## **Solace International**
_www.solace.international_
(Registered Charity No. 1162864)
## **(‘Solace’)**
**The 2023** _Solace International_ **Trustees Annual Report (S.T.A.R. ‘23)**
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## **Solace** Trustees Annual Report (2023)
**S.T.A.R. ‘23**
**The 2023** _Solace International_ **Trustees Annual Report (S.T.A.R. ‘23)**
**pg. 2**
_For a wide variety of reasons, some parts of this Report mirror previous S.T.A.R.s._
_In deference to the Organisation’s international audience, this Report is presented online during the Solace Annual General Meeting (S-AGM) of 2023._
**The 2023** _Solace International_ **Trustees Annual Report (S.T.A.R. ‘23)**
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**In keeping with established Solace International organisational practice,**
## **this document also doubles as**
**the Organisation’s Annual General Report for the Year AD 2023.**
**The 2023** _Solace International_ **Trustees Annual Report (S.T.A.R. ‘23)**
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_"Call unto Me, and I will Answer thee – and Shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not" (Jeremiah 33:3)._
**The 2023** _Solace International_ **Trustees Annual Report (S.T.A.R. ‘23)**
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##
Stronger than all strength On, You LORD have Led us Leading full length
Along each plus and minus Clearly we see
End from the beginning In all that we be
Notwithstanding our sinning; The great things You Do Each Mighty Work reminds us anew
now how in Love You Lurk and always – yes always the Truth will remain
It is You O Ancient of Days Only Who does us Sustain Noting our each need
As You so well us Feed:
Life and Solace indeed!
_– Joseph Dos Santos_
**The 2023** _Solace International_ **Trustees Annual Report (S.T.A.R. ‘23)**
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## **Contents[1]**
|**Contents1**||
|---|---|
|**Item**|**Page**|
|**Sweet Sure Solace So Strong**|**6**|
|**Our Mission Statement**|**8**|
|**The Solace Statement of Beliefs**|**9**|
|**Foreword**|**10**|
|**In His Footsteps**|**11**|
|**Resolution**|**12**|
|**Solace International – a brief history**|**13**|
|**The Organisation’s charitable objects; Its aims**|**14**|
|**Its activities; Who the charity helps**|**15**|
|**How the charity works**|**16**|
|**The Solace journey thus far: Pumping our fists**|**17**|
|**Overriding consideration; Points to ponder**|**29**|
|**The Solace journey thus far: Scratching our heads**|**30**|
|**We keep in mind**|**32**|
|**Conclusion**|**33**|
|**Solace International Financial report for S.T.A.R. ‘23**|**34**|
> 1 This unique style of laying out a Table of Contents is the brainchild of Joseph E.G.D. Dos Santos (2019, 2020) and therefore duly acknowledged.
**The 2023** _Solace International_ **Trustees Annual Report (S.T.A.R. ‘23)**
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## **Our Mission Statement**
We are committed to the alleviation of poverty and furtherance of the Christian Faith. Under the Holy Ghost’s Guidance, _Solace International’_ s seeks to excel at what we have set out to do.
**The 2023** _Solace International_ **Trustees Annual Report (S.T.A.R. ‘23)**
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## **The Solace Statement of Beliefs** ( _Based on the Nicene Creed_ ) **[2]**
We believe in One God; He is the Father of All Creation; He is the One Almighty; He is the Maker of Heaven and Earth – as well as, of all that is: be it seen or unseen.
We believe that the Kingdom of God has no limit and will have no end.
We believe in One Lord, Jesus Christ, the Only Son of God, Eternally Begotten of – and of One Being with, the Father. With Him all things were Made. For us and for our Salvation, He Came to Earth from Heaven; by the Power of the Holy Spirit, He was Made Man, having Become Incarnate from the Virgin Mary. For our sake He Accepted crucifixion under Pontius Pilate; He also Suffered death and Allowed Himself to be buried. On the third day, He Rose again in Accordance with Sacred Scriptures. Jesus Christ Ascended into Heaven and is Seated with the Father from Whence He Came to Earth. That same Jesus Christ will Come again in His Glory, Attended by all the Holy Angels. Seated upon the Throne of His Glory, He shall Pronounce Judgement Over all nations, having Separated them one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from goats.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, the LORD – Giver of Life, Who Proceeds from the Father and the Son. with Whom He is worshipped and glorified. He has Spoken through the Prophets.
We believe in one Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church. We acknowledge one Baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look forward to the Resurrection of the dead and Life of the world to come.
## **Amen.**
> 2 This Statement is still under review as we explore ways of reconciling in it, the Trinitarian and Unitarian persuasions within the Body of Christ.
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## **Foreword**
To the Glory of God – the Almighty, Father of All Creation – and by His Leading, we are glad to present you with the **Solace Trustees Annual Report of 2023** (or, ‘S.T.A.R. ‘23’). The report sets out how well or otherwise _Solace International_ (or, ‘Solace’) has progressed in the achievement of its stated goals since the last report. In line with long-established convention at _Solace_ , while S.T.A.R. ’23 is a separate and unique document, the report can safely be considered as linked to – and continuing from, preceding S.T.A.R.s. It should come as no surprise therefore, that S.T.A.R. ‘23 uses at different points throughout the report, sections and portions which may have appeared in one or more of its predecessors. By God’s Grace, this will remain part of the established convention regarding all Solace Trustees Annual Reports (S.T.A.R.s), for as long as _Solace International_ exists.
**The 2023** _Solace International_ **Trustees Annual Report (S.T.A.R. ‘23)**
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## **In His Footsteps**
The name ‘Solace’, the ‘International’ focus and the Charity’s _modus operandi_ are all in reflection of the Lord Jesus Christ, Who is our Chief Role Model. No human being ever understood – or will ever understand the way He Did, human need and human suffering – plus what to do about them. Therefore, whatever we do, whoever we are engaged with and wherever we operate, _Solace International_ will always aim to reflect Jesus Christ. Simply put, **we walk in His Footsteps** .
Amen.
**The 2023** _Solace International_ **Trustees Annual Report (S.T.A.R. ‘23)**
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## **Resolution**
At its Summer 2023 meeting, _Solace International_ ’s Board of Trustees (hereinafter referred to as ‘The Solace Board’, ‘The Board’ or ‘The Trustees’) resolved as follows:
- 1.) The Report covered by this resolution and contained in this document shall form the main body of the Organisation’s Annual Report for 2022;
- 2.) The Report shall be designated and known as ‘The 2023 _Solace International_ Trustees Annual Report’ or S.T.A.R. ‘23;
- 3.) The Report shall be presented online as part of the 2023 _Solace International_ Annual General Meeting (AGM);
- 4.) The 2023 AGM shall occur before the end of Autumn 2023;
- 5.) In keeping with _Solace International_ (‘Solace’) convention established in the Year of our Lord 2017, S.T.A.R. ‘23 shall be deemed officially complete and therefore closed, after Christmas Day, 2023;
- 6.) Official completion and closure shall include insertion of the accompanying report from _InterSolace Organisation_ (‘Solace Kenya’) and any other Solace branch or affiliate in other countries as the case may be;
- 7.) It shall only be declared complete and closed also, once there is no possibility of updates as requested or mandated by the Governments (or relevant departments) of the countries where _Solace_ actively operates.
Signed………… _D.N. Mnyasa_ ……………………………………….
**The 2023** _Solace International_ **Trustees Annual Report (S.T.A.R. ‘23)**
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Dephrose N. Mnyasa (for: Board of Trustees, _Solace International_ )
## _**Solace International**_ **: A brief history**
_**This Report is not just a chronicle, but a document of staggered growth, of harsh reality and of eager hope**_
**‘** S **olace’ is synonymous with other words, such as but not only: ‘support’, ‘succour’, ‘help’, ‘comfort’ and ‘alleviation’. Through these synonyms, one can develop a good picture of the various ways wherein the Charity continues to play its role.**
O **ur roots are traceable to the coastlands of Kenya where, halfway through 2012, Solace was born. Our first beneficiary was MNW, a widow; our first project was the Solace Enterprise Empowerment Programme (also called ‘SEEP’ or ‘EEP’).**
L **earning from various experiences and working in partnership with several entities both human and corporate, Solace has slowly grown. Our original partners were: Winners Chapel, Malindi, Deliverance Church Buruburu and Hope Africa, Syiokimau.**
A **bout midway through Lent of 2013, Solace had its first set of Trustees: a ten-strong Board made up of mainly Kenyans – and mostly men. Today, the Board is more diverse – though smaller and for the first time, with more women than men.**
C **harity Commission registration in the UK and NGO Coordination Board registration in Kenya, followed soon after – all, to the Glory of God. It is noteworthy that we had already been engaged in charitable projects well before we secured any registration.**
E **ven though Solace is not yet officially registered in any other jurisdiction, we are continually making our mark in many places around the globe – despite having very few resources. Today, Solace is supporting people everywhere it possibly can.**
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**By God’s Goodness, Solace is here to stay.**
## **The Organisation’s charitable objects**
The objects of _Solace_ are:
a.) To benefit the public;
- b.) The advancement of the Christian Faith – plus
- c.) The prevention and/or relief of poverty.
## **Its aims**
We seek to honour God the Almighty Creator of All Life and Owner of Everything. Working in collaboration with other similar-minded groups and individuals, the aims of _Solace International_ are chiefly to:
- Be and remain, an international organisation operating across several continents of the world;
- Further the Christian Faith through the use of apostolic and deaconate means;
- Empower people and groups against poverty.
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## **Its activities**
_Solace_ in furtherance of its aims, engages in general charitable purposes as well as the following:
- a.) Education and training;
- b.) Prevention and relief of poverty;
- c.) Religious activities;
- d.) Economic/community development;
- e.) Promotion and support of diversity, equality, human rights, racial harmony, and religious tolerance.
## **Who the charity helps**
_Solace International_ helps the general public and Mankind. In other words, we are not particular or discriminatory about who we help. The help we give is however subject to variables, such as:
- (1.) The availability of relevant human, financial and other resources;
- (2.) Strict criteria as set forth in the Organisation’s Constitution, Beneficiaries Policy and/or other governing documents;
- (3.) Any other criteria laid down by the _Solace International_ Board of Trustees.
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## **How the charity works**
There are several ways by which we work to achieve the above, the main one being that:
- a.) _Solace International_ makes grants to individuals and to organisations;[3]
- b.) We also develop and provide human resources;
- c.) _Solace International_ offers governance and capacity-building support;
- d.) We are engaged in community-relevant training delivery, business support, as well as the facilitation of seminars and workshops;
- e.) Finally, _Solace_ provides advocacy and advice/information as well as other services relevant to individuals in need and to communities.[4]
In keeping with practice established in the original _Solace_ Trustees Annual Report and maintained thereafter, as well as for ease of communication, this report uses the information bulleted under ‘Its activities’ as subheadings in the sections outlining our successes and failures, below.
> 3 For reasons set forth in S.T.A.R. ’22, we do not offer loans any longer.
> 4 This includes signposting to other entities relevant to beneficiaries’ needs.
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## **The Solace journey thus far: Pumping our fists**
_Solace International_ continues to enjoy from the LORD, a variety of successes. These include but do not stop at strides which the Charity has recorded previously.
## **Area 1(a):[5] The alleviation of poverty (UK, etc.)**
**Activity Details** The charity sector depends heavily on partnership and other forms of cooperation – formal as well as informal. On the basis of this understanding, _Solace_ continues developing relationships with various individuals and organisations.[6]
5 The areas have been arranged for ease of reading and reference. This arrangement does not reflect any specific order or priority list.
6 Our letterheads reflect this as we tend to include at the bases of the documents, logos of most organisations we have worked or partnered with. Some groups are yet to be added though. They will be inserted as time goes on, subject to approval by the Trustees acting on the advice of the Chief Administrator.
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Generally, the areas of collaboration focus on a fluid and dynamic understanding. in the UK, Kenya, India, etc. Even though no document can outline all the advantages of collaboration, several have been set forth in the previous S.T.A.R. **Collaboration** There are of course, demerits which come from working together, some of which will be outlined God Willing, in in S.T.A.R. ’24. Having to conserve already shrunken resources, the Charity’s collaborative work is largely informal and/or indirect. Entities from other lands are not always easy to work with due to cultural differences, but we and they usually persevere. Right now, while _Solace International_ continues to work with various religious and secular entities, we do not partner with political groups.[7] Food poverty continues to be a serious issue right across the United Kingdom (UK), going by current statistics. The precipitous situation which was either occasioned or accentuated by the COVID-19 pandemic, shows no sign of abatement whatsoever. On the contrary, the poverty indicators noted in S.T.A.R. ‘22 remain at an
7 Some of the organisations and individuals we have worked with are mostly listed in S.T.A.R. ’22.
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||**Foodbank**
**Foodbank**|all-time high, as numerous families and individuals struggle with a host of
socioeconomic issues.8The situation is not helped at all, by the historic
inflation rates currently hitting the country.
Of course, the dire economic climate has also hamstrung_Solace_
_International_, as well as the wider charity sector in its never-ending attempts
to draw in funds from funders and the wider public.9This situation has
understandably, affected many of our plans.
Duly and in accordance with God’s Will, there is an abundance of free and
near-free food provisions such as soup kitchens, food hubs and of course,
food banks – although, many families and individuals remain reluctant to
access these provisions.
Because of the prevailing situation,_Solace International_has continued
making food donations to organisations – although we have withdrawn
from our arrangement with_Heads Together (H2G) Food Hub_and placed on
hold, our plans for a soup kitchen.
All the same, we continue our_Foodbank With A Difference_project begun in
2017, wherein we identify families and individuals in need who may be|
|---|---|---|
8 The indicators include: shoplifting, rough-sleeping, food bank visits, dumpster-diving and begging.
9 (Civil Society and Legraien, 2022; Joseph Rowntree Foundation [JRF], 2021; Mitchell Charlesworth, 2022; Office For National Statistics [ONS] and Keane, 2022; Poverty and Social Exclusion [PSE], 2022).
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reluctant or unable to visit regular foodbanks. We take food (and sometimes cash) to them with no questions asked. _[10]_ Keeping this project going glorifies and reflects our Chief Role Model Jesus Christ, Who often Reached out to those in need, rather than Waiting for to approach Him. He Moved around, Making Himself both Available and Accessible to the needy. Alleviation of poverty is one of our key aims. thus, _Solace_ continues to support individuals and families who may be experiencing poverty to deal with their situation. The _Solace_ Enterprise Empowerment Programme is a community-targeting programme which aims to equip people for selfemployment. Previous delivery of the project has seen the S.E.E.P. presented with a heavily Christian bias. It has been decided that from next year, that S.E.EP. will become de-Christianised, or rather secularised. This **Poverty-** is partly because we have not benefited much from the previous format **busting** and partly because we want the S.E.E.P. to attract people from diverse backgrounds. Enterprise empowerment is to the Glory of God Whose Will it is that we “prosper and be in good health”[11] . The SEEP will however as noted hitherto, shortly begin to diversify its content. _Solace_ continues to support schools in Kenya, to educate orphans and children from disadvantaged backgrounds. Clearly, Kenya is the main focus of our work and resources – although
10 The money we give is usually small – ranging between ten and fifty Pounds (£10-£50) and aimed at providing immediate food relief.
11 3Jn: 2
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||**School and**
**schooling**
**support**|this situation is regularly reviewed.
However,_Solace_’s schools support varies, depending on the institution –
and can take a range of forms.12
On occasion, we have supported children, schools and teachers in non-
pecuniary ways.
Our 2022-23 support reached – thanks to God, over twenty children,
three teachers and two schools. It includes books and pastoral care.13
Likewise, we have supported families in Ghana, India, Nigeria, Pakistan
and Romania, with their children’s schooling and other needs.
Support for at least one school child in Bangladesh, Nepal, India, Rwanda
and Sri Lanka could commence next year.14|
|---|---|---|
12 Such as: boarding, extra tuition, school fees, school meals, school uniforms and other school-related needs.
13 Counties which have benefited during this period include: Busia, Kiambu, Machakos, Meru and Nairobi.
14 If current negotiations with identified potential partners go well, that is. We have learned through painful and stressful experience, not to count our chickens too early ahead, as negotiations which seem to be going quite well and even nearing a desired conclusion, could suddenly turn sour – sometimes for no clear reason. Case in point: Vietnam, where our negotiations to support school children remain stalled.
**The 2023** _Solace International_ **Trustees Annual Report (S.T.A.R. ‘23)**
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## **Area 1(b)**
**The alleviation of poverty – Kenya and elsewhere Activity Details** Since 2014, _Solace International_ has supplied over ten thousand free items of clothing to those in need in several countries. We modified our manner of distribution in 2021 to help us reach more of those in need. The supply of free clothes is a very important aspect of our work in the prevention or relief of poverty in countries outside the United Kingdom. where so many **Clothes supply** people live below the poverty line. This year, we have collected clothes for supply to Turkey, following the devastating earthquake. As noted in S.T.A.R. ’22 however, a fraction of our clothes was distributed to people living in the UK. By the Grace of God and to His Glory, _Solace International_ continues to make cash grants to those in need. So far this year, _Solace International_ has made grants to beneficiaries from and/or in twelve countries: Congo-K, Ghana, India, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Libya, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, Romania, Türkiye and the UK. The Charity as explained in in S.T.A.R.s **Cash grants** ‘20 and ’21, does not give loans. The Cash grants we give are usually small – and all the grants we make are subject to the availability of funds and strict criteria as laid out in our Beneficiaries Policy. Monies are not disbursed with the approval of the _Solace_ Board of Trustees.
## **Area 2**
**Religious activities Activity Details**
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Our support for churches and Christian groups is well-documented as can be seen for instance, in the two S.T.A.R.s preceding this one, the Charity has taken the decision to discontinue its ‘Towards’ reports as an annual offering, but will continue them as an occasional one, to be presented only where there is a tangibly strong need for them. However, _Solace International_ continues to do what it can in furtherance of the Christian Faith. This is underlined by the Charity’s support (emotional, financial, **The ‘Towards’** material and otherwise) for Christian street evangelists, non-pastoral **Reports** ministers of Christian religion and other entities actively involved in furthering the Christian Faith. _Solace International_ has also begun supporting the Christian Awareness Centre (CAC) with a small grant given in monthly instalments. The Charity is also supporting the CAC’s push for charity registration. _Solace International_ is (at least for now) not a church. The Charity is not affiliated to any church or denomination – although we are an intrinsic and inextricable part of the Church – the Bride of Jesus Christ. We have had many preaching engagements with churches in the past. In the twelve **Preaching** months leading up to this Annual Report, there was only one such **engagements** engagement (with a small unregistered Christian group in Wales, UK). Even so (as noted in S.T.A.R. ’22), _Solace International_ does not rely on any church’s goodwill as we work to share the Gospel of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Instead, we use our own Christian fora such as social media and published books.
For this aspect of our work in furthering the Christian Faith, _Solace_ continues to work with other entities in reaching out to God’s People on the streets of not only Kenya and the United Kingdom, but Botswana, Ghana, India, Ivory Coast, Jamaica, Nigeria, Nepal, Pakistan, Portugal, St. Lucia, South Africa and Uganda. Being convinced that there are numerous other ways of spreading the Gospel, our training programmes inevitably
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|**Evangelisation**|include material from Christian Sacred Scriptures. The Charity is ever-
keen nonetheless, to explore and develop non-Bible-based alternatives,
wherever and whenever possible.|
|---|---|
|**Bible**
**distribution**|We are finding that the need for bibles is quite dire._Solace_acquires
through a variety of means including purchases and donations, copies and
versions of the Holy Bible which are then distributed free of charge, to
those who sorely need them. In late 2022,_Solace International received_a
posthumous donation of two bibles from the late ‘Sister Nelly’, a
Jamaican. Early in 2023, the Charity also received from ‘Sister Janemaria’
resident in the United States of America, eight bibles.15Most of these
wonderful gifts have duly and dutifully been passed onto those who
needed them. The Charity supports various evangelistic groups16with
small grants for purchase and distribution of bibles, as well as the printing
of tracts which usually contain copious extracts from Sacred Scriptures.|
## **Area 3**
**Economic/community support Activity Details** _Solace International_ supports economic growth as one way of addressing poverty issues. Thus, we have in Kenya mainly – but also to a lesser extent in other countries such as Botswana, Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, India, Nepal, South Africa and Sri Lanka, supported since 2012, over three hundred **More** small-scale businesses. Our support takes several forms including but not
15 The sisters’ surnames have been withheld for data protection purposes.
16 What the Charity means by ‘evangelistic’ is explained in S.T.A.R. ‘22.
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|**Relationships**|only cash grants, training and other resources. The Charity also supports
several groups to register charitable organisations in their countries of
main operation. Rendering such support makes apparent how seriously we
take our aim of alleviating poverty. We have made massive contributions
to the socioeconomic empowerment of hundreds and maybe thousands17
of people – a feat for an organisation with minuscule resources.|
|---|---|
|||
||**Area 4**
**Education and training**|
|**Activity**|**Details**|
|**Seminars and**
**workshops**|We believe that it is the Will of God, for people to be well educated,
better informed and more empowered. “My People perish” He Says,
“from lack of knowledge”.18Thus, it is the position of_Solace International_
that the more educated one is, the better able they would be to serve God
optimally by among other things, contributing to the community and
doing their best for their loved ones._Solace_also holds, that the most
effective antidote to the maladies of corruption, poverty and wanton
violence (be it domestic, political, religious, ethnic or other) is through
education. For this reason,_Solace_regularly puts on free training
programmes. Depending on the topic and space, the programmes last
from half a day (e.g. ‘Helping children settle in their new surroundings’) to
twelve weeks (e.g. ‘_Solace_Enterprise Empowerment Programme’).|
> 17 The true figure will never be known. This is not a situation unique to _Solace International_ , though: most helpers – be they individual, groups or organisations would find that each time you support one person, you could be supporting many others who deoend on them – such as family members and those who might be employed by them – not to mention people whose businesses provide services to the person or entity receiving the charity’s help. Therefore, no matter how you calculate, the numbers of those benefiting directly and indirectly from our work, would be stupendous, to say the least.
18 Hos 4:6
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_Solace_ has collected and distributed since 2014, more than seven thousand books. These have come from a myriad of sources including Joseph Dos Santos (the Organisation’s Founder), members of the public, abandoned publications, donated misprints, _Solace International_ purchases, etc. The books tend to be mainly educational with a heavy bias for primary schoolage readers. However, we have also distributed a good number of **Books** entertainment books such as novels, novellas and periodicals. We believe that reading enhances education, but reading would not be easy if it had to be without entertainment. For this reason, we have not restricted our work in this area to only academic textbooks or Christian religious publications. _Solace_ continues to negotiate with schools and bookshops, both Christian and non-Christian, for more donations. In line with our aim of furthering the Christian Faith, the Organisation has also distributed so far, more than one hundred copies of the Holy Bible.
## **Area 5**
## **Human rights, religious/racial harmony, equality/diversity**
**Activity Details** As most people would probably agree, domestic abuse and domestic violence are serious – although quite complex issues replete with academic, cultural, legal, moral, racial, religious and social connotations which mean that these are viewed and treated differently by various cultures throughout the world. _Solace International_ takes the position **Domestic** nonetheless, that domestic violence and abuse are reprehensible, as well as **violence** unacceptable. We work with individuals and communities to raise awareness on this matter. We also do what we can in more practical terms
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||to help victims of domestic violence and abuse.|
|---|---|
|**Advocacy**
**services**|_Solace International_takes the position that advocacy is an essential aspect of
poverty alleviation. As explained in S.T.A.R. ’22, many people are in
poverty owing to what we see as ‘the voice issue’: a lack of ability, skills or
other resources needed for projecting a strong voice. Through CVs,
letters, phone calls, representation, etc.,_Solace_continues to support
members of the public with advocacy.19|
|**Peace**
**initiatives**|_Solace International_believes in peace. It is God’s Word and Way, that we
“seek peace and pursue it”, ensuring that “if it is possible, as much as
depends on you, live peaceably with all”, this in keepingwith the Divine
and Eternal Truth that, “Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be
Called (Children) of God”.20|
|||
||**Miscellaneous**|
|**Activity**|**Details**|
|**Family**|_Solace International_recognises that sometimes, when parents have a falling
out, children suffer unimaginable physical and mental difficulties. We
endeavour to help where we can, such as in reconciling children with
estranged or ‘lost’ parents and getting men to accept responsibility for
their children. We work on each case intent on finding resolutions so|
> 19 Since 2020, _Solace International_ has provided hundreds of individuals and groups with this support. In 2021, the Charity supported ninety-eight (98) people and groups. The number rose drastically last year and continues to rise. Our advocacy initially favoured beneficiaries from the UK but has since widened to include Africa. In keeping with our ambitions as expressed in S.T.A.R. ‘21. the Charity’s advocacy services have now helped over a thousand five hundred (1,500+) beneficiaries.
20 Respectively: Ps 34:14, Rom 12:18 and Matt 5:9.
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**pg. 27**
children would receive from their fathers, the support which should be theirs by Divine Right.[21] A third straight year has seen _Solace International_ successfully generate revenue from outside the UK. Other than pledged support from _WoW Sanctuary_ ,[22] which petered out without explanation, we have had support from individuals in Kenya and Nigeria. **Expanded reach** Bangladesh has this year, become the newest – but sole addition to our list of countries where at least one person has benefited from _Solace_ . We have however been unable to offer support for anyone in Lebanon, Peru, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines or Venezuela, despite our eagerness to do so.
21 Our position on the matter is rooted not in human rights and safeguarding rules, legislation or guidance, but in God’s Will as Expressed in Sacred Scriptures such as the Holy Spirit’s Words Delivered to us through His Servant Paul when in 1Timothy 5:8 we are Admonished that: “But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the Faith and is worse than an unbeliever” (New King James Version – NKJV).
22 A church based in Juja, Kenya.
**The 2023** _Solace International_ **Trustees Annual Report (S.T.A.R. ‘23)**
**pg. 28**
## **OVERRIDING CONSIDERATION**
While it is conventional among charitable organisations to focus on specific groups, projects and interests or causes, it is still the case, that _Solace_ works with individuals as well as communities in support of those who though in need, fail to meet specific criteria and so are unable to receive the required help. We endeavour where possible, to identify such individuals – then provide relevant support within reason and according to our means.
## **POINTS TO PONDER…**
The foregoing bright points are merely a cross-section of a wider picture which contains many more. _Solace International_ remains firm, focused and fired up as we seek by the Grace of God and for His Glory, to keep labouring in the Divine Vineyard, while receiving in all humility, such Victories as it Pleases Him to Grant us – keeping in mind that there are – and always shall be, many other organisations which as the LORD would Have it – although better-resourced than _Solace International_ , have been unable to achieve this much – as well as other organisations with even far less resources than God has Granted this Organisation, which have performed much better than _Solace International._ That said, successes are always worth celebrating – no matter what size, shade, or shape they assume. Glory be to the Almighty and Eternal Father of Lights, with Whom there is no shadow of turning[23] – and by Whom we are Guided to do even better – no matter the causes we may have for scratching our heads…
23 James 1:17.
**The 2023** _Solace International_ **Trustees Annual Report (S.T.A.R. ‘23)**
**pg. 29**
## **The Solace journey thus far: Scratching our heads**
In His Infinite Wisdom, it has Pleased the LORD that we are humbled by several areas for improvement, a few of which are reoutlined below.
**Area – Alleviation of poverty[24]**
|**Area – Alleviation of poverty24**|**Area – Alleviation of poverty24**|
|---|---|
|**Activity/Project**|**Details**|
|**Material and**
**cash reliefs**|In addition to the issues highlighted in S.T.A.R. ’22, the Charity has failed
to recover monies lent to a beneficiary in Kenya. The giving of loans has
long since been discontinued by the Charity, although small cash grants
have continued. We have however not been able to increase the amount,
level or scope of our reliefs.|
||**Area – Economic/community support**|
|---|---|
|**Activity**|**Details**|
|**Collaborations**|_Solace_has long recognised that although interagency collaboration is
replete with drawbacks, it is also vital to a charity’s effectiveness.
However, we continue to find that partnerships are very challenging to
build or maintain and many of those with whom we are engaged, are not|
24 As with the previous section, these ‘Areas’ are numbered not to reflect any particular order or priority list, but for ease of reading and reference.
**The 2023** _Solace International_ **Trustees Annual Report (S.T.A.R. ‘23)**
**pg. 30**
always reliable partners. In addition, negotiations for new partnerships and collaboration still seem to take an inordinate amount of time. Put simply: we are yet to find a winning formula for building lasting and fruitful relationships with other organisations.
**Area – Human rights, religious/racial harmony, equality/diversity**
|**Area – Human rights, religious/racial harmony, equality/diversity**|**Area – Human rights, religious/racial harmony, equality/diversity**|
|---|---|
|**Activity**|**Details**|
|**Funding**|As pointed out in previous S.T.A.R.s,_Solace International_does not receive
funding from any source. If we are to achieve our objectives, the Charity
must find a way to change this situation.25|
**Area: General Activity Details** There are several other issues which the Charity is having to deal with, most of which are likely Deo Volente, to be discussed in S.T.A.R. ’24. Our biggest challenge remains it must be said however, not funding – huge as that problem most certainly is. Instead, our stark shortage of the right personnel is literally suffocating and crushing the Charity. We need, are **Miscellaneous** seeking and continually pray for, individuals with drive, willingness and dependability, who also have compassion for people, genuine interest in _Solace_ and its work, as well as above all, an overwhelming and demonstrable desire to please and honour the LORD through the Ministry before Him, of _Solace International_ .
25 This is especially important since the Charity currently depends heavily on the Founder – a freelance writer, who uses his skills to raise money for the Organisation _._
**The 2023** _Solace International_ **Trustees Annual Report (S.T.A.R. ‘23)**
**pg. 31**
## **We keep in mind…**
…that as we are left scratching our heads is nothing but a natural part of the journey to success. We trust in the LORD Whom we serve and by His Greatness alone, we have come this far, for brighter days ahead. We soldier on
**“BEING CONFIDENT OF THIS VERY THING, THAT HE WHO HAS BEGUN A GOOD WORK IN YOU WILL COMPLETE IT UNTIL THE DAY OF JESUS CHRIST” (PHILIPPIANS 1:6).**
We know for certain, that the LORD in Accordance with His Promises, will always Look after us as He has Done – not just for us, but for countless others. Amen!
**The 2023** _Solace International_ **Trustees Annual Report (S.T.A.R. ‘23)**
**pg. 32**
## **Conclusion**
Always keeping in mind that the LORD can – and mostly Does, Further the Gospel (as well as Do whatever else He Pleases) without our input, we are as ever before, quite glad as well as humbled and honoured, to serve Him and His People in whatever way it Please Him that we do.
Being able to by the Grace of God, impact the lives of so many people across the world, despite resource shortage and other problems will always be a source of strength and pride to us. We are also thankful for the Privilege of being one of the Vessels God Uses to Display His Excellence.
Challenges or not, _Solace International_ continues to hope for more mountains, greater triumphs and better times as we serve the LORD by helping the poor and needy as He Demands. It is our hope and prayer, that we shall remain not only humble and compassionate, but grateful to Him.
**The 2023** _Solace International_ **Trustees Annual Report (S.T.A.R. ‘23)**
**pg. 33**
## **Solace International Financial report for S.T.A.R. ‘23**
|**Month**|**In (£)**|**Out (£)**|**Total**|
|---|---|---|---|
|**December 21**|**1265**|**1300**|**-35**|
|**January 22**|**1375**|**1209**|**166**|
|**February 22**|**1418**|**1170**|**248**|
|**March 22**|**980**|**858**|**122**|
|**April 22**|**1632**|**1285**|**347**|
|**May 22**|**1265**|**1215**|**50**|
|**June 22**|**448**|**397**|**51**|
|**July 22**|**150**|**80**|**70**|
|**August 22**|**360**|**240**|**120**|
|**September 22**|**530**|**280**|**250**|
|**October 22**|**770**|**890**|**-120**|
|**November 22**|**940**|**690**|**250**|
|**TOTAL**|**11,133**|**9,614**|**1,519**|
|**GRAND TOTAL (or: £11,133 - £9,614) = £1,519**||||
**The 2023** _Solace International_ **Trustees Annual Report (S.T.A.R. ‘23)**
**pg. 34**
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The 2023 Solace International Trustees Annual Report IS.T.A.R. '231
pg. 35
|**Solace International**|**Solace International**|**No (if any)**|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|**Solace International**|||||
|**Receipts andpayments accounts**||||**CC16a**|
|**For the period**
**from**|01-Oct-21
01-Oct-19|30-Sep-22
Period end date
**To**|||
|**Section A Receipts and payments**|**Section A Receipts and payments**||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|**A1 Receipts**|**Unrestricted**
**funds**
**to the nearest £**
**1,265**
**1,375**
**1,418**
**980**
**1,632**
**1,265**
**448**
**150**
**360**
**530**
**770**
**940**
**11,133**
11,133
**-**
**-**
**-**
**11,133**
**1,300**
**1,209**
**1,170**
**858**
**1,285**
**1,215**
**397**
**80**
**2,100**
**9,614**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**9,614**
**1,519**
**1,519**|**Restricted**
**funds**
**to the nearest £**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**|**Endowment**
**funds**
**to the nearest £**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**|**Total funds**
**to the nearest £**
**1,265**
**1,375**
**1,418**
**980**
**1,632**
**1,265**
**448**
**150**
**360**
**530**
**770**
**940**
**11,133**
22,266
**-**
**-**
**-**
**11,133**
**1,300**
**1,209**
**1,170**
**858**
**1,285**
**1,215**
**397**
**80**
**2,100**
**9,614**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**9,614**
**1,519**||**Last year**
**to the nearest £**|
|Dec-21|**1,265**|||||**460**|
|Jan-22|**1,375**|||||**2,072**|
|Feb-22|**1,418**|||||**50**|
|Mar-22|**980**|||||**997**|
|Apr-22|**1,632**|||||**595**|
|May-22|**1,265**|||||**1,176**|
|Jun-22|**448**|||||**481**|
|Jul-22|**150**|||||**736**|
|Aug-22|**360**|||||**691**|
|Sep-22|**530**|||||**1,475**|
|Oct-22|**770**|||||**1,326**|
|Nov-22|**940**|||||**835**|
|**_Sub total_**_(Gross income for_
_AR)_|
**11,133**
11133|||||**10,894**
11257|
||||||||
|**A2 Asset and investment sales,**
**(see table).**|||||||
||**-**||||||
||**-**|||||**-**|
|**_Sub total_**|**-**|||||**-**|
|**_Total receipts_ **
**A3 Payments**|||||||
|||||||**10,894**|
||||||||
|Dec-21|**1,300**||||||
|Jan-22|**1,209**|||||**928**|
|Feb-22|**1,170**|||||**430**|
|Mar-22|**858**|||||**1,228**|
|Apr-22|**1,285**|||||**589**|
|May-22|**1,215**|||||**663**|
|Jun-22|**397**|||||**102**|
|Jul-22|**80**|||||**1,339**|
|Aug-Nov 22|**2,100**|||||**4,605**|
|**_Sub total_ **|**9,614**|||||**9,884**|
||||||||
|**A4 Asset and investment**
**purchases, (see table)**|||||||
||**-**||||||
||**-**||||||
|**_Sub total_ **|**-**|||||**-**|
|**_Total payments_**
**_Net of receipts/(payments)_**
**A5 Transfers between funds**
**A6 Cash funds last year end**
**_Cash funds this year end_**|||||||
|||||||**9,884**|
||||||||
||**1,519**|**-**|**-**|**1,519**||**1,010**|
|||**-**|**-**|**-**||**-**|
|||**-**|**-**|**-**||**-**|
||**1,519**|**-**|**-**|**1,519**||**1,010**|
CCXX R1 accounts (SS)
02/09/2024
1
|**Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of th**|**Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of th**|**Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of th**||
|---|---|---|---|
|**Categories**
Signed by one or two trustees on
behalf of all the trustees
**B1 Cash funds**
**B2 Other monetary assets**
**B4 Assets retained for the**
**charity’s own use**
**B5 Liabilities**
**B3 Investment assets**|S. Wamweya
Signature
N. Lamptey
**Details**
**Details**
**Details**
**Details**
**_Total cash funds_**
(agree balances with receipts and payments
account(s))
**Details**|**Unrestricted**
**funds**
**Restricted**
**funds**
**to nearest £**
**to nearest £**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
Agreement Error
OK
**Unrestricted**
**funds**
**Restricted**
**funds**
**to nearest £**
**to nearest £**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**Fund to which**
**asset belongs**
**Cost (optional)**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**Fund to which**
**asset belongs**
**Cost (optional)**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**Fund to which**
**liability relates**
**Amount due**
**(optional)**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
Print Name
Naina Lamptey
Samuel Wamweya|**Endowment**
**funds**
**to nearest £**|
||||**-**|
||||**-**|
||||**-**|
||||**-**|
||||OK|
||||**Endowment**
**funds**
**to nearest £**|
||||**-**|
||||**-**|
||||**-**|
||||**-**|
||||**-**|
||||**-**|
||||**Current value**
**(optional)**|
||||**-**|
||||**-**|
||||**-**|
||||**-**|
||||**-**|
||||**Current value**
**(optional)**|
||||**-**|
||||**-**|
||||**-**|
||||**-**|
||||**-**|
||||**-**|
||||**-**|
||||**-**|
||||**-**|
||||**When due**
**(optional)**|
|||||
|||||
|||||
|||||
|||||
|||||
||||Date of
approval|
||N. Lamptey|Naina Lamptey|22-Sep-21|
||S. Wamweya|Samuel Wamweya|**22-Sep-21**|
CCXX R2 accounts (SS)
02/09/2024
2