OpenCharities

This text was generated using OCR and may contain errors. Check the original PDF to see the document submitted to the regulator.

2023-03-31-accounts

Charity number: 1105276

VANA TRUST

Report of the Trustees and Unaudited Financial Statements

For the year ended 31 March 2023

VANA TRUST Contents Page For the year ended 31 March 2023

Report of the Trustees 1 to 6
Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees 7
Statement of Financial Activities 8
Statement of Financial Position 9
Notes to the Financial Statements 10 to 15
Detailed Statement of Financial Activities 16 to 17

VANA TRUST Report of the Trustees For the year ended 31 March 2023

The Trustees have pleasure in presenting their report and the financial statements for the charity for the year ended 31 March 2023. The Trustees have adopted the provisions of Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and the Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019).

Chair's report

The Trustees have pleasure in presenting their report and the financial statements for the charity for the year ended 31 March 2023. The Trustees have adopted the provisions of Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and the Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019).

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES

Objectives and aims

Vana Trust's objectives are:

The relief of poverty, sickness and distress, the advancement of education and the preservation and protection of good health primarily but not exclusively of children and young people in the UK and Africa, in particular those living in Zambia, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Sudan, Tanzania and Kenya in such ways as the trustees may from time to time determine.

The trustees have considered the Charity Commision's guidance on public benefit, including the guidance 'public benefit: running a charity (PB2)'.

1 of 17

VANA TRUST Report of the Trustees Continued For the year ended 31 March 2023

ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE

Significant activities

Vana Trust comprises an organic farm in England and a sister charity in Zimbabwe. Working for the welfare of children and young adults linking these two charitable ventures thousands of miles apart. They share the Trust's motto: Enriching Lives with Education. The Trust continues to fund and assist disadvantaged children and young adults both in Southern Africa and the UK.

Vana Trust programme in Southern Africa and plans for 2023/24

Vana Trust constantly works on improving its internal processes to provide the best service to the communities we assist, with the use of the most cost-effective mechanisms. Establishment of more efficient systems will ensure minimal disruption of activities when faced with external challenges.

Vana Trust is currently supporting 69 students in Zimbabwe with school fees, uniforms, stationery, IT hardware and accommodation. The students ages vary, their level of education ranges from grade 1 to university degree level education at various intuitions and their needs vary depending on background. The students and their families are very appreciative of the support they receive from Vana Trust in Zimbabwe.

Demographics in brief Level Number Male Female Primary 25 10 15 Secondary 25 14 11 University 17 10 7 Vocational support 2 0 2 Total 69 34 35

Aim of the Plans

To put into place plans in line with the organisation's vision and give guidance on how to achieve this. These plans, set to ensure our set goals and our vision is achieved, include:

Fees and other financial commitments are promptly scheduled, and funds deposited into the educational institutions' accounts

Increasing source of funding base Setting up student part-time work Developing plans for Chibwanda Farm School, Chihota Ongoing audits of students' parent/family circumstances Source materials for Science Laboratory at St David's in Chihota Vana Trust Zimbabwe Project coordinator to attend a counselling course Encourage community involvement

Projects

1.Support of existing students from primary through to university level

2.Support vocational training for those not going on to further education

3.Enlist support/funds for the textbook purchasing project and data for university students

Financial Funding

The focus for 2023/4 for Vana Trust Zimbabwe is to increase the funding source base locally to minimise financial strain on our parent organisation VT UK. The main route identified is to find a partner to set up a fun run or other activity and to get the families/communities involved in the projects. The idea is for the fun run to be made into annual events. The venue can be a donation from one of the surrounding schools or sports clubs.

2 of 17

VANA TRUST Report of the Trustees Continued For the year ended 31 March 2023

Non-financial Funding

Approaching building contractors and building material outlets for non-financial donations such as bricks, cement and any other items at their disposal.

Student Part-Time Work

The plan is to approach established food outlets, medical facilities, hotels, factories, and other institutions seeking part-time employment on behalf of our students. The students will be paid at student rates. This arrangement will be for students in A-levels and University education only. Their income will get will be assist with their smaller expenses thus reduce the reliance on Vana Trust for items like pens, stationery, printing, sanitary items, toiletries and data.

Vana Trust programme in the UK and plans for 2023/24

Our marketing campaign has been very successful. We held a couple of visitor sessions again this year which brought in an extra 8 trainees and group visits from a new SEN school. We were interviewed on the local radio stations and had a spot on the BBC South Today.

We were also proud to have been chosen as Charity of the Year with the Rothschild Foundation and Waddesdon Manor. They raised the profile of the farm significantly by organising filming with the BBC news team and within their own staff and volunteer circle, gaining us a new trainee and a couple of volunteers. As well as attending the events they have held for us, the Rothschild Foundation donated a significant grant that helped repair our polytunnel and enabled us to purchase much needed animal housing and helped towards staffing costs.

We had been hiring the farm out to community groups which was very popular. We had annual events for the Hertsprems, a party and camping for the local school and an annual party for a local charity. This helped increase our donations and awareness of the charity within the local community.

As part of our diversification programme we held numerous craft workshops including Christmas wreath making and card making. These proved to be hugely popular with our trainees and we intend to organise more for the year ahead.

We increased attendance of the trainees from 17 on 1st April 2022 to 30 trainees at the year end.

We intend to purchase more goats and sheep to supplement the ageing existing livestock.

3 of 17

VANA TRUST Report of the Trustees Continued For the year ended 31 March 2023

FINANCIAL REVIEW

Significant events

WHERE VANA TRUST'S MONEY COMES FROM

Grants, individual donors, social enterprise regular monthly donation, corporate giving site B1G1, fundraising activities/events and farm income from trainees.

The income for the charity has reduced significantly following the previous year’s post Covid support by way of grants. A fundraising strategy is being drawn up to enable Vana Trust to see an increase again this year, enabling us to continue supporting those who need us most.

HOW MONEY HAS BEEN SPENT IN THE PAST YEAR

In the UK, we were awarded a grant which allowed us to repair the polytunnel, buy a new marquee and bird houses. It also allowed for payment of staff salaries.

In the UK, regular income sources were spent on maintaining the farm, animal feed, vet fees, staff salaries and workshops.

In Southern Africa, monies were spent on school fees, uniforms, stationery, IT hardware and accommodation for students.

FINANCIAL REVIEW

Significant events

The accounts are summarised on pages 7 to 16 and have been prepared on a receipts and payments basis. During the year, the Charity received contributions of £108,437 and incurred expenditure of £148,150. Of this expenditure, £143,924 was directly spent on the objectives of the Charity. At the year end, the Charity had cash and bank balances of £1,747 and creditors falling due in one year of £34,125. The founding director is owed £32,991.

Reserves

As part of the ongoing assessment of Vana Trust's strategic planning, policies and procedures, the Management Team of Vana Trust has developed a Reserve Policy to provide the charity with adequate financial stability and the means for it to meet its charitable objectives for the foreseeable future. We propose to maintain the charity's reserves at a level which is at least equivalent to three months operational expenditure and have done so with regard to its manner of operation of likely funding streams. These reserves will be maintained in a readily realisable form.

The trustees will review the amount of reserves that are required to ensure that they are adequate to fulfil the charity's continuing obligations on a yearly basis.

Going concern

The accounts have been prepared on a going concern basis. This is appropriate as the trustees are confident that funds can be raised in future periods to cover any current deficit.

Funds in deficit

Vana Trust management may draw on the reserve in an emergency and to take full advantage of unexpected opportunities. The Trustees and Management would then seek to rebuild the fund.

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

Recruitment and appointment of trustees

Trustees are appointed by a resolution of the trustees and as set out in the Governing Document and Deed of Trust.

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

Name of Charity VANA TRUST Charity registration number 1105276 Principal address 11 Romola Road

4 of 17

VANA TRUST Report of the Trustees Continued For the year ended 31 March 2023

London SE24 9BA

Trustees

The trustees and officers serving during the year and since the year end were as follows:

Mr Nicholas Aubrey Hyman
Ms Nyasha Gwatidzo
Mr Peter Fleming
Ms Blessings Kaseke
Ms Rianna Patterson
(Resigned: 14 December 2022)
Mr Jonathan Frostick
Ms Jean Muchopa
Ms Ali Monjack
(Appointed: 06 February 2023)
Mr Richard Rushworth
(Appointed: 06 February 2023)
Mr Savio Fernandes
(Appointed: 06 February 2023)
Ms Dayo Akande
(Appointed: 06 February 2023)
Senior management Ms Nyasha Gwatidzo
(Founding Director)
Ms Katy Farnell
(CEO)
Mr Ian Franklin
(Patron)
Ms Zoe West
(Patron)
Ms Juliet Le Breton
(Patron)
Ms Elizabeth Ward
(Patron)
Independent examiners Willis Burnell Ltd.
Unit 3 The Courtyard
Parsonage Stocks Road
Faversham
Kent
ME13 0ET

5 of 17

VANA TRUST Report of the Trustees Continued For the year ended 31 March 2023

Approved by the Board of Trustees and signed on its behalf by

04 November 2023

............................................................................. Ms Nyasha Gwatidzo

6 of 17

VANA TRUST Independent Examiners Report to the Trustees For the year ended 31 March 2023

I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2023.

Responsibilities and basis of report

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

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

Independent examiners statement

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

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

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

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

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

Willis Burnell Ltd. Unit 3 The Courtyard Parsonage Stocks Road Faversham

Kent ME13 0ET

04 November 2023

7 of 17

VANA TRUST Statement of Financial Activities For the year ended 31 March 2023

Notes Unrestricted Restricted 2023 2022
funds funds
£ £ £ £
Income and endowments
from:
Donations and legacies 2 103,437 5,000 108,437 208,090
Other trading activites 3 5,031 - 5,031 (2,172)
Investments 4 1 - 1 1
Total 108,469 5,000 113,469 205,919
Expenditure on:
Raising funds 5 (4,226) - (4,226) (47,828)
Charitable activities 6/7 (138,924) (5,000) (143,924) (99,290)
Total (143,150) (5,000) (148,150) (147,118)
Net income/expenditure (34,681) - (34,681) 58,801
Reconciliation of funds
Total funds brought forward 2,303 - 2,303 (56,498)
Total funds carried forward (32,378) - (32,378) 2,303

8 of 17

VANA TRUST Statement of Financial Position As at 31 March 2023

Notes
Current assets
Cash at bank and in hand
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
11
Net current assets
Total assets less current liabilities
Net assets
The funds of the charity
Unrestricted income funds
12
Total funds
£
2023
1,747
1,747
(34,125)
(32,378)
(32,378)
(32,378)
(32,378)
(32,378)
£
2022
7,422
7,422
(5,119)
2,303
2,303
2,303
2,303
2,303

The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Board and signed on its behalf by:

Ms Nyasha Gwatidzo Trustee 04 November 2023

9 of 17

VANA TRUST Notes to the Financial Statements For the year ended 31 March 2023

1. Accounting Policies

Basis of accounting

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, except for investments which are included at market value and the revaluation of certain fixed assets and in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) ‘Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019)', Financial Reporting Standard 102 the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102), and the Charities Act 2011.

VANA TRUST meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy note(s).

Going concern

2. Income from donations and legacies

Donations received
Grants received
2022
2023
Restricted
funds
Unrestricted
funds
£
£
£
£
186,561
83,336
-
83,336
21,529
25,101
5,000
20,101
208,090
108,437
5,000
103,437

3. Income earned from other activities

Unrestricted funds
Fund raising events
Shop income
nvestment income
Unrestricted funds
Bank interest receivable
2023
£
-
5,031
5,031
2023
£
1
1
2022
£
(6,937)
4,765
(2,172)
2022
£
1
1

4. Investment income

10 of 17

VANA TRUST Notes to the Financial Statements Continued For the year ended 31 March 2023

5. Expenditure on generating donations and legacies

Expenditure on generating donations and legacies
Unrestricted funds
Donations
Support costs
2023
£
807
3,419
4,226
2022
£
-
47,828
47,828

6. Costs of charitable activities by fund type

Education in Zimbabwe
Organic Farm
Support costs
Costs of charitable activities by activity type
Activities
undertaken
directly
£
Support costs
Education in Zimbabwe
51,025
Organic Farm
87,849
138,874
Unrestricted
funds
£
51,025
87,849
50
138,924
Grant
funding of
activities
£
-
5,000
5,000
Restricted
funds
£
-
5,000
-
5,000
Support
costs
£
50
-
50
2022
2023
£
£
27,056
51,025
70,519
92,849
1,715
50
99,290
143,924
2022
2023
£
£
51,075
28,771
92,849
70,519
143,924
99,290

7. Costs of charitable activities by activity type

11 of 17

VANA TRUST Notes to the Financial Statements Continued For the year ended 31 March 2023

8. Analysis of support costs

Education in Zimbabwe
Management
Finance
IT
Advertising,
promotion and
consultancy
Governance costs
2023
£
22
28
-
-
3,419
3,469
2022
£
1,385
78
252
44,525
3,303
49,543

9. Net income/(expenditure) for the year

This is stated after charging/(crediting):

Staff pension contributions
Staff costs and emoluments
Total staff costs for the year ended 31 March 2023 were:
Salaries and wages
Pension costs
Organic farm
2023
£
2,134
2023
£
84,922
2,134
87,056
2023
0
0
2022
£
2,789
2022
£
68,487
2,789
71,276
2022
0
0

10. Staff costs and emoluments

12 of 17

VANA TRUST Notes to the Financial Statements Continued For the year ended 31 March 2023

11. Creditors: amounts falling due within one year

Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
2023 2022
£ £
Other creditors 33,376 4,370
Accruals and deferred income 749 749
34,125 5,119

12. Movement in funds

Unrestricted Funds

General
General Fund
Unrestricted Funds - Previous year
General
General Fund
Balance at
01/04/2022
£
2,303
2,303
Balance at
01/04/2021
£
(56,498)
(56,498)
Incoming
resources
£
108,469
108,469
Incoming
resources
£
184,390
184,390
Outgoing
resources
£
(143,150)
(143,150)
Outgoing
resources
£
(125,589)
(125,589)
Balance at
31/03/2023
£
(32,378)
(32,378)
Balance at
31/03/2022
£
2,303
2,303

Purpose of unrestricted Funds

General Fund

The relief of poverty, sickness and distress, the advancement of education and the preservation and protection of good health in children and young people.

General

The relief of poverty, sickness and distress, the advancement of education and the preservation of good health in young people.

13 of 17

VANA TRUST Notes to the Financial Statements Continued For the year ended 31 March 2023

Restricted Funds

General Fund
Restricted Funds - Previous year
General Fund
Incoming
resources
£
5,000
5,000
Incoming
resources
£
21,529
21,529
Outgoing
resources
£
(5,000)
(5,000)
Outgoing
resources
£
(21,529)
(21,529)
Balance at
31/03/2023
£
-
-
Balance at
31/03/2022
£
-
-

Purpose of restricted funds

General Fund

The relief of poverty, sickness and distress, the advancement of education and the preservation and protection of good health in children and young people.

13. Analysis of net assets between funds

Analysis of net assets between funds
Unrestricted funds
General
General Fund
Net current
assets /
(liabilities)
Net Assets
£
£
(32,378)
(32,378)
(32,378)
(32,378)

14 of 17

VANA TRUST Notes to the Financial Statements Continued For the year ended 31 March 2023

Previous year
Unrestricted funds
General
General Fund
Net current
assets /
(liabilities)
Net Assets
£
£
2,303
2,303
2,303
2,303

15 of 17

VANA TRUST Detailed Statement of Financial Activities For the year ended 31 March 2023

INCOME AND ENDOWMENT
Donations and legacies
Donations
Grants receivable
Other trading activities
Fund raising events
Shop income
Investments
Bank interest receivable
Total incoming resources
EXPENDITURE
Raising donations and legacies
Donations
Charitable activities
Cost of direct charitable activity (Education
in Zimbabwe)
Cost of direct charitable activity (Organic
Farm)
Cost of grant funded charitable activity
(Organic Farm)
SUPPORT COSTS
Management
Management (Education in Zimbabwe)
Finance
Finance (Education in Zimbabwe)
IT
IT (Education in Zimbabwe)
Advertising, promotion and consultancy
Advertising, promotion and consultancy
£
2023
83,336
25,101
108,437
-
5,031
5,031
1
1
113,469
(807)
(807)
(51,025)
(87,849)
(5,000)
(143,874)
(22)
(22)
(28)
(28)
-
-
-
-
£
2022
186,561
21,529
208,090
(6,937)
4,765
(2,172)
1
1
205,919
-
-
(27,056)
(70,519)
-
(97,575)
(1,385)
(1,385)
(78)
(78)
(252)
(252)
(44,525)
(44,525)

Governance costs

16 of 17

This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements

VANA TRUST

Detailed Statement of Financial Activities Continued For the year ended 31 March 2023

Governance costs
Total resources expended
Net Expenditure
(3,419)
(3,419)
(148,150)
(34,681)
(3,303)
(3,303)
(147,118)
58,801

17 of 17

This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements