Zoe Sarojini Education Trust
Annual Report for 2023
July 2024
This report was written by the trustees of the Zoe Sarojini Education Trust and approved by them.
Signed:
Emily Young Chair of the Trustees
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Table of Contents
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Reference and Administrative Details
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Structure Governance and management
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Financial Review Unrestricted Fund and policy on Reserves
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Public benefit Statement
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Objectives and activities
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a. Charity Objectives (governing document) b. Charity Aims
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Achievement and performance Aim 1: Support the education of individual children in need 1. Supporting children to go to good schools 2. Ensure basic needs in shelter and food are met
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Contributing to the enrichment of our children’s education
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Enabling access to the internet and IT learning
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Communication between sponsors and children
AIM 2 : Support and strengthen innovative education models
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Raising Funds in 2023 Regular donors One-off events and donations
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Conclusion
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1. Reference and Administrative Details
a) Name of the Charity: Zoe Sarojini Education Trust
b) Charity registration number: 1135609
c) Address: 88 Hamilton Road, Reading RG1 5RD
d) Trustees:
Dorothy Schwarz (since February 2010) Tanya Murphy (since February 2010) Laura Burch Schwarz (since September 2011)
Emily Young (formerly Hogge) (since September 2011) - Chair
2. Structure Governance and management
a. Nature of the governing document
We have a Trust Deed, dated the 1[st] February 2010.
b. Recruitment of trustees
Trustees are recruited because of their interest in the work and mission of the charity and their specific skills.
c. Training of trustees
Trustees are invited to read the relevant documents pertaining to the role of trustees that the Charity Commission publishes. They are also inducted in the operations and requirements of the charity.
d. Organisational structure
Decisions are taken by consensus by the trustees. Strategic decisions are made during meetings (face to face or over Skype) and operational decisions are taken by sub-groups of trustees during phone conversations and conference calls.
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3. Financial Review
The year 2023 has been another successful year for the Trust. We raised £ 59.435 and donated £ 41,361 . Our costs for the year were £ 516 for paypal fees and building a new website.
The Table below shows how our money was spent:
| Fund names | Fund balances 1st January 2023 |
Incoming resources |
Outgoing resources |
Fund balances 31st December 2023 |
transfer from unrestrict ed funds |
Adjusted balances 31st Dec 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Khethani | - | 10,939 | -14,109 | -3,171 | 3,171 | 0 |
| Zisize | 480 | 360 | 0 | 840 | -840 | - |
| Enrichment | 1,574 | 4,303 | -615 | 5,262 | 5,262 | |
| Cape Town | 9,240 | 5,857 | -7,766 | 7,331 | 7,331 | |
| Misty Meadows |
- | 29,631 | -18,872 | 10,759 | 10,759 | |
| University Fund |
4,528 | 1,240 | - | 5,768 | 5,768 | |
| Total Restricted |
15,822 | 52,330 | -41,361 | 26,790 | 2,331 | 29,122 |
| Endowment | 1,000 | 1,000 | 1,000 | |||
| Unrestricted | 17,617 | 7,105 | -516 | 24,206 | -2,331 | 21,875 |
| Total Funds | 34,439 | 59,435 | -41,877 | 51,997 | - | 51,997 |
Unrestricted Fund and policy on Reserves
This fund is broken down as follows:
| Designated as reserves: | £ 7,000 |
|---|---|
| Available for spending during 2023: | £ 14,875 |
| Total: | £ 21,875 |
The Trust holds a reserve of £ 7,000. This sum is equivalent to approx 20% of our regular outgoings. It aims to cover sponsorship for our children should donors unexpectedly quit at short notice while new sponsors are found.
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Please see our Financial Accounts, available on the Charity Commission’s website for further details of the Trust’s finances in 2023.
4. Public benefit Statement
The trustees have complied with the duty in section 17 of the Charities Act 2011 to have due regard to public benefit guidance published by the Commission.
We benefit the public through our objective of promoting the education of children in South Africa and elsewhere. Specifically, we support children to attend quality schools and fund the associated costs as required, such as school fees, uniforms, stationery and transport to school. We also enhance the education of the children we sponsor by ensuring as far as possible adequate living conditions for them.
5. Objectives and activities
a. Charity Objectives (governing document)
The Objectives of our charity, as set out in the Governing Document are:
For the public benefit to promote the education of people under the age of 30 years worldwide in such ways as the charity trustees think fit, including by:
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Awarding to such persons scholarships, maintenance allowances or grants tenable at any school, university, college or institution of education;
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Providing their education (including the study of music or other arts), to undertake travel in furtherance of that education or to prepare for entry to any occupation, trade or profession on leaving any educational establishment.
b. Charity Aims
The Zoë Sarojini Education Trust’s purpose is to help children, particularly girls, living in poverty to go to school. The Trust was set up in memory of Zoë Sarojini Schwarz, a loved and loving young woman who suffered from bipolar depression and took her own life in August 2000.
Overall Aim One: Support the education of individual children in need
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The Trust enables donors, singly or in small groups, to fund the education of individual youngsters. We work through trusted and experienced volunteers in the Cape Town and Kwazulu-Natal regions of South Africa who help us select the most suitable youngsters to be funded, channel the funds directly to the relevant schools and colleges, and act as mentors to the youngsters. The children and young people we help are chosen according to local need and opportunity, with no preconceived criteria.
In addition to covering school fees, the Trust aims to ensure its sponsored children have their basic needs for shelter and food met.
The Trust also aims to fund enrichment extra-curricular activities for its sponsored children.
Finally, the Trust aims to facilitate communication between children and sponsors. If sponsors wish to, they and their families can maintain on-going personal contact with the young people they are sponsoring in order to encourage them, monitor their progress, mentor them and form long-term relationships.
Overall Aim Two: Support and strengthen innovative education models
The Zoe Sarojini Education Trust aims to work closely with a small number of education partners that it deems provide powerful innovative education models to enable quality education for disadvantaged young people.
6. Achievement and performance
2023 was another successful year for the trust. We continued to support our children and partner schools and projects successfully with positive outcomes. Our sponsors remained supportive and despite a difficult financial time for the world we have maintained and even gained support.
We set out below our achievements in 2023 against the aims stated above.
Aim 1: Support the education of individual children in need
1. Supporting children to go to good schools
In 2023, we supported 18 individual children and young adults to access quality education in South Africa. The children range in age from 11 to 23.
Ingwavuma, Kwazulu Natal
Two children went to Khethani Christian School in Ingwavuma, in Kwazulu Natal. They were selected by a local charity Zisize (see www.zisize.org). One child attended a private school in a nearby town. Two children attended Richards Bay Christian School staying in a
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hostel with other children from Ingwavuma.One child attended Durban University.
All six of these children are children whose parents cannot afford school fees due to a lack of work or poorly paid work. One lives in the Zisize-run orphanage.
Three children are adopted children of Michelle and Neil Coetzee, who have set up the Umndeni Wabantwana children’s home for their twelve adopted children.
Cape Town
Four children went to school in Cape Town. These children live in Cape Town townships. Their families are hard-working but cannot afford the school fees of schools that provide a vastly superior education to the township education they received previously.
Howick, Kwazulu Natal
This year we continued to support five children at Misty Meadows School, Howick. These children come from loving and hard-working families however they cannot afford to send their children to Misty Meadows. They live either on the farm or in the local township.
2. Ensure basic needs in shelter and food are met
The Zisize-run orphanage which the Zoe Trust helped to build remains a loving and caring home for 18 children including three Zoe Trust children. The home provides food and shelter as well as emotional and educational support. We were also able to support the two children who attended Richards Bay Christian School with uniform, textbook, electrical and boarding costs.
3. Contributing to the enrichment of our children’s education
The money for enrichment is raised through monthly donations and one-off fundraising events throughout the year. The money is spent on projects that are put forward to the trust by our mentors in South Africa who work alongside our children.
This extra level of care is what makes the Zoe Trust unique as it allows us to provide all round care for our children giving them the best possible chance to succeed.
We have continued to provide stationery, transport, uniforms and textbooks for our children. This takes the pressure off parents who are struggling to feed their children. It also allows us to make sure that they have what they need to be successful at school.
This year we have also continued to support a workshop space at Misty Meadows. The aim of the space is to provide the children with practical experience in woodwork, electrical engineering and elements of mechanical engineering.
We have also paid for trips and outings so that our children can have their enrichment opportunities in line with their peers.
4. Enabling access to the internet and IT learning
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This year we continued to support computer programmes at Misty Meadows providing continued internet access.
5. Communication between sponsors and children
Child sponsor correspondence continued in 2023. Several sponsors and children wrote to each other this year whether via text, voice notes, photos or email. In addition, we received termly updates from our children via our mentors. As trustees, we are in constant communication with our mentors which allows us to keep up to date with our children’s progress and react to emergencies as and when they arise.
Our children love this communication and it allows them to feel connected and accountable.
AIM 2 : Support and strengthen innovative education models
The trust worked with two carefully-vetted and trusted education providers, providing both tangible funding and capacity building as required.
Misty Meadows School (South Africa)
We are now in our ninth year of partnership with Misty Meadows School.
Although we were unable to visit Misty Meadows this year we have maintained constant communication with Cassie, the head teacher of the school, so that we can support her with her continued work.
We were delighted to contribute to the growth of the school via a one-off donation of £20,676 (see below)
Khethani School (South Africa)
We are in our fifteenth year of partnership with Khethani Christian School.
Although we were unable to visit Khethani this year, we have maintained constant communication with Sylvia, the head teacher of the school, so that we can support her with her continued work.
7. Raising Funds in 2023
Regular donors
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In 2023, we maintained regular contact with our regular donors. We sent out regular updates via email and updated Facebook, Twitter and our website. In addition, each sponsor received updates on their child’s progress.
Our Facebook and twitter pages are updated with pictures and messages from trustees, mentors, sponsors and our children directly. It has provided a fast and visual way for our sponsors and children to connect.
One-off events and donations
This year we didn’t hold any one-off events.
We were delighted to receive a donation of £26,767 from Geeks without Frontiers, a US based NGO. £20,767 went towards the building of a new classroom at Misty Meadows as well as essential refurbishment (the works to be completed in 2024), and £6,000 contributed to our unrestricted fund, to spend as needed.
8. Conclusion
2023 has been another successful year for the trust. We have supported a number of children to transition to new secondary schools whilst also helping some to complete their final matric exams and secure places at university. We have also worked closely with our mentors to support our children through difficult times, making sure that they have the guidance and backing they need to navigate school meetings and difficult decisions.
We have continued to strengthen our relationship with Misty Meadows, supporting the school as a whole and raising funds for the high school project. We look forward to supporting them into 2024 as they launch their high school project.
We have also continued to strengthen our relationship with sponsors, working with them to communicate with their children and help in encouraging and motivating them to work hard. These strong relationships reap benefits for all involved.
We have also launched a new website and are enjoying our strengthened online presence.
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Charity Number 1135609
ZOE SAROJINI EDUCATION TRUST
YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
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Charity Number 1135609
ZOE SAROJINI EDUCATION TRUST
YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023
CONTENTS OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
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2 Contents
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3 Receipts and Payments Account
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4 Statement of Assets and Liabilities
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5-6 Notes
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7 Independent Examiner's Report
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Charity Number 1135609
ZOE SAROJINI EDUCATION TRUST
YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023
STATEMENT OF RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNT
| Notes INCOMING RESOURCES Voluntary Income TOTAL RESOURCES EXPENSED Charitable Activities Costs of Generating Voluntary Income 3 Governance 4 TOTAL NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS BALANCES B/FWD 1 JANUARY transfer from unrestricted to restricted funds BALANCES C/FWD 31 DECEMBER 6.2 |
Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Endowment Funds 2023 2022 £ £ £ 7,105 52,330 59,435 28,747 |
|---|---|
| 7,105 52,330 - 59,435 28,747 |
|
| - 41,361 - 41,361 37,504 516 - 516 104 - - - - |
|
| 516 41,361 - 41,877 37,608 |
|
| - 6,589 10,969 - 17,558 8,861 - 17,617 15,822 1,000 34,439 43,300 2,331 - 2,331 - |
|
| 21,875 29,122 1,000 51,997 34,439 |
The notes on pages 5 to 6 form part of this account
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Charity Number 1135609
ZOE SAROJINI EDUCATION TRUST
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES AT 31 DECEMBER 2023
| Notes CURRENT ASSETS Cash at bank FUNDS OF THE CHARITY 6 Unrestricted Restricted Endowment TOTAL FUNDS |
Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Endowment Funds Total 2023 TOTAL 2022 £ £ £ £ 21,875 29,122 1,000 51,997 34,439 |
|---|---|
| 21,875 - - 21,875 17,617 - 29,122 - 29,122 15,822 - - 1,000 1,000 1,000 |
|
| 21,875 29,122 1,000 51,997 34,439 |
Approved by the Trustees on and signed on its behalf by
Emily Young, Chair of the Trust
The notes on pages 5 to 6 form part of this account
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Charity Number 1135609
ZOE SAROJINI EDUCATION TRUST
YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL ACCOUNTS
Note 1 Basis of preparation
1.1 Basis of accounting
The accounts have been prepared on a receipts and payments basis.
1.2 Change in basis of accounting
There has been no change to the accounting policies (valuation rules and methods of accounting) since last year.
1.3 Changes to previous accounts
No changes have been made to the accounts for the previous year .
2. Accounting policies
2.1 Incoming resources
Donations are recognised when received. Gift Aid refunds are recognised on receipt from the tax office. Gift aid for 2023 will be requested on total donations of £ 14,286
2.2 Resources expended
Grants and donations are accounted for when paid over, or when awarded, if that award creates a binding or constructive obligation on the Trust. All other expenditure is generally recognised when it is incurred and is accounted for gross.
2.3 Funds
Endowment Fund is a fund, the capital of which must be maintained.
Restricted Funds represent grants and donations received for a specific object of the Trust. The funds may only be expended on the specific object for which they were given. Any balance remaining unspent at the end of each year must be carried forward as a balance on that fund.
Unrestricted Fund is a general fund which can be used for Trust ordinary purposes.
| 3. Cost of Generating Voluntary Income Paypal fees, new website design, data registration 4. Governance Independent examiner's fees Number of trustees who were paid fees 5.1 Trustee fees 5.2 Trustee expenses 5 Details of certain items of expenditure |
2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| £516 | £104 | |
| £0 | £0 | |
| £0 | £0 | |
| none none |
none | |
| none |
continued...........
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Charity Number 1135609
ZOE SAROJINI EDUCATION TRUST
YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL ACCOUNTS
6 Funds
6.1 Funds Held
| 6.1 Funds Held | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fund Name | Note for 2023 | Purpose and Restrictions |
| Cape Town | This fund pays for the education costs of the children that we sponsor in Cape Town. | |
| Enrichment | This fund covers extracurricular activities for our sponsored children, one-off education necessities such as uniforms and text books, and homework clubs. |
|
| Khethani | This fund covers the fees of our scholarship children who attend the Khethani School and schools which Khethani School alumni attend. |
|
| Zisize | This fund covers the educational costs of children we support in conjunction with Zisize Education Trust. As these children have now finished school, this fund is being closed at the end of 2023 and remainingfunds transfered to unrestricted. |
|
| Misty Meadows | This fund is to support the education of children at Misty Meadows in KwaZulu-Natal. | |
| University Funds | This fund is to support the tertiary education of Zoe Trust children. |
6.2 Movements of funds
| Fund names | Fund balances 1st January 2023 £ |
Incoming resources £ |
Outgoing resources £ |
Fund balances 31st December 2023 £ |
transfer from unrestricted funds £ |
Adjusted balances 31st Dec 2023 £ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Khethani | - | 10,939 360 4,303 5,857 29,631 1,240 |
-14,109 -3,171 |
3,171 | 0 | |
| Zisize | 480 | 0 | 840 | -840 |
- | |
| Enrichment | 1,574 | -615 | 5,262 | 5,262 | ||
| Cape Town | 9,240 | -7,766 | 7,331 | 7,331 | ||
| Misty Meadows | - | -18,872 | 10,759 | 10,759 | ||
| University Fund | 4,528 15,822 |
- | 5,768 26,791 |
2,331 |
5,768 29,122 |
|
| Total Restricted | 52,330 | -41,361 | ||||
| Endowment | 1,000 | 1,000 | 1,000 | |||
| Unrestricted | 17,617 | 7,105 | -516 | 24,206 | -2,331 |
21,875 |
| Total Funds | 34,439 | 59,435 | -41,877 |
51,997 |
- | 51,997 |
| 6.3 Transfer of Funds | ||||||
This represents transfer of funds from unrestricted to cover project expenditure
6.4 Endowment Fund
This sum is provided by the first trustees on the trusts declared in the trust deed.
| 6.5 Unrestricted Fund This fund is broken down as follows Designated as Reserves Unrestricted Funds Total |
2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| 7,000 | 7,000 | |
| 14,875 | 10,617 | |
| 21,875 | 17,617 |
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INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT ON THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
To the Trustees of Zoe Sarojini Education Trust
I report on the accounts of the Trust for the year ended 31 December 2023, which are set out on pages 1 to 6.
Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner
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:
examine the accounts under section 145 of the Charities Act;
to follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Charities Act; and
to state whether any particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of independent examiner’s statement
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 the trustees concerning any such matters.
The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a 'true and fair view' and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.
Independent examiner’s statement
In connection with my examination, no material matters have come to my attention: which gives me cause to believe that in any material respect:
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accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act or
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the accounts do not accord with the accounting records
I have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in order to enable to a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Name: Carrie Sewell
Address Channel Court, Hill Road, Clevedon, England, BS21 7NE
Dated 29-8-2024
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