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2022-12-31-accounts

EXETER ETHIOPIA LINK ANNUAL REPORT JANUARY- DECEMBER 2022 Enabling communities to help themselves

ANNUAL REPORT - CONTENTS

2022 PROJECT UPDATES

CHARITY UPDATES:

2023:

INTRODUCTION FROM SECRETARY

I believe that we come to this year’s AGM in a much stronger position than last In 2022 we were faced with the of year. huge challenge budgeting for and setting up our own projects, forming a team in Nekemte and putting in place monitoring and evaluation. We needed to commit to the funding in the absence of grant opportunities.

All of this, and more, has been achieved through a huge team effort. We took the decision to commit to a 2 as this year project provides more efficient use of funds and also more for our stability project team, partners and beneficiaries.

I would like to extend sincere thanks and appreciation across the spectrum of EEL. From our members and supporters through to our board of trustees and treasurer, our project committee, our volunteers Lee and David and our Nekemte team, Murti, Temesgen, Tesema and Gobena working with our teachers, librarians and local communities. Each one of these people is what makes us a whole.

The formation of the project committee under the chairmanship of George Dexter and the level of expertise and knowledge within it has had a on our to the and our huge impact ability manage projects ability to move forward.

Following covid, Nekemte has faced the challenge of political unrest and security issues. Our partners have shown great resilience and courage, over and above our expectations. These issues also have an impact on the opening of schools which makes our tutorials and libraries even more valuable. With this in mind, we chose The Year of Reading as our focus for 2023.

Our increasing use of our library buildings and our librarians to deliver education and provide safe spaces is an inspired way to maximise our resources. The projects with the deaf students and the bike project continue. Every person involved in the UK is a volunteer and so, other than a small number of required fees, every penny is spent in Ethiopia.

During the year we took the decision to stop the Link up meetings. We have however continued with The Link newsletter thanks to David. Lee sends out regular updates on social media. We aim to keep our members as involved and informed as possible.

We have a growing number of people involved in this wonderful charity. This is our future and what will sustain us. Thank you for your continued support. Dawn

2022 PROJECT UPDATES:

2022, like 2021, was a hugely challenging year because of the political and security situation in and around Nekemte with regular armed conflict around and at times in Nekemte.

Nekemte was declared (and still is) an area which the FCDO advises against all travel to. As a result, some NGOs have chosen to withdraw from projects in the area. However, EEL is continuing to work with the EECMY CSDASSC. It puts the security of the team as a total priority but uses local knowledge to identify areas where it is safe.

Thank you from the team in Nekemte & Librarians

LIBRARIES & LITERACY

In 2022, our Libraries and Literacy Project funded by UK AID came to an end. This was evaluated and the results verified by UK AID. We were delighted to receive an A+ grade for the project from UK AID. Some of the key achievements from the 2 year project were

Deaf Students Making Books

LIBRARIES & LITERACY

Two videos which tell the story of the project can be found here

The Story of the Project: https://vimeo.com/745401432 Librarian Stories: https://vimeo.com/745455494

Teacher Training

LIBRARIES AND LITERACY

In September 2022, we signed a new 2 year project agreement. Under this we are planning over the 2 years

----- Start of picture text -----
Libraries
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To reduce inequality and promote health, safety and wellbeing for girls living in the Nekemte area of Ethiopia.

Girls Tutorials

£3,049 was raised over the year (+ £7,870 from the Big Give for Librarians)

Funds raised were spent on:

✓ Improving sanitary conditions for girls in a secondary school, benefitting 1013 girls. (Lela Nekemte School) (See Picture)

✓ 21 Female Librarians were employed , where the unemployment rate is 30%. This enabled them to access a monthly income often paying for their studies

✓ Tutorials were provided for girls to support improvements in their own literacy. As part of that in 2021/22 academic year 314 girls received tutorials in literacy (original target 100)... 88% showed improvements and 72% (226 girls) reached a minimum level of literacy which will ensure they can access the curriculum. In 2023, we are continuing our tutorials and currently 141 girls are accessing tutorials.

✓ In addition the employment of librarians enables a large number of girls to access books and a safe place to study. For example in December 2022, our 34 libraries were visited 9733 by girls (and this is in fact more than boys).

16 deaf girls were supported as part of our Libraries and Literacy Project with enabled them to earn money to support their secondary education and provided tutorials to support them to pass their exams. All passed their exams.

Lela Nekemte Sanitary Facilities

EEL UPDATES: MEMBERSHIP NUMBERS

 Although our numbers have dropped slightly there has been an increase in people, Friends of EEL, who prefer to make a donation or help with fund raising events rather than become a member. So thank you to everyone who has supported us over the year

CURRENT MEMBERS = 105

TREASURER’S REPORT

Emerald Davies has examined our accounts for January to December 2022 in line with financial legislation, and submitted her report to theTrustees. The Link has finished 2022 with total funds of £38,204 (2021: £42,994).

This decrease is in part due to the funding cycle of our ongoing projects. We have received the last of the monies for the Schools, Libraries and Literacy Project funded by UKAID and did not receive any additional project grants. However, we have carried out our own fundraising, including the very successful Big Give campaign in which we raised £7870. Money from this is included in both fundraising and donations lines (from our match funders Ethiopia Aid and Enable Ed CIC) of our Statement of Financial Activities. Our Year of the Girl raised £2,989 which was spent to fund improved sanitary conditions for girls in a secondary school benefitting 1013 girls.

the accounts for the Exeter Link are Currently Ethiopia healthy, with totals of £15,848 in unrestricted funds and £22,356 in restricted funds (£38,204 total). By Mark Smith EEL Treasurer.

The Link has finished 2022 with total funds of

£38,204

(2021: £42,994).

(See separate Financial Report for detail)

What’s Next:

Our projects came to an end in June 2022 and given the healthy position in September 2022, trustees took the decision to sign a new two year project with EECMY CS DASSC with funding of £54,320 over the 24 months. £12,851 was sent in 2022 with the remaining in 2023/24. We recognise that to meet this we will have to raise additional funds but our financial forecast would suggest this is achievable.

ANNUAL ACCOUNTS APPROVAL

GOVERNANCE, PEOPLE AND ROLES OFFICERS:

Role Officer during 2022:
General Secretary Dawn Swettenham
Treasurer Kirsten Pullen Jan 2022 - June 2022,
Mark SmithJune 2022 -present
Membership Secretary Annie Bainbridge
Fundraising, social media, publicity Lee Davies
Website Editor David Scarbrough
Projects Coordination Enable-Ed
Treasury Team Kirsten Pullen & Oscarine Barukh & Hannah Swettenham
Volunteers Sue Parks

PROJECT COMMITTEE FORMED SEPTEMBER 2022
Chairperson Penny Pullen September 2022- November 2022
George Dexter November 2022 - present
Members Penny Pullen
Liz Horsefield
Sue Parks
Marc Zuiderveen
Joanne Keenahan
Murti Uma

GOVERNANCE, PEOPLE AND ROLES TRUSTEES:

Trustees during 2022 Changes During Year:
Penny Pullen
Annie Bainbridge
Liz Horsefield
Dawn Swettenham
Ella Sadler
George Dexter Appointed @ June 2022 AGM
Ex-officios
Dawn Swettenham
(Secretary)
Kirsten Pullen (Treasurer) Stepped down as Treasurer &
remained Trustee
Mark Smith (Treasurer) Took over Treasurer role as a non
trustee
Trustee Changes at next
AGM		 Trustees Standing Down
Ella Sadler @ 2023 AGM
Kirsten Pullen Standing down by rotation, up
for re-election @ 2023 AGM
Penny Pullen Proposed as Honorary Trustee
@ 2023 AGM
New Trustee’s Up for Election at next AGM
(See blurbs next slide)
Selam Uma
Cynthia Palmer
Kenechukwu Leonard

ELECTION OF NEW TRUSTEES / RE-STANDING

2023 AGM PROPOSED NEW TRUSTEES

Selam:

My name is Selam Uma born and bred in Nekemte where I started my career as a project manager with EECMY DASSC.

I met Penny many years ago on an EEL trip. I was project manager of the school for the deaf and Nekemte Disability Project.

Over the years when I was in Ethiopia I was responsible for running projects funded by EEL. This included support for students who were deaf, the setting up of disability associations with saving associations and facilitating surgery (eg fistula, eye care, club foot) and assistive devices for disabled students and adults. I was also working with government schools encouraging them to enrol disabled children and the rolling out of inclusive education.

I believe I will be of value as a member of the board of trustees as I have direct experience and know the area where EEL works. I also have direct experience having worked for and been an employee of your partner EECMY DASSC. Moreover, I my current knowledge beyond disability for example in developing small businesses, job creation and the agriculture sector in Ethiopia could be a value for the team.

Cynthia: My name is Cynthia Palmer. I am a retired Health and Safety Advisor, previously working in the education and charity sectors. I live near Exeter. Since having the opportunity to visit Ethiopia in 1999. 2011 and 2012, I have taken a keen interest in the country, and specifically charity partnerships supporting Ethiopia. In 1994 met Bekuma, a mature student from Addis Ababa, when he was here on vocational training and visited my church. After he returned home, I set up a small fund for the congregation to enable a regular money transfer to support his family. This continued for 15 years, resulting in his four children progressing through to higher education and their careers in banking, teaching and two of them becoming IT professionals. Following my last visit in 2012, when I was lucky to be able to travel through the country, including the Oromo region and Nekempte, I worked with George Dexter to gather school books and computer equipment. We sent this to Addis Abeba, as aid for Future Generation Hope Schools. This proved problematic, to actually get the goods intact, through customs and on to the destination. It taught us to join with and support other, larger charities. Hence the reason for my interest in joining the EEL board. My other experience has been as Vice-chair of the Lutheran Women’s Guild of Great Britain, supporting overseas missions and as Chair of the church Buildings and Maintenance committee. I currently volunteer in Exeter with the Salvation Army, working weekly with the Employment Plus support and cooking meals once a month for the homeless in the city.

Kenechukwu:

My name is Kenechukwu Osanakpo (Ken for short) and I am a qualified legal practitioner, recognised by the Nigerian Bar. Following primary and secondary school education in Nigeria, I came to the UK for a foundation programme in law. I also completed an undergraduate degree in International Relations and Law at the University of Exeter. In 2014, I returned to my home country to attend the Nigerian Law School and was called to the Bar in 2015. Back in the UK, I pursued a master’s in Transnational Criminal Justice.

From 2017 and 2020, I enrolled on a PhD programme in Security and Intelligence Studies – in a topic I am particularly interested in and keen to learn more about. I am due to complete the programme in December 2023. Coming from a Nigerian background, I believe my knowledge of neighbouring countries and their cultures, as well as my awareness of the challenges faced by different communities across the continent, makes me well positioned to help provide insights and recommended solutions to challenges and issues. I’ve always had a keen interest in culture, current affairs and politics.Alongside this, I have a strong desire to make a difference in the world; using my knowledge, life experiences and skillset to improve the quality of life of people in less privileged communities, sharing resources and knowledge, and helping amplify the voices of underrepresented groups. I believe that through working with EEL I’ll have the opportunity to do this whilst also picking up some very valuable career skills.

2023 STRATEGY

1. FOCUS ON FUNDRAISING

To the future of the we will be on our strengthen charity, focusing income and fundraising activities.

HOW:

Firstly, by inspiring members and supporters to increase contributions and, secondly, by increasing our membership and support base. To support this aim we hope to set up a fundraising committee. We invite member who is interested in any participating to contact us through the website.

We have already taken steps to encourage regular monthly donations which gives us increased confidence in our projected budget. We will be trying to improve our marketing of this idea. The Big Give has been a brilliant source of match funding and this will be repeated in December 2023. There are various possible events, both face to face and online, which could raise funds and these will be explored.

2. SHOWCASE IMPACT & STORYTELLING

HOW:

Our website has been updated by David and we will continue to use Scarborough this and social media to showcase our results.

Our project manager Murti has received on ethical We are training storytelling. already using these stories to enhance the project reports received from Nekemte and the real life stories demonstrate the positive impact of the projects. We hope that this will inspire further donations and new members.

3. INCREASE REACH ACROSS UK

Our strategy in 2022 was to increase the reach of EEL across the country.

One key to this aim is our schools programme which we hoped to develop. Unfortunately, mainly due to time, we have been unable to progress this and so we carry over this ambition into 2023.

4. INVESTIGATE GRANT FUNDS

We will also continue to submit applications for grant funding.

Since covid 19, there are many fewer grants available for small international charities as development many funders prefer to support UK projects. As a result of this, the competition for overseas grants has significantly increased.

HOW:

We do have some schools involved and so the first step will be to form the scheme into a written process. Informing children in the UK about life in Ethiopia is incredibly valuable and we hope to achieve this in a fun and interesting way. Once we have a school engaged there will be the opportunity for new members and fundraising.

In the past we have received 3 large multiyear project grants, two from the UK government and one from Comic Relief. These streams of grant funding are no longer available. Despite this we will continue to investigate whatever grant funding opportunities are available.

5. EXPLORE NAME CHANGE

The board has been whether the name discussing “Exeter Ethiopia Link” is a hindrance to us reaching out to areas of the UK outside of the Southwest.

HOW:

We will be asking members at the AGM for their comments and if they will give us their permission to the benefits and risks of a name explore possible change.

6. SECURE FUNDS FOR CORE PROJECTS

Our priority is to guarantee funding for our “core” projects and beneficiaries. For example, our librarians rely on their salaries. Once we have this funding secured beyond the end of our two year project we hope to support additional “one off” projects.

The project committee have within their remit to seek out new opportunities for funding. Their close links to the project team means that they are ideally suited to understand the needs of the communities.

We are expecting to welcome new trustees onto the board at the AGM. These individuals will bring valuable new perspective and ideas to the charity.

2023 FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGN:

UPDATE

By providing books and supporting librarians, children of all will have the chance to become better ages readers.

Some will enjoy reading just for the sake of it, for it will them skills to follow many give improved written instructions, read signs and enhance their employability, but most of all, improved reading skills will underpin overall educational achievement. Fund Raising: We have already raised nearly £1300

What we have achieved so far:

Exeter Ethiopia Link CIO

Charity Number 1154085

Annual Accounts and Financial Statements for the Year Ending 31 December 2022

Unaudited Accounts

Exeter Ethiopia Link CIO

Independent examiner's report on the accounts for the year ending 31 December 2022

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 particular matters have come to my attention.

My examination was carried out in accordance with 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.

In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in, any material respect, the requirements: to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act; and to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the Charities Act have not been met.

Signed: EThomas Dated: 25/6/2023

Exeter Ethiopia Link CIO Charity Information

Charity Address:

5 St. Marys Drive BRIXHAM Devon TQ5 9FB Charity Number 1154085

Trustees

Dawn Swettenham Kirsten Pullen Annie Bainbridge Eloise Sadler George Dexter Appointed 25[th] June 2022 Emma Sarton Resigned 25th June 2022 Penelope Pullen Elizabeth Horsefield

Emerald Thomas MAAT FCCA CTA Independent Examiner 5 Sansaw Road Clive SY4 3JT

Exeter Ethiopia Link CIO Balance Sheet as at 31/12/2022

Exeter Ethiopia Link CIO
Balance Sheet as at 31/12/2022
Total Total
Funds Funds
Notes 2022 2021
Current Assets £ £
Bank Account ...5188 26,673 33,504
Bank Account …7900 12,131 9,490
38,804 42,994
Creditors
Liabilities Falling Due Within One Year 600 -
Net Assets 38,204 42,994
Funds of the charity
Unrestricted funds 15,848 17,125
Restricted funds 22,356 25,869
Total Funds 38,204 42,994
Approved by the Board of Trustees on 22.06.2023
and signed on its behalf by

Exeter Ethiopia Link CIO

Statement of Financial Activities for year ending 31/12/2022

Unrestricted Restricted Total Total
Funds Funds Funds Funds
Notes 2022 2022 2022 2021
Income
Grants Received - 6,625 6,625 27,933
Donations - 6,133 6,133 2,935
Subscriptions 3,397 - 3,397 3,746
Fundraising - 10,803 10,803 4,136
Bank interest+ Miscellaneous Credit 10 - 10 -
Total Income 3,407 23,562 26,969 38,750
Expenditure on:
Accountancy 470 - 470 482
Fundraising costs - 80 80 30
Grants out 3,000 23,008 26,008 46,863
Travel costs Ethiopia 600 635 1,235 -
Volunteer Stipend 600 1,100 1,700 -
Room Hire+ Refreshments 74 - 74 -
Insurance - 251 251 251
Evaluation Costs - 1,750 1,750 -
Grant Repayment - 190 190 -
Total Expenditure 4,744 27,014 31,758 47,626
Net Income/(Expenditure) (1,337) (3,452) (4,789) (8,876)
Reconciliation of Funds
Total Funds brought Forward 17,125 25,869 42,994 51,870
Total Funds carried Forward 15,848 22,356 38,204 42,994

EXETER ETHIOPIA LINK CIO NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year ended 31st December 2022

Accounting policies

The accounts have been prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK (FRS102) issued on 16 July 2014 effective 1[st] January 2019

Project Fund Balances

Below are the fund balances. Trustees took the decision to simplify the project lines. In the Unrestricted Funds, funds were merged into one. For Restricted funds, a number of fund lines were spent out If future grants are obtained, these will be managed on separate project lines.

Unrestricted Funds
General
Just Trust
Education
Restricted Funds
IEP
Education- restricted
Linked Schools
Health & Welfare
Women & Vulnerable
People
Sponsorships
Travel Fund
Librarians
The Bike Project
Year of the Girl
EEL Project Fund
Total Funds		 Jan-22 Income
Expenditure
Transfers
Dec-22
12,194
3,407
544
731
15,788
3,000
-
3,000
-
-
1,931
-
1,200
(731)
-
17,125
3,407
4,744
-
15,788
+
6,625
6,625
7,670
-
5,580
558
-
558
-
-
1,075
-
440
-
635
973
-
973
-
-
2,651
-
2,651
-
-
2,251
480
1,340
-
1,391
610
-
-
-
610
8,376
5,733
8,107
-
6,002
2,750
-
2,226
-
524
-
3,049
3,049
-
-
-
7,675
-
-
7,675
25,869
23,561
27,014
-
22,417
42,994
26,968
31,758
-
38,204

Exeter Ethiopia Link CIO

Charity Number 1154085

Annual Accounts and Financial Statements for the Year Ending 31 December 2022

Unaudited Accounts

Exeter Ethiopia Link CIO

Independent examiner's report on the accounts for the year ending 31 December 2022

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 particular matters have come to my attention.

My examination was carried out in accordance with 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.

In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in, any material respect, the requirements: to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act; and to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the Charities Act have not been met.

Signed: EThomas Dated: 25/6/2023

Exeter Ethiopia Link CIO Charity Information

Charity Address:

5 St. Marys Drive BRIXHAM Devon TQ5 9FB Charity Number 1154085

Trustees

Dawn Swettenham Kirsten Pullen Annie Bainbridge Eloise Sadler George Dexter Appointed 25[th] June 2022 Emma Sarton Resigned 25th June 2022 Penelope Pullen Elizabeth Horsefield

Emerald Thomas MAAT FCCA CTA Independent Examiner 5 Sansaw Road Clive SY4 3JT

Exeter Ethiopia Link CIO Balance Sheet as at 31/12/2022

Exeter Ethiopia Link CIO
Balance Sheet as at 31/12/2022
Total Total
Funds Funds
Notes 2022 2021
Current Assets £ £
Bank Account ...5188 26,673 33,504
Bank Account …7900 12,131 9,490
38,804 42,994
Creditors
Liabilities Falling Due Within One Year 600 -
Net Assets 38,204 42,994
Funds of the charity
Unrestricted funds 15,848 17,125
Restricted funds 22,356 25,869
Total Funds 38,204 42,994
Approved by the Board of Trustees on 22.06.2023
and signed on its behalf by

Exeter Ethiopia Link CIO

Statement of Financial Activities for year ending 31/12/2022

Unrestricted Restricted Total Total
Funds Funds Funds Funds
Notes 2022 2022 2022 2021
Income
Grants Received - 6,625 6,625 27,933
Donations - 6,133 6,133 2,935
Subscriptions 3,397 - 3,397 3,746
Fundraising - 10,803 10,803 4,136
Bank interest+ Miscellaneous Credit 10 - 10 -
Total Income 3,407 23,562 26,969 38,750
Expenditure on:
Accountancy 470 - 470 482
Fundraising costs - 80 80 30
Grants out 3,000 23,008 26,008 46,863
Travel costs Ethiopia 600 635 1,235 -
Volunteer Stipend 600 1,100 1,700 -
Room Hire+ Refreshments 74 - 74 -
Insurance - 251 251 251
Evaluation Costs - 1,750 1,750 -
Grant Repayment - 190 190 -
Total Expenditure 4,744 27,014 31,758 47,626
Net Income/(Expenditure) (1,337) (3,452) (4,789) (8,876)
Reconciliation of Funds
Total Funds brought Forward 17,125 25,869 42,994 51,870
Total Funds carried Forward 15,848 22,356 38,204 42,994

EXETER ETHIOPIA LINK CIO NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year ended 31st December 2022

Accounting policies

The accounts have been prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK (FRS102) issued on 16 July 2014 effective 1[st] January 2019

Project Fund Balances

Below are the fund balances. Trustees took the decision to simplify the project lines. In the Unrestricted Funds, funds were merged into one. For Restricted funds, a number of fund lines were spent out If future grants are obtained, these will be managed on separate project lines.

Unrestricted Funds
General
Just Trust
Education
Restricted Funds
IEP
Education- restricted
Linked Schools
Health & Welfare
Women & Vulnerable
People
Sponsorships
Travel Fund
Librarians
The Bike Project
Year of the Girl
EEL Project Fund
Total Funds		 Jan-22 Income
Expenditure
Transfers
Dec-22
12,194
3,407
544
731
15,788
3,000
-
3,000
-
-
1,931
-
1,200
(731)
-
17,125
3,407
4,744
-
15,788
+
6,625
6,625
7,670
-
5,580
558
-
558
-
-
1,075
-
440
-
635
973
-
973
-
-
2,651
-
2,651
-
-
2,251
480
1,340
-
1,391
610
-
-
-
610
8,376
5,733
8,107
-
6,002
2,750
-
2,226
-
524
-
3,049
3,049
-
-
-
7,675
-
-
7,675
25,869
23,561
27,014
-
22,417
42,994
26,968
31,758
-
38,204