Youth and Families, to deliver a sermon, impart teachings, and sign his latest book “iJesus” at Parkdale United Church in Ottawa. Revd Nassar spoke to the youth of Canada about the challenges young people face in Syria and the Middle East and how the Foundation is transforming their lives.
James Appleyard, our International Chairman, joined Revd Nadim in Ottawa, travelling from Toronto to be part of this significant event.
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Registered charity in England & Wales, no: 1099873
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USA
Revd Nassar had the privilege of meeting Metropolitan Saba Isper, the Archbishop of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America accompanied by Awareness Foundation America Chairman, Abe Kasbo in New York.
The Revd Donald Waring, the Rector of Grace Church lower Manhattan, invited Revd Nassar to preach during his visit to New York. Revd Nassar preached the sermon twice in a row and gave a talk between the two services. The talk was about the work of Awareness Foundation in Syria. Revd Nadim also lead a discussion and shared insights from his new book “iJesus” during the book club that was held at Grace Church lower Manhattan.
Revd Nassar’s journey continued as he was invited by Pastor David Prince at the "Living Word Church" in Lancing, Illinois. Revd Nassar was generously welcomed by the church, and he delivered a sermon, offered teachings, and singed his new book “iJesus”.
In Dearborn, Detroit, Revd Nassar was hosted by Revd Halim Shukair, the rector of Christ Church, and the Arabic speaking church, The Mother of Our Saviour. Revd Halim organised an evening for Revd Nassar to address both churches, providing a platform for him to share his insights, and sign copies of his new book “iJesus”.
November - Gala Dinner
Our Gala Dinner this year marked a significant milestone in the life of Awareness Foundation. We celebrated our 20[th] anniversary in the presence of our Patron, Archbishop Angaelos.
During the Gala Dinner, we took the opportunity to express our deep gratitude and recognition by presenting a special award to our partner ‘Embrace the Middle East’ represented by its CEO, Tim Livesey. This award is to acknowledge their support to the Foundation throughout the years.
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We also gave a special award to Adrian Scotland, our volunteer lawyer.
Additionally, we acknowledged Alexandra Brbar for her remarkable 24-hour streaming initiative, that successfully raised fund for victims of the February earthquake in Syria.
We also had the opportunity to acknowledge the great support of the Middle East Airlines represented by its manger, Mr Houssam Weiss.
The Gala Dinner included a small exhibition showcasing our little Heroes paintings from our Little Heroes programme.
November - The 5[th] International Conference “East Meets West”
Our 5th international conference took place at St Marylebone Church in the presence of our Royal Patron, The Duchess of Edinburgh, our Patron Archbishop Angaelos, the Vice Chairman of the International Board of Trustees, the Revd Alan Scotland, our consultant in Jordan, the Revd Cannon Fa’eq Haddad, and a group of our International Trustees, friends and representatives of our valued partners.
The aim of the conference was to celebrate the fruitful ministry of the Foundation for the last 20 years.
Huda Nassar, the Director for the Middle East, opened the event with a warm welcome, expressing immense joy and gratitude. She emphasised that the gathering serves as a testimony to the unwavering commitment and collective efforts of all those who have contributed to the growth and impact over the years. The conference, she noted, is not only an opportunity to reflect on past achievements but also a platform to envision a future filled with new possibilities and collaborations.
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The main speakers at the conference highlighted the fruits of Awareness Foundation in the last 20 years East and West. They reflected on the enormous belief in the Foundation’s capacity to continue its mission building additional bridges of peace and reconciliation wherever the need arises.
The speakers expressed their fear and concern about the escalating levels of violence in the Middle East as well as other regions in the world. And they encouraged Awareness Foundation to continue being the light in the darkness of our world.
The conference was indeed a gathering bringing together a harmonious blend of peacemakers from East and West and from diverse backgrounds, faiths, and in geographical origins in the vibrant city of London. Our speakers at the conference spoke about the timely and vital work of the Foundation in the Middle East. They expressed their full support for the crucial programmes acknowledging their transformative impact on the lives of numerous young people, women, and children.
Elza Nasra, the Middle East Coordinator, spoke about her role in the region, The Middle East. Mohammad Shamout, the vice President of JCI, highlighted the impactful partnership between JCI and Awareness Foundation, particularly in the Pioneering Women programme.
Two of our partners, ‘Embrace the Middle East’ and ‘Al-Khoei Foundation’ gave their testimonies about their experiences with Awareness Foundation and its important programmes in building peace through education. Both partners expressed their desire to continue the partnerships in the future.
Reem Issa, Awareness Foundation CEO, delivered a compelling presentation, highlighting the Foundation’s achievements, commitment to its mission, and outlining the goals and objectives for the next three years. The presentation generated a wide discussion about the critical work of the Foundation in an exceedingly volatile region of the Middle East.
Dr Pierre Filfili, one of our main trainers on Ambassadors for Peace and Pioneering Women Programmes, shared with the audience his views and vision of both programmes through a virtual presentation from Lebanon, stressing the significant role these programmes play in the lives of young men and women.
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Additionally, insights were shared by both of our Chairmen, James Appleyard, from Canada, serving as the Chairman of our International Board of Trustees, and Abe Kasbo, from the USA, holding the position of Chairman of the Board of Directors of our sister organisation, Awareness Foundation America. Both Chairmen spoke about the international dimension of Awareness Foundation’s work, illustrating how the Foundation’s ministry and vision serve as bridges between East and West.
We have been deeply blessed by our friends and volunteers who have been instrumental in our work East and West. Some of the friends generously shared their experiences, highlighting the impact of the Foundation on their lives and the joy they have had in helping the staff over the years.
Some of these volunteers such as Magdalena Deneault, Christopher Williams, Carolyn Hallet, and Thomas Roberts, expressed their personal journeys illustrating the profound impact of the Foundation on individuals and the broader community.
The conference concluded with two days of productive discussions among attendees, focusing on strategies to support the Foundation in widening its network, raising its profile and reaching out for effective partnerships and fundraising opportunities.
The conference outcome points, drawn up at the end of the conference by all of those participating, were:
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Succession planning is crucial for the long-term sustainability of the Foundation.
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The need to expand our fundraising possibilities and plans.
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Improve our marketing and public relations.
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Media is a powerful tool for reaching a wider audience and connecting with people and raising the profile of people.
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Interfaith engagement and partnerships.
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Continuing our East-West bridge-building through our activities and programmes.
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Advocacy through all our programmes particularly when it comes to preparing young generations.
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Expanding our activities in London.
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The participants emphasised the importance of the work of Awareness Foundation in the present situation in the region of the Middle East.
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December - His Majesty King Charles III at the Coptic Cathedral in Stevenage
We were honoured to receive an invitation from our Patron Angaelos, the Archbishop of the Coptic
Church in London, to attend the Christmas service and reception and in honour of His Majesty King Charles III.
During the event, Huda Nassar, the Middle East Director and the CEO of Awareness Foundation, Reem Issa, had the privilege of meeting His Majesty the King at the reception following the service.
Archbishop Angaelos introduced Huda to King Charles, providing her with the opportunity to engage in conversation with him. His Majesty expressed his desire to visit Syria someday, particularly when the situation improves.
December - Christmas tree festival at Mary Magdalene Church in London
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Every three years, St Mary Magdalene Church selects a charity to support with all proceeds directed toward the chosen charity. In 2021 Awareness Foundation had the honour of being the chosen charity. The Awareness Foundation team decorated the Christmas tree with the Foundation's logo and the pictures of its events, aiming to enlighten visitors to the Christmas Tree Festival about the Foundation’s mission and encouraging them to donate and support its work and programmes. Each Christmas tree in the festival was sponsored by a local business, charity, or family. Events like this does not only bring joy and festive spirit, but also provide an opportunity for communities to come together, showcase their talents, and contribute to meaningful causes.
This year, and for the third consecutive year, all proceeds from the festival went towards Awareness Foundation. This demonstrates a continued commitment to supporting a cause aligned with the community's values, especially that the Middle East which continues to be in turmoil and people are still experiencing loss, trauma and overwhelming need. The decision to direct funds towards supporting these young people, women, and children in war zones, reflects a deep commitment to making a positive
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impact on the lives of the most vulnerable in such challenging environments, and providing them with opportunities, resources, and assistance in overcoming the difficulties they face.
The commitment of Revd Philippa Boardman, the festival team, and the dedicated efforts of over a hundred church members and community volunteers, played a crucial role in making the event a success. Kudos to everyone involved, and for their efforts in making the Christmas Tree Festival a memorable and impactful event in 2023.
December - Christmas Gifts for Little Heroes
Due to the current situation in the Middle East, we have not been able to carry on our Little Heroes programme in Syria. However, we remain committed to supporting our children through our ‘Pen & Paper Campaign’. This winter, we have provided a thousand children with the gift of stationery and a pair of socks, equipping them with essential tools for their academic year and a touch of joy during Christmas and the festive season.
SAD NEWS AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Earl Cadogan KBE DL 1937—2023
As Awareness Foundation is celebrating this year the 20[th] anniversary of its ministry, we must say farewell to our founding Patron Lord Cadogan. Charles was one of the earliest people who believed wholeheartedly in the mission and vision of the Foundation. He used to call it “Our Foundation”.
He talked about his memories visiting the Middle East, especially Lebanon, and how much he enjoyed the hospitality and generosity of the people there. Charles offered the Awareness Foundation an infinite amount of generosity and kindness. We Cannot forget the joy in his eyes when we went to meet him and offered him the Golden Cross of the Foundation. He thanked us warmly and renewed his commitment to support us, especially helping the suffering young people and children in Syria and in Iraq. We will always remember with great affection, his love and dedication for good causes, thanking the Lord for his faith, great spirit of giving and caring. Charles will be greatly missed by us and all those who loved him.
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LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION THE AWARENESS FOUNDATION
(Registered Charity No: 1099873; CIO No: 04637942)
ROYAL PATRON HRH the Duchess of Edinburgh, GCVO GCStJ, CD PATRONS The Rt Revd and Rt Hon The Lord Williams of Oystermouth His Eminence Archbishop Angaelos of London The Most Revd Paul Kwong The Most Revd Kevin MacDonald KC*HS The Rt Revd Christopher Cocksworth Ethelbert Cooper Bendu Cooper Dr Chan Woon Tong, Joseph
TRUSTEES
James Appleyard (Chairman) The Revd Alan Scotland (Vice-Chairman) Carina Dingemans (secretary) Christopher Bunting (deceased 10/01/ 2023) Keith Brockbank Revd Joseph Moesel (resigned 30/10/2023) Lora De Felice Revd Haroution Salim (appointed 07/02/2023) Thomas Roberts (appointed 07/02/2023)
DIRECTOR INDEPENDENT EXAMINER BANKERS
The Revd Dr Nadim Nassar Maram Naffouj ACCA National Westminster Bank Plc. 250 Bishopsgate, London, EC2M 4AA
REGISTERED OFFICE and PRINCIPAL ADDRESS
134C London Road, Wallington, SM6 7HF
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AWARENESS FOUNDATION
The Trustees, who are also the directors for the purposes of company law, present their report and accounts for the year ended 31 December 2023.
The accounts have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the accounts and comply with the charity’s governing document. They also comply with the Companies Act 2006 and the Statement of Recommended Practice “Accounting and Reporting by Charities” issued in March 2005.
None of the trustees has any beneficial interest in the charity (or its wholly owned company).
All of the Trustees are also members of the charitable company and guarantee to contribute a maximum of £10 in the event of a winding up. The Trustees have assessed the major risks to which the charity is exposed and are satisfied that the systems are in place to mitigate exposure of the major risks.
The charity owns and controls a company limited by guarantee. All activities are conducted by the Charity itself; the company does not trade.
Significant external risks to funding are covered by the strategic plan which addresses the need the need for the diversification of funding and activities. Internal risks are addressed by procedures for the authorisation of all transactions and projects which also aim to ensure consistent quality of delivery for all operational aspects for the charity’s activities. These procedures are periodically reviewed to ensure that they remain appropriate to the evolving scope of the work conducted by the charity.
STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES’ RESPONSIBILITIES
The Trustees, who are also the directors of The Awareness Foundation for the purposes of company law, are responsible for preparing the Trustees’ Report and the accounts in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
Company law requires the Trustees to prepare accounts for each financial period which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs for the charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that period.
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In preparing these accounts, the Trustees are required to: select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently; observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP; make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent; and prepare the accounts on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in operation.
The Trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the accounts comply with the Companies Act 2006. 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.
The company is entitled to the exemption from the audit requirement contained in section 477 of the Companies Act 2006, for the year ended 31 December 2023 and no audit has been carried out. An Independent Examination of the accounts was completed. No member of the company has deposited a notice, pursuant to section 476, requiring an audit of these accounts under the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.
The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for ensuring that the company keeps accounting records which comply with section 386 of the Act and for preparing accounts which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the company as at the end of the financial year and of its incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure, for the financial period in accordance with the requirements of sections 394 and 395 and which otherwise comply with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 relating to accounts, so far as applicable to the company.
The accounts were approved by the Board on DATE 17/01/2004
James Appleyard Trustee
Keith Brockbank Trustee
Awareness Foundation
Registered charity in England & Wales, no: 1099873
22
Statement of Financial Activities (including summary income and expenditure account) for the year ended 31 December 2023
| Income (Note 3) Income and endowments from: Donations and legacies Charitable activities Investments Total Expenditure (Note 4) Expenditure on: Raising funds Charitable activities Total Net income/(expenditure) Reconciliation of funds: Total funds brought forward Total funds carried forward warenes |
Unrestricted funds £ 162,497 10,813 439 173,749 36,910 117,980 154,890 18,859 19,598 38,457 |
Restricted income funds £ 35,366 - - 35,366 - 35,366 35,366 - - - |
Total funds £ 197,863 10,813 439 209,115 36,910 153,346 190,256 18,859 19,598 38,457 |
31 December 2022 £ 115,262 9,414 35 124,711 30,781 120,307 151,088 (26,377) 45,975 19,598 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Awareness Foundation
Registered charity in England & Wales, no: 1099873
23
| Balance sheet at 31 December 2023 ~~ee~~ |
Balance sheet at 31 December 2023 ~~ee~~ |
Balance sheet at 31 December 2023 ~~ee~~ |
Balance sheet at 31 December 2023 ~~ee~~ |
Balance sheet at 31 December 2023 ~~ee~~ |
Balance sheet at 31 December 2023 ~~ee~~ |
Balance sheet at 31 December 2023 ~~ee~~ |
Balance sheet at 31 December 2023 ~~ee~~ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unrestricted | Restricted | ||||||
| funds | income | 2023 | 2022 | ||||
| funds | |||||||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | ||||
| Fixed assets | |||||||
| Tangible assets | |||||||
| (Note 7) | - | - | - | - | |||
| Total fixed assets | - | - | - | - | |||
| Current assets | |||||||
| Debtors | |||||||
| - - | - - | - - | - | - | - | - | |
| Cash at bank and | |||||||
| in hand | 50,270 | - | 50,270 | 31,411 | |||
| Total current | |||||||
| assets | 50,270 | - | 50,270 | 31,411 | |||
| Creditors: | |||||||
| amounts falling | |||||||
| due within one | |||||||
| year | |||||||
| (Note 8) | (11,813) | - | (11,813) | (11,813) | |||
| Net current | |||||||
| assets/(liabilities) | 38,457 | - | 38,457 | 19,598 | |||
| Total assets less | |||||||
| current liabilities | 38,457 | - | 38,457 | 19,598 | |||
| Funds of the | |||||||
| Charity | |||||||
| Restricted | |||||||
| income funds | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| Unrestricted | |||||||
| funds | 38,457 | - | 38,457 | 19,598 | |||
| Total funds | 38,457 | - | 38,457 | 19,598 |
The company was entitled to exemption from audit under s477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.
The members have not required the company to obtain an audit in accordance with section 476 of the Companies Act 2006.
Awareness Foundation
Registered charity in England & Wales, no: 1099873
24
The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Companies Act with respect to accounting records and the preparation of accounts.
These accounts have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to small companies subject to the small companies regime and in accordance with FRS102 SORP.
Signed by one or two trustees/directors on behalf of all the trustees/directors on DATE 17/01/2004
James Appleyard Keith Brockbank
Awareness Foundation
Registered charity in England & Wales, no: 1099873
25
Statement of Cash Flow for the year ended
31 December 2023
| 2023 | 2022 | |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| Net income / (expenditure) for | 18,859 | (26,377) |
| the period | ||
| Depreciation charge | - | - |
| Decrease / (increase) in | - | - |
| debtors | ||
| Increase in creditors | - | - |
| Cash generated / (used) by operations | 18,859 | (26,377) |
| Purchase of tangible fixed | - | - |
| assets | ||
| Cash at 1 January | 31,411 | 57,788 |
| Cash at 31 December | 50,270 ~~ee~~ |
31,411 ~~ee~~ |
Awareness Foundation
Registered charity in England & Wales, no: 1099873
26
~~Pe~~ Notes to the accounts
Note 1 Basis of preparation
These accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention with items recognised at cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant note(s) to these accounts.
The accounts 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) issued on 16 July 2014.
The charity constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102.
Note 2 Accounting policies
Recognition of income
Income is included in the Statement of Financial Activities when: the charity becomes entitled to the resources; and it is more likely than not that the trustees will receive the resources; and the monetary value can be measured with sufficient reliability.
Liability recognition
Liabilities are recognised where it is more likely than not that there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to pay out resources and the amount of the obligation can be measured with reasonable certainty.
Creditors
The charity has creditors which are measured at settlement amounts less any trade discounts
Tangible fixed assets for use by charity
These are capitalised if they can be used for more than one year, and cost at least £1,000.
Tangible fixed assets are stated at cost less depreciation. Depreciation is provided on fixtures, fittings and equipment at 25% per annum, straight line basis.
Debtors
Debtors (including trade debtors and loans receivable) are measured on initial recognition at settlement amount after any trade discounts or amount advanced by the charity. Subsequently, they are measured at the cash or other consideration expected to be received.
Awareness Foundation
Registered charity in England & Wales, no: 1099873
|
Note 3 Income for the year to 31 December 2023
Analysis of
income
Unrestricted
funds
£
Donations
109,036
Gift Aid tax
recovered
14,369
Grants for core
activities
39,092
Donations and
gifts
162,497
Fundraising
events
10,813
Charitable
activities
10,813
Investment
Income
439
Total
173,749
Note 4 Expenditure for the year to 31 December 2023
Analysis of
expenditure
Unrestricted
funds
£
Expenditure on raising
funds:
Incurred seeking
donations
36,910
Total
expenditure on
raising funds
36,910
Expenditure on
charitable activities
Middle East
activities
74,449
Administration
43,531
Total
expenditure on
charitable
activities
117,980
TOTAL EXPENDITURE
154,890
warenes|Note 3 Income for the year to 31 December 2023
Restricted
income
funds
£
-
-
35,366
35,366
-
-
-
35,366
Note 4 Expenditure for the year to 31 December 2023
Restricted
income
funds
£
-
-
35,366
-
35,366
35,366|Total
funds
£
109,036
14,369
74,458
197,863
10,813
10,813
439
209,115
Total
funds
£
36,910
36,910
109,815
43,531
153,346
190,256|Year to
31 Dec
2022
£
45,836
-
69,426
115,262
9,414
9,414
35
124,711
Year to
31 Dec
2022
£
30,781
30,781
83,037
37,270
120,307
151,088|27
Year to
45,836
-
69,426
115,262
9,414
9,414
35
124,711
Year to
30,781
30,781
83,037
37,270
120,307
151,088
||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Awareness Foundation
Registered charity in England & Wales, no: 1099873
28
| Note 5 Details of certain types of expenditure Independent examiner’s fees Note 6 Staff costs Salaries and wages Social security costs Pension costs (defined contribution pension plan) Total staff costs warenes |
Year ended 31 December 2023 £ - 31 December 2023 £ 117,459 - - 9,969 127,428 |
Year ended 31 Dec 2022 £ - 31 Dec 2022 £ 113,292 - - 9,147 122,439 |
|---|---|---|
The average number of employees during the years to 31 December 2022 and 31 December 2023 was 3.
There were no employees whose annual remuneration was £60,000 or more in either financial year. The charity contributes to The Church of England pension scheme for one employee. Contributions are charged in the accounts as they become payable.
Awareness Foundation
Registered charity in England & Wales, no: 1099873
29
Notes to the accounts (cont)
| Note 7 Tangible fixed assets Cost or valuation At the beginning and end of the year Depreciation and impairments At the beginning and end of the year Net book value Net book value at 1 January 2023 Net book value at 31 December 2023 Note 8 Creditors and accruals Trade creditors Accruals and deferred income Taxation and social security Redundancy payment Total warenes |
Note 7 Tangible fixed assets Fixtures, fittings and equipment Total £ £ 21,012 21,012 Depreciation and impairments 21,012 21,012 - - - - Note 8 Creditors and accruals Amounts falling due within one year 2023 2022 £ £ - - - - - - 11,813 11,813 11,813 11,813 |
|---|---|
Awareness Foundation
Registered charity in England & Wales, no: 1099873
30
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF AWARENESS FOUNDATION
We have reviewed the accounts of Awareness Foundation for the year ended 31 December 2023, which comprise the Statement of Financial Activities (including summary income and expenditure account), Balance Sheet, Statement of Cash Flows and notes to the accounts including a summary of significant accounting policies. The accounts 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) issued on 16 July 2014.
Trustees’ Responsibility for the Accounts
As explained more fully in the statement of trustees’ responsibilities, the trustees, who are also the directors of Awareness Foundation for the purposes of company law, are responsible for the preparation of the accounts and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view.
Accountants’ Responsibility
Our responsibility is to express a conclusion on the accounts. We conducted our review in accordance with International Standard on Review Engagements (ISRE) 2400 (Revised) to review historical accounts. ISRE 2400 (Revised) requires us to conclude whether anything has come to our attention that causes us to believe that the accounts, taken as a whole, are not prepared, in all material respects, in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) issued on 16 July 2014. ISRE 2400 (Revised) also requires us to comply with the ACCA code of Ethics and the FRC’s Ethical Standard.
Scope of the Assurance Review
A review of the accounts in accordance with ISRE 2400 (Revised) is a limited assurance engagement. We have performed procedures, primarily consisting of making enquiries of management and others within the charity, as appropriate, applying analytical procedures, and evaluating the evidence obtained. The procedures performed in a review are substantially less than those performed in an audit conducted in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK). Accordingly, we do not express an audit opinion on these accounts.
Awareness Foundation
Registered charity in England & Wales, no: 1099873
31
Conclusion
Based on our review, nothing has come to our attention that causes us to believe that the accounts have not been prepared:
-
so as to give a true and fair view of the state of charity affairs for the year ended 31 December 2023 and of its incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure, for the period then ended;
-
in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice; and
-
in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 and FRS 102.
Use of our report
This report is made solely to the charity’s trustees, as a body, in accordance with section 43 of the Charities Act 1993 and regulations made under section 44 of that Act. Our review work has been undertaken so that we might state to the charity’s trustees those matters we are required to state to them in a reviewers’ report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charitable company and its trustees as a body, for our review work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.
Maram Naffouj ACCA
Chartered Accountants
172 Ewell Road Surbiton Surrey KT6 6HG
Dated: 05/02/2024
Awareness Foundation
Registered charity in England & Wales, no: 1099873