2022-12-31-accounts - Africa's Children In Education

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Africa's Children in Education (ACE) Trustees' Annual Report

2022

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world” Nelson Mandela

2022: ACE Celebrates Ten Years of Arise School!

The focus of ACE has been to raise the funds to build Arise Pre and Primary Community School situated in a rural and impoverished community in the foothills of Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania.

Given the poverty of the community and of their family circumstances, many of the children who attend Arise would not otherwise have the opportunity of an education.

The first classroom was opened in January 2013 with 11 children and one teacher. By 2020, it was a full school with 10 classrooms, capacity for 400 pupils, and 30 members of staff.

In November 2022, pupils and staff at Arise School were joined by the founders of ACE to hold a small celebration marking 10 full years of the school’s operation.

Like all things Tanzanian, it was a joyous occasion. Guest Speaker, Rose Sandi, District Education Officer, spoke about the many achievements at Arise in its 10 years. On behalf of the community, she recognised the role of everyone who has supported ACE to make that possible:

"This is a safe haven for our children, especially those coming from underprivileged and poverty stricken families. When I look at their faces and see the many beautiful smiles, I realise how important this school is to them. Thank you for being a part of their story”.

As ACE Trustees, we would like to take the opportunity at the outset of this report, to express our sincere thanks and appreciation to all the charity’s donors and supporters. Over the years, it is you who have helped to make this possible and who continue to be “part of their story”.

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About ACE and Arise School

About ACE:

ACE was registered with the Charity Commission in 2014.

Its objects:

“To advance the education of children in socially and economically disadvantaged communities in East Africa, in particular in Tanzania, through the provision of funding to build new schools and develop existing schools………. “

Facts and Figures about ACE 2022

Annual Income: £60,773
Annual Expenditure: £52,195

• Overheads: 0.81%

Number of Trustees: 7
Paid staff: 0
Volunteers (inc Trustees): 9

Facts and Figures about Arise 2022

Pre and Primary English medium school Registered with the Ministry of Education Community school with locally appointed School Management Committee No. of pupils (capacity 400): 374 (boys 191, girls 183) No. of staff: 31 (17 teachers, 14 support staff) No. of local volunteers: 4

The focus of ACE has been to build Arise School, located in a remote, rural area in the foothills of Mt. Kilimanjaro, Tanzania. The school was founded on three principles that are integral to its ongoing work.

It should be open to any child in the local community.
It should be a community resource with real community ownership.
1. It should eventually become self sustaining.

“Arise to me is a place where I make friends and receive the best education. I am inspired by my teachers each day to learn and study hard so that I can reach my dream of becoming a scientist one day. I love it here, it is more than a home for me.” Arise School Pupil

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Challenges of 2022

Whilst travel from the U.K. to Tanzania continued to be restricted due to the global Coronavirus pandemic, for much of the 12 months under review, the processes previously put in place to oversee the charity’s work on the ground enabled effective communication with Arise School to be maintained and ongoing delivery on agreed priorities.

However, the ongoing economic impact of Coronavirus on families locally has led to financial loss for the school in terms of income it relies on from fee paying students. This was felt increasingly by Arise during the course of 2021 and has continued to be the case throughout 2022. In spite of further initiatives at Arise funded by ACE during the year, this loss of income has considerable implications for the longer term plan of Arise becoming self sustaining.

A further challenge with regards to achieving self sustainability of the school was the drought experienced. In Tanzania, in spite of the school’s high altitude, no rain fell in the area between March and November 2022. Not only did this affect the school’s capacity for crop growing, it also meant that the cost of buying vegetables and other food in the local market rose, thereby, increasing the school’s food bills.

At the beginning of the new school year in January 2022, the Tanzanian Government changed the national curriculum for all primary schools. Given the country’s examination system, this represented a very considerable challenge necessitating, at short notice, a whole new set of text books which had not been budgeted for.

Moving forward into 2023, the biggest challenge remains that of the most appropriate and effective way in which ACE, as a small charity, is able to support Arise School on its journey towards the goal of becoming self sustaining.

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Our Work and Priorities in 2022

Initially raising funds for the capital construction of Arise School, since its completion in 2020, the focus of the charity’s work has been to:

work together with the school to enable it to eventually become self sustaining. maintain those pupils at Arise currently in the ACE Sponsorship Scheme maintain pupils sponsored at Arise through their secondary education

What we said we would do in 2022:

continue to support all 92 children in the ACE Sponsorship Scheme through their primary education at Arise School and in their four years at secondary school
continue to assess and quality assure the school’s educational standards and support its continuous development towards becoming a centre of excellence
continue to work with Arise and Cronton School to ensure successful outcomes for the Connecting Classrooms partnership (subject to decisions by the British Council)
continue to oversee the progression and evaluate the outcomes set for the BFSS (British and Foreign School Society) funded project
continue to work with Arise School to enable it to become self sustaining, including the ongoing sponsorship locally of ten new children each year

Why I Sponsor:

“I sponsor a 9 year old boy at Arise because I want him to have the best chance in life by enjoying a good quality of education in his Primary School. I love that Sue and Ron send me his reports and a current photo. This helps me to feel involved and in touch with his progress.” ACE Sponsor

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What we achieved in 2022:

ACE Sponsorship Scheme:

Sponsorship has been integral to the operation of Arise since it first opened in order to ensure that the school is open to the poorest children in the community.In 2019, the ACE Sponsorship Scheme was closed to any new children.

As part of the drive towards self sustainability, the aim is that Arise should gradually assume responsibility itself for the sponsorship of children locally to an agreed level of 25% of total pupils. By the end of 2022, Arise sponsored 30 children.

Meanwhile, the ongoing commitment of ACE is to support the 92 children sponsored by the charity at the point the scheme closed, through the remainder of their time at Arise and then through their four years at a local Government secondary school.From January 2022 onwards, there have been 19 sponsored students in secondary education.

During 2022, it has been necessary to respond to changes in the family circumstances of a number of sponsored pupils that meant they were in danger of dropping out of education, for example, because of the death or chronic illness of a single parent, or the very real difficulties experienced by an ageing carer.

For five, this has entailed ACE meeting the additional cost of residential accommodation either at Arise itself or, for those at secondary school, the cost of boarding at their school, something which is much more common in Tanzanian schools. We are indebted to both our existing and some new sponsors who came forward to make this possible for those pupils concerned.

By the end of 2022:

92 children sponsored by ACE (73 at Arise, 19 now at secondary schools) 30 children sponsored locally by Arise

7 children sponsored from Australia (6 at Arise, 1 now at secondary school)

Overall total: 129

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Changing Lives Through Education

Journey Towards Quality Education

Since it’s inception, Arise School and ACE have worked together to realise the school’s vision to provide quality education for the community and become known as a “centre of excellence”. In Tanzania, primary schools are measured against the national examinations. All pupils are required to sit at the end of Grade 4 and then Grade 7, their final year of primary education.

The pressure for both individual students and the school as a whole to achieve high grades and, therefore, a high overall ranking, is very considerable. As a result, the challenge presented by the change in the national curriculum and in examination setting at the beginning of 2022 was very considerable.

It meant that Arise School quickly needed to implement the new curriculum in full. Teachers had to be trained in the new requirements and a whole new set of text books acquired. With the school still struggling to recover financially from the economic impact of the pandemic, ACE rose to the challenge.

Within a couple of months, an appeal to our supporters raised the money necessary to make this possible. Our very grateful thanks to all who responded to this appeal. In particular, it made it possible for older pupils to have individual access to the necessary text books. The benefits of this were very well evidenced in the 2022 Grade 7 examination results.

What a supporter said about Arise School:

“Fabulous results so proud of what the school has done over the years. ‘From tiny acorns great oaks grow."

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Grade 7 Results

Success in Grade 7 examinations leads to the award of the National Primary School Leaving Certificate required before pupils are able to move on to study at Government secondary school.

In September, Arise arranged a seminar for Grade 7 students and their parents. This was a new and successful initiative designed to involve parents, encourage and motivate pupils and foster positivity for the forthcoming exams.

Thirty four pupils from Arise School then sat their exams in six subjects. As well as an individual mark in each subject, pupils receive an average mark.

All passed with flying colours! Seventeen (an amazing 50%) received Grade A average, 13 Grade B and four Grade C. No child received Grade D or below. Overall, Arise School was rated “Very good” by the Education Department.

Of these, 13 pupils were sponsored through ACE. From the poorest homes, two, a boy and a girl, received Grade A average. This was the first time, that a sponsored girl has achieved Grade A. Given the cultural factors that continue to inhibit girls from focusing on their education, especially in remote, rural areas, this is a brilliant achievement.

From its allocation of nine scholarships for the whole of the District, seven were awarded to Arise Grade A average students, five boys and two girls, to support them in their secondary education. The pupils concerned were the first to seventh most highly scoring pupils across all schools in the District!

Amongst them was the boy sponsored through ACE. He came first amongst all pupils in the District and has been given a place to study at Ilboru School, described as the “best secondary school in Tanzania”. A further Grade A average student, sponsored locally by Arise, also received a scholarship having come second amongst all pupils in the District. Two more brilliant achievements!

Very many congratulations to all the students and Arise staff who contributed to these amazing achievements. We wish the young people every success as they move on to secondary education.

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What Grade 7 students said about their education at Arise

Arise has been a part of our life, we have been more than family, especially in these last days while preparing for our final exam, we have bonded even more, I am really going to miss my school and all my friends

There are times when I’ve thrown myself out there, fell down, felt like giving up, but at Arise there has always been someone to pick me back up and encouraged me to move forward. This support has really prepared me for the real world ahead. I am more than confident to face any challenge that will come my way

Today I realised how time pass so fast, I celebrate graduating, yet It feels so sad to be separated from my 9 years of friendship. I wish we could all be going to the same secondary school, but that is not possible. I surely will miss the connection we had

It has been more than a school to us, while at school we felt at home

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What secondary school means to students

In addition to supporting them through their primary education at Arise, ACE has committed to continue to support all of its sponsored children through their four years at a local Government secondary school. The first group of ten students started their secondary education in January 2021.

In November 2022, at the end of their year in Form 2, all secondary school students are required to sit and pass national examinations at Division 4 or above before moving to their final two years.

Now being taught in a very different setting and culture from that at Arise, their results were very pleasing. Four students were placed in Division 1, two in Division 2 and four in Division 3. Our congratulations go to all for their continuing hard work and effort.

As one of the students expressed it…….

“The foundation of my education here at Olodonyosambu Secondary School was set by Arise. I wouldn’t have done so well if it was not for Arise and the instruction I received there while in the years of my primary education. This year I did so well in my form two results, this is because of the hard work and commitment of my teachers and friends. I celebrate this achievement with Arise. It is my belief that many others will follow in my footsteps with great success.”

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Connecting Classrooms

Following the successful joint partnership application in 2019 between Cronton CE Primary School, Widnes, and Arise School to the British Council’s “Connecting Classrooms through Global Learning” programme, in February 2020, immediately prior to travel restrictions being imposed due to Coronavirus, a very successful exchange took place with Arise welcoming two Cronton teachers to the school.

Whilst the second part of the exchange, due to take place a few months later, was not possible given the ongoing restrictions, it was very much hoped that this would happen once restrictions were lifted. Unfortunately, during 2022, it was learned from the British Council that the funding for the programme had been withdrawn and, therefore, the outstanding exchange will not now be possible.

In spite of the disappointment generated by this, Cronton and Arise Schools continue to foster their ongoing partnership. Following a very successful Zoom between classrooms to share learning in both schools Cronton pupils again used their Harvest Festival to support Arise on its journey to become self sustaining by raising money for the school to purchase seeds to grow staple foods, such as maize and beans, used in the school kitchen.

Bringing the Benefits of ICT to Arise and the Local Community

Now in its third and final year, the BFSS funded project to bring the benefits of ICT both to Arise School and the surrounding community continues to be monitored and the outcomes evaluated, as required by the conditions of the funding. The Computer Room, built and equipped as part of the project with 20 computers and desks and chairs for 40 children, has now been in use since April 2021.

It provides Arise staff with an invaluable teaching resource to draw on and for pupils to learn the knowledge and skills required of them to successfully prepare for and sit the ICT component in their national examinations.

For the local area, it affords a unique facility accessible to other local schools and community members. In 2022, it was used by 160 primary school pupils from four other schools and 80 secondary school pupils from two schools. 15 teachers from various schools also benefited from its use, mainly for training purposes.

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Arise and Cronton Schools Online

In September 2022, the computer facilities now available at Arise through the BFSS project, enabled classrooms at Arise and Cronton schools to be connected in a new and different way that gave pupils in both schools a very different perspective and insight into each other’s lives 5,000 miles away.

Pupils across the age range in each school had the opportunity to take it in turns to answer and ask a question that they wanted to learn about each other, for example, their favourite school subject or how they spent their time outside of school.

Two Cronton Year 6 pupils described the experience in the following way:

“We had the pleasure of taking part in an amazing Zoom meeting with the children at Arise School in Tanzania……We had the privilege to have an insight into their culture and routine of their school day. ……We were very privileged to be able to discuss the different aspects of our school and learn about theirs. …….They showed so much appreciation and it was very moving to listen to them."

We are very grateful to BFSS for their generous funding that has made this brilliant resource possible for the benefit of Arise School and the community.

“My daughter is very confident at expressing her views. I have come to notice that this is something she has picked up from school. I am very delighted to know that my child is being well prepared for the future and she is confident to defend and speak for herself. I am very happy for having Arise School in my community.” Arise School Parent

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Supporting Arise to Achieve Self Sustainability

It is the shared aim of both Arise School and ACE that the school should eventually become self sustaining and independent of the charity. In recent years, following the installation of a well and irrigation system in 2018, Arise has focussed on being able to grow sufficient vegetables and fruit for use in the school kitchen.

Initiatives funded by ACE have included a chicken project providing eggs and meat; cows and goats both producing milk, with the goats also providing meat, and a rabbit project for both meat and fertiliser. In addition, following the construction and completion of two fish ponds in early 2022, the first harvest of tilapia was farmed.

In 2022, there were two new projects aiming to use the scenic school grounds with their backdrop of Mt. Kilimanjaro to advantage. Firstly, canopies and chairs were purchased to enable them to be hired out and used by the community for a range of events, such as weddings, seminars or other occasions.

Secondly, as the tropical trees and plants in the school grounds provide an ideal environment in which to collect pollen and nectar to make honey, a species of non stinging bee, safe for the children, was brought in, with the honey then being sold locally to bring in income.

Together, as well as enabling Arise to maximise the extent to which it is self sufficient in food, these projects provide much needed nutrition for the children. They are also used to teach them to both care for and respect the various animals and insects concerned and the environment.

Whilst it now has the capacity to produce almost all of its daily food requirements, the local drought from March to November 2022, inevitably impacted on the school’s ability to do so and to generate income from selling any surplus.

Finally, based on projected savings in electricity costs, midway through 2022, ACE agreed to fund the installation of solar at Arise. It is hoped that this will increase the potential for self sustainability by enabling more frequent irrigation. It also, provides the opportunity to use solar more widely in the school to reduce costs.

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In 2022, we also achieved:

Somewhere to Play

The charity’s 2021 Christmas Appeal, “Somewhere to Play” , to build and equip a playground for the Arise pre-school children separate from that for older pupils, was successful in raising over £3,500. Together with their fully equipped and beautifully painted new Daycare Room, funded by ACE in 2021, the playground, shaded to protect from the sun, was soon built and very much enjoyed by the little ones.

A huge “thank you” to everyone who contributed to the appeal.

Somewhere to Experiment

A newly built and equipped Science Room at Arise was officially opened in November as part of the 10 Year Celebration. Students studying for their Science national examinations, previously limited to theoretical knowledge and learning, now have the opportunity for much needed practical learning and experimentation. The short presentations made by students on a range of topics at the opening, amply demonstrated that the room and its resources are already being put to excellent use!

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Changing lives through Teaching and Volunteering

The Arise Staff and Volunteer Team

Employed locally by the Arise School Management Committee, the 31 members of staff, supported by six local volunteers, work together with commitment and enthusiasm to provide a welcoming ethos and environment for pupils. Unlike many schools in Tanzania where corporal punishment is still permitted, it is one where they are able to learn without fear.

Meet Juliana

At the beginning of 2022, Arise welcomed a new Teaching Head.

“My first year with Arise has been exciting and a learning experience. I am very happy to be here and I really enjoy spending my time with the children. They fill my heart with laughter and joy every day.I look forward to being here for a long time, and I look forward to providing leadership that will take Arise to new heights.”

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Local volunteers are much valued at Arise. They contribute across a range of tasks, bringing their diverse skills and knowledge, their dedication and energy, to enhance the work of staff. In turn, they benefit from the valuable opportunity to gain work experience and skill development, hard to come by in Tanzania.

Meet Alex

Entering Arise, Alex’s talents as an artist are immediately apparent. He has used them throughout the school and grounds to provide a welcoming and attractive environment that encourages and supports children’s learning. As a volunteer, he spends time in the classroom drawing and painting with them and preparing teaching aids for staff. Alex also receives payment for some tasks which helps him to pay his siblings’ school fees and his grandmother’s medical expenses. He writes:

“I am very proud to be a part of this community of young learners with whom I can share my talent and skills.……It’s truly an honour to work with the Arise school in shaping the minds that are going to change the future and impact the community in a positive way.”

Meet Paul

Paul, now aged 13, started at Arise in 2016. His family then hit very hard times and were unable to continue to pay his school fees. Arise stepped in by sponsoring Paul, enabling him to complete his education at the school. Grateful for this generous support, pending his start at secondary school, Paul returned to volunteer at Arise helping with a range of tasks, including assisting in the school library, and typing exam papers. He writes:

“Arise is truly a school for the community, it was there when I was most in need. ….Giving my time here is worth it, for Arise gave me an opportunity when I had nowhere else to turn to. …..I extend my deepest appreciation to Arise Community School and all its members for the opportunities they are giving us for a better future”.

Paul wanted to make Arise proud of him as a student. He certainly did so, receiving Grade A average in his Grade 7 exams. He was the second highest scoring pupil in the District and one of two Arise sponsored pupils awarded a Government scholarship for their secondary education. We wish Paul every success with his future studies.

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Changing Lives in the Community

Their School, for their Children and their Community

Integral to its development since the outset has been the principle that Arise School should become a community resource with real community ownership. Over the years, all the construction and fitting of the buildings and projects has been undertaken by local businesses and workers, often with materials and labour donated by the community. From making desks to school uniforms, all necessary services and equipment are commissioned locally.

Arise School continues to create much needed employment for the area. Teachers and support staff are employed locally and volunteers drawn from the local area. In particular, whenever there is a task that needs doing, whether over a period or on a one-off basis, consideration is given as to whether it might provide even a few hours much needed employment for a community member struggling to earn a living and provide for their family.

Kisimani Kid’s Club and Mkombozi Micro Finance Groups - these two groups have continued to meet regularly at Arise since the school’s earliest days. On average, in 2022, 100 local children attended the Kisimani every Saturday, providing them with a rare opportunity to play and have some fun and staff with the opportunity to pick up on any in need of care or attention, including those in need of education. Forty one community members regularly attended the Mkombozi Group affording each other much needed support with setting up and running their local businesses.

The Computer Room - set up as part of the project to bring the benefits of ICT to the local community as well as to Arise School, in 2022, the Computer Room was not only used by a total of 240 children from other local schools and 15 of their teachers but, also, by 25 community members. Mainly for training purposes, this resource provided them with the unique opportunity to access modern technology and learn new skills that would otherwise not be available to them.

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Goat Initiative - this project, started by Arise in 2020, aims to give local women the opportunity to achieve financial independence through the initial loan of a breed of goat which gives birth to twins. A billy goat is also loaned. The first three kids born are returned to Arise and the woman able to keep both the nanny goat and any further kids born providing both milk for her family and the chance to sell any surplus for income. Ten community members and their families benefited from this during 2022, including several families with sponsored children. In the words of one of them:

“I now own my own goat which I believe will generate me more goats. Having more goats will allow me to support my son in school. I can sell the milk to generate an income that I can spend on meals for my family and save for my son’s future education. I am very happy for having this goat. I have managed to return 3 goat kids, I now fully own the mother goat and I look forward to a brighter future. Thank you very much Arise."

House Improvement - many of the sponsored children live in extremely poor, overcrowded housing conditions, sometimes just a one room mud hut, which provides little safety or protection from the elements, especially in the rainy season when walls crumble and are in danger of being washed away. At worst, they are unable to stay in their home and, with nowhere to go, the children concerned are in real danger of falling out of school.

In 2022, with the help of the children’s respective sponsors, ACE was able to finance the improvement of two houses to provide extra living space for the families concerned, one with five children all attending Arise School. Their mother expressed her gratitude in the following way:

“I am a mother of five children who all depend on me for their education, accommodation and meals. With no roof over our heads and opportunity for education, life for me and my children was very difficult. But thanks to Arise today we have a roof over our heads and all five of my children are in school. I don’t know what I would have done without Arise school. There are no words to express my appreciations. Asante sana."

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How ACE Helped to Change Lives in 2022

ACE Finance

What ACE said it would do in 2022

continue to support all the children in the ACE Sponsorship Scheme during the remainder of their time at Arise
ensure ongoing funding is available to support all the ACE sponsored pupils through their education at secondary school
continue to support Arise in its journey towards self sustainability
for the Trustees to make a decision as to the level of reserves required moving forward

ACE achieved all its Financial Priorities in 2022

I n addition, ACE

was successful in securing new sponsorship to respond to both the changing circumstances of a number of children and those of several existing sponsors. funded the purchase of new text books for Arise School to the value of £5,500 following the change in the national curriculum
raised £1,850 through its Christmas Appeal to purchase musical instruments for the school
funded two further projects towards the self sustainability of Arise
installed a solar system at Arise costing approximately £5,200 to reduce current energy costs and support the drive towards self sustainability
furnished and equipped a new Science Room to provide practical experience for pupils at a cost of just under £5,000

The charity’s core income (i.e. from sponsors and other regular supporters through monthly donations) continues to provide it with a stable funding base. In the 12 months period under review, this amounted to £31,189.Total income amounted to £43,282. Once again, at 0.9%, overheads were minimal.

At the end of the year, the balance in the ACE bank account stood at £29,823, including the reserve. In sending money overseas, an additional factor throughout the period was the necessity to take into account the fluctuating and unpredictable nature of the exchange rate.

Given the continuing uncertainty with regards to Coronavirus, following their annual review of the reserve level in March 2022, the Trustees decided to leave the reserve at £12,000 (£3,000 pre-pandemic) in order to be able to respond appropriately and speedily to the needs of both children and staff should this become necessary again.

Financial priorities for 2023 continue unchanged.

We are indebted to all our sponsors and donors, including in kind, who have enabled us to meet ongoing obligations and to achieve so much more for the children of Arise School.

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ACE Governance and Management

What ACE said it would do in 2022

continue to evidence good governance and management in all its practices, adapting to changing conditions as a result of Coronavirus in both Tanzania and the U.K.

What ACE achieved in 2022

There were no changes in the Trustee group during the period. Whilst 2022 saw the lifting of Coronavirus restrictions, ACE has continued to optimise the use of technology and virtual communication as an option for both meetings of its Management Committee and its Annual General Meeting. In addition, the enhanced Wi-Fi at Arise School makes it possible for regular Zoom discussions to be held with the School Manager and other relevant staff or colleagues.

With the lifting of travel restrictions, in November 2022, the charity’s founders were able to return to Tanzania for the first time since pre-pandemic. Given the impact of Coronavirus for the school and its local community, they were very impressed by the extent of the continued development and progress of the school in the intervening period.

The priority for ACE in 2023 will be to continue to evidence good governance and management in all its practices. This will include the need to seek assistance for the founders with the ongoing management and maintenance of the charity.

“The opportunity to be a Trustee of ACE means that I can make a contribution to the vision and direction of the charity. I can also challenge or support proposals for change. Equally, I can make suggestions for consideration by the Management group. It feels very positive to be in a position to influence the progress of a charity that means a lot to me.” Ace Trustee

ACE Communication, Publicity and Promotion

What ACE said it would do in 2022

* continue to promote, publicise and communicate the charity’s work and direction, as appropriate, in particular with sponsors and donors

What ACE achieved in 2022

The charity’s website, Facebook page and Twitter all continue to be used regularly for communication purposes, including regular blogs and photos to highlight the work of Arise School.

Visit our ACE website at www.acecharity.org.

The aim of keeping sponsors updated on the progress of their sponsored child during their time at Arise School has been maintained. All sponsors have received two Progress Reports during the last twelve months, each with at least one new photo. Where applicable, sponsors also receive their child’s national exam results.

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This practice has also been extended to sponsors of those pupils who have moved on from Arise to secondary school. However, this is proving increasingly difficult on a number of fronts. In particular, as a result of the national census held in Tanzania in August 2022, the school terms were changed and Progress Reports were not prepared by schools. The logistics of obtaining reports and photos are also proving challenging with pupils now at six separate secondary schools. Moving forward, it is hoped to find ways to overcome these difficulties.

Following the charity’s AGM, the 2021 Annual Report was sent to all ACE supporters with an accompanying video of the year’s highlights. As in previous years, two newsletters were sent to all supporters. The first was used to promote the text book appeal; the second, the Christmas Appeal, raised funds to purchase musical instruments. Both were very successful with the latter raising £1,850. Once again, our thanks and appreciation to all who contributed to the appeals.

“What a lovely newsletter. It is great that the school is thriving and to see so much joy.” ACE Sponsor

The priority for 2023 will be to continue to keep all our supporters up to date with the work of ACE and Arise School. In particular, we will seek to put in place a better system to keep sponsors of secondary school pupils updated on the progress of their young person.

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How ACE will help to change lives in 2023

In 2023, the priority for ACE will continue to be to work together with Arise to enable the school to become self sustaining. Whilst much has already been achieved through the individual projects funded by ACE in recent years, the impact of the pandemic and drought on the local community has, inevitably, affected the ability of fee paying parents to meet the full cost of their children’s education, a major source of income for the school.

As a small charity, it now seems likely that ACE has gone as far as it can to help achieve this. However, ideas will continue to be explored, particularly focusing on those that will also benefit the local community.

In 2023 ACE will:

continue to support the 92 children in the ACE Sponsorship Scheme through their education at Arise and four years at secondary school
continue to work with Arise School to find ways in which it is able to become self sustaining, including the ongoing sponsorship locally of ten children each year continue to support Arise in providing quality education and becoming a “centre of excellence”
complete the evaluation and disseminate the outcomes of the BFSS funded ICT Project
continue to seek assistance for the founders with the ongoing work and management of the charity
continue to evidence good governance and management of the charity

Finally, as Arise School moves into the next ten years of its operation, our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has supported ACE, in whatever way.

Thank you for helping us to change lives through ACE and making it possible to achieve so much more than we ever dreamed of.

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Reference and Administrative Details: Africa's Children in Education, registered charity number 1157852, is othenvise known as ACE. The address is: 16, Windle Grove, Windle, St. Helens, Merseyside, WA10 6HW. Names of the Charity's Trustees: The trustees of the charity are as below. In line with the charity's Constitution, they are re-elected at the General Meeting each year. Karl Pearce Ron Hayes Sue Hayes Barbara Sweetlove Elizabeth Dodson Andrew Walden Jo Phillips Chair Treasurer Secretary There are no other trustees, such as custodian trustees, nor does the charity have any advisors or employ any paid staff. Declaration: The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees, report above. Signed on behalf of the charity's trustees: Signature: Full name: Karl Pearce Position: Chair Date: March, 2023 Page 23

AfrlrA'• Chlldr•n In EduG•tlon stst•m•nt of A¢¢ounl• Y•ar end•d 31 D0mb•r 2022

Africa's Chlldren Educatlon Income & Exp8ndltur• Aeeount Y•ar End•d 31 Dttemb•r 2022 2022 2021 oTrtlnulw c¢19• EduGat4on Fund Totsi Ptsnd Fund Incom• 36,9to 38,910 55,212 BriliBh Forwgn Slety Grant Incomè Tax R8COV8red 6,371 8.371 S.S61 43.282 60,773 Exp•ndltur• P08ta Pdntlng & Stationery Wel)8ito & Computsr Exp8n8 Insuranc• Equlpment Co•t•- Equipm•nt Co8ts- UK Travglllng ExpgngOB Sundry Expen6e8 144 117 185 144 117 185 157 138 182 18 18 18 495 Bank & ¢tr chwg•• F•mlly Support Sludont Sponsor8hlp Arl8e Communlty School Project, T•munl• 70 17,555 27.CM)1 17,555 27,Ch)1 51,830 45.021 Surplui l Dthlt for porlod 11,739} {1,7391 8,578 Fund8 TrAn8f Accumulat•d Fund• bm 3,000 21,482 24.962 22,1S8 Ac¢umulat•d Funds en 3,000 19,743 23,243 30,734

Afrlca's Children in Education 8tatoment of Account Yoar Endod 31 DOGombor 2022 Statement of Assats and Liabllltlos at 31 Decembor 2022 2022 2021 Bank Balan -current Account 29,825 31.564 Llabllltlo8 16,5821 {8,5821 STRIPE 24,982 Rgpre8enling balance8 on the foll¢)wng fvnd8:_ Gen•ral Fund Continuing Educatlon Fund Contingency Fund 19,743 500 3,000 21.482 500 3,000 23,243 24.982 The8e accounts are prepared on the'recelpt8 and payment8, ba819 and comply wth the 8pproprfate Iggal rgquiremonl$. R Haye¥ z3 J Beech 28 January 2023

Indop•ndont 0xamine8 report to the truste88 of Afrlca's Chlldmn in Educatlon I report to th8 trustees on my examination of the accounts of Africa's Children in Education for the year ended 31 December 2021. Regpon8ibllltlo8 and ba•is of report As the charlty tru5te8s of Africa's Children in Education you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Chanties Act 2011 {'the Act,). I report in respect of my examination of the Africa's Children In Education accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and In carying out my examination I have followed all the applicable directions glven by the Charity Commission under 88ction 145{5)(b) of the Act. Independ•nt •xamlneI8 8tat•mgnt I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matter8 hav8 come lo my attention in connection wilh the 6xamination gNing me Cause to believe that in any material respect.. 1 accounting rrdS were not kept in respect of Africa's Children in Education 88 required by 8ectlon 130 oltha A¢t'. or 2 the accounts do not a¢¢ord with tho8e record8 I have no coneèm8 and have exime acro88 no other matters with the examinallon lo which attentlon should be drawn in thi8 report in order to enable 8 propgr under8tanding of tha accounts to be reached. John Beech 29 Powell Dnv Birchley Billinge Nr Wigan WN5 7RX February 2023

AfrlrA'• Chlldr•n In EduG•tlon stst•m•nt of A¢¢ounl• Y•ar end•d 31 D0mb•r 2022