## Africa’s Children in Education (ACE) Trustees’ Annual Report 2023 **“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world” Nelson Mandela** ## **About ACE and Arise School in 2023** ## ACE was registered with the Charity Commission in 2014. Its objects are: _“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………. “_ More specifically, ACE was set up in order to raise money to build a school in Wiri, a remote, rural village in the foothills of Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania where, given the poverty in the community, many of the children still do not have the opportunity of an education. Arise Pre and Primary Community School was opened in January 2013 with one classroom, 11 pupils and one teacher. With ongoing support from ACE, since 2020, it has been a full school with 12 classrooms, capacity for 400 pupils and 33 staff. **ACE Facts and Figures 2023 • Annual Income: £59.140 • Annual Expenditure: £55.541 • Overheads: £328 (0.62%)** - **No. of Trustees: 7** - **Paid staff: 0** - **Volunteers (inc Trustees): 9** **Arise Facts and Figures 2023 • Pre & Primary English medium Community School • Regd. with Ministry of Education • Locally appointed Management Committee • No. of Pupils: 395 (boys 200, girls 195)** **• No. of staff: 33 (17 teachers, 16 support)** **• No. of local volunteers: 6** The three principles on which it was founded continue to influence and guide both the work of ACE and the school’s ongoing operation. They are: 1. The school should be open to any child in the local community. 2. The school should be a community resource with real community ownership. 3. The school should eventually become self sustaining. _**At the outset of this report, the ACE Trustees would like to thank everyone who has supported the charity in 2023, thereby contributing to the achievements at Arise School in the last 12 months.**_ _**And from Arise School……**_ _**“As 2023 closes, our hearts overflow with gratitude for your unwavering support and partnership. Your contributions have empowered us to deliver the very best to the children at Arise, its dedicated staff, and the wider Wiri community…..our deepest appreciation to the ACE Committee, its supporters and friends.”**_ **The Challenges of 2023** Following the drought experienced by Arise throughout almost the whole of 2022, its very considerable impact on crop growing, knock-on effects on the cost of vegetables in the local market and, consequently, the school’s food bills, we are pleased to report that 2023 saw plenty of rain, especially in the last two months of the year. This has reduced what had previously proved to be a significant challenge for the school. It has enabled it to move forward with its programme of crop growing in order to produce food for the school kitchen and effect savings on food bills. Importantly, it is enabling Arise School to progress its journey towards its overall goal to achieve self sustainability. However, although the inflation rate in Tanzania fell from 4.9% in January 2023 to 3.2% in October 2023, in rural communities, like Wiri, where subsistence farming continues to be the mainstay for many, the impact of the previous year’s drought has continued to be keenly felt by families locally throughout the year. In particular, this has affected the ability of some to pay school fees and, therefore, income received by Arise. A significant challenge in the last 12 months has been the regular power cuts, a familiar feature of life in Tanzania, resulting in an unreliable electricity supply. This poses difficulties for the school’s operation and increased expense of using a generator as an alternative power source. The school is currently considering the possibility of renewable energy solutions, specifically the installation of more solar power, as a sustainable and reliable source of electricity. This would also align with its commitment to environmental responsibility and cost efficiency. ## **Changing Lives Through Education** ## **ACE Priorities 2023** Since 2020, when all the capital construction that ACE initially agreed to raise funds for at Arise School had been completed, the focus of the charity’s work has been to: - _maintain pupils sponsored via the ACE Sponsorship Scheme in their education at_ - _Arise School and then in their four years at secondary school_ - _work together with the school to enable it to eventually become self sustaining_ ## _**What we said we would do in 2023**_ - _continue to support the 92 children in the Sponsorship Scheme through their_ - _education at Arise and four years at secondary school_ - _continue to work with Arise 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._ ## _**What we achieved in 2023**_ ## **ACE Sponsorship Scheme** Since it was first set up, the Sponsorship Scheme has been integral to the operation of both Arise School and ACE, ensuring the school’s doors are open to the poorest children in Wiri community. In 2019, as part of working towards the school’s self sustainability, the trustees took the decision to close the scheme to any new children with the aim of supporting Arise to generate sufficient income to sponsor children itself, thereby maintaining the overall level of sponsorship at 25%. ACE’s ongoing commitment has been to support the 92 children in the Sponsorship Scheme at the point it was closed through the remainder of their education at Arise and then their four years at a local Government secondary school. From time to time, it is not possible for children to continue in the scheme due to their families moving out of the area. Where necessary, additional sponsorship is sought to cover the cost of residential accommodation at Arise, the initiative of the school, or the cost of children boarding at secondary school. This provision has been of immense importance in providing a stable environment for their continued education in the face of unforeseen difficulties in their family circumstances. For example, where sponsored pupils are in danger of dropping out of school through the death or chronic illness of their carer or where (s)he is being cared for by an ageing grandparent, no longer able to provide the necessary level of care, often due to extreme financial difficulties. ## **At the end of 2023** 91 children sponsored by ACE (59 at Arise, 32 at secondary school, 7 resident/boarding) 31 children sponsored locally by Arise 8 children sponsored from Australia ## **Overall total:130** ## **The Journey towards Quality Education** ## _**“It is so inspiring to read about all the wonderful work that goes on at Arise. I am always in awe of the positivity and drive to bring education to young people in Tanzania - and what a quality of education that is”. ACE Sponsor**_ The vision of both ACE and Arise has always been that the school should become a “centre of excellence” providing quality education for children and the community. Education in Tanzania is very much focused on achieving academically, as measured by the national examinations that all pupils are required to successfully pass prior to moving to the next stage. These exams are sat at the end of Grades 4 and 7 in primary school and at the end of Forms 2 and 4 in secondary school. Eligibility to move to a Government secondary school requires pupils pass their Grade 7 exams leading to the award of the National Primary School Leaving Certificate. In order to motivate and encourage students to achieve their best in the exams, Arise staff went the extra mile by providing additional lessons outside of regular school hours. These classes proved their worth, reinforcing learning and, where necessary, targeting assistance to improve individual and overall performance and success in the exams. ## **Grade 7 Celebration 2023** Throughout Tanzania, students celebrate their achievement in reaching the end of primary education after sitting their exams but before receiving the results. In September, Arise Grade 7 students excitedly looked forward to celebrating this important landmark in their lives. In the company of their proud parents, fellow pupils, Arise staff, guests and neighbours of the school, an impressive show of dance and singing added much colour and fun to the day. Prior to presenting each student with their Arise School Leaving Certificate, the Guest of Honour, Professor Wilfred Mlay, a long term friend and advocate for both Arise and ACE, addressed them with a thoughtful and inspiring message to take with them on their journey to the next stage of their life. For all of them, especially those sponsored and otherwise unlikely to have had the opportunity of reaching this stage of their education, it was a very special and memorable occasion. It was especially pleasing to note that two sponsored pupils were also awarded individual certificates from Arise, one for the Most Responsible Student and the other for the Most Academically Improved Student. As is very much the tradition in Tanzania, after the presentation, the students, their parents and guests, enjoyed a celebratory lunch together - a great sense of closure to the students’ ten years of education at Arise. ## **Grade 7 Results** When the 2023 results were published, once more, they very ably demonstrated that Arise School is providing quality education and the progress being made towards realising its vision to become a “centre of excellence”. Thirty eight students (20 girls and 18 boys) sat exams in six subjects. Of these, 11 (7 girls and 4 boys) received a Grade A average and 27 (13 girls and 14 boys) received Grade B average. No child received Grade C or below. With regards to individual subjects, the results in English and Kiswahili, the national language, were rated overall as “excellent”, results in Science, Social Studies and Civic and Moral Education received “very good” ratings, with Maths receiving a rating of “good”. For the individual students concerned and the school as a whole, these results constitute an achievement to the credit of any school located in a rural area like Wiri. Two students were amongst the nine highest performing young people in Siha District awarded scholarships by the Education Department to attend some of the best rated secondary schools in the country. We are especially proud of the eight ACE sponsored children in this group, five of whom were girls. All received Grade B average in spite of the extreme poverty in their home circumstances and, sometimes, the lack of parental support they receive. It also reflects efforts by Arise staff over the years to overcome some of the cultural issues still influencing the academic achievement of female students in rural communities. ## **What Grade 7 students said about their education……..** _**"I have faced numerous challenges throughout my academic journey, but within the supportive community of Arise, I discovered solace. The teachers at Arise have consistently been my pillars of support, offering unwavering assistance whenever I needed it. Without their love and patience, my progress would not have been possible. Arise has become my second home, and bidding farewell to this cherished place will be a heartfelt farewell. The friendships and love I have experienced here will forever reside within me."**_ _**“My time here at Arise has taught me so many wonderful things and I do believe what I have learned here will be the foundation for the coming year at secondary school. Passing through Arise gives me the courage to be sure that I will be able to tackle what is ahead of me”.**_ _**Our sincere thanks and appreciation go to all the Arise staff whose hard work and efforts throughout the students’ time at Arise have supported them to achieve in this way giving them hope for the future. Many congratulations, too, to all the students concerned. We wish them every success in their secondary education.**_ **Continuing their Studies at Secondary School** **In line with the trustees’ decision to continue to support all the ACE sponsored pupils through their four years at Government secondary school, the first group of students started their secondary education in January 2021.** **In 2023, a total of 32 pupils studied at this level. Although initially envisaged that all would attend the local secondary school, due to various factors, including geography and the number of places available in the local school, pupils are now spread across 11 different schools. This presents logistical challenges in maintaining oversight and keeping sponsors informed of progress which ACE and Arise have been seeking to resolve during the year.** **Secondary education takes students to the equivalent of GCSE standard and the award of the National School Leaving Certificate. At the end of Year 2, all students are required to pass national exams at Division 4 or above before moving on to their final two years. In November 2023, nine sponsored students sat these exams, all passing at Division 4 or above. This included one student who achieved Division 1 and two who were placed in Division 2. All the students are to be congratulated, especially given the poverty of their home circumstances.** ## **More than Academic Achievement** **Since it first opened, Arise School has developed an ethos that is both welcoming and nurturing of its pupils in a way that sees beyond their formal educational needs to take a wholistic view of the child. Whilst this is not always easy for staff given the demands of the national curriculum, it is of real importance, especially for those pupils who may struggle academically.** **All pupils are encouraged to aspire and achieve in extra curricular pursuits and activities, finding enjoyment and satisfaction beyond academic achievement. 2023 has seen Arise students excel on the sports field, find pleasure in gardening and discover their potential to play a musical instrument.** ## **Participating in Sports** **Arise School has always encouraged its students to take part in sports activities. In the course of the year, students had the opportunity to represent their school in the prestigious national UMITASHUMTA sports event. Competing against other schools, they were able to demonstrate their talent and teamwork on the athletics track, the netball court and football field.** **For individuals, it not only enabled them to develop their physical abilities but, also, their mental focus. It boosted their confidence, taught them how to handle victory and defeat gracefully and sparked a love of sports that they will take with them into the future.** **Both male and female students participated, demonstrating Arise’s commitment to promote inclusivity in all areas of its activity - 14 girls in netball, 22 boys in football, four girls and four boys in athletics. Amongst them were seven sponsored pupils, all but one of whom were girls.** _**What two Grade 6 sponsored students said of their experience…….**_ _**“Participating in sports activities has been a life-changing experience for me. The camaraderie I built with my teammates and the thrill of competing on the netball court have taught me valuable lessons about determination, leadership and resilience. It’s a platform where I can express myself and feel empowered.”**_ _**“Playing football with my team mates on the field has taught me the importance of teamwork, perseverance and sportsmanship. It’s a thrilling experience that has boosted my confidence and helped me stay fit.”**_ ## **Learning about Gardening** **2023 saw the introduction of a gardening initiative at Arise designed to give students the chance to explore the vegetable garden, learn about and take responsibility for the food they eat. They are able to choose some vegetables to grow and pick themselves, teaching both practical skills and an appreciation of the work and care that goes into the food that we eat, so important in a community where there is still a very heavy reliance on subsistence farming.** _**In the words of one of the many students benefiting from this project……**_ _**“I am so grateful for the gardening initiative at Arise School. My mother sells vegetables at Sanya Juu market and by learning more about gardening here, I can help her more at home, especially in our own garden. I really enjoy working with plants, and who knows, maybe one day I’ll pursue a career in gardening. The gardening initiative is teaching me important skills and giving me a sense of pride in nurturing and growing something beautiful.” Grade 5 Student**_ ## **Experiencing the Benefits of Music** Music is not part of the Tanzanian school curriculum. However, Arise wanted its students to experience the benefits that music is able to bring by having the opportunity to learn to play a musical instrument. In recent years, it has employed a part time music teacher and offered classes as an extra curricular activity, enabling and encouraging pupils to develop their skills in playing instruments. However, the school faced challenges due to the limited availability of musical equipment. As a result, ACE used its 2022 Christmas Appeal for the purchase of musical instruments, raising just over £1,800. Although it took a while to source them, pupils were particularly delighted by the arrival of trumpets and trombones, an exciting and novel addition to the music programme. These are now assisting them to develop their musical skills and provide opportunities for creativity, personal growth and self expression. _**A huge “thank you” to everyone who supported the appeal to make this possible.**_ ## **Bringing the Benefits of ICT to Arise and the Local Community** The three year BFSS funded project to bring the benefits of ICT to Arise and the local community ended in March 2023. The Computer Room, built and equipped for 40 students, has been in use for the school and open to the community since April 2021, affording an invaluable teaching resource and greatly broadening learning opportunities. It provides students with much needed practical experience to gain essential digital literacy skills, successfully preparing them for the ICT component of their national exams, as already well evidenced in the last two years’ results. It also prepares students for future academic study and the modern technological world that would otherwise remain unlocked to many of them. In the last 12 months, students have been able to connect classrooms with their peers in two U.K. primary schools who support ACE - St. Ann’s C of E, Rainhill, and Queens Park C of E/URC, St. Helens. This has enabled them to learn about topics of mutual interest, such as their culture, studies and leisure activities, fostering cross cultural understanding and appreciation of diversity. ## _**From two Arise students……**_ _**“Using the Computer Room has made learning so much more enjoyable! It improves our understanding of things and allows us to be more creative with our projects. It’s like having a whole world of information at our disposal”. Grade 6 student**_ _**“The video conferencing exchanges have been an incredible opportunity to connect with students from Queens Park School. We’ve learned so much about their culture, traditions and academic subjects. It’s been a fantastic way for us to broaden our horizons and meet new people”. Grade 3 student**_ The benefits of the Computer Room have also been extended to other local schools, including skills training for their teachers. In 2023, a total of 270 students from three primary schools and two secondary schools took advantage of this. Wiri community members also have free access to the project’s resources and services, including ICT training, something of great importance in such an impoverished and remote area where many would otherwise be denied the opportunity to learn about and benefit from the use of modern technology. _**“Gaining computer skills for me means the world to me, it has opened up a world of opportunities for me in the digital world. I am confident with the skills I have gained, I know they will not go to waste. A huge thank you to Arise Community School”. Wiri Community Member**_ _**We are indebted to BFSS for funding the project and to Dr. Godfrey Telli, Dar es Salaam University, for his work during the life of the project to collect and analyse information needed to meet funding requirements.**_ ## **The Journey towards Self Sustainability** In recent years, a priority for both ACE and Arise School has been to work towards the sustainability of the school and its eventual independence of the charity. A number of projects have been funded by ACE to support the school in becoming as self sufficient as possible with regards to food, realising cost savings in the school budget and, where possible, generating income from surplus achieved. Whilst no new projects were funded in 2023, there was some identifiable progress towards the aim. The chicken, rabbit, cow, goat and fish projects all contributed to savings on food costs and brought in some income. **As a result of the school’s irrigation system, funded in previous years by ACE, the school grounds are now a haven for fruit growing, including bananas, papaya and avocados. Green vegetables are also grown.** In 2022, Arise also rented ten acres of land in which to plant beans and maize, both staple crops in Tanzania and key foods in the school kitchen. Unfortunately, the drought had a considerable impact on the hoped for outcome with the initial sowing drying up. Thankfully, following the rains, a further sowing in early 2023 was successful. Given the reliance of both the school and the local community on farming, in January 2023, an application was made on behalf of ACE to a U.K. charitable foundation for a grant to purchase a tractor for the school which would also have been for loan to the community. Unfortunately, the application was unsuccessful. Other ACE funded projects also continued to go well, including the housing project which affords high quality rented accommodation for those living or working locally. In 2023, canopies and chairs were also funded by ACE in order to enable Arise to rent the grounds for public events, generating income to bolster the school’s budget, for example, by enhancing the infrastructure, purchasing educational materials or other essential items. Taking the various projects as a whole, they constituted over 10% of the school’s income in 2023. In addition, the maize crops were successfully harvested with an estimated value of about £4,000. The outcome and value of the bean harvest should be known early this year. Installed in 2022, solar power resulted in significant benefits and cost savings, including the generation of a reliable and sufficient water source for irrigation and farming, leading to reduced electricity bills. It also aligns with the school’s value base by contributing to environmental sustainability. _**“Thank you very much for sharing this report and the short video clip. It is, indeed, very heartening to see the excellent progress that is being made at ARISE and their endeavour to become selfsustaining in the future”. ACE Supporter**_ **Changing Lives through Teaching and Volunteering** ## **The Arise Staff and Volunteer Team** All 33 members of the Arise staff team are recruited and employed locally by the school’s Management Committee. In 2023, they were supported by six local volunteers who are an integral part of the team. Working together, a welcoming ethos and environment is provided that enables the children to thrive. Pupils always appear happy to go to school and it is the first impression visitors to the school invariably comment on. _**In the course of the year, the team was also joined by a volunteer from the U.K……**_ _**“When I first walked into Arise it was clear what an amazing environment it was for both work and play. My Mum and I were met with extremely polite, smiley students in every class that we were introduced to, and it was a joy to watch all the singing and instruments in a school assembly!”**_ ## **Changes in the Staff Team in 2023** As in any staff team, inevitably Arise said farewell to several of its members during the course of the year. **Atu** was one of the longest serving members of the Arise staff having been at the school since it first opened. As Cook, she prepared thousands of meals for the children, initially over a wood fire, in all weather conditions, until the school kitchen was built. Atu decided to leave for health reasons and a desire to start a new chapter in her life. Her contribution to the school was outstanding. Atu - and her mouthwatering food! - will be so very much missed by pupils, staff and all of us whom she so warmly greeted on arrival at the school gates. **Zeph** had been at Arise for two years and worked alongside Atu in the kitchen. Sadly, he also left for health reasons. Like Atu, he was much loved by all the children and staff. **Diana** For the last 11 years, Diana has been a constant and experienced Head of the Pre School and taught in the pre-unit class. For so many children, the nurturing and caring environment she fostered has ensured their introduction to education was a positive experience. Diana leaves to pursue further studies but hopes to return to Arise School in the future. We know she will be sadly missed and welcomed back with open arms at an appropriate point. **Mariam** joined the Arise staff early in 2023 working in the Daycare Unit where she thoroughly enjoyed making a difference in the lives of the youngest children. Following her recent marriage, she will be moving to Iringa region in southern Tanzania where her husband lives and works. Although her time there has been short, Mariam will be celebrated at Arise as she starts a new chapter in her life. _**Mariam says about her time at the school.……**_ _**“Working in the Arise School daycare unit has been a dream come true. Every day is filled with laughter, joy and the satisfaction that comes from caring for and teaching young children. It’s a place where my heart finds joy and I’m grateful for the chance to be a part of their development and happiness.”**_ _**We thank Atu, Zeph, Diana and Mariam for all that they have contributed to Arise School and wish them good luck and every success in the future.**_ **Working Together as a Team** Whatever their role, every member of staff at Arise is a valued member of the team, motivated and encouraged to give of their best. In January 2023, they enjoyed coming together for a staff development seminar to further develop their skills, both as team members and individuals. _**What a teacher said about the experience……..**_ _**“The …. seminar has given me a lot more confidence to support each student’s unique learning path. I gained useful tools ….that have improved my teaching style and helped me better meet the varied needs of my students.”**_ _**And from a support staff member…….**_ _**“…….a fantastic opportunity for me to learn new skills and strategies that I can use to better support our students and staff. I’m grateful to Arise School for allowing me to participate in this valuable professional development opportunity”.**_ ## **Team Work in the Maize Fields** As above, the 2022 drought had a considerable impact on efforts to achieve self sustainability with the loss of the initial sowing. The subsequent rains meant the crop was growing but, also, the weeds! Staff wanted to ensure that the school reaches its goal of becoming self sustainable and that planned savings on the food budget would be achieved. As students headed home for the Easter break, they rolled up their sleeves and dedicated some of their holiday to the maize fields. With everyone bringing a hoe from home, the task was to weed the maize. For those who did not have a hoe, the school provided one. It was tough work but all persevered to ensure weeds were removed to allow the maize to grow better. Once again, as teachers and support staff worked together, their teamwork and commitment to Arise School shone through. _**“Team work always brings out the best of us, and Arise is one big family that is ready to change the life in the Wiri Community”.**_ ## **Volunteering at Arise** Given its ethos of working with the community, Arise has always been concerned to optimise the contribution that volunteers from the local area can bring to all aspects of its operation whether in the classroom, the school grounds or the office. In addition, in an economy where paid employment is also very hard to come by, it provides the volunteer much needed experience and skill development. _**“Volunteering at Arise …. has been a fantastic experience….Arise’s teachers and staff are truly inspiring in their dedication and passion. It’s heartwarming to see the children’s progress and growth ….Being a part of their educational journey has been extremely rewarding and I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute my time and support to such a wonderful school”.**_ ## **Changing Lives in the Community** ## **A School for the Community** ## _**“The impact of Arise School goes beyond the classroom because it actively engages with the community, fostering a sense of unity and empowerment.”. Chair, Arise School Management Committee**_ Part of Arise School’s vision, was the principal that it should be “Their school, for their children and their community”, a community resource with real community ownership. Now an integral part of the school’s operation, it is well exemplified in the contribution made by the school to the local economy. All construction and maintenance work, necessary services or equipment continue to be sourced locally, along with the employment of local staff and the use of local volunteers. ## **A Place to Meet** Every Saturday in 2023, the grounds continued to be open for use by local children, whether or not they attend Arise School, giving them the opportunity to participate in the longstanding Kisimani Kids’ Club. Weekly numbers ranged from 60 - 100 children depending on various factors, from the weather to individual circumstances children might be facing at home that impact on their ability to attend regularly. The Kisimani continues to provide a much valued space for many of the poorest children in the community to experience and engage in educational and recreational activities they would otherwise be denied. Arise is also able to pick up on any children who might be experiencing difficulties at home, require medical attention or at risk in some way, including those who may need sponsorship. The Mkombozi Micro Finance Group also continues to hold its regular, weekly meetings in the school premises, demonstrating Arise’s ongoing commitment to support local initiatives that promote and empower the financial well being of members of the community. In 2023, the group provided a platform for 27 members to meet together and support them in their entrepreneurial activities, fostering financial independence for individuals and economic growth in the community. ## **The Goat Initiative** Started in 2020 at the initiative of the school, this project has continued to provide some of the poorest families with hope of financial improvement, in particular, for those with sponsored children. A total of 12 families have now received goats on loan. As part of the agreement, some have already returned new goat kids to Arise and now own the goats themselves. This enables them to produce milk for their family, with any surplus, and, eventually, the meat, being sold to bring in income. For these families, the project makes a significant impact on their lives, contributing to their economic and overall wellbeing. _**In the words of one mother.……..**_ _**“The unconditional support we have received has changed our lives in ways we could never have imagined. The gift of education, the stability of a safe home and the opportunity of income have given us a fresh start.”**_ ## **Pilot Community Support Project** At the end of 2023, ACE trustees agreed to fund a project that would support six of the poorest families to each rent an acre of land on which to plant and grow maize and beans. It is hoped that they will be able to produce food for their family and sell any surplus to bring in income, including towards school fees. The project will start in early 2024, initially, as a pilot over a 12 month period. ## **A Safe Place to Live and Study** Many of the sponsored children live in dwellings, often no more than a one room mud hut, without windows or even a door, that provide little safety throughout the year and, especially, in the rainy season. Walls crumble, making the house even more unsafe, and it may even be washed away. During the year, the situation of two sponsored sisters, aged 13 and 8 years, was brought to our attention by Arise. Following the rains, their house had begun to collapse to the point where the school felt it necessary to step in and remove them as they were in imminent danger of the falling mud blocks. With nowhere else to go, as a temporary measure, Arise was able to rent one room nearby for the girls and their mother, allowing them to continue to attend school. Given the appalling conditions and extreme poverty in which the sisters had been living, ACE trustees agreed to fund building a two roomed house, which would give the girls their own bedroom and a space in which they could study. Bunk beds and necessary bedding were also provided and a much needed pit latrine built. In addition, Arise provided a table and chairs for their studies and, as there is no electricity, solar lights to make it possible for them to continue their homework after sunset and in a bit more comfort. Not least, the proper door now provides the two girls with a much greater measure of safety and security in their young lives. In all, their new accommodation has made a huge difference in their lives. ## **How Arise changed the life of one child in its community** Neema, now aged 13, was only three years old when tragedy struck her young life. Since then, supported by ACE sponsors, she has attended Arise School and lived in the accommodation there. She writes……… _“Hi there! My name is Neema, and I recently completed my grade 7 studies at Arise Community School. I come from a difficult background where both of my parents are no longer with me._ _Living in the school’s accommodation has been a life-changing experience for me. It has given me a sense of security and stability that I had been longing for. The accommodation became more than just a place to stay; it was a home where I felt supported and valued. It allowed me to focus on my studies, participate in school activities, and form meaningful connections with my fellow students and mentors._ _The accommodation provided me with the peace of mind and resources necessary to excel academically. I was able to maintain a consistent study routine, access educational materials, and seek guidance from my teachers whenever needed. As a result, I have achieved remarkable academic success, exceeding even my own expectations._ _It has given me a sense of belonging and a supportive community that nurtured my development. I have learned valuable life skills such as independence, resilience, and problemsolving, opportunities to explore my interests, engage in extracurricular activities, and build lasting friendships with my peers. Through these experiences, I have grown into a more confident and well-rounded individual._ _I am immensely grateful for the opportunity to live in the accommodation provided by Arise Community School. It has been a lifeline for me, offering stability, support, and a platform for success. Living within the school premises has allowed me to focus on my education, overcome challenges, and seize opportunities that would have otherwise been out of reach. I look forward to continuing my educational journey, knowing that I have the support and resources I need to thrive.”_ _**We wish Neema well as she prepares to start her secondary education and extend a huge thank you to her sponsors. Together, your support has given her confidence and hope for the future.**_ ## **How ACE Helped to Change Lives in 2023** ## **ACE Finance** ## **What ACE said it would do in 2023** - 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 education at secondary school - continue to support Arise School in its journey towards self sustainability - for the Trustees to make a decision as to the level of reserves required moving forward ## **In addition, the charity** - sent money to purchase seeds following crop failure - raised just over £1,800 through its 2023 Christmas Appeal to purchase books for the school library - funded the construction of a two roomed house, provided beds and bedding for the homeless family of two sponsored children Once again, the charity’s core funding base of regular donations from sponsors and other supporters enabled ACE to meet its ongoing commitments to all the ACE sponsored pupils. This included seeking several new sponsors either required as a result of unexpected changes in the circumstances of the children concerned or their respective sponsor. **Total income over the 12 month period was £59,140 with total expenditure amounting to £55,541. The charity’s overheads were 0.62%. At the end of the period, the balance in the ACE account stood at £26,842, including the agreed reserve of £5,000.** **The charity’s financial priorities for 2024 continue unchanged.** ## **ACE Governance and Management** ## **What ACE said it would do in 2023** * continue to evidence good governance in all it practices Given the stage of development Arise School has now reached and the drive towards it becoming self sustaining, no visits to the school were felt necessary during 2023. Instead, virtual communication enables the charity to remain in regular contact with the School Manager, including the identification of any areas of significance to ACE. The charity’s Management Committee has continued to meet quarterly, with the option of joining meetings virtually. Whilst efforts have been made to seek assistance for the founders with the ongoing management and maintenance of ACE, to date, these have been unsuccessful. **The priority for ACE in 2024 with regards to its governance and management will continue unchanged.** ## **ACE Communication, Publicity and Promotion** ## **What ACE said it would do in 2023** * keep supporters up to date with the work of ACE and Arise School and, in particular, to put in place a better system in order to keep sponsors updated on the progress of their young person ## **What ACE achieved in 2023** As in previous years, in the last 12 months, all supporters have received two ACE newsletters by way of updates. They also received the Annual Report, along with an accompanying video. ## _**What supporters said about the 2022 Annual Report……**_ _**“Thank you very much for the Report and the FANTASTIC video. What a fantastic school and what an achievement!”**_ _**“Thanks for the report, it is brilliantly put together and most impressive”.**_ _**“I have to say your ACE annual reports get better every year ……..2022 is hugely impressive”.**_ In addition, all sponsors of pupils attending Arise School have continued to get two Progress Reports and updated photos of their sponsored child twice yearly, along with national exam results, where applicable. With regards to secondary school students, during 2023, there were 32 students in 11 different secondary schools and it was becoming increasingly difficult to obtain both the necessary reports from the schools concerned and photos of the students. A new system, aimed to ensure that each sponsor receives the minimum of an end of year report and/or national exam results, plus photos, was agreed with Arise in early 2023. This is currently being implemented and appears to be improving the situation. The charity’s website, Facebook page and Twitter all continue to be used for communication purposes, including blogs and photos, to highlight the work of Arise School. Visit our website at **www.acecharity.org** ## **The priority for 2024 will continue unchanged.** ## **How ACE will Help to Change Lives in 2024** In 2024, the charity’s priorities will continue unchanged. Overall, ACE has reached the stage where it is focusing on maintaining its commitments to those children in the Sponsorship Scheme and supporting Arise School on its continuing journey towards self sustainability, including ways to benefit the local community. _**“Arise Community School has established itself as a model of educational excellence in our community. Its educational value is unparalleled ……Arise School exemplifies the transformative power of education and its enormous benefits to our community”. Quality Assurer, Siha District Education Office**_ ## **In 2024 ACE will:** _* continue to support all the children in the ACE Sponsorship Scheme during the remainder of their time at Arise School_ _* ensure ongoing funding is available to support all the ACE sponsored pupils through education at secondary school_ _* continue to support Arise School in its journey towards self sustainability, including ways to benefit the community_ - _continue to evidence good governance in all its practices_ - _continue to keep supporters up to date with the work of ACE and Arise School_ _**“I never fail to be impressed by your vision to improve not only the lives of the children in the school but in the community beyond the school with your carefully thought out plans. Thank you for everything ACE does.” ACE Sponsor**_ _**Finally, we are indebted to all our sponsors, donors and supporters who enable ACE to meet its ongoing obligations and to do so much more for the children of Arise School. Our sincere thanks and appreciation for helping ACE to change so many lives and give hope for the future.**_ Reference and Administrative Details: Africa's Children in Education, registered charity number 1157852, is otherwise known as ACE. The address is.. 16, Windle Grove, Windle, St. Helens, Merseyside, WA10 6HW. Names of the Chanty's Trustees.. The trustees of the charity in 2023 were as t)elow. In line with the charity's Constitution, trustees are re-elected at the General Meeting each year. Karl Pearce Ron Hayes Sue Hayes Barbara Sweetlove Elizabeth Dodson Andrew Walden Jo Phillips There are no other trustees, such as custodian trustees, nor does the charity have any advisors or employ any paid staff. Chair Treasurer Secretary Declaration.. The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees, report above. Signed on behalf ol the charity's trustees. Signature.. Full name.. Barbara Sweetlove Position: Acting Chair Date.. March, 2023 Africa's Children in Education statement of A¢¢ounts Year Ended 31 December 2023 Afrfca's Children in Education Income & Expenditure Account Year Ended 31 December 2023 Incom8 Supivjrt 53.179 53.179 36.910 Income Tax Recover￿1 s.￿1 5,961 6.371 59.140 59.140 43.281 Expendlture Postsge Printing & Staticrty Web5rte & Computer Exw5es Insuran Equipment Costs. ch￿SeaS Equipment Costs_ UK Travejling Expenses Sundry Ewse5 f44 117 33 20 18 Bank & 0th8r chwges Family Support student Sportsorship Arise Cornrnunity Sch(￿ ProiecL Tanzania 17 17 17.555 27.CQ1 55.1 55.1 55,541 55.541 45,020 Surplus l Defecit lor i￿rtOd 3.599 {1.739) Funds Transler (2.C(Ql Accumulated Funds 19.743 23.243 24.982 A¢¢umulated Fund• ¢rf 21.342 26.842 23,243 Africa's Children in Education Slatemont of Account Year End8d 31 Decembor 2023 Statem8nt of Assets and Liablllti08 at 31 DeCeM￿r 2023 2023 2022 A880ts Bank Balances -current Account 26.842 29,825 Liabllltios STRIPE (8,582) 23,243 Representing balances on the followng fiJnd8:. General Fund Continuing Eduealion Fund Contingency Fund 21,342 500 5,000 19,743 500 3,000 23,243 These accounts are prepared on Ihe'receipts and payments, basls and compty with the appropriate legal requirements. R Haye$ J Beech 4 February 2024 2£142+ Indopgndont examin•rf8 roport to the trustees of Africa's Children in EdU￿￿10n Report to the tfustee8 on my examination of the accounts of Africa's Children in Edu¢alion for the year ended 31 December 2023. Respon8ibiliti08 and ba818 of rnport As the charty twstees of Afrlca's Chlldren In Educatlon you are responslble for the preparat5on of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ('the Act,). I report in respeGt of my examination of the Afri￿,8 Children in Education accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Ad and in carying out my examination I have followed all the applicable directions given by the Charity Commission under 88Ction 145(5)(b) of the Act. Independent examlnoV• statsment I have completed my examination. I confim that no matter8 have come to my attention in ¢onneclion with th8 examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect: 1 accounting records Were not kept in re8peci of Africa's Children in Education a8 required by 88ctton 130 of the Act., or 2 the attounts do not accord wllh those records I have no concems and have come a¢ro88 no other matters th the examlngtlon to whl¢h attentlon shoukl be drawn In th18 rnport in Order to anab￿ a proper understanding oftho accounts to be reached. John Beech 29 Powell Drive Birchley Billinge Nr Wigan WI45 7RX February 2024 Africa's Children in Education statement of A¢¢ounts Year Ended 31 December 2023 Afrfca's Children in Education Income & Expenditure Account Year Ended 31 December 2023 Incom8 Supivjrt 53.179 53.179 36.910 Income Tax Recover￿1 s.￿1 5,961 6.371 59.140 59.140 43.281 Expendlture Postsge Printing & Staticrty Web5rte & Computer Exw5es Insuran Equipment Costs. ch￿SeaS Equipment Costs_ UK Travejling Expenses Sundry Ewse5 f44 117 33 20 18 Bank & 0th8r chwges Family Support student Sportsorship Arise Cornrnunity Sch(￿ ProiecL Tanzania 17 17 17.555 27.CQ1 55.1 55.1 55,541 55.541 45,020 Surplus l Defecit lor i￿rtOd 3.599 {1.739) Funds Transler (2.C(Ql Accumulated Funds 19.743 23.243 24.982 A¢¢umulated Fund• ¢rf 21.342 26.842 23,243 Africa's Children in Education Slatemont of Account Year End8d 31 Decembor 2023 Statem8nt of Assets and Liablllti08 at 31 DeCeM￿r 2023 2023 2022 A880ts Bank Balances -current Account 26.842 29,825 Liabllltios STRIPE (8,582) 23,243 Representing balances on the followng fiJnd8:. General Fund Continuing Eduealion Fund Contingency Fund 21,342 500 5,000 19,743 500 3,000 23,243 These accounts are prepared on Ihe'receipts and payments, basls and compty with the appropriate legal requirements. R Haye$ J Beech 4 February 2024 2£142+ Indopgndont examin•rf8 roport to the trustees of Africa's Children in EdU￿￿10n Report to the tfustee8 on my examination of the accounts of Africa's Children in Edu¢alion for the year ended 31 December 2023. Respon8ibiliti08 and ba818 of rnport As the charty twstees of Afrlca's Chlldren In Educatlon you are responslble for the preparat5on of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ('the Act,). I report in respeGt of my examination of the Afri￿,8 Children in Education accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Ad and in carying out my examination I have followed all the applicable directions given by the Charity Commission under 88Ction 145(5)(b) of the Act. Independent examlnoV• statsment I have completed my examination. I confim that no matter8 have come to my attention in ¢onneclion with th8 examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect: 1 accounting records Were not kept in re8peci of Africa's Children in Education a8 required by 88ctton 130 of the Act., or 2 the attounts do not accord wllh those records I have no concems and have come a¢ro88 no other matters th the examlngtlon to whl¢h attentlon shoukl be drawn In th18 rnport in Order to anab￿ a proper understanding oftho accounts to be reached. John Beech 29 Powell Drive Birchley Billinge Nr Wigan WI45 7RX February 2024