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2023-05-31-accounts

FRIENDS OF KENYA’S CHILDREN

UK Registered charity 1116000

17[th] ANNUAL REPORT

2022 – 2023

CONTENTS

FRIENDS OF KENYA’S CHILDREN

Trustees

For the year 2022 - 23 Trustees of the Association were as follows: -

Chairman: Rev Paul Pritchard Secretary: Miss Sandra Noon Treasurer: Miss Jennifer Atherton Trustees: Mrs Barbara Clark Mrs Margaret Hopkins Miss Jean Proudlove Mrs Claire Smith Mr Barrie Witcomb Mrs Ursula Towne Mr David Hillis (Co-opted)

OBJECTS OF THE CHARITY

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 2022 / 2023

GOVERNANCE MATTERS

1 Trustees’ meetings

Trustees have met on four occasions during the year 2022 / 23, taking forward plans for the sustainability of Champions’ School, responding to crises in what has been a difficult year for the school because of national politics, climate crises and the rising cost of living, and considering the future structure of Friends of Kenya’s Children. These matters, other than the future structure, are covered in the secretary’s report of the year.

2 Recommendation for the future structure of the Association.

The good news is that there is no need to change the status of the Association and turn it into a Trust or similar structure; it is possible to change our constitution in ways which will simplify the administration of FKC while retaining our current registration as a non-incorporated association. This has the great advantage of keeping our membership base and also keeping ultimate control of the association’s policies and management in the hands of members rather than vesting all control in a small group of trustees.

The various changes proposed were set out in the recently issued newsletter, sent either by post or email to all members and supporters with a request that the article be carefully read and any questions, comments, concerns or suggestions sent back urgently for trustees to consider. We are grateful to everyone who responded. The proposals were well received, and several suggestions have been taken on board and incorporated into the amended constitution.

The following changes have been written into the amended constitution.

3 Note re the Charity Commission.

The association has considerable freedom to change or amend its constitution in line with changing circumstances, apart from one or two clauses which we are not wishing to change. The procedure is for the members to adopt the amended constitution at a General Meeting, and it will then be submitted to the Charity Commission for approval. The new constitution comes into force once Charity Commission approval in obtained.

4 Proposal re the constitution

It is proposed that the amendments to the constitution, as summarised above, be accepted, and the amended constitution be adopted as from today’s date, subject to the approval of the Charity Commission.

5 Appointment of Trustees

It is proposed that the following officers and trustees be appointed to serve for an indefinite period, subject to the safeguards provided in the constitution:-

Chairman: Rev Paul Pritchard Secretary: Miss Sandra Noon Treasurer: Miss Jennifer Atherton Trustees: Miss Jean Proudlove Mrs Claire Smith Mr Barrie Witcomb Mrs Ursula Towne Mr David Hillis

6 Reserves Policy

The current reserves Policy reads as follows:

“The Association’s first responsibility is the maintenance of the orphans / boarders at Champions School. We will hold in reserve £6000 as being sufficient funds to provide the monthly fees for these children for a period of four months in the event of a sudden drop in income to the boarder support fund. Currently this sum is equivalent to one year’s Gift Aid claim, and one year’s claim will be held in reserve for this purpose.

The association is working with Champions School towards the school achieving self-sufficiency. We will hold in reserve, either in the bank or in as yet unclaimed Gift Aid, funds raised or donated for specific purposes to that end –.

We will hold in reserve funds made available by bequest or other special gift, for any specific purpose for which they are given, using them as requested by the donor or, where no use is specified, as decided by the trustees. We will hold in a separate account, restricted funds donated for the sponsorship of young people to high school and further education, drawing on those funds for those purposes only.

The reserves policy will be reviewed annually at the Annual General Meeting and adjusted as necessary to fit changing circumstances.”

PROPOSAL That the Reserves Policy be approved.

SECRETARY’S REPORT OF THE YEAR 2022 / 2023

1 Introduction

As our AGM is earlier this year, to allow Kenneth Kimeu, Director of the work in Eldoret to be with us, this report refers more directly than usual to the relevant financial year with less overlap into the current year. Unfortunately the national and international news is even more worrying than in the previous few years, with old crises unresolved and new crises appearing in so many countries, fuelled by the climate emergency and by political upheaval and war. In the midst of so much chaos and uncertainly, Champions’ School has come through the year successfully and is continuing to serve the local community and to provide a home and education to a number of orphans from the poverty-stricken northern villages, and where necessary some support to local families unable to meet the school fees. The School Management Board is even planning an expansion into the future, a development which Friends of Kenya’s Children will not be able to fund but we certainly wish them well in their desire to grow the school in line with changing educational policies.

2 The purpose and use of this report

The report seeks to give an overview of the year. Much of the content will be known to members because this information is shared in the biannual newsletters, but it is necessary to record the facts in the Annual Report. It is hoped that members will read the report and come to the meeting prepared to ask any questions which arise. Members unable to attend are welcome to send in questions.

3 The maize crisis

The year began with a major crisis when Kenya ran out of maize. The local harvest was not expected for some months and the supply of grain from Ukraine almost completely stopped following Russia’s illegal invasion.. Inevitably the cost increased dramatically for the little that was available. Champions School had only one sack of maize left, and this grain is their staple food, being the main ingredient of at least two of the daily meals. FKC supporters responded with speed and generosity to the account of the “Last sack of Maize” in the newsletter and we were able to send sufficient funds for the school to buy a year’s supply. It was not possible to buy in bulk until the local harvest – in the interim sacks were bought one by one as they became available – but with careful negotiation they were then able to buy, at the hugely inflated prices, enough to see them through many months. This is a continuing concern while the war in Europe continues.

4 Political unrest and its consequences

It is now a year since the presidential election in Kenya, but the new president is still not accepted as the rightful winner of the race by those who supported his rival. Locally this has had the effect of creating a constant tension as tribal rivalries are reignited – there is a constant fear that violence could erupt at any time. Children from Turkana selected to join Champions’ School in January 2023 were not able to come, crossing the county boundary was considered to be too dangerous for them to take up their places. What an opportunity missed for those young people. The new president is in an unenviable position. Like the leaders of every nation, he has been faced with huge national problems which he is powerless to resolve, and his efforts to keep the country stable are not popular – rising taxes at a time of increased poverty and hardship will not endear him to his people – and in the background the constant pressure from the opposing presidential candidate creates anxiety and tension. This national situation has had tangible effects on Champions’ School.

5 Building the perimeter wall.

In last year’s annual report the next step towards self-sufficiency for the school was said to be the building of a new ablution block, to provide toilets for pupils and staff linked to the new mains sewer which had recently been installed in the area. This would certainly be a great improvement on the facilities currently in place. However, a security audit was carried out at the school because of a rising tide of theft and burglary in the area, and because of the continuing atmosphere of unrest and fear of violence. The audit highlighted that one boundary of the school was very vulnerable. The compound was surrounded on three sides by a high wall, but the fourth boundary was the school building. Windows had been broken, entry had been gained and items stolen. The audit advised that a high wall should be built to enclose the school and provide a secure barrier. Funds were made available immediately and the work was speedily completed, to the relief of the school community. The much needed toilet block was shelved for the time being.

6 The boarder programme and help for local children

For the school year 2023 it was decided that we had sufficient funds to support 14 orphans, ten were already in school and this allowed for four new children to join the group. In last year’s report it was hoped that we would be able to sustain the number at 20 as in previous years, but unfortunately a drop in income made this impossible. As the political situation prevented new Turkana children from coming to school, four local children were taken into the boarder group because their families could not afford school fees and their home lives were difficult. As those children went home for holidays, and did not require clothing and all the other necessities of life, the school was also able, with the available funds, to help several families to keep their children in school when fees were not affordable. Champions’ School has always made creative and excellent use of the funds FKC has been able to send and this was a good example of meeting a growing and pressing need, albeit in a small way. At the end of our financial year the School Management Board made a direct plea to FKC for help with school fees for more local children as an increasing number of families found themselves in abject poverty and unable to send the children to school. More recently, as prices have spiralled out of control and taxation has increased, we have been asked to consider whether we can help with staff salaries, in order to retain the teaching staff. These requests are currently being considered, I have included them in this report to indicate the extreme pressures with which the school, in common with the whole of Kenyan society, is trying to cope.

7 The water supply

The two wells drilled in the compound in 2020 again provided water both for the school and for the local community during the prolonged and severe drought in early 2023. Unfortunately towards the end of the drought, the water turned salty, and was not suitable for drinking or cooking, although it served all other purposes. A sample of the water was sent away for analysis in order to see what action would be needed to enable it to be purified and useable again. At the end of the financial year the results were awaited, but the report has now come through and the results are not good. The water contains several minerals at levels deemed harmful for human consumption. Work is now in hand to discover the best way to render the water safe and useable again, as it would seem that this is an essential element in our ambition to see the school achieve self-sufficiency for the future.

8 The solar energy system

After some delay, the school was finally equipped with LED light bulbs throughout, including strip lighting in the classrooms. This will have greatly reduced the energy consumption in the school, meaning that the system will be more likely, for the future, to provide all the energy they need. The Head Teacher, in a recent report, referred to the great benefit of the solar energy system in terms of “Students can now work late at night and in the early morning” – perhaps not the greatest benefit in the eyes of the students! It is good to report that during the prolonged period of heavy rain and dark skies which followed the drought, the system continued to provide all the power needed to run the school, the batteries charging sufficiently during the day to keep the lights on at night.

9 The ablution block

The plan to improve the toilets at the school has not been forgotten, just delayed until more pressing matters were dealt with. It is still very much in mind, but has to be considered alongside other demands on limited funds, as described in this report.

10 The High School programme

The high school sponsorship programme came to a natural end this year when the national education system changed to a new pattern whereby children attend primary school for six years (previously eight years) then move on to Junior Secondary for three years and finally Senior Secondary for three years.

There are fourteen young people working their way through high school, twelve have individual sponsors and two are supported by general funds, although to date sufficient specific donations have been made to cover their fees. The eight students now in year three began their high school careers during the pandemic and most of them have never really caught up with their studies, although they work hard to try to achieve good marks in end of year exams. There are four students due to complete their course in November 2023, it remains to be seen how well they will do in their KCSE exam. (Equivalent to our A level) Whatever the outcome educationally, by the time they leave school all will be of an age to be independent if necessary, something which is especially vital for orphaned girls who are always at risk of early and unwanted marriage.

11 The school Management Board and future plans

Champions’ School had three nursery classes and eight primary classes under the previous education system. Nursery education remains the same, but now children spend only six years in primary school – which leaves Champions’ school with two “spare” classrooms and with some of their best teachers no longer needed. The School Management Board decided that, by adding one extra classroom, they could become a combined Primary and Junior Secondary School, thus greatly enhancing their status in the community and possibly being able to retain their pupils for an additional year. I use the word “possibly” because the Kenyan secondary school system involves the local authority in allocating all secondary school places according to the marks the children achieve in their primary school leaving exam.

A preliminary application has been made to the education authority and the school has been given the go ahead to begin to plan and prepare. They are not so naïve as to think that one extra classroom will be all that is needed. To be accepted as a secondary school they will need a lab, a domestic science space, a music room, games facilities etc. – And of course specialist and more highly qualified and better paid teachers. From the outset Trustees have made it clear to the School’s Management Board that FKC cannot fund this expansion, it would involve a capital and revenue investment well beyond our capabilities. However, we can continue to support the boarder programme, maintaining the orphans for an additional year at the combined school if the education authority allows them to remain, and we can continue to pursue our goal of enabling the school to achieve proper self-sufficiency, assisting with small capital projects to that end. It is important to note that the change, if it is finally approved, will take some years to achieve, during which time our relationship with the school will remain as now.

12 Fund-raising

As explained in last year’s report, the era of raising funds by running sales of donated goods is fast coming to an end. This is inevitable as all the helpers grow older and less physically able to do the work involved, but it is nevertheless a great shame, it has served us well as a means of raising funds from people who would not ordinarily support FKC but who know our sales to be excellent value for money. We are very grateful to all the volunteers who have helped us in any way, from the gathering of goods for sale to working at the sales and all points between. We have the loyal and hardworking support of so many supporters, without whom nothing would be achieved.

We are grateful also to the many individuals and organisations that raise funds for us in so many different ways; each addition to the funds makes a significant difference. Trustees have not had time this year to consider other ways of raising funds – as “final sales” are still taking place – but this will be a serious subject for discussion in future.

Important though it is to raise funds, the great majority of our income comes from the much appreciated regular giving of our members and supporters. Inevitably we have lost several generous supporters during the year, some have passed away, and others have found that their circumstances have changed or that they have other calls on their charitable giving. We are grateful for their support in the past. Happily, we have also welcomed new supporters, which is a real joy and relief, as it is important to maintain the level of the boarder support fund so that school fees and maintenance can continue to be paid for the orphans at Champions’ school.

13 Conclusion

The year 2022 / 2023 has flown by as Trustees have responded as effectively as possible to events in Kenya and consequent requests for help. Time has also been spent on considering the future organisation of FKC, with a view to presenting to the Annual General Meeting a proposal for a simplified organisational structure which will take the association into the future. Two “Final Sales” have been held, disposing of as much as possible of the summer and winter stock of ladies’ clothing and accessories, the routine sending of maintenance for the boarders and school fees for the high school students has continued and the background administration of the association has been maintained as usual. A considerable number of people have been involved in all these activities, and our thanks are extended to each of them.

Each year in concluding this report, I am reminded again of how many roles and contributions fit neatly together to make Friends of Kenya’s Children a unique organisation. Without our generous members who support us financially, there would be no FKC. Standing orders and promised annual donations fund the boarders at Champions’ School and sponsors keep the older young people in high school. Unexpected one-off donations, contributions from fund-raising such as the regular whist drives run by Neil and

occasional events at church, all add to the funds on which we draw for response to crises, and volunteers staff our sales and “fairs” to boost the funds. We are grateful also to the churches that support us and of course for the commitment and work of our Chairman and trustees. If you watch the popular TV programme “The Repair Shop” you will have seen the delight with which the expert clock repairer opens up a grandfather clock or a tiny watch, and carefully takes out an intricate system of cogs and wheels, finds the fault, repairs or replaces the faulty part and puts it all back together again. Whenever I watch him do it, and the clock springs into action, every cog fitting perfectly and the whole running smoothly, I am reminded of Friends of Kenya’s Children – an association in which all parts work together to produce something special. On behalf of the children and families we assist through our efforts, a big thank you is extended to all involved.

FRIENDS OF KENYA'S CHILDREN RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNT For the period 1st June 2022 to 31st May 2023

Receipts and payments
Receipts Unrestricted
20,869
7,555
770
29,195
-
-
29,195
32,209
882
291
362
307
450
l 34,501
-
-
34,501
- 5,306
-
37,579
32,273		 Restricted
22,109
-
22,109		 Endowment Total funds
42,978
7,555
770
51,303
-
-
51,303
59,233
882
291
362
307
450
-
-
-
-
61,525
-
-
61,525
- 10,222
-
48,161
37,940
Donations,legacies andgrants(note 2a & 2b) - 42,978
Fundraising events,raffles,collections etc(note 2c & 2d) - 7,555
Membership Fees - 770
Sub total
Loans Received (see note 3)
Loan repayments received (see note 3)
Total receipts
Payments		 - 51,303
-
-
- -
- -
22,109 - 51,303
Grants and Donations Paid(see note 4a & 4b) 27,024
-
27,024		 59,233
Printing,Postage and Stationery 882
Bank charges 291
Cost of Fundraising Events(see note 4c) 362
Insurance 307
Charity Expenses / Repairs/ Maintenance(see note 4d) 450
-
-
-
-
Sub tota - 61,525
Repayment of loans - (see note 5)
Loans Made - (see note 5)
Total payments
Net of receipts/(payments)
Transfers between funds (see note 2e)
Cash funds last year end
Cash funds this year end		 -
- -
- -
27,024 - 61,525
- 4,915
-
10,582
5,667		 - - 10,222
- -
- 48,161
- 37,940

FRIENDS OF KENYA'S CHILDREN

Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period

Cash funds (see note 6)
Other monetary assets
Investment assets
Assets retained for the charity’s own use
Liabilities
Signed by one or two trustees on behalf of all the trustees		 Bank accounts
Signature
Total cash funds		 Unrestricted Restricted
32,273 5,667
- -
32,273 5,667
Unrestricted Restricted
- -
Fund to which asset
belongs		 Cost
-
Fund to which asset
belongs		 Cost
-
-
Fund to which liability
relates		 Amount due
Unrestricted
-
-
Print Name

FRIENDS OF KENYA'S CHILDREN

Notes to Financial Statements

1 The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Charities Act 2011 using the Receipts and Payments basis.

a
Unrestricted funds :
Individual donations & bequests
Donations from Kingsfold MC
Donations from Holy Trinity Wealdstone
Donations from AMC Saturday café
Donations from N Blatherwick Whist evenings
Donations from Alvaston St Michaels
Donations from Other < £100
Donations from New Opera Co Derby
b
Restricted funds :
Transferred from Stevens Bequest (designated)
Transferred from Sylvia Fund
Sustainability project (solar) grant from St James Foundation
Sustainability project donation from St Johns Mickleover
Total Restricted Funds receipts from Individuals and Groups
c
Events,Sales etc :Unrestricted Funds
Fashion Events
Easter Fair
Bamfords Auction General Sales
Pancake Night at AMC
Jean Proudlove Craft sales
Christmas Decs Stall
Other miscellaneous
Metal Man
Book and Plant Sales
3
Loans received and loans repayment received in year :
4
Payments Analysis
a
Unrestricted funds :
CPS Boarder maintenance
Transfer to Sponsorship restricted fund
Crisis Relief
Floats for sales etc
Staff support
Easter Fair proceeds to AMC
General running costs
b
Restricted funds :
Child sponsorship
Sustainability Project
Spalton bequest (Deng support)
Famine Relief
c
Cost of Fundraising Events :
AMC café - Food for Easter Fair
Refreshment costs at Fashion Sales
d
Charity Expenses / Repairs/ Maintenance :
Champions School Accountant's Fees
5
Repayment of loans and loans made
6
Bank account reconciliation
Balance as per statement Account No.1
Incorrect Penguin fund balance transfer
Balance as per statement Account No.2
Incorrect Penguin fund balance transfer
Add receipts in transit
Less payments in transit
Final closing balance
Individual donations forChild Sponsorship Fund
Donations/Grants forSustainability Project
Transfer fromSylvia Fundto Child Sponsorship (to follow Sylvia)		 17,813
912
515
500
403
395
181
150
20,869
-
15,809
2,600
997
19,406
2,500
1,200
3,700
- 997
- 997
22,109
-
4,637
2,182
280
120
118
87
55
42
33
7,555
-
-
20,800
4,000
3,000
1,839
1,810
680
80
32,209
-
22,900
3,650
422
52
27,024
-
200
162
362
450
450
-
16,461.24
- 0.45
21,478.50
0.45
-
-
37,939.74
-

Last year 75,606 5,294 840 81,741

81,741 65,206 1,004 252 - - - - - - 66,461

66,461 15,279 - 32,882 48,161

Current value

When due (optional)

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Date of approval
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Report to the Trustees of Friends of Kenya's Children Introduction I have examined the accounts of Friends of Kenya's Children for the year sl ended 31 May 2023 as an independent examiner, and have compared the accounts prepared for the Annual General Meeting with the financial records kept for that year by the charity's Treasurer on behalf of the Trustees. Basis of independent examlner's report My examination includes a review of the accounting systems and records and a comparison of the accounts with those records. It also includes considering any unusual items in the accounts, or concerns regarding systems, and seeking explanations from you as Trustees concerning any such matters. Independent examlner's statement In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention which causes me to believe that in any material respect the requirements: to keep appropriate accounting records to have robust systems in place for the management of finances, and to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records has not been met. Signed Date 27 OA 202ty- Mrs Shirley Austin 5 Sporton Close South Normanton Derbyshire DE55 2HH