Registered Charity Number 1155625
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE PERIOD 1st FEBRUARY 2024 to
31st JANUARY 2025
The Trustees are pleased to present their report together with the accounts for the period ended 31st January 2025. The charity is governed by a constitution adopted on 8th October 2002 and amended on 18th May 2009. In 2014 the Charity became a Charitable Incorporated Organisation
The Trustees are: Mr Chris Azzaro, Mrs Karyn Hinks, Mrs Janet Watson, Mr Norbert Were, Benjamin Scrivens (appointed 22/4/2023), Dan Purchese (appointed 22/04/2023), John Engall (appointed 04/01/2024), Maddie Webb (appointed 15/9/2024)
The Objectives of the charity are:-
· To support Unity School in Freretown. Monies are raised through fundraising and donations to support education, feeding and medical care.
· To assist in contributing to the life and growth of Unity School, thus promoting a stable learning environment, encouraging confidence and love.
· To enable people from the UK and other countries to visit the school we support thus nurturing a bond of friendship and care.
Achievements and Performance
It has taken time for us to recover from the various lockdowns and economic situation during the last four years. Trustees, Teaching Staff and Pupils have all experienced the ‘knock on’ effects, either through the lack of fundraising opportunities in the UK or the reduction of Trustees being able to network in the usual way. In Kenya, the management team have had to contend with the change in the Kenyan Government at short notice, insisting that all Primary Schools now accommodate the ‘Lower Secondary’ classes. We have now completed all new classrooms on the top floor of the ‘Parry’ building, which provides classrooms for 10 classes of children. In addition we have repaired the kitchen, strengthened the supports on the well and renewed the water station at Unity.
The trustees have restructured in teams (Finance, communications and fundraising) so as to allow greater focus on each of those areas. The communications team have been working hard on a new website which will allow us to draw others into not only financial support of the charity but also day to day activities such as fundraising. We expect this new website to be live in the early part of our next financial year.
We have been grateful to supporters who have continued to support our appeals and attend our fundraising events. We are grateful to the increasing number of schools in the UK and abroad
1
Registered Charity Number 1155625
who are supporting the school by taking on fundraising challenges. Especially Bishop Luffa school who have agreed to support our medical programme to continue. We thank Dr Odiero for his commitment in ensuring that all pupils receive medical care. We are also immensely grateful to Wayte Travel for the various financial contributions they have made to support a multitude of projects.
Once again students from La Rochelle in France have visited the school and supported the school financially and by assisting with French, sports and other subjects.
During the financial year three Trustees travelled to Unity School and we hope that in the next year we will have a plan to restart trustee led trips for others that wish to visit and support the school.
We were also pleased that Mr. Joash Obento was able to visit various schools and churches in the UK this year and therefore assist in publicising the charity which has undoubtedly helped us increase the funds raised this year.
Financial Review
The accounts comply with current statutory requirements; the Trust’s governing investments and the requirements of the Charities Act 2011
The Charity’s gross income for the period was £67,341.06 and its net incoming resources resulted in a very small deficit of (£156.81) for the year.
Statement of Trustees’ responsibilities
Law applicable to charities in England and Wales requires the Trustees to prepare accounts 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 accounts giving a fair and true view, the trustees should follow best practice and:
Select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently;
Make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
State whether applicable accounting standards and statements of recommended practice have been followed, subject to any departures disclosed and explained in the accounts;
Prepare the accounts on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in operation.
2
Registered Charity Number 1155625
The Trustees are responsible for keeping accounting records which dissolve with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and which enable them to ensure that the accounts comply with The Charities Act 2011. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
Statement of Risk Management
The trustees have assessed the risks to which the charity may be exposed with particular reference to those relating to the operations and finances of the charity. Systems are in place to ensure that all risks are recorded for subsequent monitoring and review. In the mean-time the trustees remain satisfied that all insurable risks have been identified and adequately dealt with and that the charity’s exposure to other risks is kept at a minimum by good working practice by the trustees and volunteers. The Trustees have increased our Public Liability Insurance to £10m and have also taken out insurance for Trustee Indemnity.
Reserves Policy
Having continued to support the school in the challenging few years our reserves are extremely low. We hope this year to begin to rebuild them so that we will be ready for the next crisis. The trustees always aim to maintain sufficient funds to meet a minimum of four months operating expenses.
This report was approved by the Board of Trustees on 06/02/2025 and signed on its behalf by
B Scrivens Chairman K Volk Treasurer
3
Registered Charity Number 1155625
| 1st February 2024 - 31st January | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Statement of financial activities | ||||
| February 2024 - January 2025 | 2024 | ||||
| Notes | Unrestricted | Restricted | |||
| Funds | Funds | Total | Total | ||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | ||
| Incoming Resources | |||||
| From Generated Funds | |||||
| Voluntary Income and | 16,341.29 | 50,813.28 | 67,154.57 | 75,862.49 | |
| Activities for generating funds | |||||
| Investment Income | 186.49 | 186.49 |
191.87 | ||
| Total Incoming Resources | 16,527.78 | 50,813.28 | 67,341.06 | 76,054.36 | |
| Resources Expended | |||||
| Charitable Activities | 8,709.01 | 54,808.43 | 63,517.44 | 72,115.00 | |
| Overheads | 3,980.43 | 0.00 | 3,980.43 | 12,821.64 | |
| Total Resources Expended | 12,689.44 | 54,808.43 | 67,497.87 | 84,936.64 | |
| Net Incoming Resources | 3,838.34 | (3,995.15) | (156.81) | (8,882.28) | |
| Balance Brought Forward | 2,249.17 | 13,723.61 | 15,972.78 | 24,855.06 | |
| Balance Carried Forward | 6,087.51 | 9,728.46 | 15,815.97 | 15,972.78 |
4
Registered Charity Number 1155625
Balance Sheet 31[st] January 2025
| Cash in the bank 2025 HSBC Current 7,075.45 HSBC Deposit 8,239.97 Lloyds 500.55 Cash in hand Net Current Assets 15,815.97 |
2024 4,834.15 10,653.48 485.15 15,972.78 |
|---|---|
The accounts were approved by the Committee of Trustees on 06/02/2025
And signed on their behalf by:-
B Scrivens Chairman K Volk Treasurer
The notes on pages 6 to 12 form part of these accounts
5
Registered Charity Number 1155625
Accounting Policies
The accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention and have been drawn up in accordance with the Charities Act 2011.
The principal accounting policies adopted by the Friends of the Mombasa Children in preparing these accounts are set out below:
(a) Incoming Resources
Incoming Resources represent fundraising, donations and sponsorship received during the year.
(b) Resources Expended
Expenditure is composed mainly of support for Unity School, Feeding project, Medical Programme and Secondary Education.
Governance costs are those for the running of the charity itself as an organisation
(c) Taxation
The charity is a registered charity and not subject to a charge of tax.
(d) Fund Accounting
Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the charity. Restricted funds are used in accordance with the specific restrictions imposed by the donors. The purpose of each restricted fund is set out in notes to these accounts.
6
Registered Charity Number 1155625
Notes to the accounts
| Voluntary Income Primary School Support Sec Ed Support Note 2 University Students Fundraising Note 1 Donations for general projects Note 1 Medical Feeding project Rented House Music Room Note 4 Equipment for Science Lab Note 4 Library improvements Note 5 Kitchen improvements Note 5 Donations through Internet Giving Gift Aid Crisis Help Teachers Interest New Classrooms Note 3 Total |
Unrestricted Restricted Total 0.00 22,267.99 22,267.99 0.00 672.00 672.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 5,604.55 0.00 5,604.55 3,077.52 0.00 3,077.52 0.00 2,044.18 2,044.18 0.00 1,216.81 1,216.81 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 526.00 526.00 0.00 2,268.00 2,268.00 1,116.11 0.00 1,116.11 6,543.11 0.00 6,543.11 0.00 0.00 0.00 186.49 0.00 186.49 0.00 21,818.30 21,818.30 |
Last Year 17,260.00 650.00 604.75 4,643.09 11,387.28 0.00 1,677.07 3000.00 368.00 825.60 0.00 0.00 4,624.93 8,249.63 0.00 191.87 22,572.14 |
|---|---|---|
| 16,527.78 50,813.28 67,341.06 76,054.36 |
Charitable Activity - expenditure
| Unity School support Secondary Education School fees Note 2 University Fees Expenses for Fundraising Medical Centre Feeding project New Classrooms Note 3 Rented House Science Lab expenditure Note 4 Music Room expenditure Note 4 Library improvements Note 5 Kitchen improvements Note 5 Crisis Help for Unity Note 6 Global Encounters Note 7 Total |
Unrestricted Restricted Total 6,092.01 22,267.99 28,360.00 0.00 576.00 576.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 2,395.00 2,395.00 0.00 1,200.00 1,200.00 917.00 21,640.44 22,557.44 0.00 2,420.00 2,420.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 300.00 300.00 0.00 2,268.00 2,268.00 1,700.00 0.00 1,700.00 0.00 1,741.00 1,741.00 |
Last Year 30,304.40 720.00 0.00 140.00 4,770.00 1,700.00 24,000.00 3,146.00 825.60 368.00 0.00 0.00 4,400.00 1,741.00 |
| 8,709.01 54,808.43 63,517.44 72,115.00 |
7
Registered Charity Number 1155625
| ed Charity Number 1155625 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Overheads Bank Charges Website Admin Audit and Legal fees Note 8 Other Misc expenditure Public Liability Insurance (10m) Total |
Unrestricted Restricted Total 540.30 0.00 540.30 1,431.60 0.00 1,431.60 155.75 0.00 155.75 240.00 0.00 240.00 804.00 0.00 804.00 808.78 0.00 808.78 |
Last Year 690.11 1,431.60 325.2 9,566.00 0.00 808.73 |
|
| 3,980.43 0.00 3,980.43 |
12,821.64 |
Note 1 Fundraising/Donations Income
A record of all large fundraising activity is kept, detailing income and any expenditure for the event. These include funds raised for unrestricted Unity purposes, from planned events such as Monsoon dinner, various events at Broadwater school, and Bishop Luffa School. In addition, there were sales, fairs and one-off donations kindly received
Note 2. Secondary Students
Donation received for one student to complete her secondary education. This was the final year with the student achieving good result.
Note 3 Upstairs Classrooms
Donations and fundraising started in earnest towards the end of 2022 owing to the need for the new classrooms to be completed on the top floor. Three classrooms were completed in previous financial year and a further two classrooms were completed in this financial year.
Note 4 Science Lab and Music instruments (prior year)
Additional funds were raised to furnish Science and Music classroom equipment which were purchased in the year.
Note 5 Library and Kitchen improvements
Additional funds were raised to improve Library facilities and the much needed kitchen improvements.
Note 6 Crisis help for teachers and School
Following reports of hardship from Mombasa, the Trustees agreed to help contribute towards unexpected costs in the year.
Note 7 Global Encounter
With the help of our link with the Aga Khan School in Mombasa, local schools in the Mombasa area took part in the Global Encounter initiative. This includes pupils from various schools spending a set number of weeks at Unity School to support them in whatever way they can. As a result of this visit the pupils organised and set up, (with the support from their teachers), an online fundraising appeal to support four pupils at Unity School with school fees for their Secondary School education. The money raised will enable each of the four pupils to complete their four years at Secondary School. The first of this 4-year amount was paid at the end of 22/23, the second payment at the end of 23/24, and the third was paid in December 2024. The final payment will be sent in 25/26.
8
Registered Charity Number 1155625
Note 8 Legal Fees (prior year)
To enable us to safeguard the Land at Unity School, it was decided that and independent Trust be set up. The Education Department in Mombasa was aware of this importance. The new trust has two trustees from FOMC, the doctor who supports our medical project, the Director and Co-Director of Unity School and a Businessman in Mombasa who supported us originally in finding the land in the first place and has continued to support us in various ways.
Restricted Funds
In order to reflect more accurately the use of funds for “The rented house” and the “Medical Project” the sum carried forward is most of the sum donated for these items. In each case the donations made in 2024, need to be spread over a 12-month period.
2a Unity School |
£ | 2d Feeding Project | £ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brought forward | 0.00 | Brought forward | 0.00 |
| Income | 22,267.99 | Income | 1,216.81 |
| Income from UR | 6,092.01 | Income from UR | 0.00 |
| Total income | 28,360.00 | Total Income | 1,216.81 |
| Expended | 28,360.00 | Expended | 1,200.00 |
| Balance | 0.00 | Balance | 16.81 |
| 2b Secondary School Fees | £ | 2e Library Project | £ |
| Brought forward | (96.00) | brought forward | 0.00 |
| Income | 672.00 | Income | 526.00 |
| Income from UR | Income from UR | 0.00 | |
| Total Income | 576.00 | Total income | 526.00 |
| Expended | 576.00 | Expended | 300.00 |
| Balance | 0.00 | Balance | 226.00 |
| 2c Medical | |||
| Centre | £ | 2f Rented House | £ |
| brought forward | 5,883.19 | brought forward | 2,887.76 |
| Income | 2,044.18 | Income | 0.00 |
| Income from UR | Income from UR | ||
| Total Income | 7,927.37 | Total income | 2,887.76 |
| Expended | 2,395.00 | Expended | 2,420.00 |
| Balance | 5,532.37 | Balance | 467.76 |
9
Registered Charity Number 1155625
| 2g New Classrooms | £ | 2i Kitchen update | £ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brought forward | 1,572.14 | Brought Forward | 0.00 |
| Income | 20,068.30 | Income | 2,268.00 |
| Income from UR | 917.00 | Income from UR | 0.00 |
| Total income | 22,557.44 | Total Income | 2,268.00 |
| Expended | 22,557.44 | Expended | 2,268.00 |
| Balance | 0.00 | Balance | 0.00 |
| 2h Global Enc brought forward Income Income from UR Total income Expended Balance Carried forward: Restricted funds Medical Centre Feeding Project Library Project Rented House Loan from Mr X Global Encounter Total c/f |
£ 2j Loan from Mr X To be repaid from general funds in 25/26 £ 3,476.52 brought forward 0.00 0.00 Income 1,750.00 0.00 Income from UR 0.00 3,476.52 Total income 1,750.00 1,741.00 Expended 0.00 1,735.52 Balance 1,750.00 £ 5,532.37 16.81 226.00 467.76 1,750.00 1,735.52 9,728.46 |
|---|---|
10
Registered Charity Number 1155625
Deposit Account Transactions £ Brought forward 10,653.48 Transferred in 0.00 Transferred out (2,600.00) Interest 186.49 8,239.97 Balance
4. TRUSTEE REMUNERATION AND EXPENSES
No remuneration directly or indirectly out of the funds of the charity was paid or payable to any trustee.
5. ANALYSIS OF NET ASSESTS BETWEEN FUNDS
Represented by: 24/25 23/24 Unrestricted Funds 6,087.51 2,249.17 Restricted Funds 9,728.46 13,723.61 Total 15,815.97 15,972.78
6. The restricted funds are funds specifically organised to provide support of children at primary and secondary schools, provide the feeding and medical projects and to assist the volunteer work in Mombasa. Other monies given for specific projects are also classed as “Restricted”. With more money being donated for specific projects, some funds may, in future, be “designated” as a subsection of “Restricted”.
7. In addition:
The trustees are most grateful to all individuals and organisations who have contributed:
Fisherbeck Trust Those who wish to remain anonymous
We also register our thanks to the following schools:
Broadwater C of E primary, Worthing River Beach C of E primary, Littlehampton Bishop Luffa C of E School, Chichester Arundel C of E Primary School The students at La Rochel School in France
11
Registered Charity Number 1155625
The Globel Encounter Aga Khan School, Mombasa
The following churches have supported us through their overseas missions work:
Littlehampton United Church Rustington Methodist Church All Saints Church, Wick Methodist Church, East Grinstead
We also record our thanks to our Associates and the work they do; together with many others who help organise and support our fundraising ventures.
Finally, we record our thanks to the Management Team at Unity School for their hard work and commitment to Unity School, and also for looking after the Trustees so well during their visits to Mombasa.
Our thanks to all who support our children and fundraise or contribute in any way. This Charity can only continue to support Unity School, the Orphanage, Medical programme, Feeding programme, Secondary and University Education through your generosity.
12
Independent examiner's report on the accounts
Section A Independent Examiner’s Report
| Report to the trustees/ members of On accounts for the year ended Set out on pages |
Charity Name Friends of the Mombasa Children |
Charity Name Friends of the Mombasa Children |
Charity Name Friends of the Mombasa Children |
|---|---|---|---|
| 31 January 2025 | Charity no (if any) |
1155625 | |
| (remember to include the page numbers of additional sheets) 1-12 |
I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity (“the Trust”) for the year ended 31 / 01 / 2025 .
- 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 Act”).
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(5)(b) of the Act.
Independent examiner's statement
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention 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
I have no concerns 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.
Signed: Date: 03 June 2025 Name: Luke Hawes MAAT AATQB Relevant professional The Association of Accounting Technicians qualification(s) or body (if any): Address: The Track, Station Rd, Bognor Regis PO21 1QF