2024-12-31-accounts

ANNUAL WA REPORT 2024

MUKTANGAN EDUCATIONAL TRUST

REGISTERED CHARITY NO: 1155393

CONTENTS

Y E A R I N R E V I E W 3

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T H E U K T R U S T

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I M P A C T

M U K T A N G A N I N D I A 6 D R E A M C O M S 12 V O L U N T E E R I N G 13 F I N A N C I A L S T A T E M E N T

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YEAR IN REVIEW

The Muktangan Educational Trust had a good year in 2024, under the able stewardship of Sreeja Nedungadi as Chair. The Trust raised a total of £54,422 in 2024, including Gift Aid received. All moneys received by the UK trust go to Muktangan in India, as the UK Trust has no overheads and only minimal expenses, all Trustees being volunteers. As such, all funds received are efficiently deployed, supporting the quality education of more than a hundred students and their teacher educators at Muktangan in Mumbai.

We hosted the second of what we hope will be an annual Diwali reception. The reception enables us to meet our supporters in person, and to bring them up to date with the work of Muktangan in Mumbai. The stories we were able to share of the Muktangan alumni were both inspiring and moving.

Our fundraising was £1000 down on the preceding year, there has however, been an increase in the number of monthly donors and we achieved more than our fundraising target of £40,000. This was largely due to a single large donation. Looking ahead, the UK Trust remains ambitious and expects, over time, to be able to fulfil its long held ambition of sustainable contributions to the work of Muktangan in Mumbai.

In respect of Trustees, we were sorry to lose John Williams as a Trustee. Sreeja Nedungadi was an excellent Chairperson through the year, and I am privileged to be following in her footsteps. The Trust owes a special debt to our former Trustee, Abigail Gill, who has provided much practical support through the year. We look forward to a successful year in 2025.

Rita Krishna, Chair Aug 2025

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THE UK TRUST

The UK Trust was founded in 2011 to support the work of Muktangan, an educational programme run by Muktangan Education Trust, in India. Muktangan is an innovative, inclusive, child-friendly educational project demonstrating how ordinary women and men, empowered with the right beliefs and skills, can drive extraordinary outcomes for children from their own aspiring communities. Muktangan means “Freedom in the Aangan” (courtyard) symbolizing that every individual: child, teacher and teacher educator can flourish and widen their horizons within the comfort of their learning environment. Over Muktangan’s 22 year-long journey, it has evolved into a Hub and Spokes model of Integrated Teacher and School Education with the teacher education centre as the Hub and 7 Muktangan run-municipal schools as spokes, where Muktangan offers free, high-quality and inclusive English-medium education. Muktangan has partnered with UNICEF, BMC (Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation), Maharashtra State Government and many NGOs to adapt the Muktangan model.

The UK Trust has two functions: to coordinate fundraising initiatives in the UK to support Muktangan’s work in India, and to raise awareness of Muktangan in India.

The UK Trust comprises six trustees. Trustee meetings are usually held four times a year, either in person or by video or a combination of both. Trustees are appointed for their passion for supporting the work of Muktangan in India and the skills and expertise they can bring to the UK Trust.

The UK Trust has no premises and does not run an office. All Trustees work remotely and give their time voluntarily. Trustees receive no benefits from the charity but may claim reasonable expenses.

Trustees are each appointed for a three-year period. They retire by rotation at differing times (but may stand for re-election). This helps ensure long-term stability for the UK Trust.

The trustees are:

• Rita Krishna, Chair

• Rodgy Kundi, Treasurer

• Tom Wright, Deputy Chair Sreeja Nedungadi Rishi Chowdhury Prasad Khambalikar

For more information about the trustees, see www.muktanganeducationaltrust.co.uk/team

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; =" es. ie f yf \ THE UK TRUST

IMPACT

MUKTANGAN VISION

MUKTANGAN MISSION

To create an inclusive and an empowered world that enables everyone to live in harmony with a right to freedom of expression and respect and with integrity.

To encourage and support communities, through networking, to reflect and evolve sustainable, learnerfriendly, holistic educational programs, drawing on the learnings of the everupgrading Muktangan model.

7 Muktangan schools

19 years in education

4,000+ current students

UK TRUST FUNDRAISING ACHIEVEMENTS

£392,000 £54,422 raised since our inception in 2011* raised in 2024 thereby covering

raised in 2024 thereby covering the approximate cost of educating 116 students during the year

*£1000 was understated in the total figure raised since inception in 2022 Annual Report

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MUKTANGAN INDIA

Muktangan was developed as an alternative model that aimed to bridge the disconnects prevalent in mainstream schooling. Supported through the Muktangan Education Trust, a charity registered under the Bombay Public Trusts Act, in partnership with the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM), Muktangan provides an inclusive, student-friendly, community-based model of education. Muktangan has developed into a holistic model of teacher and school education, which is working with various State departments and NGO partners to provide integrated solutions to educational disconnects, benefitting thousands of educators and children in both urban and rural settings.

EDUCATIONAL ACHIEVEMENT AT MUKTANGAN

The Muktangan programme runs across seven English-medium public schools in Mumbai’s G-South ward and caters for the individual needs of all students from pre-school up to 10th Standard (15-16 year olds).

Unlike mainstream education,

Muktangan is characterised by small class sizes, low pupil-teacher ratios, and classrooms which harness creativity and individuality. This education is provided free of charge to students.

It has been ten years in which Muktangan students have successfully sat the SSC exams. 300 students appeared for the SSC examination this year of which 19 children have special needs.

Muktangan’s students secured a 99% pass rate. In addition, 75% of the students were awarded a First Class or above. The average percentage for children with special needs was 71%. Furthermore, 98% of alumni have gone on to higher education and professional courses. Academic success is just one component of the holistic, child centred education that Muktangan provides, but these results are a testament to the

effectiveness of Muktangan's model, the dedication of Muktangan's staff, and a lot of hard work by the students.

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TEACHER EDUCATION AT MUKTANGAN

Muktangan has an in-house teacher education programme in Mumbai which supports the development of people, mainly women, from the local community. Prospective teachers are invited to an assessment, with successful applicants being inducted into either the Foundation for Primary School programme or the Early Childhood Education for preschool programme. They then complete a year of pre-service training, before entering the Muktangan schools to continue their training for a further two years. Muktangan's teacher education is provided free of charge.

MUKTANGAN'S WIDER IMPACT

Through outreach initiatives and partnerships with State and local government, NGOs and academic institutions, both local and international, Muktangan has reached out to 75,000+ children and 5,000+ teachers and teacher educators across India.

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Mika Nishimura, renowned violinist from Japan has been mentoring the budding musicians in Muktangan schools. Their learning journey is nothing short of inspiring; from discovering their love for music to performing at prestigious venues like the Royal Opera House, ISPL Cricket Match, National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA), our children have blossomed into confident individuals. Take a sneak peek into their musical journey!

The Annual Expressions Event was a celebration of creativity, showcasing our students’ talents in music, dance, and drama. Their performances reflected the joy of participatory and collaborative learning.

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The annual ‘Project Days’ celebrate learning and innovation. This year’s event showcased many creative ideas, demonstrating the positive impact of joyful learning. It was also a great opportunity for parents. teachers and well-wishers to connect and learn from each other's experiences.

The Mohalla Library initiative, launched on Vachan Prerana Divas 2021, successfully completed three years. With the support of a dedicated team and parent volunteers, Muktanga has impacted over 2,500 community readers across all age groups. Given that most of the readers come from educationally underserved communities, the Mohalla libraries have been instrumental in offering exposure to different genres and types of books in various languages.

The Muktangan Socio-emotional Department has launched a three months rigorous course to build the capacity of teachers to become School mental wellness teachers. Selected teachers across schools underwent a 3-month intensive course by the Socio-emotional Department and are now serving as Mental Wellness Teachers, strengthening the emotional wellbeing of the Muktangan school systems in the following areas:

• Conducting Quality Circle Time with children

• Facilitating workshops related to Mental Health with children and parents

• Providing counselling support to children

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OUTREACH

In partnership with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) under the NIPUN Bharat initiative, Muktangan has strengthened foundational literacy and numeracy (FLN) among children aged 4 to 9 across 26 schools in 4 wards, impacting 5,992 students in 2024–25. Daily 30-minute classroom interventions in literacy, numeracy, and holistic development, supported by intensive orientation, and professional development programs, have built instructional quality. Beyond Mumbai, Muktangan’s work has expanded to Pune, Nanded, and Chhattisgarh, fostering childcentered pedagogy and inclusive, activity-based learning.

• In Pune, partnerships with the Dehuroad Cantonment Board impacted 11 government schools, with 50 teachers trained weekly, leading to improved student participation and stronger teacher confidence. In Nanded, 500 Anganwadi workers were trained to transform 25 centres into joyful learning spaces using songs and stories.

• In Chhattisgarh, through the SEEKH fellowship of Sankalp Ek Prayas, Muktangan reached 18,000 children via 250 centres, while training 25 fellows and 250 teachers. These efforts reflect Muktangan’s commitment to policy alignment, grassroot level partnerships, and scalable solutions for transforming mainstream education.

MUKTANGAN IN THE NEWS

• Sterlite EdIndia Foundation featured Muktangan as a success story in - ”

• their blog “Child Centric Education: The Need of the Time

• Ms. Ira Joshi, faculty at Azim Premji University, penned an article on Muktangan’s early childhood learning model.

• The Mohalla Library initiative, which now engages over 2,500 readers, - ’

• was featured in Mid Day s Mumbai Diary.

• Veteran IPS officer Mr. Julio Ribeiro featured Muktangan in The Tribune, recognizing Muktangan’s community-integrated education model and innovative grassroots efforts.

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AWARDS AND HONOURS

• Social Impact Award by the Rotary Club of Bombay Pier, in recognition of our sustained community impact.

• Lifetime Achievement Award presented to our Founder Mrs. Elizabeth Mehta by AECED and the University of Rajasthan, for her exceptional contributions to early childhood education in India.

For more information about Muktangan in India and its work, visit www.muktanganedu.org

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VOLUNTEERING

VOLUNTEERING IN THE UK

The UK Trust is always looking for support with fundraising, communications and marketing.

If you are interested in getting involved, please email us at [e-mail]

VOLUNTEERING IN INDIA

We also facilitate volunteer placements in India. Our volunteers fulfil a range of roles including teaching Muktangan students, training teachers or conducting crucial research. They make a significant difference to Muktangan’s schools programme and advocacy efforts.

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FINANCIAL STATEMENT

Years to 31 December	2024 £	2023 £	2022 £	2021 £	2020 £
Incoming resources
Monthly donors	2,365	2,130	1,795	2,008	2,876
Other donations/ Gift Aid	51,146	51,026	6,650	32,318	94,203
Fundraising Events	540	2,187	0	0	0
Card sales	0	0	10	0	5
Other income	371	246	18	4	9
Total incoming resources	54,422	55,589	**8,473 **	34,330	97,093

Resources expended

Charitable activities (Muktangan India)	50,000	50,000	45,605	30,048	69,985
Fundraising and cost of events	1,125	1,974	0	0	o
Governance costs	1,286	1,311	1,307	1,833	1,544
Total resources expended	52,411	53,285	**46,913 **	31,881	71,529
Net incoming/ (Outgoing) resources	2,011	2,304	(-38,439)	2,449	25,564
Total funds b/forward	15,252	12,948	51,387	48,938	23,374
Total funds c/forward	17,263	12,252	12,948	51,387	48,938
Total charity funds	17,263	15,252	**12,948 **	51,387	48,938

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WWW.MUKTANGANEDUCATIONALTRUST.CO.UK @MUKTANGANUK

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Alan Martin 20 Cobham Road Westcliff-on-sea E55ex SSO 8EA ?01702 332798 [e-mail] a)07890 304573 Independenl examiner'8 report to the trustees of Muktangan Educational Trust I reFK)rt on the accounts of the Trust for the year end￿j 31 De￿mber 2024, which are set out herewith. Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner The charity's trustees are res￿nsIble for the preparation of Ihe accounts. The charrtvs trustees consider that an audit is tK)t required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed. It is my restx)nsibility to: examine the accounts under SeCt￿n 145 of the 2011 Act., to tollow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5){b) of the 2011 Act, and to state whether particular matters have come to my attention. Basis of independent examiner's report My examination was carried out in accordance wth the general Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examinalion inclLJdes a review of the aC￿unting r￿ordS kept by the charily and a comparison ol the accounts presented with t￿se records. It al incl￿eS consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts and seekiNJ explanations from you as trustees corcernirKJ any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be rg]uired in an audit and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a 'true and fair vie and the report is limited to th)se matters set OLrt in the statement below. Independent examiner's statement: In connection with my examination. no matter has come to my attention: (1) which gives me rea￿nable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements.. to keep accountiThJ r￿rdS in accordance vlith section 130 of the 2011 Act., and to prepare accounts which accord viith the accountit¥J records and comply with the accounting requirements ot the 2011 Act have rK)t been met,. or (2) to which. in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understaThJiThJ of the accx)unts to be reach&J. Alan C. Martin: Retired Investment Banker - Lazard BrothersEank of America 20 Cobham Road, Westcliff-on-sea SSO 8EA