Charity number: 1105276
VANA TRUST
Report of the Trustees and Unaudited Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 March 2025
VANA TRUST Contents Page For the year ended 31 March 2025
| Report of the Trustees | 1 to 4 |
|---|---|
| Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees | 5 |
| Statement of Financial Activities | 6 |
| Statement of Financial Position | 7 |
| Notes to the Financial Statements | 8 to 12 |
| Detailed Statement of Financial Activities | 13 |
VANA TRUST Report of the Trustees For the year ended 31 March 2025
The Trustees have pleasure in presenting their report and the financial statements for the charity for the year ended 31 March 2025. 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), applicable UK accounting standards, and the Charities Act 2011.
OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES
Objectives and aims
Vana Trust exists to support vulnerable children, young people and communities through education, wellbeing initiatives, sustainable agriculture, and community development projects centred around Vana Trust Organic Farm on the Bucks/Oxon border and support of education through initiatives in Southern Africa.
In the UK, The Vana Trust Organic Farm is a small, mixed farm on the Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire. The purpose of the farm is to provide activities, work experience and support for people with learning disabilities, autism and mental health issues from the age of 14 years old. We are a small friendly team and through the farm we gently nurture, encourage and teach trainees valuable life skills. This helps them to gain a work ethic, purpose, a sense of belonging and feelings of accomplishment. The Farm raises chickens, ducks, sheep, goats and pigs. We have a large kitchen garden and polytunnel for growing organic fruit, vegetables and herbs. Our large kitchen and tearoom gives space for cooking classes and craft clubs.
In Zimbabwe, we currently support 76 disadvantaged students with school fees, uniforms, stationery, IT hardware and accommodation covering the age range from primary school, through secondary school up to university level.
Plans for the Future:
Vana Trust intends to:
·Expand capacity at the organic farm to accommodate more beneficiaries.
·Develop new therapeutic and educational programmes, particularly for young people with complex needs.
·Strengthen partnerships with local schools, social care teams, and mental health services.
·Upgrade farm facilities to support accessibility and sustainability initiatives.
·Continue seeking long-term funding to secure operational resilience.
·Continue efforts to diversify and strengthen Vana Trust Zimbabwe's financial independence through UK and local funding sources. The annual Harare Golf Day serves as a cornerstone for raising awareness and fundraising efforts, and we look forward to engaging the community and local sponsors in support of our mission to provide quality education to disadvantaged students in Southern Africa.
The Trustees remain committed to delivering high-quality, inclusive, and impactful programmes that promote wellbeing, education, and community support.
The Trustees confirm they have complied with their duty to have due regard to guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit. Vana Trust's activities directly support individuals facing social, emotional, and educational disadvantage, providing therapeutic outdoor experiences and inclusive learning opportunities.
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VANA TRUST Report of the Trustees Continued For the year ended 31 March 2025
ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE
Significant activities
Despite another challenging year for the charity sector, Vana Trust continued to deliver significant impact during 2024-25. 5.1 Vana Trust Organic Farm
·Welcomed over 68 children, young people, and adults with additional needs, providing structured therapeutic sessions, skills training, and nature-based wellbeing support.
·Continued to expand the educational programme which includes horticulture, animal care and Lunch Club.
·Improved farm infrastructure, including raised beds and equipment upgrades.
·Partnered with local authorities and organisations to widen access for individuals referred through social care and mental health pathways.
·The UK farm helps to subsidise and support our work in Zimbabwe. Income generated by the farm, together with donations from private donors, is used to pay school fees for children in Zimbabwe.
5.2 Zimbabwe Schooling Project
·Continued support for partner projects in Zimbabwe, delivering financial support aimed at improving education and community resilience.
5.3 Volunteer Engagement
·Over 16 volunteers contributed time to farming, mentoring, maintenance, and events.
·Introduced enhanced volunteer training on safeguarding, health and safety, and inclusion.
The Trustees express their gratitude to all supporters, staff, volunteers, and partners for their commitment during the year.
FINANCIAL REVIEW
The financial statements for the year ending 31 March 2025 show that:
·Total income was £181,459 (2024: £134,365).
·Total expenditure was £157,659 (2024: £125,060).
·Year-end net reserves stood at £727, of which £-8,403 were unrestricted and £9,130 restricted.
Overall, the Charity remained financially stable, thanks to prudent budgeting, strong donor support, and effective cost management.
The accounts are summarised on pages 6 to 13 and have been prepared on a receipts and payments basis. During the year, the Charity received contributions of £169,864 and incurred expenditure of £157,659. Of this expenditure, £143,197 was directly spent on the objectives of the Charity. At the year end, the Charity had cash and bank balances of £11,843 and creditors falling due in one year of £11,516.
Income and Expenditure
Vana Trust's income is from grants, individual donors, social enterprise regular monthly donations, corporate giving site B1G1, fundraising activities and farm income from trainees.
In the UK, we are in the third year of a 3 year grant award from the Rothschild Foundation which contributes to the payment of staff salaries. 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 covering students from primary school, through secondary school up to university level.
Fundraising and Communications:
Vana Trust continued to diversify its income through:
·Individual donations and regular givers
-
·Grant applications from charitable foundations
-
·Community fundraising, including a Christmas Fair and online campaigns
·Corporate partnerships and sponsorships
No complaints regarding fundraising activities were received during the year.
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VANA TRUST Report of the Trustees Continued For the year ended 31 March 2025
Reserves
The Trustees aim to build up the charity's reserves to a level which is at least equivalent to one month's operational expenditure with regard to its manner of operation of likely funding streams. These reserves will be maintained in a readily realisable form and reviewed at the Trustee meetings every quarter to ensure that they are adequate to fulfil the charity's continuing obligations. Ultimately, we are working towards three month's operational expenditure and the ability to respond to unforeseen changes.
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
Governing document
Vana Trust is an unincorporated charity governed by its Declaration and Supplemental Deed dated 3.4.2003 and 30.10.2006 respectively. The Trustees are responsible for the overall governance, strategic direction, and financial stewardship of the Charity.
The Board meets regularly throughout the year to review progress, manage risk, approve budgets and assess strategic objectives.
Statement of Trustees' Responsibilities
The Trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees' Report and financial statements in accordance with applicable law and UK accounting standards. They must ensure that the financial statements give a true and fair view of the state of the Charity's affairs and take reasonable steps to safeguard the Charity's assets.
Risk Management
The Trustees maintain a risk register and regularly review major risks associated with the Charity's operations. Key areas include:
- ·Financial stability: managed through regular monitoring and diversified fundraising.
·Safeguarding: robust policies, training, and DBS checks.
·Operational risks on the farm: managed via health and safety procedures, risk assessments, and staff training.
·Environmental risks: sustainable land and livestock management practices.
No serious incidents were reported to the Charity Commission during the year.
Recruitment and appointment of trustees
New Trustees are appointed by the existing board, based on identified skill needs and governance requirements. All new Trustees receive an induction covering the Charity's aims, policies, legal obligations, and operational activities.
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
Name of Charity VANA TRUST Charity registration number 1105276 Principal address 11 Romola Road London SE24 9BA
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VANA TRUST Report of the Trustees Continued For the year ended 31 March 2025
Trustees
The trustees and officers serving during the year and since the year end were as follows:
Mr Nicholas Aubrey Hyman Ms Nyasha Gwatidzo (Resigned: 27 August 2024) Mr Peter Fleming Ms Blessings Kaseke Ms Jean Muchopa Ms Ali Monjack Mr Richard Rushworth Mr Savio Fernandes Ms Dayo Akande Mr Nicholas Harrison (Appointed: 02 November 2024) Ms Agnieszka Alborzpour (Appointed: 25 January 2025) Patrons Mr Ian Franklin Ms Zoe West Ms Juliet Le Breton Independent examiner Willis Burnell Ltd. Unit 1 The Courtyard Parsonage Stocks Road Faversham Kent ME13 0ET Bankers TransferWise 56 Shoreditch High Street London E1 6JJ
Approved by the Board of Trustees and signed on its behalf by
19 December 2025 .M...r...N....i.c..h..o..l.a..s...H...a..r..r.i.s..o..n........................................
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VANA TRUST Independent Examiners Report to the Trustees For the year ended 31 March 2025
I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2025.
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:
-
accounting records were not kept in respect of the Charity as required by section 130 of the 2011 Act; or
-
the accounts do not accord with those records; or
-
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 1 The Courtyard Parsonage Stocks Road Faversham
Kent ME13 0ET
19 December 2025
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VANA TRUST Statement of Financial Activities For the year ended 31 March 2025
| Income and endowments from: Notes Donations and legacies 2 Other trading activites 3 Total Expenditure on: Raisingfunds 4 Charitable activities 5/6 Total Net income Reconciliation of funds Total funds brought forward Total funds carried forward |
Unrestricted funds £ 127,728 11,595 139,323 (14,462) (110,191) (124,653) 14,670 (23,073) (8,403) |
Restricted funds £ 42,136 - 42,136 - (33,006) (33,006) 9,130 - 9,130 |
2025 £ 169,864 11,595 181,459 (14,462) (143,197) (157,659) 23,800 (23,073) 727 |
2024 £ 122,943 11,422 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 134,365 | ||||
| (3,301) (121,759) |
||||
| (125,060) | ||||
| 9,305 (32,378) |
||||
| (23,073) |
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VANA TRUST Statement of Financial Position As at 31 March 2025
| Notes | 2025 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | ||
| Current assets | |||
| Stocks | 11 | 400 | - |
| Cash at bank and in hand | 11,843 | 2,444 | |
| 12,243 | 2,444 | ||
| Creditors: amounts falling due within one year | 12 | (11,516) | (25,517) |
| Net current assets | 727 | (23,073) | |
| Total assets less current liabilities | 727 | (23,073) | |
| Net assets | 727 | (23,073) | |
| The funds of the charity | |||
| Restricted income funds | 13 | 9,130 | - |
| Unrestricted income funds | 13 | (8,403) | (23,073) |
| Total funds | 727 | (23,073) |
The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Board and signed on its behalf by:
Ms Ali Monjack Trustee 19 December 2025
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VANA TRUST Notes to the Financial Statements For the year ended 31 March 2025
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).
2. Income from donations and legacies
| Donations received Grants received |
Unrestricted funds £ 127,728 - 127,728 |
Restricted funds £ 6,600 35,536 42,136 |
2025 £ 134,328 35,536 169,864 |
2024 £ 110,693 12,250 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 122,943 |
3. Income earned from other activities
| Unrestricted funds Shop income |
2025 £ 11,595 11,595 |
2024 £ 11,422 |
|---|---|---|
| 11,422 |
4. Expenditure on generating donations and legacies
| Expenditure on generating donations and legacies | ||
|---|---|---|
| Unrestricted funds Donations Support costs |
2025 £ 4,133 10,329 14,462 |
2024 £ 1,105 2,196 |
| 3,301 |
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VANA TRUST Notes to the Financial Statements Continued For the year ended 31 March 2025
5. Costs of charitable activities by fund type
| Costs of charitable activities by fund type | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Education in Zimbabwe Organic Farm |
Unrestricted funds £ 52,642 57,549 110,191 |
Restricted funds £ - 33,006 33,006 |
2025 £ 52,642 90,555 143,197 |
2024 £ 40,881 80,878 |
| 121,759 |
6. Costs of charitable activities by activity type
| Activities undertaken directly Education in Zimbabwe Organic Farm Analysis of support costs Governance costs |
2025 £ 52,642 90,555 143,197 2025 £ 10,329 |
2024 £ 40,881 80,878 |
|---|---|---|
| 121,759 | ||
| 2024 £ 2,196 |
7. Analysis of support costs
8. Net income/(expenditure) for the year
| Net income/(expenditure) for the year | ||
|---|---|---|
| This is stated after charging/(crediting): | ||
| 2025 | 2024 | |
| £ | £ | |
| Staff pension contributions | 3,900 | 2,826 |
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VANA TRUST Notes to the Financial Statements Continued For the year ended 31 March 2025
9. Staff costs and emoluments
Total staff costs for the year ended 31 March 2025 were:
| Salaries and wages Pension costs Management Organic farm |
2025 £ 87,507 3,900 91,407 2025 1 8 9 |
2024 £ 59,449 2,826 |
|---|---|---|
| 62,275 | ||
| 2024 1 4 |
||
| 5 |
10. Comparative for the Statement of Financial Activities
| Income and endowments from: Donations and legacies Other trading activites Total Expenditure on: Raisingfunds Charitable activities Total Net income/expenditure Reconciliation of funds Total funds brought forward Total funds carried forward |
Unrestricted funds £ 106,288 11,422 117,710 (1,105) (105,104) (106,209) 11,501 (32,378) (20,877) |
Restricted funds £ 16,655 - 16,655 - (16,655) (16,655) - - - |
2024 £ 122,943 11,422 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 134,365 | |||
| (1,105) (121,759) |
|||
| (122,864) | |||
| 11,501 (32,378) |
|||
| (20,877) |
11. Stocks and work in progress
Stocks of raw materials
| 2025 £ 400 400 |
2024 £ - |
|---|---|
| - |
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VANA TRUST Notes to the Financial Statements Continued For the year ended 31 March 2025
12. Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
| Other creditors Accruals and deferred income |
2025 £ 10,767 749 11,516 |
2024 £ 24,768 749 |
|---|---|---|
| 25,517 |
13. Movement in funds
Unrestricted Funds
| Unrestricted Funds | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General General General Fund Unrestricted Funds - Previous year General General Fund Restricted Funds |
Balance at 01/04/2024 £ - (23,073) (23,073) Balance at 01/04/2023 £ (32,378) (32,378) |
Incoming resources £ - 139,323 139,323 Incoming resources £ 117,710 117,710 |
Outgoing resources £ (9,129) (115,524) (124,653) Outgoing resources £ (108,405) (108,405) |
Balance at 31/03/2025 £ (9,129) 726 |
| (8,403) | ||||
| Balance at 31/03/2024 £ (23,073) |
||||
| (23,073) | ||||
| General Fund | Incoming resources £ 42,136 42,136 |
Outgoing resources £ (33,006) (33,006) |
Balance at 31/03/2025 £ 9,130 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9,130 |
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VANA TRUST Notes to the Financial Statements Continued For the year ended 31 March 2025
Restricted Funds - Previous year
| General Fund | Incoming resources £ 16,655 16,655 |
Outgoing resources £ (16,655) (16,655) |
Balance at 31/03/2024 £ - |
|---|---|---|---|
| - |
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.
14. Analysis of net assets between funds
| Unrestricted funds General General General Fund Restricted funds General Fund Previous year Unrestricted funds General General Fund Restricted funds |
Net current assets/ (liabilities) Net Assets £ £ (9,129) (9,129) 726 726 9,130 9,130 |
|---|---|
| 727 727 |
|
| Net current assets/ (liabilities) Net Assets £ £ (23,073) (23,073) |
|
| (23,073) (23,073) |
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VANA TRUST Notes to the Financial Statements For the year ended 31 March 2025
| INCOME AND ENDOWMENT Donations and legacies Donations Grants receivable Other trading activities Shop income 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) SUPPORT COSTS Governance costs Governance costs Total resources expended Net Income |
2025 £ 134,328 35,536 169,864 11,595 11,595 181,459 (4,133) (4,133) (52,642) (90,555) (143,197) (10,329) (10,329) (157,659) 23,800 |
2024 £ 110,693 12,250 122,943 11,422 11,422 134,365 (1,105) (1,105) (40,881) (80,878) (121,759) (2,196) (2,196) (125,060) 9,305 |
|---|---|---|
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This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements