2022-12-31-accounts - Friends Of Matthew Rusike Childrens Home

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FRIENDS OF MATTHEW RUSIKE CHILDREN’S HOME

Charity Number 1120944

FoMRCH annual report 2022

The poor economic situation and the effects of the pandemic in Zimbabwe continued throughout 2022 causing the Children’s Home much financial difficulty. The first 2 months of the year saw Zimbabwe back in lockdown and schools were closed. Both the National Director and his PA were away from work for a few months with ill health. Thankfully all the children were in good health, the diabetic girl was receiving counselling to help her manage her diet and the epileptic girl hadn’t had a seizure for 5 months, which was encouraging.

4 Children who should have taken O level exams in November had to finish them in January due to earlier lockdown. When results came through 2 had done well enough to go on to study A level, these students had each received sponsorship from a local family and a UK family.

2 boys attending university are doing well - one studying Forensic Accounting at University of Zimbabwe, the other Social Work at Zimbabwe Ezekiel Guti University. The Home is struggling to support one in his 2[nd] year at university and they fund raise for him each term.

7 children took grade 7 exams but 6 results were disappointing. One girl achieved 16 units which is the highest possible result. All 7 are attending form 1 at Matthew Rusike College.

When schools opened education continued to be disrupted due to teacher’s striking for more pay. All MRCH children need remedial support if they are to manage the new curriculum which is so demanding. Technological devices are needed to do much of the work online and these are not available for each child.

At the moment the Government is not prioritising education as needing attention. Teachers are still paid a very low wage, if they are paid at all, and so many are leaving the profession and even the country to find work elsewhere.

There is selective learning where teachers charge as much as US$5 per week for primary or US$10 per subject per month for each child. This isn’t legal practice and MRCH can’t afford these fees anyway. So MRCH came up with “Educational Expo’ in which they invited voluntary teachers to assist children through coaching clinics from Early Childhood Education, infants, juniors and those in secondary school. The response was overwhelming, 18 voluntary teachers came from the church, surrounding schools and from Seke Teachers’ College. The tag was "Donate your time and talent to educate a child at MRCH". The purpose of the event was to assess, assist, inspire and improve the academic performance of children at MRCH. There were 2 sessions, one for staff, mainly the Caregivers and a session for children. A senior Lecturer from Seke Teachers’ College, Epworth Primary School Headmaster and two retired school Administrators gave staff training on: 1. Assisting children at home in their academic work in the light of the new curriculum; 2. The role of the Caregiver and teacher in improving academic performance of the child and 3. Parent /teacher relationship.

The engagement was exciting and very fruitful. Caregivers were enlightened, motivated and received very useful tips. The children enjoyed the close attention given to them and were assisted in their learning gaps. MRCH intends to come up with more similar arrangements.

In March MRCH was visited by a Zimbabwean children’s author Priscilla Musoki who presented 30 books for their library. She also tells African folklore stories on You tube.

Staff held a workshop for 33 MRCH coordinators from Harare East and West and Marondera District. These volunteers play a crucial role of mobilizing material resources from local Methodist communities. These would be basic foods such as maize meal and cooking oil, stationery for school children and children’s clothing.

The children are involved in a rabbit rearing project to boost protein intake. They now take care of 34 rabbits and mend their cages under minimum supervision. These projects help the children to develop self-help skills and prepare them for the life after MRCH.

At Donga, the rural Outreach centre supporting about 80 vulnerable families within 15k radius, one of the sows produced 8 piglets so the sties are filling up. The 3 areas under the Government Pfumvudza programme were doing well until the maize was affected by drought. The centre still doesn’t have electricity and only limited water supplied by a borehole shared with local families. Life is very hard in this quite remote rural area.

Over the year MRCH continued to hold their usual fundraising events and they were specifically aiming to raise US$30,000 to install solar panels for all the buildings and the house and borehole at Donga. Electricity has continued to be erratic or non-existent. The panels would cover lighting and refrigeration but not cooking facilities.

Their marathon raised US£5,000, the MRCH Big Day was disappointing in both donated goods and financial donations, the business dinner raised less than usual but gave more publicity to the Home.

The generosity of local businesses and individuals enabled a summer of events for some of the children. There was a trip to Kariba with generous costs cut for accommodation, local visits and a boat trip. This must have been very good experience for the children and staff.

There were visits of children from Methodist schools so MRCH children could mix with peers from the community. Older MRCH children visited Moleli and Sandringham High schools for Christian Union events.

The MRCH finance officer was very helpful with the updating of the Home’s information on our website such as the costs of running MRCH, including the problem of staff salaries being paid in Zimbabwe $ which must be converted to US$ on the parallel market at great loss to the staff.

Fundraising by the Friends of MRCH is still low and we rely more on standing orders and ad hoc donations when we appeal in the newsletters to maintain the bimonthly remittance of £4500. Donations specifically sent for supporting education were forwarded to the Home. The switch to electronic Christmas cards is slowly improving and more people are beginning to use online shopping donating such as PayPal, Amazon Smile, Stewardship and Give as you Live.

The switch from HSBC to our new account with the COOP bank had been problematic for several of our regular supporters but these problems were solved by spring.

The changeover of treasurer continued through the early months and was eventually completed by early spring. Niki Phillips did a lot of work claiming past Gift Aid and by the end of the year Gift Aid claims submitted for 2018 (in full), 2019 (incomplete) and 2020 (partial), gave us a total income of £11,168 including some interest so it was decided to send a one off extra Christmas donation of £1000 and consider putting money towards the solarisation project particularly a set for Donga. These plans continued into 2023.

Long term UK supporters, The Gibbs Trust, had contacted us for information about the long-term sustainability of the Children’s home. They had been satisfied with information given and agreed to continue supporting MRCH.

Our two intrepid adventurers on the committee once again did a sponsored drive, this time from John O’Groats to Land’s End in a 91 year old Ford They had a few mechanical problems on the journey but had a good time anyway, raising £1000 for MRCH.

As usual, the officers and 3 members of our committee stood down at the AGM and were then reelected as no one else had come forward. A replacement minute secretary wasn’t found so Michael Mapako agreed to continue on a temporary basis yet again until someone comes forward. We are very grateful to him for staying in post.

We arranged 2 online meetings with the National Director, Board Chairman and any staff of the Methodist Church. Each time we sent a list of topics we wanted updates for.

Sponsorship for A level students was clarified and updated with only one student still needing support. This was settled locally by some Z Methodist churches getting together.
The new Welfare Officer (Social Worker) had updated all the children’s records to new government standard and a few children were having age assessment because there were no birth certificates.
29 children had been identified as having behavioural problems and were receiving counselling and support including the diabetic who was struggling with dietary restrictions.
A primary school child had been made head prefect at Epworth Primary school, an indication that there is good behaviour within the Home and this was a morale booster for staff and children alike.
A request was made for full audited accounts for 2020 to be sent, this was complied with later.
The Home aims to increase income from their projects (piggery, poultry, garden, fishery) from 10% to 30% of their income over the next 5 years. So far projects are improving and after the children are fed the surplus is sold locally.
There were 2 18 year olds still living at the home because they were still in school. The girl has now been reunited with her sister. The boy is still in the process of being discharged but he has no known relatives. The Methodist Church’s Mission Director’s office is trying to help with securing employment for him.
The Home tries to keep in contact with discharged 18 year olds for at least 3 months – there isn’t the funding for further support. Asked how discharged young people survive, Linny said some go into farming and some start their own projects buying and selling goods for survival.
Poor rains and drought caused crops to fail this year, so they were having to buy in more food.
Covid had only affected a couple of children this year and they had been able to isolate them with a carer who stayed well. The nurse had followed WHO guidelines, but it was the effect on the national economy which had greatly affected the Home.
The generator is only used in emergencies when the electricity has been off for a couple of days. Fuel costs to run it are prohibitive.
Social worker/teacher students support residential staff.

The November meeting reported on Christmas plans.

It was hoped 60% of the children would manage to go to foster homes for the holidays for the first time since 2019. Some would stay in the home for safeguarding reasons.
Still trying to organise educational support in the home with the help of student social workers and the voluntary teachers.
Some buildings and 2 boreholes have been solarised and fundraising continues.
Plans are being considered for a private primary school on site to fill the gap between the Early Childhood Development Centre (ECD) and the college.
The ECD now has 2 teachers and the local children pay fees unless there is a bursary arrangement.
A girl attending form 5 at Kwende high school received an award for being the 2[nd] best student.
There is general improvement of behaviour of the residential children
Staff salaries hadn’t been paid for 2 months
There are no serious health issues at the home, but they had paid for the funeral of a former child of the home who died in October.
Another former child was candidating for ministry in the Methodist Church.

Life at MRCH can be extremely difficult but in spite of all the economic hardships including low incomes, unpaid salaries and high prices, unpredictable weather and ever changing government policies, the staff remain committed to offering support, love and care for the children. We are very grateful to all our supporters who have stayed with us during these difficult times.

Carol Banham Chair FoMRCH May 2023

Notes

FRIENDS OF MATTHEW RUSIKE CHILDREN'S HOME Charity Registered Number: 1120944 Receipts and payments accounts

For the period from 01/01/2022 To 31/12/2022

Section A Receipts and payments

	Unrestricted funds to the nearest £ 850 23,447 - - 2,142 10,963 205 70	Restricted funds to the nearest £ - 275 470 - - - - - - -	Total funds to the nearest £ 850 23,722 470 - 2,142 10,963 205 70 - -	Last year Not to the nearest £ 750 25,651 1 540 3,000 - 2 - - - 16,344 4,856 51,141 26,873 143 - 16,344 4,856 48,216 2,925 - 14,883 17,808 Restricted funds to the nearest £ 55 - 55 OK
Receipts
MembershipSubscriptions	850	-	850	750
Donations	23,447	275	23,722	25,651
Student sponsorship	-	470	470	540
Special appeal donations	-	-	-	3,000
Fundraiser events	2,142	-	2,142	-
Gift Aid	10,963	-	10,963	-
Interest	205	-	205	-
SundryIncome	70	-	70	-
Interbank transfers		-	-	16,344
Bank error		-	-	4,856
*Total Receipts* (Gross income for Annual Return)	37,677	745	38,422	51,141
	33,783 119 534	690 - - - -	34,473 119 534 - -
Payments
Remittances to MRCH	33,783	690	34,473	26,873
Bank charges	119	-	119	143
Other expenditure (incl printing and postage)	534	-	534	-
Interbank transfers		-	-	16,344
Bank error		-	-	4,856
*Total payments*	34,436	690	35,126	48,216
*Net of receipts/(payments)* Transfers between funds Cash funds last year end *Cash funds this year end*	3,241 - 17,808 21,049	55 - - 55	3,296
			3,296	2,925
			-	-
			17,808	14,883
			21,104	17,808
Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period
Cash and cash equivalent funds	Cheques received Dec not cleared in bank *Total cash funds* (agree balances with receipts and payments account(s)) CoOperative bank account cleared funds		Unrestricted funds to the nearest £ 20,209 840 21,049 OK

Note 1

Restricted donations received in the year (other than student sponsorship) relate to the Matthew Rusike Children's Home piggery project (to be remitted in February 2023) and the 'Let's Run to Light the Home for Children' Marathon event held by Matthew Rusike Children's Home

Note 2

Fundraiser events included Land's End to John O'Groats in a 91 year old Ford and various church events

Signed by one trustee on behalf of all the trustees 26/01/2023 Signed by Independent Examiner 15/05/2023	Signature	Print Name
		Mrs Nicola Phillips BSc ACA BFP - Treasurer

		Katherine Culley CTA

CC16a template adapted Receipts and Payments Account

FRIENDS OF MATHEW RUSIKE CHILDREN’S HOME INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT

for Year Ended 31 December 2022.

Charity number 1120944

TRUSTEES

1 Donald John Banham Trustee

2 Mrs. Carol Anne Banham Chair

3 Immanuel Mudzinge Trustee

4 Michael Mapako Trustee

5 David Lawson Graaff Trustee

6 Wayne Ronald Cooper Trustee

7 Rev. Edward Charles Patrick Standhaft Trustee

8 Rev. Audrey Lesley Standhaft Trustee

9 Nicola Louise Phillips Trustee Appointed 5 March 2022

Bank accounts

Bank Account type Account number Sort code Coop Bank Current 65859309 089299

I have conducted an independent examination of the Friends of Mathew Rusike accounts covering the period from 01 January 2022 to 31 December 2022.

The purpose of this inspection was to ensure that the laid down accounting procedures and internal controls are operating as effectively and are compliant with the Charities Act (2011) standard operating and reporting procedures.

The responsibility for preparing the final accounts for the charity remains with the Trustees of the Charity. Based on the income and receipts threshold set out in the Charities Act, the Trustees of the Charity have determined that a full audit of accounts is not required but that an independent examination will suffice. I have conducted the independent examination by:

➢ Inspecting the Treasurer’s accounts recorded on Excel spreadsheet.
➢ Following a sample of funds deposited into the bank account.
➢ Examining whether payments made were properly authorised and supporting invoices and receipts were being kept.

Findings and recommendations The main points arising from this independent examination are as follows:

Bank Accounts:

The charity now operates one bank account with the Coop bank.

Treasurer’s record book:

All receipts and payments have been recorded correctly by the Treasurer.

Receipts: The Treasurer does not hold a receipt book. No cash payments were received by the Treasurer during this period. Receipts into the charity account are made through cheque deposits and direct debits from members and supporters’ accounts.

Payments. Remittances were made to Mathew Rusike Children’s Home in Zimbabwe. The total annual amount remitted was £34,473.20. Acknowledgements of remitted funds by the recipient, Mathew Rusike Children’s Home Zimbabwe were submitted to the independent examiner. Payments are being recorded and authorised correctly.

Katharine Culley (CTA) 7 Ford, Dartmouth, Devon Email : kate.culley@hotmail.co.uk