# **Trustees’ Annual Report for the period of** # **1 April 2022 - 31 March 2023** ## **Charity name: Ihezie Foundation** Charity registration number: 1160562 **Reference and Administrative details** **Charity name** Ihezie Foundation **Other name the charity uses** Ihezie Foundation-Book Relief **Registered charity number** 1160562 **Charity’s principal address** Ihezie Foundation 33 Burners Lane Kiln Farm Milton Keynes MK11 3HA United Kingdom ## **Names of the charity trustees** No trustees resigned or were appointed within the financial year. - **Amrit Rana -** Chair - **Aloysius Ihezie -** Founding Trustee - **James Phipson -** Trustee - **Jaimin Chandarana -** Trustee - **Craig Ihezie -** Trustee **Chief Executive** Michael Bloedorn **Independent** Garcha & Co **Examiner** 79A South Road Southall UB1 1SQ **Bank** Barclays Bank, Wembley & Park Royal 2 Trustees’ Annual Report for the period of 1 April 2022 - 31 March 2023 **Objectives and Activities** ## **Summary of the purposes of the charity as set out in its governing document** Ihezie Foundation is a leading UK charity dedicated to advancing literacy and educational opportunities for students in the UK and Africa. Through donating the books schools desperately need, the foundation strives to empower schools, promote reading, and provide educational resources to underserved communities. With a strong commitment to making a positive impact, the Ihezie Foundation is changing lives one book at a time. ## **Summary of the main activities in relation to those purposes for the public benefit** In any country or community, one of humankind’s greatest gifts to the next generation is to provide the means whereby students can receive a good education. Helping to achieve that amazing objective are books that inspire students to learn, to gain a skill or just to enjoy. Helping to make that dream come true is the mission of Ihezie Foundation. The trustees are satisfied that Ihezie Foundation has passed the **public benefit test** in relation to furthering the charity’s objectives by delivering the following activities. ## **UK Projects** Ihezie Foundation is committed to advancing literacy and educational opportunities with our generous book donation programs. Our work has had a significant impact across Greater London, Buckinghamshire, and the surrounding counties neighboring London, by supporting local schools and promoting a love for reading among students. Ihezie Foundation works to provide much needed literacy and children’s books to primary schools in the UK. Our vision is for each recipient school to have pride in their school library and sufficient books to foster a culture of literacy and inspire young minds. ## **Projects in Africa** Ihezie Foundation provides educational aid and assistance through the donation of educational books and textbooks to schools, universities and libraries throughout Africa. Our work is inspired by the power of education to change lives. We believe that a sound education will provide students with the best possible start in life and in turn play a vital role in enabling them to develop the knowledge, skills and confidence to identify and maximise social, medical and economic opportunities, empowering them individually and as a nation. ## **Contribution of volunteers** Ihezie Foundation and the Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust have worked together collaboratively for over 5 years, to provide unique opportunities for local people who are rehabilitating from head and brain injuries. This long and meaningful partnership has had a life changing impact on the many volunteers who have joined the programme. Supporting this programme by offering work placements for volunteers, has been very rewarding for Ihezie Foundation and the individuals taking part. The volunteers play an important role in helping Ihezie Foundation to sort and categorize the hundreds of thousands of books that are donated to the charity. There have been many positive outcomes from the work the volunteers carry out whilst working for us, including; new friendships, new jobs, renewed confidence, enhanced wellbeing and more book donations to schools. The positive impact that has resulted from this programme is immense, not only have the participants benefited, but the work they have done has helped Ihezie Foundation process more books and be in a position to donate many thousands of books to schools. 3 Trustees’ Annual Report for the period of 1 April 2022 - 31 March 2023 ## **Achievements and Performance** **Below is a summary of the Foundations’ achievements. The Foundation’s work has had a significant impact on the lives of its beneficiaries, as well as wide-ranging benefits for society as a whole.** ## **Our work in the UK** This fiscal year has been challenging for Ihezie Foundation. The cost of living crisis has affected the charity, putting pressure on our ability to carry out our charitable work. Alongside this, the corporate donors to the charity have had their businesses affected by the spiraling costs and economic downturn. This past year has been difficult for many charities, including us, but despite the challenges, Ihezie Foundation has continued to provide reading books to UK primary schools, enabling teaching staff to support their students and run school literacy programmes. At the start of our fiscal year, Ihezie Foundation continued to support The Children’s Book Project in Chelsea, London with a second donation of 5,400 children’s books. This donation was directly in support of The Children’s Book Project’s work in HMP Lowdham Grange in Nottingham, in which prisoners were able to choose books to send to their children and families. This has proven to be a very important part of maintaining contact with the children and helping to build family relationships. Ihezie Foundation continued its “Every London Child a Reader” programme by donating 16,000 books to support reading initiatives in the Capital. Ihezie Foundation donated an impressive 6,000 children's books to Mount Carmel Primary School, Grange Primary School, and Oakland Primary School. The positive feedback received from both teachers and students further reinforces the importance of this initiative in enhancing literacy and educational experiences within the community. In North London; Leopold Primary School, Mitchell Brook Primary School and The Stonebridge Primary School, received a donation of 6,000 books. This was followed by 4,000 books donated to St. Johns Primary School in Tower Hamlet. Ihezie Foundation often gets inundated with requests from UK schools for book donations, especially when they hear about a neighboring school receiving such amazing literacy resources. We received several more requests for books from schools in Ealing London, and in a short period of time we had donated a further 8,000 children’s books to St. Raphael's Catholic Primary School, Downe Manor Primary School, Edward Betham Church of England Primary School and Willow Tree Primary School. In Chelmsford, Ihezie Foundation donated 8,000 books to Larkrise Primary School, Our Lady Immaculate Catholic Primary School, Kings Road Primary School and Parkwood Academy. The Founding Trustee of Ihezie Foundation, Aloysius Ihezie said ‘We are honoured to help the schools in Chelmsford, along with other UK schools, through our book donations. Our mission is to support schools in improving literacy levels, as we know reading has the power to transform the lives of children. We hope the pupils of the four schools in Chelmsford enjoy the 8,000 books we donated and continue to learn and develop their passion for reading’. 4 Trustees’ Annual Report for the period of 1 April 2022 - 31 March 2023 **Achievements and Performance continued** The impact of Ihezie Foundation's book donation initiative continued to be felt across London with a further 6,000 books donated to schools in Greenford. Greenwood Primary School, Our Lady of Visitation Catholic Primary School and Edward Betham each received 2,000 books. We are thrilled to witness the positive impact our book donation program has had on so many schools in London. By providing schools with access to quality children's books, we are nurturing a love for reading, expanding young minds, and creating a brighter future for our students. We are dedicated to empowering every London school to have a flourishing library and enabling every child to embark on exciting literary adventures. ## **Our work in Africa** Since its inception, Ihezie Foundation has donated over 1.5 million books to schools in the UK and Africa. In November 2022, Ihezie Foundation donated a huge gift of 80,000 textbooks which were provided to Obioma Central School Education Foundation (OCSEF) based in Enugu, Nigeria. OCSEF was established by Prince Ike Chioke, (a local philanthropist), in 2021 with the aim of intervening in the educational sector in Obioma town, specifically and Enugu State in general, in a meaningful and impactful manner. Ihezie Foundation is pleased to have partnered with Prince Ike Chioke and OCSEF to make the donation possible. Obioma Central School stands out as part of the beautiful fruits of the age-grade system and communal self-help efforts of the Igbo people in Eastern Nigeria. It was one of the early educational institutions in the region, which helped to advance the course of numeracy, literacy, and social development of many children in Enugu State. Ihezie Foundation is delighted to support the continued advancement of students through the book donation. Central School Obioma is the primary beneficiary of the books. However, through OCSEF, many other surrounding primary, secondary, and tertiary schools, in Enugu State and across Nigeria have also benefited from educational books for their libraries. > Trustees’ Annual Report for the period of 1 April 2022 - 31 March 2023 5 ## **Achievements and Performance continued** Following the carefully planned distribution of thousands of books to the surrounding schools, Prince Ike Chioke was able to organise and donate 9,000 tertiary books to Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Anambra State. This was shortly followed by the donation and distribution of thousands of books to each of the following schools in Jigawa State; Government Day Unity Secondary School, Government Day Science and Technical College, Government Day Science Secondary School, Government Day Girls Secondary School, all in Gumel, and Government Day Secondary School in Galagamma. Through the partnership of Ihezie Foundation and Prince Ike Chioke, almost half a million students have access to the textbooks and educational books they desperately needed. ## **Review of the charity’s financial position at the end of the period** The charity ends the financial year having received support from Choice Textile Ltd. and its associated organisations, both financially and in-kind book donations. ## **A description of the principal risks facing the charity** The charity trustees have given consideration to the major risks to which the charity is exposed and satisfied themselves that systems or procedures are established in order to manage those risks. With our services needed more than ever before, we will continue our focus on donating reading books to UK primary schools and textbook shipments to schools, libraries and tertiary centers in Africa. ## **Fundraising complaints** No fundraising complaints were received in the previous year. 6 Trustees’ Annual Report for the period of 1 April 2022 - 31 March 2023 ## **Chief Executives’ Report** This year we have continued to deliver on our charity’s mission despite tough economic conditions with the cost of living crisis, and we have continued to focus our efforts on supporting UK children and schools. This past year, Ihezie Foundation was able to donate and distribute 43,400 children’s literacy and reading books to UK primary schools. We have also donated educational books and textbooks to schools, libraries and tertiary centers in Africa with a huge donation and shipment of 80,000 textbooks which were provided to Obioma Central School Education Foundation and the surrounding schools in Enugu State and Jigawa State, Nigeria. We have continued to enjoy a wonderful relationship with our corporate partners and their staff, and would like to thank all those who have supported the charity to ensure we have an excellent supply of books. We look forward to continuing these working relationships as we build on the successes of previous years. Despite the challenges we faced, we were able to donate a total of 123,400 books to schools in the UK and Africa. There is no doubt that our work reaches millions of children who otherwise would struggle to get access to books. Reading not only provides new knowledge and helps to enrich children’s vocabulary and communication skills, but also offers emotional support during problematic circumstances in life. Reading encourages children to overcome fears and inner conflicts. Books filled with tales of courage and moral values, act as promoters for change and can positively influence children’s developing social behavior. Reading helps foster emotional wellbeing. Books remain our best opportunity to give children a proper education and the chance to succeed in life. Please join us on our mission, to help every child become a reader. Michael Bloedorn Chief Executive 7 Trustees’ Annual Report for the period of 1 April 2022 - 31 March 2023 **Structure, Governance and Management** **Type of governing document Constitution of a Charitable Incorporated Organisation UK Charity Number 1160562 Trustee selection methods and** The Board of Trustees is entitled to nominate any additional **induction, training and** number of trustees. **support.** Trustees can be elected during a scheduled board meeting by a majority vote of trustees with minutes taken of the decision. Trustees are inducted by the Chair of Trustees and the Chief Executive. ## **The charity’s organisational structure** Ihezie Foundation is not affiliated to other charities and is an independent charity. In countries outside of the UK, we partner with local ministries of education and universities. ## **Relationships with any related parties** Choice Textile Limited remains a committed donor to the charity. Conflicts of interest arising from any future changes to this relationship would be managed within the charity’s conflicts of interest policy. There is no material or financial benefit to Choice Textile relationship with Ihezie Foundation, which is purely philanthropic (therefore Ihezie Foundation benefits enormously from the relationship). ## **Declarations** ## **The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above.** **Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees** ## **Signature(s)** **Full name(s)** Amrit Rana Aloysius Ihezie **Position** Chair of Trustees Founding Trustee **Date** 30.01.2024 30.01.2024 Trustees’ Annual Report for the period of 1 April 2022 - 31 March 2023 8 IHEZIE FOUNDATION CHARITY REGISTRkTION IItTrlBER 116 05 62 33 BURNERS LANE KILTrJ FARM MILTON KEYNES MKII 3HA ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR FROM 31ST MARCH 2023 GARCHA & CO CHARTERED CERTIFIED SLCCOUNTANTS HEASLEIGH HOUSE 7 9A SOUTH ROAD SOUTHALL MIDDLESEX UBI ISQ TEL: 020 8843 1816 9010 FAX: 020 8813 8249 IHEZIE FOUNDATION CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER 1160562 FIANCIAL STATEMENTJn rori TIIE YEAfi ENDED 31ST MARCH 2023 CONTENTS PAGE Independent Examiner, s report statement of f inancial activites Balance sheet Notes to the financial statements IHEZIE FOUNDATION CHARITY REGISTPATION NUMBER 1160562 2¥CCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST E4l¥RCH 2023 INDEPENDENT EXAMINER, S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF IHEZIE FOUNDATION report to the trustees on Tny examination of the accounts of the above charity (the trust) for the year ended 31st March 2023 Res onsibilities and basis of re ort As the charity, s trustees, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirement ot the Charities Act 2011 (the Act) report in reqppptr nf my eYamiriatri()ti ()r i iiv. Ti iiHI. carried out under seCt￿On 145 0£ the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145151 Ibl of the Act. Inde endent examiner, s statement have completed my examination. I confirm matters have come to my attention examinatlon which give8 me cause material respect: that no material connectlon with the to believe that In, any the acCount￿ng record8 were not kept in accordance with section 130 ot the Charitles Act: or the accounts did not accord with the accounting records: or the accounts did not COTnpLy with he appllcable requirement8 concerning the form and content of accounts Bet out in the Charities l Accounts and Report81 Regulations 2008 other than any requlrement that the accounts give a true and fair view which is not a matter considered as part 0£ an independent examination. I have no concerns and have corne acr088 no other matters in connection with the examiation to which attentlon should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Mr. S.S. Garcha Garcha & Co Chartered Certif led Accountantg & Senior Statutory Audltor Heasleigh House 7 9a South Road Southall, Miadlesex, UBI ISQ Date: 1212023 IHEZIB FOUNDATION CHARITY REGISTRATION TrTUMBER 1160562 STATEMEDrr OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEl¥R ENDED 31ST MARCH 2023 NOTES TOTAL TOTAL RESTRICTED t]NRESTRITED FUNDS 2023 2022 INCOME AND EXPENDITURE INCOMING RESOURCES Donations other income 11,750 11,750 50,781 5,880 JRS TOTAL INCOMING RESOURCES 11,750 11,750 56,661 RESOURCES EXPENDED Dlrect expenditure Fundralsing and publlcity Managernent and adminlstration of the charity 8,027 854 8,027 854 2,310 858 7,823 7,823 15,592 TOTAL RESOURCES EXPENDED 16,704 16,704 18,760 NET INCOMING IOUTGOINGI RESOURCES FOR THE YEAR 14,9541 14, 9541 37,901 Balance brought forward at l Aprll 2022 72,214 34,313 BALANCE CARRIED FORWARD AT 31 March 2023 67,260 72,214 All of the above results are derived from continuing activitie8. All galns and losses recognised in the year are included above. IHEZIE FOTJNDATION CHARITY REGISTPATION NUMBER 116 05 62 BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31ST MARCH 2023 2023 2022 CURRENT ASSETS Cash at bank 67,145 75,089 67,145 75,089 LIABILITIES: ATnounts f alllng due within one year 2,875 NET CURRENT ASSETS 67,260 72,214 NET ASSETS 67,260 72,214 FtJNDS Unrestricted f unds Restricted £unds 67,260 72,214 67,260 72,214 These accounts were approved by the Board of Trustees and signed on their behalf by CHAIRMAN DATED: 30 12 2023 IHEZIE FOUND3iTION CHARITY RBGISTFATION bTt]MBER 1160562 NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST tQARCH 2023 ACCOUNTING POLICIES These accounts have been preparecl in accordance with the Charities Act 2011, Charity SORP FRS102 The accounts have been prepared under the historical cost basis. Income Income is included gross, without netting of f any related expenditure. Income is generally recognised when the charlty becomes entitled to the resources, when receipt is probable and when the monetary aTnount can be measured with sufficent reliabilty. Spec&fic pollcies relating to the charity, s particular income sources are as follows: Donations are Included in the Statement of Financial Activities ISOFAI gross of any related tax reclaim. Ex editure Liabilities are included once the charlty under a legal or constructive obligation to transf er economic resoures. Costs of charitable activltles include those costs directly attributable to aet&vltie8 undertaken in pursuit 0£ the charity'8 object8. Other expenditure includes governance eosts which include all costs relating to comply&ng with legal and regulatory reqU￿rMentS. Funds structure Unrestricted funds are those funds expendable at the discretion of the Trustees in accordance with the charitable objects. Restricted funds may only be utilised in accordance with the wishes 0£ the donor, Taxation As a registered charityi It 18 generally exempt from income tax and capltal gains tax on its charitable activities, but not £rom VAT. Irrecoverable VAT is Included in the cost of those items to which it relateg. Trustees, emolurnents None of the trustees have received any rernuneration, expenses or benefits from the charity. Related art transactions There have been no related party transactions in the reporting period that require disclosure. IHBZIE FOUNDATION CHARITY REGISTPATION D7UMBER 1160562 NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST Iw