Vision Peoples In Mission UK Trust Annual Report 2023
The Vision Peoples In Mission UK Trust is registered with the Charity Commission, Registered Number 1113819. It’s principal address is 61 Saxon Drive, Newport, Shropshire, TF10 7FN.
Structure
The charity is governed by a trust deed executed on 12[th] December 2005.
Charitable Purpose
The VPM UK Trust seeks to relieve poverty and suffering, to prevent disease and ill health, and to promote Christian education and evangelism, particularly in the Korogocho slum of Nairobi. During the year, charitable grants of £53,744.27 were made in pursuit of this.
Charitable Benefit
Vision Peoples In Mission (VPM) works amongst some of the world’s poorest people. The principal benefit is the relief of poverty of residents in the Korogocho slum. This is achieved through running an orphanage, a primary school with a feeding programme, a clinic and a vocational training programme in dressmaking and other projects. These programmes are open to all.
The effects of global warming, predominantly caused by the Western World is having an effect on those in Kenya to a harrowing reality.
As we have seen in the UK and around the world, the war in Ukraine is also felt in Kenya with an increase in the cost of fuel and food. This filters straight down to those living in the slum.
Haven Primary School
In the heart of the bustling and vibrant Korogocho slums in Nairobi, Kenya, there exists a haven of hope and transformation of
many street children- Haven Primary School. This educational institution, against the backdrop of poverty and challenges, stands as a testament to the power of education to uplift and empower a community. Korogocho is a community defined by resilience, where families navigate the
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Vision Peoples in Mission UK Trust is a Charity registered with the UK Charity Commission, No: 1113819
complexities of poverty, inadequate infrastructure, and limited access to basic services. The challenges are immense, but within this adversity, Haven Primary School emerges as a refuge for those seeking a way out of the cycle of poverty. Haven Primary School has become a beacon of inclusive education, welcoming children who might otherwise be denied access due to financial constraints. The school ensures that every child, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to learn, grow and be mentored with Christian morals. Empowering Female Students in a community where gender disparities persist, Haven Primary School is actively working to break these stereotypes. The school empowers both female and male students, encouraging them to dream beyond traditional roles and become leaders in their own right. Haven Primary School is not merely a place of learning; it is also a hub for child development. The impact extends beyond the classroom walls, fostering positive change in various aspects of child’s life. By incorporating parental involvement, Haven Primary School is recognizing the importance of a collaborative approach, The school actively involves sponsors and parents in the educational journey of their children. This engagement creates a support system that extends the impact of education into the home.
The teachers of Haven Primary School play a pivotal role in shaping the narrative of Korogocho's future. Their dedication, resilience, and passion for education create a ripple effect that extends far beyond the classroom walls. As we celebrate the successes of our candidates, let us recognize and honour the teachers who, with unwavering commitment, are turning the pages of possibility for the children of Korogocho. Their work is a testament to the transformative power of education and the enduring impact of teachers who believe in the potential of every child, no matter the circumstances. Our Primary school candidates
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Vision Peoples in Mission UK Trust is a Charity registered with the UK Charity Commission, No: 1113819
reaching the end of their KCPE examinations mark a crucial milestone in their educational journey.
Feeding Programme
he school feeding program is making a significant impact on our children at Haven Primary School.. This initiative, more than just providing nourishment, is a source of strength for the students, ensuring that hunger is not a barrier to learning. Korogocho, with its densely populated informal settlements, faces numerous socioeconomic challenges. Families often grapple with limited resources, and children at tending school may find it difficult to focus on their studies when their basic nutritional needs are unmet. Recognising the critical link between nutrition and education, VPM initiated the School Feeding Program as a response to the pressing need for sustained nourishment among its students. This program aims to break the cycle of hunger and starvation among learners, creating an environment where every child has the opportunity to thrive academically. The availability of daily meals has led to improved school attendance. Students are more likely to attend classes regularly when they know that a nutritious meal awaits them. Teachers have noted a positive correlation between the School Feeding Program and academic achievements. Children enjoying their meals Students who benefit from regular meals are more engaged in their studies and demonstrate improved performance. Beyond academic achievements, the program contributes to the holistic development of students. Nourished and healthy children are better equipped to participate in extracurricular activities, fostering social and emotional growth. While the School Feeding Program has yielded promising results, sustaining and expanding it poses financial challenges. We are seeking support from compassionate sponsors who share our commitment to empowering these young minds with the nutrition they need to thrive. We thank a few supporters who give towards Korogocho’s children feeding program The school feeding programme continues to be a lifeline for many pupils which was continued to grow due to the number of families unable to afford food during these hard economic times.
The programme is costly but VPM continues to be grateful to a number of donors who support this project.
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Vision Peoples in Mission UK Trust is a Charity registered with the UK Charity Commission, No: 1113819
VPM Medical Centre
The lives of people living in the Korogocho slums are in jeopardy due to lack of basic facilities, starvation, filthy living conditions, and poor cleanliness. The health situation in Korogocho often mirrors the broader issues of inequality, inadequate access to healthcare, and heightened vulnerability to diseases.
Surrounding hospitals are just too expensive and too far away when these families need medication the most, so our health clinic steps in to offer the necessary medical care. Our principles stem from Christian teachings, and we strive to promote Christian ideals that elevate dignity. As we prepare to celebrate Christmas with our loved ones, let us extend our compassion to those in the mar gins. By supporting health initiatives at VPM Health Centre, we not only address immediate needs but also sow seeds of hope, resilience, and community strength.
Our Nurse Millicent attending to a patient at VPM Health Centre
Vision Medical Centre continues to be a very busy centre, with the Kenyan population increasing at an alarming rate. The centre treats patients for coughs, abdominal pain, headaches, respiratory conditions, malaria, typhoid and gastric indections along with continuing to treat patients with COVID-19, sexual health issues and providing maternity support.
As a result of the growth of the population, Vision Medical Centre requires additional wards including a more robust maternity and womens ward, childrens ward and a mens ward.
All treatment is free or subsidised to the public for those who cannot afford the services of local hospitals. Many of the patients are unable to pay for treatment and will travel to Korogocho from far distances. It is noted that the vulnerable patients at higher risk show up too late and may have been able to get better help if they came a few days earlier. This is due to the high cost and fear that people have of going to seek medical attention.
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Vision Peoples in Mission UK Trust is a Charity registered with the UK Charity Commission, No: 1113819
Women Vocational Training
There was no information about the current status of the vocational programme in the 2023 newsletter
Orphanage
The continues to allow the children a much needed social life and therefore improving their mental health as well as protecting their physical health, safety and security.
All of the children attend Haven Primary School and are fed, given clothing, shelter and medical attention.
All children are cared for and loved treated with parental love and ensure they have access to healthcare, a place to eat and sleep and play with other children.
The children are prepared for integration back into society by finding foster families and asking sponsors to take care of the children, allowing others to be taken in to the orphanage. Whilst under the care of the orphanage, they are given the tools needed to function in society and taught about malnutrition and development of a healthy body and mind.
As with many parts of the world, mental health has taken many great steps over the last couple of years and it is clear to see that VPM also follows on with this ensuring the children in the orphanage and the school take their mental health very seriously.
Future plans
The plans for the development of VPM in Korogocho has been quieter this year. It was expressed by VPM UK Trust that loaning an amount anywhere near what is required (£300,000) would not be possible, nor in the best interest of the trust to protect the longevity of the work done by VPM.
Lucky Summer Housing
Rent collection more than doubled from 1,490,680KSH to 3,690,640KSH – a fantastic growth amount and also great to see how much this income has increased as a proportion of total income.
VPM Missionary Church
The church continues to be the backbone of the gospel evangelism to Korogocho residents. The main goal is to present Jesus Christ as the Lord and Saviour of all human kind in all that is done.
The church remains alive and vibrant with Franklyn Otwoma becoming Bishop on 5[th] September 2021 and remaining as leader of Vision Missionary Church.
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Vision Peoples in Mission UK Trust is a Charity registered with the UK Charity Commission, No: 1113819
Vision Peoples In Mission: Governance and Financial Performance
During the year 2023, the board of trustees has changed slightly as is common. Mrs Gladys Mmbone has resigned from her post with Mr Nicholus joining as a trustee. The following are on the board of trustees:
Bishop Franklyn Otwoma Pastor Kennedy Otieno Mrs Dorine Ngesa Mrs Violet Omollo Mr Nicholus
As is customary, the 2023 audited accounts have been received by the UK trust. These show that the organisation continues to be in good health with Net Surplus of 2,239,235 up from 888,757 KSH. 2023 saw an income of 13,284,455 KSH up from 12 million KSH (£67,235) and operating expenditure of 10,676,156 KSH down slightly from the 11 million KSH (£61,153).
Donations from the VPM UK Trust accounts for 60% compared with 75% in 2022, and 74% 2021, 68% in 2020 and 55% in 2019. This is a positive result that VPM Kenya are not as reliant on the income from the UK as they have been in the past couple of years.
Total Assets of the Kenyan charity stand at almost 71,801,240 up from 71,112,424 KSH. This remains mostly property assets for the properties in Korogocho and Lucky Summer.
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Vision Peoples in Mission UK Trust is a Charity registered with the UK Charity Commission, No: 1113819
Risk Management
The Future for Korogocho
There are significant plans that are already underway to improve the Korogocho slum area, which is at least in part funded by Italian Government money. Teams have been working to clean the streets and there is more tarmac on the roads than previously. The slum upgrading project has some major implications for building work but this upgrade programme is on it’s final stages:
• Initially that following the award of additional land, the plot now needs to be secured by building a perimeter fence. Following a further round of loan funding (which has now been repaid), this funding is in place and being held in reserves.
• Secondly there is a need for extensive rebuilding. As part of the slum rebuilding, there is a government requirement that only permanent buildings are in place, and the ’shanty’ style buildings will need to be demolished. This requires significant capital, (around £300,000 further capital is required).
• Attracting this additional capital requires confidence that demand would continue from local residents. This is exacerbated as there may be migration issues. The Government has stated an intention that residents of Korogocho would remain, as they have said that they don’t wish to just move the slum further out. All residents are being given plots of land linked to the size of their previous dwelling. However, the requirement to build permanent buildings is likely to lead many of the poorest residents to sell their plots to developers and move away. This may change the nature of the population in Korogocho, and it may lead to different demand on VPM’s services.
Financial Risk: Because the charity simply makes grants out of income received, there is no liability. Should the Trust embark on another round of loan funding to bring forwards expenditure in Korogocho, the lenders would be required to agree that in the event that there are insufficient donations coming into the trust to repay the loans, that they will convert to gifts. This avoids any financial risk to the UK Trust. This has worked well with two previous rounds of loan funding. Although this is a risk to the Kenyan organisation, rather than the UK Trust, there is a wider challenge of sustaining incoming funds from donors – which is nurtured by periodic fund raising visits from the Kenyan director. Most of our funds are regular direct debits routed through Stewardship which helps a more even cash flow than might otherwise be the case.
Reputational Risk / Monitoring: The trustees (or those known to them) have visited the work of Vision Peoples in Mission at intervals over time. Seeing the work on the ground is an important part of evaluating charitable impact. The trust receives copies of their audited report and accounts and have done so for fifteen years. The Trustees (and supporters) receive newsletters and other communication from Nairobi. This long term relationship with VPM gives us confidence in them. No trustee visited VPM in 2023. A trustee may visit in 2024 or 2025.
VPM UK Reserves Policy: Because the trust makes grants out of income received, and does so immediately, there is little need to hold reserves. As such our reserves are nominal.
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Vision Peoples in Mission UK Trust is a Charity registered with the UK Charity Commission, No: 1113819
Financial Report
During the year, the Trust received donations of £53,744.27. Whilst much of the ongoing donation stream is Gift Aided, it is given through Stewardship, who reclaim Gift Aid on our behalf. A gift aid reclaim was not completed in 2023.
£48,373.83 was paid out in charity grants to support the work of Vision Peoples In Mission in Kenya. £195 was paid in bank fees (Twelve monthly transfer fees of £15 plus one additional one-off donation). One of the benefits of the Trust is it sends donations electronically, which is the safest means of transferring funds to Nairobi. It does this in a pooled way to avoid individual donors having to pay a significant part of the donation on transfer costs.
The accounts have been independently examined by Simon Hartridge, who has kindly performed this service to us without charge. See page 9 for the Independent Examiner’s Report.
Vision Peoples In Mission UK Trust: 2023 Financial Statements
| ACCOUNTS for 2023 | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2022 | |
| RECEIPTS | ||
| Donations | £ 53,744.27 | £ 62,523.46 |
| Gift Aid | £ - | £ - |
| Other | £ - | £ 500.00 |
| TOTAL RECEIPTS | £ 53,744.27 | £ 63,023.46 |
| PAYMENTS | ||
| Grants to VPM | £ 48,373.83 | £ 63,283.81 |
| Loan Repayments | £ - | £ - |
| Bank Charges | £ 195.00 | £ 180.00 |
| Other | £ - | £ 500.00 |
| TOTAL PAYMENTS | £ 48,568.83 | £ 63,963.81 |
| RECEIPTS OVER PAYMENTS | £ 5,175.44 | -£ 940.35 |
| Bank Account 01/01 | £ 7,349.45 | £ 8,289.80 |
| Bank Account 31/12 | £ 12,524.89 | £ 7,349.45 |
| INCREASE IN FUNDS | £ 5,175.44 | -£ 940.35 |
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Vision Peoples in Mission UK Trust is a Charity registered with the UK Charity Commission, No: 1113819
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