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2023-02-28-accounts

Village Africa

Company Number: 06086681

Annual Report and Accounts 2022-23

Charity Number 1122410

Village Africa

Annual Report for the Financial Year ending 28 February 2023

Structure, Governance and Management

Village Africa is a company limited by guarantee, company number: 06086681. It is registered with the Charity Commission, registered charity number 1122410.

Registered and principal office address:138 Belgrave Road, London E11 3QR.

Trustees/directors serving during the financial year:

Caroline Johnston: Project Manager, Tanzania Sarah Mayne: Chair Mark Matfield: Finance Director Allison Shaw: Education Director Emma Southcombe (nee Southey): Fundraising Director Bethany Taylor: Fundraising Director Christina Francis: Health Director

Village Africa is a charitable company, limited by guarantee, hence its trustees are directors. It is governed by its Memorandum and Articles of Association adopted on 17 December 2006 and incorporated on 6 February 2007 (and amended on 9 January 2022).

Directors are appointed by a majority vote of directors and/or members. When considering appointments, the Board will make reference to the skills held by existing members and will look to fill any skills gaps identified. Proposed new directors receive a copy of the Memorandum and Articles of Association and the Charity Commission’s guidance publication “The Essential Trustee. What You Need to Know”. Their appointment becomes effective (and the requisite form is filed with Companies House) once a satisfactory DBS certificate has been received.

The Articles of Association provide that the directors of the charity resign after their first year in office, although they are able to offer themselves for re-election. At every subsequent Annual General Meeting, one third of the directors (the longest standing) is required to retire from office, although they are able to offer themselves for re-election if they so choose.

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There may be no less than three directors at any one time and there is no maximum. We currently have seven directors, the majority of whom have visited or volunteered with the charity in Tanzania, and hence have first-hand knowledge of its work and challenges.

The quorum for decision making at general meetings is three. At bi-annual meetings the directors agree the broad strategy (including with respect to fundraising) and areas of focus for the charity. They approve the budget and future building projects subject to available funds.

The day-to-day running and administration of the charity is delegated to the Project Manager in Tanzania, supported by local Tanzanian staff and UK volunteers.

The Trustees review the major risks facing the charity on a regular basis, monitoring reserves and reviewing key financial systems to ensure sufficient resources are available to meet the Charity’s obligations in the event of adverse conditions. The Trustees have also examined other operational and business risks faced by the charity and confirm that they have established systems to manage the significant ones.

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Chair’s Report

This annual report outlines the work of Village Africa during the financial year 1 March 2022 to 28 February 2023.

The charity had another effective and successful year. The Covid-19 pandemic fortunately eased which meant that, as well as operating the core services, such as the ambulance service, we were able resume other services in January 2022, including the operation of the community library.

I am saddened to share the news that Monsignor Baruti (Co-Founder of Village Africa) unexpectedly died on 13 June 2022. We will greatly miss the tremendous support and guidance he gave the charity over the years.

As anticipated, the cost of living crisis (partly caused by the Ukraine War which commenced during the period) adversely impacted the Charity’s core expenditure in both Tanzania and the UK during 2022, with food and fuel costs in particular increasing. [Although fundraising was impacted, long-term supporters continued to remain loyal, including with the educational sponsorship of children, regular giving of unrestricted funding and one-off donations.]

Notwithstanding some financial challenges, the charity had a very successful year. Our achievements included taking 79 emergency patients to a healthcare facility, as well as 34 nonemergency patients to hospital or a dentist when passing those facilities. The ambulance service remains a life-saving service and highly appreciated by the community.

The student sponsorship scheme continued to thrive during the year, with the number of students receiving support increasing to 125 students, the highest ever number. This included 15 at university level, once again an increase on the previous year.

The support of our core donors enabled us to complete a large number of building projects including 18 school toilets and 9 water tanks. We also started work on the construction of a library for Yamba, to include a local history room and toilets.

We remain extremely grateful to our core supporters and volunteers for their continued support.

Sarah Mayne

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Aims and Objectives

The principal objectives of the charity are to alleviate poverty, sickness and distress and to advance education in the Tanga region of Tanzania, East Africa. The charity is currently working in and around the villages of Yamba and Milingano in the West Usambara Mountains.

Overview of the Charity’s Main Activities

The trustee directors have due regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit in deciding what activities the charity should undertake.

The main activities of the charity during 2022-23 were:

  1. Improving healthcare by providing emergency trips to hospital. This ambulance service benefitted the community living in the area in and around Yamba, Milingano and Makanya (population of approximately 7,000). It resulted in villagers receiving healthcare and it led to a continued reduction in the death rate in the area.

  2. Improving education by building school toilets and running a student sponsorship scheme covering kindergarten, primary, secondary, vocational and higher education students. Our work in this area has resulted in an increase in the exam pass rates in the schools the Charity supports, with many students reaching secondary, vocational and higher education.

  3. Running a building programme to support health and education work. School toilets and water tanks were completed at Kwetonge, Tuliani and Mgwashi primary schools.

  4. Providing a student sponsorship scheme. The primary school scheme provides the sponsored child with essentials such as a school uniform, blanket and hygiene kit. The secondary scheme provides rent, uniform and an allowance for books and stationery. The higher education scheme pays towards tuition fees, accommodation, meals and other costs. 125 students were covered by the scheme in 2022. Students in greatest need (ie orphans and single parent children) were prioritised to ensure that money was used where it was most needed.

  5. Encouraging local enterprise and sustainability. School uniforms and sweaters were made in Yamba and Milingano for the student sponsorship scheme, with shoes being made in Tanga.

  6. Distributing donated items. Items donated to the charity (including clothing) were distributed to the community, including those with physical and mental disabilities, to assist with their general well-being and health. In addition, flour and beans, toys, books and sporting equipment were distributed.

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Achievements and Performance

Progress Report 2022 - 2023

Figures below are for the calendar year 2022.

Health

The ambulance was used in emergencies to transport 79 patients to hospital (55 in 2021, 24 in 2020 and 52 in 2019). 27 of the patients were taken to Milingano Dispensary and 52 to Tanga.

Village Africa’s ambulance took 34 non-emergency patients to hospital or a dentist (32 in 2021, 7 in 2020 and 46 in 2019) when passing those facilities. Eight of the patients were taken to Milingano Dispensary and 26 to Tanga.

Sadly, 8 of these patients died in 2022. Two patients died in 2021, no patients died in 2020 and 4 patients died in 2019. Village Africa returned the deceased to the village for burial.

Twelve health seminars were held for the community in Makanya and 24 for pupils at Yamba Primary School. DVDs on health topics were shown to individuals or small groups. There were 145 viewings by girls in Saturday Club in Yamba, 30 by adults in Yamba and 46 by Village Africa staff.

Village Africa assisted with medical costs and subsistence when permanent staff needed treatment from hospitals in Tanga and Dar es Salaam. One member of staff had an eye operation.

Education

The Village Africa child sponsorship scheme called Simba Club covered 125 students (115 in 2021, 113 in 2020 and 118 in 2019).

The 2022 figure consists of 60 primary school, 37 secondary school, 3 A level, 7 vocational training, 3 professional college and 15 university students.

The above included courses in accountancy, computing, electricals, food hygiene and technology, law, livestock, masonry, nursing, sociology and social work and teaching.

One student completed a Law School course (following a Law degree).

Simba Club students gained the following qualifications:

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Six women (4 from Kwembalazi and 2 from Milingano) attended a 5-day Organic Agriculture Basic course in Morogoro, the next region. The Village Africa sponsor also provided capital for them to implement new ideas they had learnt.

Tuition was given to secondary school girls in Yamba two days per month.

The charity’s Yamba Community Library was open four times per week throughout the year and the Saturday Club for Girls was held during term time (excluding public holidays).

Village Africa continued links with the following UK schools: Chapel Allerton Primary School; Kingfisher Primary School; Queen’s Inclosure Primary School; St Breward Primary School and Wickford Church of England School.

Building

Village Africa did the following construction work:

Visitors

There were 11 overseas visitors to the charity. They were student nurses from Austria and Italy doing internships in Tanzania. (There were no overseas visitors in 2021 or 2020 due to the Covid19 pandemic.)

Distribution of items

Following two crop failures in a row, a UK businesswoman donated flour and beans for all villagers in Mweni-Yamba village for the second time. Village Africa organised the purchase and distribution of these. She also purchased two water tanks for the charity which were transported in the same lorries.

Knitted sweaters and hats were given to the youngest babies in Yamba and wool to Yamba Knitting Group.

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Second hand clothing and bags and new knitted garments were distributed to local volunteers.

New children’s story books in English were received from a donor and put in Yamba Community Library.

Three footballs were purchased (2 for Yamba Primary School and 1 for Village Africa’s visitor area where children play after school twice a week).

Second hand toys were placed at Mzizma visitor area.

Crafts

School uniforms and sweaters were made in Yamba and Milingano and shoes in Tanga for the Child Sponsorship Scheme (Simba Club).

Environment

Village Africa planted 35 avocado trees and 26 more teak trees in Yamba. The avocado tree variety takes 3 years to mature and the teak trees 16-18 years.

Publicity

Village Africa continued to use its website and social media (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram) to promote its activities and give feedback. It also sent eShots to those who had optedin to the mailing list.

Employment

The project created a lot of employment in Tanzania, including

Community involvement

The Government of Tanzania granted timber permits for Village Africa to build school toilets and water tanks at Tuliani Primary School and Mgwashi Primary School and to build a library and office space (with furniture for both) in Yamba.

Yamba villagers (assisted by Village Africa staff) continued to maintain the 4.7 km road to Yamba, especially after heavy rain.

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Five babies were named after Village Africa volunteers, visitors or supporters.

Support was given by the following:

Fundraising

Village Africa is registered with the Fundraising Regulator and is committed to following its fundraising best practice. One of the trustees works as the charity’s main fundraiser on a part-time basis, supported by the other trustees who assist with applying for grants from grant-making trusts. This means that all fund-raising is undertaken in-house. We do not use any external fundraisers.

We take our responsibilities seriously and no complaints have been received regarding our fundraising methods. The charity fundraises primarily through email newsletters to existing supporters (who have agreed to receive such correspondence) and by using social media. We do not carry out telephone campaigns or door to door collections. We have done street collections occasionally and we always apply for the necessary licence for the date in question.

Many of our supporters are regular givers (e.g. by participating in the student sponsorship scheme). The charity also approaches third party organisations for grants. It does not hold its own events, but it encourages supporters to hold events (e.g. cake sales) or to participate in events organised by others (e.g charity runs).

Further details of the fundraising activities carried out in 2022 are set out below:

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The charity continued to receive donations when supporters shopped online at Easyfundraising, SmileAmazon and Humble or when they bought or sold on eBay.

Village Africa retained its Sponsor the Ambulance and its Match a Job (in Tanzania) schemes.

Future developments and challenges

The charity faces a number of challenges in the year ahead due to the ongoing global instability and cost of living crisis. This is likely to continue and adversely affect both the charity’s income and expenditure. Adjustments may be required (e.g. to the building programme) to account for reduced funding. Village Africa is committed to providing its core services, such as the ambulance service, and these activities will remain our focus. As part of this, the charity will need to fundraise sufficient funds in the coming years to replace the existing vehicle, which will be a significant undertaking.

Financial Review

It is Village Africa’s policy to hold a contingency fund of at least £12,000 to cover key staff salaries in the event of a significant fall in the charity’s income. As of 28 February 2023 the reserve fund stands at £12,557. A majority vote of the directors is required to release the reserve funds.

Income

Village Africa received a total income of £83,337 during its financial year ended 28 February 2023. The charity’s main income source was from donations and grants (£82,286), with Kids Helping Kids and the Lloyd’s Market Charity Awards being our principal grant givers, particularly for building projects.

Expenditure

Village Africa’s overall expenditure in its financial year ended 28 February 2023 was £107,950 made up of UK expenditure of £5,830 and Tanzanian expenditure of £102,120.

Declaration

The trustees declare that they have approved the above report.

Signed on their behalf by:

Sarah Mayne, Chair

Mark Matfield, Treasurer

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VILLAGE AFRICA

LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

Chair: Sarah Mayne Secretary: Sarah Mayne Treasurer: Mark Matfield Other Directors for the period: Caroline Johnston Allison Shaw Christina Francis Emma Southey (Emma Southcombe from 10/09/22) Bethany Taylor

Registered Office: Company limited by Guarantee

138 Belgrave Road London E11 3QR Number: 06086681

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VILLAGE AFRICA

STATEMENT OF DIRECTORS’ RESPONSIBILITIES

The law applicable to charities in England and Wales requires the Trustees who for the sake of company law are also known as Directors to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the Charity’s financial activities during the year and of its financial position at the end of the year. In preparing financial statements giving a true and fair view, the Trustees/Directors should follow best practice and:

The Trustees/Directors are responsible for keeping accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy the financial position of the Charity and which enable them to ascertain the financial position of the Charity and which enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. The Trustees/Directors are responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

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Independent Examiner’s report to the trustees of Village Africa Year ended 28 February 2023

Charity Commission Reference 1122420

The charity’s trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity’s trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 (the charities act) and that an independent examination is needed. It is my responsibility to:

My examination was carried out in accordance with the general directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required for an audit and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts represent a ‘true and fair view’ and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.

In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:

(1) Which gives me reasonable cause to believe that, in any material respect, the requirements:

have not been met,

(2) To which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Sangaranathan Ravishangar ACMA, CGMA

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VILLAGE AFRICA

REPORT OF THE DIRECTORS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 28[TH] FEBRUARY 2023

The directors present their report and the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 28[th] February 2023. These financial statements are prepared in accordance with the company’s Memorandum and Articles of Association and the Statement of Recommended Practice – Accounting and Reporting by Charities and comply with applicable law.

1. Objects and Constitution

The principal objects of the charity are to alleviate poverty, sickness and distress and to advance education in the Tanga region of Tanzania.

2. Organisational Structure

The management of the charity is the responsibility of the directors.

3. Review of Activities

This is the sixteenth full year of operation of the charity.

4. Reserves Policy

Village Africa designates £12,000 of the reserves to cover one year’s annual salary for core staff.

5. Risk Management

The Board of Directors has examined the major risks to which the charity is exposed and confirms that systems have been established to endeavour to lessen these risks.

  1. Related Parties and Connected Charities

There are no related parties or connected charities.

Approved by the directors on [date] and signed on their behalf by:

Sarah Mayne, Chair

Mark Matfield, Treasurer

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VILLAGE AFRICA

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 28[TH] FEBRUARY 2023


INCOMING RESOURCES
Volunteer & Visitor Fees
Donations
Bank Interest
Other Income
TOTAL INCOMING RESOURCES
RESOURCES EXPENDED
Charitable Expenditure:
Cost of Activities to Further
Charity’s Objectives
Management and Administration
TOTAL RESOURCES EXPENDED
NET RESOURCES FOR THE
YEAR
NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS FOR
THE YEAR
Total Funds at 28thFebruary 2022
Total Funds at 28thFebruary 2023		 2023
General
Funds
£
300
40,911
337
211
41,759
50,732
5,458
56,190
(14,431)
(14,431)
60,601
46,170		 2023
Restricted
Funds
£

201
41,377
-
-
41,578
51,760
-
51,760
(10,182)
(10,182)
6,592
(3,590)		 Total
2023
£
501

82,288
337
211
83,337
102,492
5,458
107,950
(24,613)
(24,613)
67,193
42,580		 Total
2022
£
-
81,255
300
463
82,018
92,052
4,240
96,292
(14,274)
(14,274)
81,467
67.193

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VILLAGE AFRICA BALANCE SHEET

AS AT 28[TH] FEBRUARY 2023


FIXED ASSETS
Motor vehicles
IT Equipment
CURRENT ASSETS
Cash at Bank
Creditors
NET CURRENT ASSETS
NET ASSETS
FUNDS
Restricted
General Funds
Total Funds		 Notes
2		 2023
£
42,525
-
£
-
55
55
42,525
42,580
(3,590)
46,170
42,580		 2022
£
64,459
2,418		 £
-
316
316
66,877
67,193
6,592
60,601
67,193

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VILLAGE AFRICA BALANCE SHEET AS AT 28[TH] FEBRUARY 2023

For the year ending 28[th] February 2023 the company was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 (2) of the Companies Act 2006.

The members have not required the company to obtain an audit in accordance with section 476 of the Companies Act 2006.

The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for:

The financial statements were approved by the directors on [date] and signed on their behalf by:

Sarah Mayne, Chair

Mark Matfield, Treasurer

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VILLAGE AFRICA NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

YEAR ENDED 28[TH] FEBRUARY 2023

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention and in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard for Smaller Entities (effective January 2007).

Donations, Fees and Similar Incoming Resource

Donations, fees and similar incoming resources are included in the year in which they are receivable, which is when the charity becomes entitled to the resource.

Expenditure

All expenditure is included on an accruals basis and is recognised when there is a legal or constructive obligation to pay for expenditure. All costs have been directly attributed to one of the functional categories of resources expended in the SOFA. The charity is not registered for VAT and accordingly expenditure is shown gross of irrecoverable VAT.

Depreciation

Depreciation has been provided at the following rates in order to write off the assets over their estimated useful lives.

Motor vehicles 25% straight line IT equipment 25% straight line

Foreign currencies

Transactions, monetary assets and liabilities denominated in Tanzanian shillings are translated to sterling at the average bank rate for actual currency transfers for the financial year (2668 shillings to the pound for 2022/23).

2. RESERVES

Reserves at 28 February 2023 stand at £42,580. It is the policy of the charity to designate £12,000 of this to cover one year’s annual salary for core staff.

3. GENERAL FUNDS

The amount of £3,644 due to admin and bookkeeping differences in the accounts has been adjusted in the General Funds expenditure.

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VILLAGE AFRICA

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

YEAR ENDED 28[TH] FEBRUARY 2023

4. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS

Cost
At 28thFebruary 2022
Additions
Disposals
At 28thFebruary 2023
Depreciation
At 28thFebruary 2022
Charge for the year
At 28thFebruary 2023
Net book value
At 28thFebruary 2022
At 28thFebruary 2023		 £
62,297
-
-
62,297
61,981
261
62,242
316
55

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