## **ANNUAL REPORT 2023 - 2024** **Africa’s Gift Ltd Company Number 08263480 Registered Charity number 1149830** Contents Page A word from the Chair A word from our Patron Our Supporters and Donors Our purpose and public benefit Eco-cook Bags & celebrity cookin uganda & Marian's Eden Moshoeshoe Walk Masemouse Masemouse-The Fish Farm Malealea- The Teaching Farm Our 23124 priorities & achievements Looking ahead- our priorities for 24-25 Our finances Our governance Our administration 10 12 13 14 15 16 17 ## **A WORD FROM THE CHAIR** Every step forward in Africa fills me with renewed hope and deepened commitment to this remarkable continent. Over the past year, we have continued to share biodegradable cook bags with communities, which have already reduced smoke inhalation, decreased deforestation, and allowed families more time by easing the burdens of collecting firewood and water. These small innovations are creating tangible changes in everyday lives and in the environment. Our efforts in promoting sustainable agriculture have helped more communities avoid the devastating effects of over-ploughing, with proper crop rotation ensuring that the land can continue to support future generations. Likewise, our ongoing support for the Batwa and Kigezi communities in Uganda is showing promising signs of reversing the effects of their displacement, empowering them to build a more secure future. However, as our impact grows, so do the challenges. Africa’s Gift is working hard to address these pressing needs, but we cannot do it alone. The scale of the work remains immense, and we need your continued support to make a lasting impact. Together, we are changing lives—but there is still much to be done. Thank you for standing by us, and please continue to support us, share our story, and encourage others to join in this journey. Rest assured, every penny you contribute will be put to powerful, life-changing use. **KEN DUNN** CHAIR ## **A Word From Our Patron - Prince Seeiso** “I am very proud to be patron of Africa's Gift - a charity that changes lives, that champions collaborative working, and that promotes education for sustainable development. Confident that its influence will continue to expand and develop, I encourage you to support this charity, as 100% of your donation will be used for maximum benefit in an African community.” ## **Our Supporters & Donors** **Our huge thanks to everyone who has contributed to our work this year, including;** e Africa’s Gift subscription members Africa’s Gift Trustees & their families Africa’s Gift volunteers and fundraisers Sheffield Hallam University Darcey for collecting shoes Birkdale School in Sheffield who names us as their charity of the year for 23/24 Meena Samara, Angel Assets Harrison Wealth Management SAB Textiles Dr Charlotte Verney MDR LLP Luxe Club Retreats Kenneth Allen His Excellency, the British High Commissioner for Lesotho, Harry MacDonald ## **Our Purpose & Public Benefit** Africa’s Gift Ltd is a charitable company, holding no share capital, limited by guarantee, and governed by Articles of Association (November 2012). The charity exists primarily to: 1. **Promote sustainable economic and agricultural development in Africa with a particular focus on the Malealea valley, Lesotho through;** the conservation and protection of the environment and prudent use of resources; the promotion of sustainable agricultural practice and other means of achieving economic growth and regeneration 2. **Address poverty and improve living conditions in socially and economically disadvantaged communities, particularly, but not exclusively in the Malealea Valley by:** contributing to the relief of financial hardship of both adults and children, by offering specific grants, subsidising goods that will improve people’s lives or funding specific improvement projects; supporting disadvantaged children, including orphans, to attend school by providing uniforms and other assistance, and funding fees; working with schools to improve their facilities and the quality of education, including learning about sustainable agriculture and wider economic development. 3. **Build wider understanding and garner support for our work across communities in the developed world, with particular focus on Yorkshire, by;** supporting school, workplace, university and social groups to undertake working visits to Africa (paricularly Malealea Valley) and to make a longer term commitment to support our work; tirelessly promoting our work and achievements by all appropriate means ## **ECO-COOK BAGS & CELEBRITY COOKING** We are delighted that the Tanzanian Red Cross have 20 Eco-Cook Bags in use and that feedback from the field is that these have been very well received and that more are wanted. The funding of them remains an issue. Celebrity Chef Ska Moteane joined Ken on a visit to take part in a cooking challenge. Her work promotes healthy eating using local sustainable produce, and her vision is to The Eco-Cook Bag uses sustainable hemp to provide its insulation embracing Basotho recipes for the Eco-Cook Bag. This work was supported by a grant from the British High Commission, drawing on funds from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office fight hunger in local communities. She’s an impressive lady and we’re delighted that she joined us. The aim of the project was to highlight the variety of meals that can be cooked in the EcoCook Bag and the results were delicious! ## **Uganda & Marian’s Eden** Africa’s Gift visited Marian’s Eden in August 2023. During that time, members worked on the pocket pharmacy, removing invasive species and mulching, allowing the coffee and medicinal plants the space to thrive. The Manager, Lilian, is a multi-talented young mum! She made an Eco-Cook Bag with a template from Tanzania, then proceeded to cook with it, which was joyous to see. We have consolidated Marian’s Eden as a forest for the Batwa & Kigezi communities. Non native eucalyptus has been cut down and the wood stored for the future building of a visitors centre. ## **Moshoeshoe Walk** In March of 2024, Ken participated in the Annual Moshoeshoe Walk to commemorate the founding father of Lesotho. It’s an arduous 3-day walk and Ken was joined by volunteers. As he always does, Ken took the opportunity throughout the walk to to promote the work of Africa’s Gift and the Eco-Cook Bag. ## **Masemouse** Masemouse a remote village in Lesotho, beyond the Malealea Valley, which has been the focus of much of our work (please contact is you’d like to see the report on the Malealea Teaching Farm we established to case study sustainable agriculture) Here we were building upon earlier work, having identified new and committed leaders within the community. We funded extensive training in sustainable agriculture where the community has shown real enthusiasm. That encouraged us to work with the community to bring dormant fish ponds to life. ## **Masemouse - The Fish Farm** Draining & Repairing the Fish Farm at Masemouse Looking ahead we hope to re-stock the fish ponds, having taken advice from the relevant Ministry on the species we should introduce. The fish ponds are now watertight. Stronger fencing is needed along with drain holes at the bottom of each pond so that they can be flushed through and oxygenated. Shade netting is also needed. Consideration is being given to introducing ducks and a maggot farm. Security will be required when the fish are grown. ## **Malealea - The Teaching Farm** In 2022/23 we transfered ownership to the community with a local farmer taking over management under the Malealea Development Trust . We subsequently introduced greater expertise on sustainable agriculture but problems remained. This year that expertise and leadership has been further strengthened. While not accountable, we will continue to take a close interest and offer support where needed. ## **In 22/23, we set the following priorities for 23/24. Here’s how we performed against them;** ## 1. **Consider additional support for the development of Marian’s Eden** Land cleared, new plantings of native, particularly medicinal plants, and coffee. Introduction of an eco cookbag **2. Supporting Masemouse & the teaching farm with cover cropping** Great application of sustainable agriculture including crop rotation and use of cover crops **3. Discussing with the Malealea Development Trust their first project in Tsinyane which will likely require our support to progress** Significant donation attracted to support developing sustainable agriculture in Tsinyane, coupled with reviving keyhole gardens there and across Malealea to enhance the potential for self sufficiency ## **4. To conclude the building work in Leribe at the Phelisanong Children Centre** The latest phase of construction is now complete thanks to the building team and significant fundraising led by Paul Selina in Canada 5. **To continue to identify sources & funding for eco-cook bags** Attracted over £3000 invest in the production of eco Cookbags, supported by new research evidence of their effectiveness and potential for carbon savings and a new cookbook in Sesotho language ## **Looking Ahead Our Priorities for 2024-2025** I) Respond to the threat to food security in Lesotho: * Expand the production and distribution of eco cookbags in Malealea and further afield . Cookbag free women to produce more food * Support the MDT in reinforce good practice in the use of cook bags * Improve food production through more attention to sustainable agriculture - A focus on Masmouse, the teaching Farm and Tsinyane as centres of excellence * Extend the use of keyhole gardens throughout Malealea ii) Marian's Eden: sustain current progress, while seeking funding for a step change in investment to support wide tourist engagement to build sustainability. iii) Eco cookbags: seek funding to enable a step change in manufacture linked to a far wide promotion, potential linked to realising their carbon offsetting potential. ## **Our Finances** ## **Our Finances at a Glance** ## **Cash Reserves:** It is charity policy to ring-fence donations or support received for specific projects, whilst also keeping in reserve an agreed sum (annually reviewed) for unexpected costs. Thus for 2024-2025 we are carrying forward significant funds identified for planned developments at Tsinyane, Masemouse, and Ribaneng, further progress with our cookbag manufacturing initiative, and work on Marian’s Eden forest pharmacy. Where the amounts held are insufficient, we expect to raise the balance through fund raising initiatives. **Our Governance** _ Our Trustees meet a minimum of 4 times a year, in addition to our AGM Our Trustees serve an initial term of 3-years after which they can seek reappointment for further terms. Any person willing to act as a Trustee will be considered and, where appropriate, appointed by the board at a General S Meeting Trustees take very seriously their duty to ensure that the charity’s income is used for public benefit. Although there is an annual licence cost for the online processing of donations and Gift Aid, we do not spend donors’ gifts on fundraising schemes, and we are confident that whilst reporting the impact of charitable activities upon the lives of both African and (visiting) volunteer beneficiaries, we also take great care to identify best value for money. Please see this year’s financial review for further details. ## **Our** ## **Administration** **Principle Charity Office** Carholme, 22 Parkfield Road, Rotherham, S65 2AT ## **Our Trustees** Kenneth Dunn Helen Bailey Teri Stephenson Michael Fletcher Paul Keen Val Penycate, Julie Robinson (resigned 12th September 2024) Registered Company Number - 08263480 Registered Charity Number - 1149830 This report was approved by the Trustees of Africa’s Gift on 11th October 2024 **Africa’s Gift Ltd Company Number 08263480 Registered Charity number 1149830** Africa's Gift Ltd Registered Charity Number 1149830 Company number 8263480 Financial Statements Year ending 31 May 2024 Contents: Director< Report Profit & Loss Account Balance Sheet Appendix A- details of cash income & expenditures These accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention, and in accordan￿ with the Finanaal Reporting Standard for Smaller Entities (effective January 2015). The Company is limited by guarantee and does not have share capital. Africa's Gift Ltd Registered Charity Number 1149830 Company number 8263480 Directors. Report The Directors have pleasure in presenting the report and unaudited company accounts for the year ending 31 May 2024. The directors who served during the year are . Helen Bailey Appointed 13.11.2020 Kenneth Ronald Dunn Appointed 22.10.2012 Michael Robert Fletcher Appointed 02.12.2015 Paul Keen Appointed 24.02.2016 Valerie Mary Penycate Appointed 12.10.2018 Julie Corbyn Appointed 29.04.2022 Teresa Mary Stephenson Appointed 13.11.2020 This report was approved by the Board of Directors on 3 June 2024 Reglstered office SIEned Carholme 22 Parkfield Road Rotherham South Yorks S65 2AT Kenneth R Dunn (for the Board of Directors) Africa's Gift Ltd Registered Charity Number 1149830 Company number 8263480 Profft and Loss Account Year ending 31 May 2024 Total cash balan￿ held at l June 2023 6,272.52 Income- charitable donations 42.551.75 Income- other 21.369.18 Expenditure- charitable objects 37,636.05 Expenditure- other 24.174.44 Totol carryfvward (rt 31 May 2024 &382.96 Forfurther details of individual items of income and expenditure. please referto pages 5 & 6. Africa's Gift Ltd Registered Charity Number 1149830 Company number 8263480 Balance Sheet Year ending 31 May 2024 Cash in bank, charitable donations 8,218.31 Cash in bank, Happy Feet and SA crafts 164.65 Cash in bank, other Ivolunteer payments, future visit Costs) TotalAssets s￿2.96 Uabllltles1202>24) Donations held for contribulions to running expenses (ComrnunityTeaching fami, Malealea. Lesotho 156.56 Donations held on behalf of Malealea DevelopmentTTUSt (Ribaneng Catholsc Primary School, and planned developments at Tsinyane and Masemouse) 5,185.51 Donations held for cookbag developments. and associated ongoing conservation works L615.07 Donations held for ongoing development of Marian's Eden, forest pharniacyp Uganda 396.50 Monies held to r&invest in new Stock (Happy Feet and South African crafts> 164.65 Funds held for future volunteer visits (costed trdvel and accomodation) + Cash ReseNes 864.67 Total Liobthie4 Reser&ts & Stoc 838196 Notes For the year ending 31 May 2024 the company was entitled to exemption from audit urKler section 477 of the Companies Act 21J)6 relating to small companie& > The rnernbers have not required the company to obtsin an audit of ivs accountsfor the year in question in accordance with section 476. and > The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complwng wth the requirements of the Act with respect to accounting records and the preparation of accounts. > These accounts hw4e been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to those companies subject to the small companies regime. Approved by the Board on 3 ￿ne 2024 Signed Kenneth R t￿Trn (forthe Board of Dlrectors) Africa's Gift Ltd RCN 1149830 Balance of accounts at close of business on 31 May 2024 INCOME Donations I payments received 1 Cookbag activations and manufacturing support 2 Teaching farm. Malealea (Lesotho) 3 Marian's Eden," Batwa heritage. forest garden in Uganda 4 Peter Robinson Memorial (environmental support) Fund 5 Donations for Malealea Nursery school 6 Donation for planned works in Tsinyane and Masemouse 7 Donation for Ribaneng Catholic Primary School 8 General donations g Membership subscriptions 10 Gift Aid receipts 11 Bank interest b the chari 27,913.75 64.79 1.614.80 137.76 781.35 5.000.00 163.18 2.442.75 3,003.52 1.74 102.24 41,225.88 PIV volunteers 1,325.87 1,325.87 42.551.75 TOTAL charitable income for the erlod Charity funds balance held @ 1 June 2023 Charitable income Charitable ex enditure Carried forward at 31 May 2024 1.497.49 42,551.75 37,636.05 6.413.19 As can be seen on page 4, we are carying forwrdrd funds for known commitments in Lesotho. A sum is also identified for Reserves. which lies wthin the agreed limits of the charitys Reserves policy, and wll be available to cover unexpected losses in income or occasional unforeseen expenditure - ￿lch rotects our other restricted ring-fenced} budgets. or enables us to respond to an emergency situation. NON CHARITY INCOME 12 Income from shoe collections 13 Client ments for Partnership Interaction Visits 600.00 20,769.18 21.369.18 PIVS 0.00 21,369.18 Total 'otherf income for the eriod Non charity balance held @ 1 June 2023 Non charity income Non charity expenditure Cash carried forward (Non char 4,775.03 21.369.18 24,174.44 1.969.77 at31 Ma 2024 Accounts prepared by Lesley Cochrane (Charity Treasurer) Signature......................-..-..-..................... 3 . (this page to be read alongside previous page) EXPENDITURE Pro'ect work supported 1 Cookbag facilitation & manufacturing costs, not for profit. Lesotho 2 Teaching farm. cover crops to retain soil and smother weeds. 3 Marian's Eden" Balwa heritage, forest garden in Uganda 4 Conservation agriculture consultant. Masemouse & Malealea 5 Support for Malealea Nursery School 6 Support for local community, replacement generator in Malealea 7 Tree planting (to replace lost fuel woods and stabilise soil) 8 Public Liability Insurance 9 Online collection & processing - annual licensing costs 10 Banking costs b the charity 30,873.49 500.00 1,000.00 0.00 781.35 489.00 62.13 285.71 498.00 72.00 PIV activi 2,174.37 35.461.68 2.174.37 37,636.05 Total charitable ex enditure for the period The impact of PIV groups on the work we undertake in southem Afrtca continues to be significant. In particular, the now regular visits of student cohorts from Sheffield Hallam University- Thus we are pleased to share above, detsils of the additional financial support our partner communiti88 enjoy throu h our volunteers, activi on the ground as well as their pre-visit fvndraising. NON CHARITY EXPENDITURE 11 Costs and transportation of shoe collections 12 Costs incurred for Partnership Interaction Visits 600.00 23,574.44 24.174.44. PIVS 0.00 24,174.44 Total 'otherf expenditure for the period BANK RECONCILIATION Total cash carried forward TOTAL cash in bank on 31 Ma 8,382.96 8.382.96 2024 Accounts examined by (Accountant) Signature Footprints Accountancy Ltd Unit 24 Napier Court Gander Lane Barlborough S43 4PZ 025 CHARITY COMMISSION FOR ENGLAND AND WALES Independent examiner's report on the accounts Section A Independent Examiner's Report Report to the trusteesl members of Africa's Gift Ltd On accounts for the year ended 31° May 2024 Charity no (if any) 1149830 Set out on pages I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above Gharity {"the Trust.) for the year ended 3110512024. Responsibilities and As the charity trustees of the Trust, you are responsible for the preparation basis of report of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ("the Acf). I report in respect of my examination of the Trust's accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I have followed the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5Xb) of the Act. I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention (other than that disclosed below ") in connection with the examination which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect: accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Act or the accounts do not accord with the accounting records Independent examiner's statement I have no concems and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Please delete the words in the brackets if they do not apply. Signed: Date: 03101 ois Name: Julie Robinson Relevant professional qualification(s) or body (if any): CIMA Address: 24 Napier Court, Gander Lane. Barlborough, Chesterfield. S43 4PZ. Section B Disclosure Only complete if the examiner needs to highlight matters of concem (see CC32, Independent examination of charity accounts: directions and guidan￿ for examiners). NIA Give here brief details of any items that the examiner wishes to disclose. CHARITY COMMISSION FOR ENGLAND AND WALES Independent examiner's report on the accounts •+• Section A Independent Examiner's Report Report to the trusteesl members of Africa's Gift Ltd On accounts for the year ended 31° May 2024 Charity no (if any) 1149830 Set out on pages I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity {"the Trust") for the year ended 31105 12024. Responsibilities and As the charity trustees of the Trust, you are responsible for the preparation basis of report of the accounts in accordan￿ with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 {"the Acr). I report in respect of my examination of the Trust's accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I have followed the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5Xb} of the Act. I have completed my examination. I confinn that no material matters have come to my attention (other than that disclosed below ') in connection with the examination which gives me cause to believe that in. any material respect: accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Act or the accounts do not accord with the accounting records Independent examiner's statement I have no concems and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Please delete the words in the brackets if they do not apply. Signed: Date: 03101 Name: Julie Robinson Relevant professional qualification{s) or body (if any): CIMA Address: 24 Napier Court, Gander Lane. Barlborough. Chesterfield, S43 4PZ. Section B Disclosure Only complete if the examiner needs to highlight matters of con￿rn (see CC32, Independent examination of charity accounts: directions and guidance for examiners). NIA Give here brief details of any items that the examiner wishes to disclose.