REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1110096
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES AND
UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2022
FOR
THE ALETHEIA FOUNDATION
LEES Chartered Certified Accountants 18 Glasshouse Studios Fryern Court Road Fordingbridge Hampshire SP6 1QX
THE ALETHEIA FOUNDATION
CONTENTS OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2022
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Report of the Trustees | 1to 5 |
| Independent Examiner's Report | 6 |
| Statement of Financial Activities | 7 |
| Balance Sheet | 8 |
| Notes to the Financial Statements | 9to 11 |
| Detailed Statement of Financial Activities | 12 |
THE ALETHEIA FOUNDATION
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2022
The trustees present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 August 2022. 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 Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019).
OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES
Objectives, policies and organisation
The Aletheia Foundation, registered charity no 1110096 (formerly True Vision Foundation) was founded in 2009 by Brian Woods, Deborah Shipley and Jezza Neumann, producers and Directors of True Vision Productions.
True Vision Productions has an extensive track record producing Emmy, BAFTA and Grierson award-winning films for the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and HBO with a special interest in giving a voice to young people and socially disadvantaged groups.
Through our films, we're able to provide a window into some of the issues faced daily by children around the world. Some films are not easy to watch as we often work with vulnerable families in a variety of difficult circumstances. We give the children a voice and by doing so, can highlight their true stories, such as coping with abandonment, hunger, poverty, living in refugee camps, homelessness, AIDS and TB.
The Aletheia Foundation was launched for those viewers who wish to help the families and/or children featured in our films. Our promise is to ensure that all donations given reach them directly, giving you the assurance that your money goes to the heart of the issue.
There have been times when a particular film's fund has continually grown beyond the film's children and helped many thousands more, such as 'Zimbabwe's Forgotten Children' and 'Kids in Camps'. Clips from those films featured in the Comic Relief, Red Nose Day Show and raised huge funds to support children all over Africa.
Policies
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The Trustees guarantee complete confidentiality with applicants and beneficiaries.
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The Trustees, in cases of joint funding, do not release funds until all funding is guaranteed.
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The Trustees regularly review all projects in progress.
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The Trustees hold six months' operating costs in reserve.
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The Trust is an Equal Opportunities Employer.
Organisation
The Board: There are currently five Trustees forming the Board, they are all non-salaried: Mr Brian Woods (Chair), Jezza Neumann, Kate van Koten, Annabelle Hall and Nicky Wimble.
Two of the Trustees are completely independent of True Vision, to establish clear blue water between True Vision Productions and the Foundation ensuring transparency and accountability.
Office Staff
Office Staff: The Trust employs one part-time staff member: Sharon Thompson, Foundation Manager whom this report was compiled by.
Developments, activities & achievements
The Aletheia Foundation's main income is derived from donations. This report focuses on funds from the films who consistently evolve, children we continue to support and new films aired during the period September 2021 to August 2022.
NEW: Growing Up Poor - Britain's Hidden Homeless Kids
Aired 26th October 2021 on Channel 4 Dispatches. Jezza Neumann spent a summer term with three boys from the same class, struggling with poverty, homelessness and overcrowding.
Farley Junior Academy is on the edge of Luton, in one of the most deprived wards in Britain. During the pandemic the partial closure of the airport - the biggest source of jobs in the area - hit the town hard. Schools across Luton found families were struggling more than ever. Kai, Qasim and Yaqub, are in Year 4 and all get help from the school's pastoral care team.
Kai lives on the outskirts of Luton. He shares an over-crowded two-bedroom house with five others: his mum, stepdad, sister and two brothers. Kai's mother is bidding for a bigger council house but has been on the waiting list for eight years. Even though his mum has a full-time job as a care co-ordinator, after paying for housing, utilities, transport and debt repayments, Kai's family are left with just £8 per person per day to spend on food, clothing and anything else they need. Kai's family would struggle without the help they get from the school.
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THE ALETHEIA FOUNDATION
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2022
OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES - CONTINUED
Qasim lives in temporary accommodation with his three brothers, two sisters and their dad, Faahid. As a single dad of six children including twins not yet in school, Faahid can't go back to work, so they live on universal credit. After council tax, rent arrears, utilities and transport, Qasim's family are left with £6.50 a day each to cover food, clothing and anything else they need.
Yaqub was living in temp accommodation with his mum and sister, his parents are separated. Yaqub and his family do not have much at all in the way of clothes, food, beds etc. With no access to technology, the school make up packs for Yaqub to help with schoolwork. On average, the most deprived children lost around four months learning through lockdown. But in Luton, children are now more than seven months behind those from well off backgrounds.
UPDATE:
The donations from the general public were overwhelming. All families had the donations sent in the immediate aftermath of the film. On top of monetary donations, the children received many gifts of toys, books, meal vouchers for restaurants and letters.
Qasim and Kai are still in the same accommodation where they were in the film. Qasim's father, Faahid, now has a job so he's working towards saving for a deposit for a private rental. His sister Naila is doing ok but worries about eviction all the time. His older sister is sitting her GCSEs this year but finding it difficult to study in the overcrowded space. Their father speaks proudly of her winning a creative writing competition and winning £100 for the family. Qasim has been undergoing assessments and has been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. The school have the relevant updated SEN plan in place for him and are receiving support.
Kai's mum has switched jobs and has more stable hours - ironically working as a "Housing Officer". Unfortunately, it is not with the council whom she is still bidding for better accommodation. The 9 to 5 work hours have made a difference to the family; however, Kai's stepdad continues to struggle with his health. They have applied to the nearest high school, which Kai and Qasim will hopefully attend together, and awaiting to hear if their application has been successful.
Yaqub's mum was rehoused in a different temporary accommodation which has more space but no furniture, so she has used some of the funds donated to buy a washing machine and a cooker. Yaqub will be part of a piloting programme to support his transition into high school and has started contact with his father again. Khaleda is attending her ESOL course (English for Speakers of other Languages) and is saving some of the donations to help the family with their citizenship.
We will continue to use monthly donations to help make their lives more comfortable.
TB: Return of the Plaque
Released in 2014 this film witnessed two families, in Swaziland (which has the highest rate of TB in the world), as they battle with Tuberculosis over a one year period. Bheki is a builder who lives near the border of South Africa and Nokubegha is a twelve year-old orphan cared for by her older brother.
UPDATE:
Nok is currently in her last year of school. Unfortunately, the landlord of the property where Nok was renting, whilst at school, passed away and the deceased's children have evicted all the tenants. She had to move back to her rural home where her brother lives. With money raised by The Aletheia Foundation and True Vision TV staff, we have managed to pay for her transport and keep Nok in school, so she has a better life chance. She is currently healthy and well but often has setbacks with periodic chest infections, due to her lungs being weakened by TB. We continue to support her education, monitor her progress and support her with any medical treatment she requires.
Bheki receives a small amount of money every month from a loyal donor and has managed to keep his health in check although he is struggling the older he gets. We check on him approximately every three months - he has our contact details when he needs support.
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THE ALETHEIA FOUNDATION
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2022
OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES - CONTINUED
Kids In Camps
Released in 2015 as a documentary for Comic Relief, this film follows four children and their families who have been displaced during the South Sudan civil war. With the help of a philanthropist and his wife we are still funding the education of Grace, Anna and their siblings.
UPDATE:
Grace has continued her education into university with the help of Bruce and Wendy who fund the family's monthly bills, such as rent and food. Grace is a very astute and highly driven young woman using her studies in Journalism and her experiences - going from a refugee camp to a university education - to try and motivate young girls/women to not settle for a life as a young bride, but to push forward and remain in education. She has written a book, does talks on the local radio and uses social media to create awareness of issues affecting young woman in South Sudan and Kenya, where they all live now. Her siblings are all going through school and Grace works in fields to provide extras for them, on top of the funds sent every month. She is an inspirational young lady and we are proud to support her.
Zimbabwe's Forgotten Children
Released on BBC in 2010, following the stories of Esther, Grace and Obert in their heartbreaking struggle to survive each day and their fight to receive an education. Thanks to our loyal donors, we have transformed their futures and thousands of Zimbabwe's Children. Previously, our work focused one large rural area school, from the film - providing safe water, nutritious food, infrastructure development and child protection programmes - thereby increasing attendance by 80%. The experience our Zimbabwean team gained allowed us to expand to nine more schools and move onto the next stage, using three unique and solid programmes: Feeding, Conservation Agriculture and Redearth Teacher Training.
UPDATE: Feeding Programme
We must start by thanking our partners - Ruff's Kitchens - for providing the funding to feed 5,200 babies, children and vulnerable elderly in the Makonde District.
We conducted a survey using three schools - two in the feeding programme, namely Kemukaka and Obva and one not in the programme, Kanyaga, to measure the impact of the daily mahewu meals. Enrolment, daily registers and pass rates were issued from each of the schools and compared. We also had to look at the physical appearance of pupils and engagement in lessons.
From the exam results, it was seen that the schools in the feeding program had a better pass rate than those without and absenteeism was rife at Kanyaga whilst it was low at Kemukaka as far as registers were concerned. Kemukaka, a small primary school with less infrastructure and resources, scored an 18% higher pass rate than Kanyaga which is larger, has more funding and is better developed. In fact, Kemukaka had the highest marks in Makonde West. The other school being used as a comparison, Obva, had a pupil who attained the highest marks in Makonde West the previous year. Using all the information we noted that schools with the feeding program take turns to beat other schools which do not have any feeding programs. Looking at pupil's physical appearance, schools with the daily mahewu meals looked significantly healthier than those without. This is apparent when looking at the children's skin, which does not have unhealed sores, they have higher energy levels and are happier overall. There is little doubt that schools with the feeding programme have been positively impacted and have enhanced the education system even though they are in very poor communities.
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THE ALETHEIA FOUNDATION
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2022
OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES - CONTINUED
UPDATE: Conservation Agriculture
According to the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) Conservation Agriculture is key to the future of food security with the world facing climate change and 9 billion mouths to feed by 2050.
We are proud to have been pioneers of this method of farming in the district we work. In 2010 we started training farmers to use this new method of farming however, even after the success of the first years harvest, they were not convinced! We supported them through overcoming their skepticism with consistent evidence of success and now the word has spread - far and wide!!
During the last farming season (covid lockdown) Conservation Agriculture farmers took to their fields all over the district working hard to expand their plots. Non CA farmers watched and copied what they were doing in a desperate attempt to provide food for their families. The result is 2021 has been the best farming season for Zimbabwe in many, many years!
The Government of Zimbabwe supports conservation agriculture because of its success in mitigating the adverse effects of climate change and in conserving soil and water resources.
While only five percent of Zimbabwe's maize-growing area is currently under conservation agriculture, those farmers who have adopted it have been able to harvest more from their small plots, averaging around two tonnes per hectare for maize, which is nearly triple what they produced under conventional agriculture. Meanwhile legume production has doubled. The farmers are not only harvesting enough maize and legumes to feed their families - the increased yields actually provide a surplus they can sell, thereby improving their livelihoods while contributing to the national food basket.
UPDATE: Redearth Teacher Training
A study has revealed that 90% of children in Zimbabwe rural schools cannot read at the expected level! For many of us who have been educated, lived in and loved Zimbabwe we are stunned - because it was once the opposite - Zimbabwe's LITERACY RATE used to be 90%!! This statistic takes into account the economic and political hardships, which have affected the lives and education of children in Zimbabwe, but it does not include the covid lockdown where children have missed 16 months of school, so it's very likely to be worse now. During our Redearth Education teacher training programme the low level of reading was quickly identified as a serious challenge in primary schools, and in 2022 we will be introducing - for the first time in Zimbabwe: The Redearth Reading Programme.
Teachers who have already been trained by Redearth over the last two years will progress onto being trained to deliver the reading programme, which includes officials from the Ministry of Education.
The reading programme is based initially around the teaching and learning of phonics. As it progresses, other aspects of reading such as comprehension are also addressed. It has worked in Uganda where, as Zimbabwe, the local Bantu languages are phonetically consistent. This means that teachers can be trained in the teaching of letter sounds. Some are the same as in English with a few exceptions, additions or deletions depending on the language spoken. Learning the letter sounds in local language enables the child to learn to read in the language in which they think.
This programme will run over two years using the lead teachers who have already been trained and working in 18 schools throughout the Makonde district.
FINANCIAL REVIEW
Principal funding sources
Income from 1 September 2021 to 31 August 2022 enabled the Aletheia Foundation to make grants totalling £80,141 with management and administration costs at £6,628.
There is currently £52,409 held at the bank, which will be released over the coming years to support the children. Throughout the year under review, the Aletheia Foundation is confident it has significantly helped the children who appeared in their films towards a brighter and better future and will continue to do so.
The Trust's Foundation Manager, Sharon Thompson works several hours a week according to need and maintains the Foundation's relationship with donors and beneficiaries. She is also responsible for overseeing the administration and projects on the ground in Zimbabwe and looks after fundraising and updating donors for Zimbabwe's Forgotten Children.
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT Governing document
The charity is controlled by its governing document, a deed of trust and constitutes an unincorporated charity.
Organisational structure
The charity consists of five trustees who meet periodically.
Related parties
There are no related parties.
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THE ALETHEIA FOUNDATION
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2022
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS Registered Charity number 1110096 Principal address 49 Oxford Road South London W4 3DD
Trustees
B J Edwards J Neumann A M C Hall N Wimble K van Koten (appointed 30.9.2021)
Independent Examiner Jeremy Hyde FCCA FCA LEES Chartered Certified Accountants 18 Glasshouse Studios Fryern Court Road Fordingbridge Hampshire SP6 1QX
Solicitors White & Company 190 Clarence Gate Gardens London SW1V 1QJ
26 June 2023 Approved by order of the board of trustees on ............................................ and signed on its behalf by:
Brian Edwards
Brian Edwards (Jun 26, 2023 22:00 GMT+1) ........................................................................ B J Edwards - Trustee
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INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE ALETHEIA FOUNDATION
Independent examiner's report to the trustees of The Aletheia Foundation
I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of The Aletheia Foundation (the Trust) for the year ended 31 August 2022.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the charity trustees of the Trust you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ('the Act').
I report in respect of my examination of the Trust's accounts carried out under Section 145 of the Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under Section 145(5)(b) of the Act.
Independent examiner's statement
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
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accounting records were not kept in respect of the Trust as required by Section 130 of the Act; or
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the accounts do not accord with those records; or
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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.
J L Hyde J L Hyde (Jun 27, 2023 08:38 GMT+1)
Jeremy Hyde FCCA FCA
LEES Chartered Certified Accountants 18 Glasshouse Studios Fryern Court Road Fordingbridge Hampshire SP6 1QX
27 June 2023 Date: .............................................
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THE ALETHEIA FOUNDATION
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2022
| 2022 Unrestricted fund £ INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM Donations and legacies 78,120 EXPENDITURE ON Raising funds 6,628 Charitable activities Grants 80,141 Total 86,769 NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE) (8,649) RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS Total funds brought forward 60,410 TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 51,761 |
2021 Total funds £ 94,236 8,385 97,785 106,170 (11,934) 72,344 60,410 |
|---|---|
The notes form part of these financial statements
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THE ALETHEIA FOUNDATION
BALANCE SHEET 31 AUGUST 2022
| 2022 Unrestricted fund Notes £ CURRENT ASSETS Cash at bank 52,409 CREDITORS Amounts falling due within one year 4 (648) NET CURRENT ASSETS 51,761 TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES 51,761 NET ASSETS 51,761 FUNDS 5 Unrestricted funds 51,761 TOTAL FUNDS 51,761 |
2021 Total funds £ 61,058 (648) 60,410 60,410 60,410 60,410 60,410 |
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The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on . .......................................... and were signed on its behalf by: 26 June 2023
Brian Edwards
Brian Edwards (Jun 26, 2023 22:00 GMT+1)
............................................. B J Edwards - Trustee
The notes form part of these financial statements
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THE ALETHEIA FOUNDATION
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2022
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of preparing the financial statements
The financial statements of the charity, which is a public benefit entity under FRS 102, have been prepared 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' and the Charities Act 2011. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention.
Income
All income is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities once the charity has entitlement to the funds, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably.
Expenditure
Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.
Grants offered subject to conditions which have not been met at the year end date are noted as a commitment but not accrued as expenditure.
Taxation
The charity is exempt from tax on its charitable activities.
Fund accounting
Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees.
Restricted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes.
Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the financial statements.
2. TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS
There were no trustees' remuneration or other benefits for the year ended 31 August 2022 nor for the year ended 31 August 2021.
Trustees' expenses
There were no trustees' expenses paid for the year ended 31 August 2022 nor for the year ended 31 August 2021.
3. COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
| Unrestricted | |
|---|---|
| fund | |
| £ | |
| INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM | |
| Donations and legacies | 94,236 |
| EXPENDITURE ON | |
| Raising funds | 8,385 |
| Charitable activities | |
| Grants | 97,785 |
| Total | 106,170 |
| NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE) | (11,934) |
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THE ALETHEIA FOUNDATION
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2022
3. COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES - continued
| Unrestricted | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| fund | |||||
| £ | |||||
| RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS | |||||
| Total funds brought forward | 72,344 | ||||
| TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD | 60,410 | ||||
| 4. | CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR | ||||
| 2022 | 2021 | ||||
| £ | £ | ||||
| Other creditors | 648 | 648 | |||
| 5. | MOVEMENT IN FUNDS | ||||
| Net | |||||
| movement | At | ||||
| At | 1.9.21 | in funds | 31.8.22 | ||
| £ | £ | £ | |||
| Unrestricted funds | |||||
| General fund | 60,410 | (8,649) | 51,761 | ||
| TOTAL FUNDS | 60,410 | (8,649) | 51,761 | ||
| Net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows: | |||||
| Incoming | Resources | Movement | |||
| resources | expended | in funds | |||
| £ | £ | £ | |||
| Unrestricted funds | |||||
| General fund | 78,120 | (86,769) | (8,649) | ||
| TOTAL FUNDS | 78,120 | (86,769) | (8,649) | ||
| Comparatives for movement in funds | |||||
| Net | |||||
| movement | At | ||||
| At | 1.9.20 | in funds | 31.8.21 | ||
| £ | £ | £ | |||
| Unrestricted funds | |||||
| General fund | 72,344 | (11,934) | 60,410 | ||
| TOTAL FUNDS | 72,344 | (11,934) | 60,410 | ||
| Comparative net movement in funds, included in the above are as | follows: | ||||
| Incoming | Resources | Movement | |||
| resources | expended | in funds | |||
| £ | £ | £ | |||
| Unrestricted funds | |||||
| General fund | 94,236 | (106,170 ) | (11,934) | ||
| TOTAL FUNDS | 94,236 | (106,170 ) | (11,934) |
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THE ALETHEIA FOUNDATION
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2022
6. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES
There were no related party transactions for the year ended 31 August 2022.
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THE ALETHEIA FOUNDATION
DETAILED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2022
| INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS Donations and legacies Donations Gift aid Total incoming resources EXPENDITURE Raising donations and legacies Office & administration costs Charitable activities Grants to institutions Total resources expended Net expenditure |
2022 £ 65,969 12,151 78,120 78,120 6,628 80,141 86,769 (8,649) |
2021 £ 94,236 - 94,236 94,236 8,385 97,785 106,170 (11,934) |
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This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements
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