2024-03-31-accounts

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ANNUAL REPORT 2023-2024

Charity No.1157721

Report of the Trustees and Accounts For the year 2023-2024

Chair’s Report 3 - 4 Reference and Administrative Information 4 Executive Members 5 The Aims and Objectives of ACA – Barnet 6 Our Services 7 - 8 Work experience for students / unemployed 9 Activities and Projects 2023 to 2024 10

Chair’s Report 2023 to 2024

Introduction

As Chairperson of the African Cultural Association, I am honoured to present the Annual Report for 2023-2024. This report outlines our achievements and our progress in fulfilling our mission to support and uplift our community. Our association has experienced significant growth and development, thanks to the unwavering dedication of our members, volunteers, and partners.

Welfare and Assistance

Our commitment to advising and assisting individuals in areas such as welfare benefits, housing, immigration, bereavement, health, and education has been at the forefront of our efforts this year. Highlights include:

Welfare Benefits : We have assisted over 500 individuals in navigating and securing welfare benefits. Through workshops and one-on-one sessions, we have ensured that our community members are informed about their entitlements and can access the support they need.
Housing : In partnership with local housing authorities, we have helped 200 families secure stable and affordable housing. Our advocacy efforts have been instrumental in addressing housing needs and improving living conditions for many.
Immigration : Our immigration support services have guided over 200 individuals through visa applications, asylum claims, and other immigration-related processes. Our team has provided crucial advice and support, ensuring that our community members’ rights are upheld.
Bereavement : We have offered compassionate support to 50 families experiencing bereavement, providing counselling and assistance with funeral arrangements. Our bereavement support groups have been a source of comfort and solidarity during difficult times.
Health : We have organized health fairs, vaccination drives, and wellness workshops, reaching over 1,000 individuals. Our collaborations with healthcare providers have improved health outcomes and promoted well-being within our community.
Education : Our educational support initiatives have benefited 300 students through tutoring and mentorship. These efforts have fostered academic excellence and personal growth among our youth.

Education and Training for Employment

Advancing education and training for employment has been a key focus this year:

Nursery Facilities for Single Parents in Training : We have improved referrals to nursery facilities, providing a safe and nurturing environment for 50 children of single parents. This service has enabled single parents to pursue education and employment opportunities, knowing their children are well cared for.
Employment Training : We have conducted vocational training programs for a total of 250 individuals, covering skills development in areas such as tailoring, dressmaking, craft, pattern construction, and entrepreneurship. These programs have equipped participants with the tools needed to succeed in the job market.

Advancing African Culture, History, and Language

Promoting and preserving African culture, history, and language remains central to our mission:

Cultural Events : We organized Black History Month cultural events, including music and dance performances, art exhibitions, and culinary festivals. These events celebrated our rich heritage and fostered cross-cultural understanding and appreciation.
Educational Programs : Our workshops on African culture and history attracted over 500 participants, ranging from school children to adults. These programs provided valuable insights into the diverse and vibrant traditions of Africa.

Conclusion

Reflecting on the achievements of the past year, we are filled with pride and motivated to continue our mission. The African Cultural Association remains committed to supporting our community through welfare assistance, educational advancement, and cultural promotion. Our successes are a testament to the hard work and dedication of our members, volunteers, and partners.

Looking ahead, we are excited to build on this foundation, expand our programs, and reach even more individuals in need. Together, we will continue to empower our community, celebrate our heritage, and create a brighter future for all.

Thank you for your unwavering support.

Sincerely,

Chairman, African Cultural Association

Imelda Toby Chair

Reference and Administrative Information

Charity Name: African Cultural Association

Charity registration number: 1157721

UKPRN registration number 10047863

Registered Office and operational Address: 28 Church End, Hendon, London, NW4 4JX

Website: www.africanculturalassociation.org Email: info@africanculturalassociation.net Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/African-Cultural-Association-Barnet Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/africanculturalassociation/ Twitter : https://twitter.com/AfricanCultura5

AFRICAN CULTURAL ASSOCIATION AGM 23[RD] DECEMBER, 2023

Mrs. Imelda Toby Chair

Ms. Justina Gore Vice Chair

Mr. Ambrose Goldersmint Treasurer

Mrs. Hannah Boateng Secretary

Mr. George Khoury

Mr. Samuel Botchey

Ms. Marcia Offei

Ms. Lesley Daniels

Ms. Charlotte Boaitey

Our Aims and Objective:

To advise and assist individual refugees and non-refugees in areas such as welfare benefits, housing, immigration, bereavement, health, and education.
To advance education and training for employment by providing nursery facilities for single parents.
To promote education in African culture, history, and language .

Management Committee report for the year ended 31 March 2024

OUR SERVICES

Ensuring Our Work Delivers Our Aims

We review our aims, objectives, and activities each year. This review assesses our achievements and the outcomes of the past 12 months. It evaluates the success of each activity and the benefits they have brought to the groups we aim to help. This process ensures that our aims, objectives, and activities remain focused on our stated purposes.

How Our Activities Provide Public Benefit

We provide general advice, guidance, information, and training to assist unemployed, lowincome, disadvantaged, and vulnerable people. This includes African, Caribbean, and other ethnic minority refugees and non-refugees in need, hardship, or distress, residing in London and other areas within the UK.

Most of our service users live in Barnet (Graham Park Estates, Colindale, Burnt Oak), Harrow (Kenton and Stanmore), Brent (Willesden, Harlesden), and surrounding areas across London. Many of our service users live in areas with the highest levels of poverty and deprivation in London.

Who Uses and Benefits from Our Services?

Disadvantaged and vulnerable children and young people (aged 7 to 18) at risk of offending or anti-social behaviour.
People from Black and Ethnic Minority backgrounds.
Refugee and non-refugee families (aged 7 to 70+).
Disabled and mental health clients, including those recovering from long-term illness, who are lonely, isolated, and struggling to find available services.
Individuals seeking to gain skills or qualifications.
NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training) groups.
The unemployed, low-income, and disadvantaged living in areas with the highest levels of poverty and deprivation in the Borough of Barnet and surrounding areas of London.

We organize recreational skills training activities for adults and women, youth group projects, and after-school programs. We also host cultural activities, festivals, and events, including the annual celebration of Black History Month in October. Additionally, we offer African language translation and advice to hospitals and social services, particularly in the children and family sections. One of our core objectives is to advance education in African culture, history, and language.

Skills Training

As a registered UK learning provider, we offer skills training for young people and children aged 7 to 18, as well as adults aged 18 to 70+.

Our training sessions run from Monday to Saturday, 10:30 AM to 3:30 PM, five days a week.

Our training courses include:

Fashion Design
Dressmaking
Pattern Cutting
Accessories Alteration and Mending Techniques
Recycling and Upcycling Workshops using Sustainable Materials
African Hair Braiding and Weaving
Bag Making and Hat Making, including “Gele” (African Traditional Head Wrap)
Crafts such as Cushions, Patchwork, Embroidery, and Curtain Making
Youth Projects and a Variety of After-School activities

Volunteering / Work Experience at ACA

The African Cultural Association recognizes the significance of practical experience in shaping the career paths of students. Each year, the Association collaborates with colleges and universities, providing students with opportunities to gain valuable work experience.

In addition to offering work experience, the African Cultural Association is committed to engaging unemployed individuals by providing meaningful volunteering opportunities. By dedicating their time and energy to community-driven initiatives, these volunteers gain a sense of purpose, contribute to society, and develop valuable skills that enhance their employability prospects.

Through work experience placements, students gain exposure to real-life work scenarios, strengthening their industry-specific skills and enhancing their overall employability. These practical experiences broaden their understanding and application of concepts learned in the classroom, making them highly competitive in the job market.

Volunteering opportunities empower unemployed individuals by providing them with a sense of purpose and the chance to contribute their skills and talents to meaningful projects. This engagement helps build confidence, develop new skills, and opens doors to potential employment opportunities, breaking the cycle of unemployment.

Our efforts in providing these opportunities not only contribute to the personal and professional growth of the individuals involved but also foster cultural integration and community development.

The Vaccine Confidence Uptake Project Funded by Harrow Giving

The project began with four volunteers and two programme staff who underwent training to raise awareness about the importance of vaccines, including those for COVID-19, flu, MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella), polio, and others. Building trust in vaccines involves fostering the belief that vaccines:

Work
Are safe
Are part of a trustworthy medical system

Our staff and volunteers were paired up to visit five different areas (targeting Canons Park, Edgware, Queensbury, Stanmore, Little Stanmore, and Kenton) for four hours each week. They distributed flyers and conducted survey interviews simultaneously. These interactions were educational, informing people about the need for vaccines and encouraging those who had already received them to get boosters. While some days were challenging, with individuals

reluctant to engage, many still provided their contact information for follow-up and monitoring purposes.

Additionally, volunteers conducted phone surveys with BAME adults who live, work, learn, worship, or socialize in Harrow. A total of 400 survey interviews were completed successfully, although over 50 calls were cut off by uninterested individuals. Approximately 60 ethnic minority individuals, aged between 35 and 55, were particularly resistant to discussing vaccines. We later invited many of them to a free workshop, where health talks helped some understand the importance of vaccines.

We distributed awareness flyers to over 400 people, providing information on the importance of vaccines such as COVID-19, flu, polio, MMR, and HPV. Despite initial struggles, we managed to conduct more survey interviews both through phone calls and face-to-face interactions. The Vaccine Confidence Uptake Project aims to address vaccine hesitancy and improve vaccine uptake by providing information, addressing concerns, and promoting vaccine confidence. This initiative has made several positive impacts:

Increased Knowledge and Awareness : Participants received accurate information about vaccines, including their benefits, safety, and importance in preventing diseases. This increased knowledge helps individuals make informed decisions about vaccination.
Reduced Vaccine Hesitancy : Vaccine confidence can be influenced by factors like misinformation, fear, and rumors. This project addresses these issues by providing evidencebased information, debunking myths, and addressing concerns. This approach helps to reduce vaccine hesitancy and encourages more people to get vaccinated.
Improved Trust in Healthcare Systems : By creating a supportive and open environment for discussions about vaccines, the project fosters trust in healthcare systems. Participants have the opportunity to engage with healthcare professionals and vaccine advocates, which helps build trust in the vaccination process. Some participants were also directed to get boosters and flu vaccines.
Enhanced Community Engagement : The Vaccine Confidence Uptake Project promotes community involvement and engagement. Through workshops and Zoom meetings, it provides platforms for individuals to share their experiences, ask questions, and address concerns. This engagement fosters a sense of belonging, empowerment, and collective effort towards vaccine uptake.
Health Protection : The primary goal of vaccines is to protect individuals from infectious diseases. By promoting vaccine confidence and uptake, the project contributes to the overall health and well-being of individuals and communities. It helps prevent the spread of vaccine-preventable diseases and reduces the burden on healthcare systems.

Overall, the Vaccine Confidence Uptake Project has significantly increased knowledge, reduced hesitancy, improved trust, fostered community engagement, and protected health.

Benefits :

We have made efforts to ensure the project is accessible and inclusive for individuals with disabilities by providing information and resources in accessible formats, accommodating different needs, and promoting equal participation.
As we target Ethnic Minority communities, we ensure interpreters are available to assist with language barriers and engage with cultural influencers to ensure effective communication and understanding.

Strategies for Addressing Concerns :

We implement strategies to effectively address age-related concerns and increase vaccine confidence awareness.
The project considers religious beliefs and practices, working with religious leaders to address concerns and provide culturally sensitive information to encourage vaccine uptake.
We strive to be inclusive and sensitive to the needs of diverse sexual orientations.

Monitoring :

Surveys and Questionnaires : Conducting surveys and distributing questionnaires to collect quantitative and qualitative data. These tools measure vaccine confidence levels, assess knowledge and awareness, identify concerns, and evaluate the effectiveness of the information provided.
Interviews : Conducting interviews with program participants to gain valuable insights.
Vaccine Uptake Rates : Monitoring actual vaccine uptake rates within targeted areas.
Social Media Tracking : Monitoring social media platforms in real time to observe discussions, trends, and sentiments related to vaccines.
Evaluation of Workshops and Educational Materials : Assessing the effectiveness of workshops, Zoom meetings, educational materials, and campaigns through participant feedback and evaluations.

Beneficiaries of the Vaccine Confidence Grant :

Ethnicity : African and Caribbean, Black Africans, Mixed (Black and White, Black and Asian), Asians, White British.
Gender : Approximately 85% females and 15% males.

Age : About 63% were over 50 years old, 7.2% were 18 to 29 years old (more work is needed to engage the youth).
Community : Engaged a broad range of the African community, including Muslims and Christians, as well as individuals on low income or unemployed (on state benefits). We also engaged Asians and a few White British residents.
Disability : Engaged at least 20 people with learning difficulties.

TARGET GROUP: BLACK AND ETHNIC MINORITY

survey interview questionnaires.

How Concerned are/were you about taking the vaccine? 11 NOT CThYCERNED FAIRLY CCY4CERNED STR(Y4GLY c(cERNED I DECL14Ety WILL CECLNE VACCINES BLACK HISTORY MONTH OCTOBER 2023 4. l *Jqk a 14

BLACK HISTORY fvf<5pJT Af rocan Cultural Assoclat6on •nvlt• you to C•l•t>r•t• Afrlcan Cultur• & Tradfjtlonl 28TH OCTOBER EVENT PLAP+a Call Vs: 07903151159 Colir4dal• Llbrary. 7 Brlstol Av4sTrnu•. London. BF I b0uiriuI Ir Black fllmTr once a mtsnth for the last 1 V**A roHY 15

Sat, 28 Oct 2023 12:30 - 16:30

Location Colindale Library

Venue : 7 Bristol Avenue, London NW9 4BR

About this Event :

Duration : 4 hours

The African Cultural Association invites the entire community to celebrate African culture and tradition. This event aims to raise awareness of African people’s traditions and their contributions to Black British history and society.

Schedule :

12:30 PM to 1:30 PM : Guest Speaker - Historian Tony Warner will discuss “BLACK HISTORY WALKS” and launch Volume One of his book.
1:30 PM to 2:00 PM : Cultural Exhibition and Arts & Craft Display featuring African culture, history, and arts. This includes displays of African artifacts, paintings, sculptures, and traditional clothing, as well as notable African/Caribbean figures and their contributions.

2:00 PM to 3:30 PM : Live performances featuring traditional African music, drumming, and dancing. Children aged 6 to 16 are encouraged to join in and learn African music and dancing.
3:30 PM to 4:30 PM : Enjoy a fresh hot buffet of assorted African/Caribbean dishes. The cultural exhibition, art, and book display will continue.

YOUTH HOLIDAY FOOD AND ACTIVITIES AND AFTER-SCHOOL ACTIVITIES WORKING IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE YOUNG HARROW FOUNDATION MAY, 2023 TO NOVEMBER, 2023

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– OVER 60 + Healthy living lifestyle ACTIVITIES Started from

14[th] November, 2022 to April 2024 for 5 years

Fashion Dressmaking / Craft and Pattern Cutting Classes

The African Cultural Association is a registered UK learning provider, offering skill training in fashion, craft dressmaking, and pattern construction in Barnet, Harrow, and Brent. Learners from all over London come to gain skills from our training programs.

We partner with Harrow Adult Community and Family Learning (Learn Harrow) to deliver exciting, innovative, and engaging courses for Harrow residents and learners from across London. Our programs are designed to reach the most hard-to-reach residents, increase individual and community self-esteem, generate engagement, and promote a sense of belonging.

We offer fresh, innovative, inspirational, and ambitious flexible opportunities that provide learners with greater knowledge and skills. Our courses also address current issues of concern, such as the cost-of-living crisis, the need to improve reducing, recycling, and reusing, and meeting the climate change challenge.

Fashion Dressmaking /Craft and Pattern Cutting Classes

AFRICAN CULTURAL ASSOCIATION INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES ON THE FINANCIAL STATEMENT OF AFRICAN CULTURAL ASSOCIATION FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 I report on the financial statement of the Charity for the year ended 31 March 2024, which are set out on page 1. Raspectlvè responsibilities of trustees and examiner The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements. The charity's trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 43(2) of the Charities Act 1993 (the 1993 Act) and that an independent examination is needed. It is my responsibllity to: examine the financial statement under section 43 of the 1993 Act., to follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 43(7)(b) of the 1993 Act: and to state whether particular matters have come to my attention. Basls of indepondant examine8 report My examlnation 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 financial statement presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the financial statement, and seeking explanations from you as 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 whethar the financial statement present a Irue and fair view, and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below. Indapendent examlnerfs statement In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention,. (1) which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements: to keep accounting records in accordance with section 41 of the 1993 Act,. and to prepare acLounts which accord with the accounting recx)rds and comply with the accounting requirements of the 1993 Act have not been met. or (2) to which, in my opinion. attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Mrs Angela Maselino 191 Brocket Way, Chigwell. Essex. 22nd July 2024

..IVRFCAN CULTURAL ASSOCTATION NANCL4L STA'fEMENf i APRIL 2023 TO 31- MARCH 21124 COME £ 17.280.00 (X)NTRACTS 14,175.CQ VOLuKfARY Cl)NfRIBufIoNS & LX)NATIONS 3,251.91 TOTAL 34 706.91 EXPENDITURE INSURANCE EVE's AND PROJECT COSTS MAiwfENANCEI KEPAIRS AND REFiJRBISHMENT PRNfiN(F, N)STAGE AND STATIONER Y I'ELEPFI()Nf. E."AL EMAII. AND WEB%rrE PREMISESI JIALL HIRE AND OVERHEADS GAS ANI) EL.EcfRICITY WATER RATE AND WASTF. COLLEcfioN (iOVLRNANCE AND IIROFESSIONAL (Y)ST LQiIII)MLN'I-S SALAR YI VOLUNTEER EXPENSES AND NI MISCELLANF.OUS 653.67 14.570.27 150.72 1,867.74 2,039.55 2.569.50 1.752.24 354.83 1,807.$8 16,468.28 3C6.49 TOTAL EXCESS OF IN(X)ME OVER EXPENDITURE 7.933.32 BAIANCE EjRoUGF FORWARD AT I APRIL 2023 10,929.75 L4NCE CARIUED DDRWARD AT 31 MARCH 2024 2 996.43 APPROVED BY EXECUnVE CCM4ITfEe ON 16fH JULY 2024 Mrs lfflda T(ty Hannah FA)ateng MIAmbrose IdeSMIn1 Chair S10try Trea8U

. FRICAN CULTURAL As8([TION NCIAL STATEME"NT I A RII. 2 TO 31 NLRCH INCOME RESTRICTED FUND GRANTS UNRESTRICTED FUTr TOTAL 2024 GRANrs 17,280.(JJ 17,280.¢NJ CONTRACTS 14,175.(JJ 14.175.(KJ VOLUNTARY CONTRIBUTIONS & tK>NATIONS 3.251.91 3,251.91 REFUND TOTAL INCOMING RESOURCES 17A26.91 17 280.00 34,706.91 EXPENDITURE INSIJRANCE EVEN'I'S AND PROJF.CT8 COSTS MAINTF.NANCtJ RLPAIRS ANI) RLFURBISIIMENT PRINI'ING. POSTACJf, AND s"fATIUNERY TELEPHONE, FAX. F.MAIL AND WEIJSITF. PREMISESI HALL HIRF. AND OVERHEADS CyA8 AND ELEC'I'RICITY 317.00 336.67 14.570.27 110.00 1.617.74 1.939.55 2.569.50 1.252.24 204.83 803.58 653.67 14.570.27 150.72 1.867.74 2.039.55 2,569.50 1.752.24 354.83 1.807.58 250.00 100.00 150.00 1,204.00 RA TF, AND WASTE COLLF.CTION GOVERNANCE AND PROFF,%%IONAL CO8T EQUIPMENTS SAiARYI VOLUNTEER EXPENSF.S AND NI 99.36 99.36 16.468.28 16,468.28 306.49 MISCELLANEOUS 306.49 19 030.00 23 810.23 42 640.23 EXCF.SS OF INCOME OVER F.XPF.NDrriJRE 1.eL)3.09 6.330.23 7,933.32 BALANCF. BROUGHT FORWARD AT 1st APRIL 2023 2.7.69 8,322.06 10,929.75 BALANCE CARRIED FORWARD AT 31 MARCH 2024 1,004.60 1,991.83 2,996.43 APPROVED BY EXECUMVE CaMMIThEE ON 16th JULY 2024 Mrs Imelda To M¥$ Hannah Boateng MrAn*rose (knklesmint ChIr S¢¢tsry Treasufef

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