OpenCharities

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

← Diapalante

2025-08-31-accounts

Please take and read. See what your dontaions achieve!

I was not going to Nowadays I need to : pass my exams and I read contracts and need to, so I came . write invoices. here.

I need to learn to read the numbers on a tape measure for my work

I am a nurse, we couldn’t use the computers at our health station.

I sell in Kaolack but I buy from China so I need some English.

Diapalante connects you to the world. [Computers & English]

I am an electrician, but I couldn’t read the instructions.installation How do people ? \ benefit from The I came to learn to use : : rts = computers, I want to Diapalante go to university Community Education Centre?

At home, I share my lessons with my friends

I came to learn how to keep a written record of the petrol sales.

I am a teacher, we need to learn to use computers.

At Diapalante you learn a to be confident, to speak, . to have ideas and goals. ; A

I enjoy using the computers to learn.

Using a computer will help me get an office job

Diapalante has the best English teachers

Diapalante has computers and a library

I can support my family better now I read and write

Learning at Diapalante is fun, it is okay to make mistakes!

My family can’t afford after school tuition,

A Word From The Trustees

As Diapalante’s year closes it is time to celebrate 20 years of Diapalante and 15 years of educational support at the Diapalante Community Education Centre in Kaolack, Senegal.

Today, approximately 2 in 10 Senegalese children never enrol for school and 3 more drop out before the end of primary school. Only 3 in 10 stay on to the end of compulsory education. These high dropout rates and low literacy levels indicate national problems preventing children learning at school (lack of teachers and resources, poorly educated teachers, language barriers). With your donations and support the the Diapalante Community Education Centre helps schoolchildren to succeed, every step of the way. Success matters, the further you progress in school the wider your job options. That is why 350 school children come to Diapalante.

The Diapalante Centre also offers a rare free opportunity to learn to out of school youngsters and adults who didn’t progress far through school education and need to learn at a later stage in life. About 150 children and adults take advantage of this.

A huge thank you to Mamadou (Master P), his assistants and volunteers who work tirelessly to deliver free and effective support to over 500 people every year helping them move towards their goal of being able to support themselves and their families.

As you will read we are full of hope for the Centre’s future. With your help and ideas, a new Diapalante Community Education Centre will be built, to help current and future generations of children and adults to have more sustainable futures. Looking at the the fundraising mountain, we are probably a third of the way there!

With sincere thanks for your continuing support,

Liz Chandler on behalf of The Trustees.

Diapalante’s Community Education Centre is Bursting at the Seams!

Too often, it’s the size of the room that stops more people from joining activities at Diapalante. Learners who arrive once the class is full simply go home. The Centre was designed as a ground-floor flat, not a teaching space. We’ve used every trick in the book to increase capacity, but we can’t move the walls. Occasionally we expand into the street, but that’s not sustainable!

This year, changes at the local primary school meant its playground could no longer host our Young Leaders activities, which were supporting 150 children. Downsizing this programme was heartbreaking, as we know it improves their academic success.

We’ve occupied our current premises for 13 years, since it was new. Poor construction means the ceilings and floors have failed or are failing, the sewage system is faulty, and the walls’ deterioration causes electrical sockets to fall out, exposing bare wires.

After years of searching, no suitable building has been found. To overcome this Diapalante has purchased a good plot of land located nearby, and is actively exploring the option of building a purposebuilt Centre — an idea first included in our ten-year plan in 2019.

Read on … we have plans for a new and better tomorrow!

Diapalante in Senegal

page 5

Fundraising for the New Centre

Our Marathon Men

On 26th April 2026 two members of the Diapalante Centre are runnning the official London Marathon MyWay

The marathon in Senegal is under the London Marathon banner and rules

==> picture [41 x 41] intentionally omitted <==

Please supprt them at bit.ly/runrun26

While the overall purpose of the proposed Centre is clear - we don’t yet have a design for a building to comfortably accommodate all our activities. We have been advised prior to having a costed plan to think in the region of £250,000. Whatever the figure we clearly need to raise a lot of money. To factor in the time needed to raise this large amount we may build in planned stages.

We know we are taking on a challenge and are busy organising, networking and following up leads to see what doors might open to supplement our current expertise and fundraising activities. If you have any contacts, ideas or suggestions please share them with us.

What and who YOU know matters - please share your leads and ideas with us!

Contact Liz on 01462743091 or email info@diapalante.org.

Can YOU help us fundraise?

Our fundraising campaign has begun strongly, and we are incredibly grateful for the generous pledges already made. Reaching our full target, however, will depend on the wider support of our community. If many people contribute in small but meaningful ways—and a few are able to give more—we can achieve our goal together.

We would love you to be part of this effort. Whether you can give, organise, or simply share an idea, your support will help move the campaign forward.

You might choose to:

Every action—large or small—helps bring us closer to our goal. With your support, and the support of many others, we can make this campaign a real success.

Diapalante in Senegal

page 6

Community Education

Thanks to your generous support, over 500 people aged 5 to 50+ have enjoyed free access to learning at the Diapalante Community Education Centre this year.

The Centre is a welcoming drop-in learning space open to all. Its programmes reflect the community’s needs and its teaching strengths and experience. The Centre encourages members to explore new ideas, and tailor lessons around the learners’ interests. Alongside taught sessions, members can use the computer suite, library, and basic art and electronics resources - creating a dynamic environment for learning, experimenting, and thriving. Important opportunities in a country where only 53% of the population finish primary school.

Our successful teenage and adult sessions are full to capacity. Again this year learners taking BFEM and Bac exams, the equivalent of GCSEs and A Levels, achieved exceptional results, a reflection of their hard work and the dedication of our team of staff and volunteers.

Literacy classes for out-of-school children and adults remain a cornerstone of our work. These one-to-one and small-group sessions require time and care, but the rewards are immense - confidence, independence, and new work possibilities through acquiring reading, writing and basic maths skills.

Our French for Primary School Project , which previously supported 150 children each year who are struggling to thrive in primary school, was curtailed after losing access to the local school playground. Despite reduced space, the teenage Young Leaders involved in this project, continued to make a real difference - volunteering, mentoring, and teaching at the Centre. Their energy and commitment continue to inspire everyone.

STEAM activities (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Maths) remain hugely popular, sparking curiosity and creativity. The computer suite is a busy hub for research and officeskills training. Though local expertise limits digital training for now, we aim to introduce structured coding and computer studies soon.

This year, our Project Trust volunteers introduced learners and staff to Artificial Intelligence - showing how it can enhance English lessons while encouraging thoughtful, responsible use. Meanwhile, the S ewing Club has been busily creating period packs, blending creativity with community service.

Your donations make all of this possible. Thank you for helping Diapalante grow, adapt, and continue bringing education, opportunity, and hope to our community.

Learners of all ages gained practical knowledge and confidence through classes in basic literacy, computer skills, and core school subjects such as English, French, and maths.

Other sessions develop skills for learning and employment, encourage informed decision making or contribute to the local community. Topics included First Aid, migration, environmental issues, and citizenship. Members of the sewing club made reusable period packs to help girls to attend school. This initiative both addressed period poverty and also provided the makers with valuable vocational experience.

Enhance Your Enhance Your Skillset Skillset

Our two British volunteers, Bella and Lottie brought fresh ideas and approaches that enhanced teaching methods and enriched the learning experience for all participants. Staff and members were introduced to the use of artificial intelligence for teaching and learning English. They also had the opportunity to explore new electronics activities and maths puzzles.

As always, English learners greatly improved their skills through practice with native speakers, gaining confidence in speaking, listening, and comprehension.

Members used the computer suite to develop office skills and explore a wide range of online learning. They used free online sites and courses to support study, complete homework, and conduct research.

Young Leaders, volunteers and staff evaluated our own in-house online course in safeguarding, in preparation for its full adoption next year.

Mamadou, our co-ordinator, completed a British Council teachers’ course about using English lessons to encourage discussion and learning about climate change.

Building Confidence and Skills for the Future

Lala, 20, has just passed her baccalaureate — a proud achievement after years of dedication. She lives with her widowed mother, her aunt and four brothers. Lala has been part of the Diapalante Centre for eight years.

Through English lessons and personal development courses, Lala has grown in confidence and now feels at ease speaking in public, sharing ideas, and taking part in debates. She has also gained valuable computer skills which will support her future studies and career.

As a member of Diapalante’s Young Leaders group, Lala helped other learners with French, maths, and writing. “Her patience and teaching skills make her popular with our learners,” says Nafi, the Young Leader Activities Coordinator. Lala describes Diapalante as “a real opportunity for personal and professional growth.”

The Opportunity to The Opportunity to Thrive Thrive

In my village they call me teacher!

Moustapha, 21, comes from a large polygamous rural family. After completing primary school and Qur’anic studies, he moved to Kaolack to pursue formal education and has now finished the first of three years of 6th form studies at a Franco-Arabic school.

For the past four years, Moustapha has been a dedicated member of the Diapalante Centre, where he has honed his skills in Word, Excel, reading, writing, and mathematics. In English, he has been at the top of his class for two years and has even inspired three classmates to join the Centre. Beyond academic studies, Moustapha has embraced personal development and leadership sessions, learning cooperation, communication, and leadership skills. He has carefully shared what he learns with friends and family in his village, earning the nickname “Teacher.”

Moustapha hopes to become an Arabic teacher and inspire future generations by showing that dreams can be achieved through determination and hard work.

London Diapalante Senegalese School Centre School » 7

In the UK we source donated or low cost hardware and software for use in the Centre.

Once again a UK school kindly donated their redundant computers to us. Though not “state of the art” they are good quality, durable and easily maintained. When the “new” computers arrive in Senegal the computers they replace are given to the education authority for use in schools.

Partnerships for Partnerships for C Change hange

Written by Now in Illustrated Diapalante Senegalese in the UK members Schools

Last November, Mamadou, the Centre’s coordinator, learned that a distant Senegalese school had received books created by Diapalante during the COVID-19 lockdown. The books were written by Diapalante members and illustrated pro bono by illustrators in the UK. It’s is rewarding to hear that the Senegal based storybooks produced by this partnership are being read by children in classrooms across the country.

Published on Africanstorybook.org,

Sewing Diapalante Helps Girls Machines Sews Period Attend from UK Packs School

The Diapalante sewing club uses sewing machines donated in the UK to tackle the problems of period poverty, which is widespread in Senegal.

The club’s members make re-usable period packs. The free packs allow girls to get out and about confidently during their periods including attending school. This is a great partnership!

Diapalante in the UK

Diapalante in the UK and Diapalante in Senegal are partners. Over the last 15 years together we have created, developed and maintained to The Diapalante Community Education Centre in Kaolack, Senegal.

“ Education for All” remains a challenge in Senegal. The Diapalante Community Education Centre exists to help the local population overcome the many and diverse obstacles to learning.

Our purpose is to support the Centre in providing educational opportunities. We do this in various ways. Firstly by providing the funding needed to maintain free access to the Centre, its courses and learning resources. Most of our fundraising goes into paying the Centre’s unavoidable running costs. Free access is important in providing equal access to the Centre to everyone, from from the poorest to the richest member without discrimination.

Members are encouraged to contribute to the Centre in whatever way they feel able, whether by giving time, expertise or money - many more are able to contribute time than are able to contribute money.

The Centre’s programmes are locally led and respond to local need. We support the development and maintenance of the Centre’s programmes with physical resources such as computers and sewing machines and basic electronics resources.

We also support the breadth and depth of learning opportunities offered by researching relevant online learning opportunities and suggesting simple STEAM activities suited to the Centre’s resources.

We are also working with the Centre to develop their governance so that procedures to keep everyone safe from harm and promote good financial management are routine.

PEAEE im — =F wemcnan | = a! se ee d Diapalante \ Leipression 2B relies on t Sewing Machines d o n a t i o n s_ Items donated in the UK for of goods, time, expertise use in Senegal 2 dozen computers, sotware and money.

Items donated in the UK for

==> picture [56 x 10] intentionally omitted <==

----- Start of picture text -----
Jam Sales
----- End of picture text -----

Thank you to everyone who has supported Diapalante during the year

Thank you to the team of volunteers whose catering Catering: activities raise donations to Diapalante.

page 12

DIAPALANTE

Photo Album: Mamadou in the UK

Meeting up with returned volunteers who have spent a year volunteering in Senegal.

A few of the many conversations with supporters .

page 13

DIAPALANTE

More Meetings

Networking with current and potential partners.

Holiday . . .

Mamadou managed to find some time for his holiday . We thank him for the time he spent meeting trustees, supporters and volunteers.

DIAPALANTE

page 14

Financial Review

A Volunteer Organisation

Diapalante is run by trustees, who are all volunteers and are supported by a wider network of volunteers and supporters. Our charity overheads are very low as we have no rent, utility or salary bills. Our trustees meet on line and most of our business is conducted using donated software. Trustees are asked to donate 8-10 hours a month to Diapalante but some trustees have donated significantly more hours on a regular basis. Trustees cover all aspects of charity management and project support.

Diapalante benefits from:

Income and Expenditure

Our income of £38,000 was a little in excess of our expenditure and came predominantly from individual giving - thank you to all our donors. Restricted income was used according to its restriction and all expenditure of unrestricted income was to fund the activities of the Diapalante Community Education Centre. Grants to the Centre equate to £31 per per person attending the Centre this year. The Centre’s staff and volunteers achieved a lot with their modest resources.

However, spending this year on the Centre’s library was very low, the network infrastructure for the computers was not fully maintained, and its staffing levels were reduced. These issues will need to be addressed to ensure the Centre’s ability to continue to offer a high quality of support to its members in the future.

Looking forward we will be planning and fundraising for the next Centre premises though its future form will depend on the outcome of the feasibility study planned for next year.

Notes

2025

DIAPALANTE

Financial Risks

The main financial risks Diapalante faces revolve around sustainable future funding and fundraising, adverse changes in the international exchange rates, and recruitment and retention of appropriate trustees and volunteers. Covid-19 demonstrated importance of being financially prepared for the unforeseeable event.

We have recruited a new treasurer this year and are pleased to have retained the probono services of our examiner of accounts.

Future funding and fundraising to provide the grants to run the Diapalante Community Education Centre are a constant focus of the trustees and the first priority of our fundraising activities. There are many uncontrollable factors involved in fundraising:

Events may not take place if main fundraisers are unwell.

Any volatility in exchange rates or inflation here or in Senegal is beyond our control but impacts our fundraising targets and financial risk.

Reserves

We can ensure a level of robustness against financial risks by holding a healthy reserve fund. We aim to hold a reserve fund sufficient to fund 4-9 months activities at the Diapalante Community Education Centre. This is essential to allow us to recover from major setbacks without affecting the work of the Diapalante Centre.

Funds Raised in Senegal

Fundraising options in Senegal are limited and the staff are already very busy. Nonetheless, the Diapalante Community Education Centre raises funds through it’s chair hire scheme which hires out chairs for local community events, weddings and naming ceremonies.

Within the Centre volunteering is encouraged and volunteers are trained before becoming an integral part of the Centre’s teaching programme. These volunteers reduce the Centre’s staffing needs which in turn reduces the funds needed.

Other Notes

We are willing to support other groups in Senegal whose activities meet our charity objectives so long as this does not distract from our role in the maintenance and development of the activities of the Diapalante Community Education Centre. This year we were able to recommend the theatre group Etoile du Saloum to a grant giving partner and secure a grant for them. After updating its own computers the Community Education Centre were able to donate surplus computers to the local education authority in Kaolack for use in schools.

DIAPALANTE

Reference and Administrative Details

Charity name: Diapalante

Charity Number 1112875 Address: Kirby Manor 73 High Street Ashwell Herts SG7 5NP

Charity Trustees as at 31st August 2025:

Pamela Brannigan Samantha Chamberlain Elizabeth Chandler Ian Chandler Emily Charlton Christine Lloyd Alan Muhr Carol Muhr Jack Poole Patricia Thorpe

Bank

HSBC 1 Market Place Hitchin SG5 1DR

Diapalante’s Objectives

To further charitable purposes which relieve or combat malnutrition, hunger, disease, sickness or distress.

To help prevent or relieve poverty or financial hardship by providing or assisting in the provision of education, training, healthcare projects and any necessary support, enabling individuals to generate a sustainable income and be self-sufficient.

page 18

DIAPALANTE

Governance

Structure

Diapalante is a charitable trust governed by a Declaration of Trust dated 02/08/2005 as amended by Deed dated 04/01/2006 and by Deed dated 15/08/2012.

Diapalante is run by trustees who give of their time freely and no remuneration is paid. Trustees are appointed by the existing trustees and serve for three years after which they may be reappointed. There must always be at least three trustees. At least two ordinary meetings must be held each year to discuss future strategies, projects and fundraising. The trustees elected to hold their four trustee meetings online this year.

Public Benefit

The trustees have had due regard to the Charity Commission's guidance on public benefit. We have taken the guidance into consideration when exercising the relevant powers or duties. Our charitable purpose for public benefit is demonstrated by the activities and achievements summarised in this report.

Safeguarding

Diapalante takes seriously its responsibility to protect and safeguard the welfare of everyone involved in our programmes, particularly children and vulnerable adults. We work in close partnership with Diapalante Senegal who, grant-funded by Diapalante (UK) run The Diapalante Community Education Centre. Safeguarding is important at the Centre as large numbers of adults, teenagers and children attend activities there. The Centre is implementing policies we designed together. The results are encouraging and we will again be looking to make further improvements to the implementation next year.

page 19

DIAPALANTE

Risk Management

The trustees have continued to review the risks the charity faces and acted to mitigate the most likely of these. The main financial risks were discussed in the Financial Review.

We have reviewed our risk register and acted to address our financial risks. Our newly appointed treasurer will be reviewing our banking practices.

We have identified cyber security and our knowledge of GDPR as the next areas to address.

Risk management will be essential to the building of a new premises for the Diapalante Community Education Centre and the need for a separate risk register has been agreed.

Reserves

In establishing a reserves policy and a reserves amount Diapalante is guided by the reserves guidance from the Charity Commission. Our major project, the Diapalante Community Education Centre in Senegal is dependant on Diapalante for all its funding. The project’s major expenses are its three staff, the rental cost of the premises and utility bills. Diapalante aims to hold a reserve of unrestricted funds which is appropriate to allow us to meet 4-9 months budgeted expenditure.

Accounts

section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period

Unrestricted Restricted o Categories latails funds funds be eemaest £ te eeparoat E ‘0 Bt Cash funds ees Lae Total cash funds es agree balanies wth receiote and payment becuseH] | Unrestricted Rostrictad Endowment funda funds furs Details to nearest £ he raparaetE ho noargal£ =< — Datails eaFund te wisiels Gon (optional Currentie eevaluo = === Details Find to which Current value BA Assets retained forthe aasat acaGost optional) |neavad tice] car's owe une a eer Details Faind te vetichs Amounteptionalldup Whee due = =—= = peeotal Wie Vasioas = Signature Print Mame S$ CHAMBERTAI 140.23

OO A? acooucrts (55)

Fs

r a CHARITY COMMISSION| Independent examiner's FOR ENGLAND AND WALES report on the accounts

Section A

Independent Examiner's Report

==> picture [521 x 98] intentionally omitted <==

----- Start of picture text -----
Report to the trustees! | _ |
On accounts for the year |
ended - - | Charity no | =
| i eccts == | _{ifany) | 11712675 |
SE ee —
Set out on pages | 1
----- End of picture text -----

| report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity (“the Trust") for the year ended 31/08/2025,

| raport in respect of my examination of the Trust's accounts cared out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, | have followed the applicable Directions given by the Chanty Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.

Independent | have completed my examination. | confirm that no material matters have examiner's statement come to my attention (other than that disclosed below “) in connection with the examination which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect

| have no concems and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination towhich attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

==> picture [515 x 143] intentionally omitted <==

----- Start of picture text -----
* Please delete the words in the brackels if they do not apply.
Signed: LaatoT Sei en oe~ a = ‘| Date:| Few3611]es (25SE esee) [|]
Relevant profoccional [fs Pam ian ee SF cae
qualification(s) or body BAT al |
(if any):
z |
SE
Address:| (©. Mou sities
----- End of picture text -----

IER

1

October 2018

Khassim has worked as a mechanic since the age of 9. Now, at 32, he is learning to read and write.

THANK YOU SO MUCH!

Your gifts make all our work possible.

Thank you to all our supporters ...

To all the volunteers who give their time, energy, expertise, skills and talents to complete the wide variety of tasks that enable The Diapalante Community Education Centre to do its amazing work.

To all who donate money to cover Diapalante Community Education Centre’s modest overheads.

To those who donate goods including laptops, mobile phones and sewing machines.

Scan to donate

To visit website

Diapalante, Kirby Manor, 73High St, Ashwell, Herts SG7 5NP info@diapalante.org https://diapalante.org ✆ 01462743091