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C R E A T I N G I M P A C T Our Moon Education Annual Report and Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 December 2023
UK Registered Charity Number: 1165083
Zambia Registered NGO: RNGO/101/0688/17
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CONTACT INFORMATION LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
UK
ZAMBIA
Trustees
Trustees
Richard Bowen (Chair) Charles Coldman John Kirkland Alan Leale-Green Helen Leale-Green Vanessa Strauss Chanda Singoyi
Helen Leale-Green (President) Justine Buchizya Mushitu (Country Director)
Charity number RNGO 101/0688/17
CONTACT DETAILS
Helen Leale-Green
Helen.leale-green@ourmoon.org.uk +44 (0) 7720 287904
Justin Mushitu
Justin.mushitu@ourmoon.org.uk +260 97 2221856
SOCIALS
Charity number 1165083
Registered office
The Coach House, Hurstwood Lane Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN4 8YA
Registered office
Our Moon Zambia Off Old Mumbwa Road Mbulo-Chipansha Chibombo District Central Province
: helen-leale-green-26ba6150
: ourmooneducation
: ourmooneducation
PHOTO CREDIT
Bankers
Barclays Bank plc, 8 Calverley Rd, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 2TB
Independent examiner
Ryan Evans FCA, Cadence Accounting Limited, Suite 3, 157 Station Road East, Oxted, RH8 0QE
Bankers
Stanbic Bank Main Branch H7 JM +328 Lusaka
Malama Mushitu
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CONTENTS
Page Section 1: Our Moon's impact and vision 4 Section 2: About Our Moon's programmes 13 Section 3: Stories of student and alumni impact 31 Section 4: Impactful partnerships and internships 43 Section 5: Financial statements and our team 53 Section 6: Thanks and how to support us 71
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S E C T I O N 1 : O U R M O O N ' S I M P A C T A N D V I S I O N
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MESSAGE FROM RICHARD BOWEN, CHAIR OF TRUSTEES
Dear Friends and Supporters,
As we gather our reflections in this year’s annual report, we celebrate the theme of "Making Impact," a guiding force that encapsulates our mission at Our Moon Education. This year we have witnessed the profound influence of our collective efforts on the lives of our students, alumni and their communities.
I extend my deepest gratitude to all our donors, partners, staff, and volunteers whose generosity and dedication fuel our achievements. Your support enables us to continue our work. To our students and alumni, your resilience and ambition inspire us daily, reminding us of the power of education to transform lives.
Our Moon is not just an educational initiative; it is a beacon of hope and a testament to the potential of each student. As you will read in this report, our impact stretches far beyond academic achievement - it fosters leadership, nurtures resilience, and builds communities. We are so proud of how our students and alumni use their opportunities through Our Moon, to contribute to solving many of Zambia’s and the world’s pressing challenges.
Thank you for being part of this journey. Together, we are making a difference, changing one student’s chances at a time so they can change many others’ lives.
Warm regards,
Rich
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MESSAGE FROM HELEN-LEALE GREEN, CEO
Only five years ago, Our Moon acquired some land and immediately started building. Wishing to make a greater impact on building each student's skills and knowledge, Justin and I imagined a learning centre in a rural location where intellectually gifted young people from impoverished communities throughout Zambia would metamorphose to become Zambia's changemakers. Our Moon would develop a curriculum that would give them access to some of the most transformative universities in the world, while giving them the skills to thrive when they get there and the seeds of opportunities to ease their return home. We would foster in our carefully selected students a self-consciousness to help develop their leadership skills and understand their responsibilities in society.
Despite the challenges of COVID and world events which have led to a more challenging fundraising climate, thanks to many who are reading this report, we now have a working and developing site where 50 young people have progressed through
our Young Leaders Programme and another 40 students through our Identity and Expression Programme. Like our students, our programme has evolved, combining our learning (through our own review process and feedback from our students) and responding to the needs of each year group.
Our narrative is key to our success. We pay attention to developing our students' social consciousness so they consider how to lead lives of purpose and create impact in Africa. Consequently, they learn to question, discuss, think critically and problem-solve.
With the help of mentors from Ecolint in Geneva, our students have the opportunity to research an issue of global importance that they also witness within their communities and feel passionate about understanding better. This research also helps them to consider their purpose, and informs their course of study at university and future careers while relating to their communities.
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2023 saw us undertake a strategic review of our programmes and delivery methods in order to impact many more students. Over the next few pages, we reveal our vision for Our Moon, which we will develop further over the coming year.
I want to echo Rich's words and say a huge thank you to everyone who has been involved in and supported our journey to date - donors, trustees, staff, students, volunteers and anyone else who has found something to love in what we do. We hope you enjoy reading about our impact and will continue to support us going forward.
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ZAMBIA: A LAND OF PARADOXES
There is so much to love about Zambia: its sub-tropical climate, natural scenery, diverse wildlife, and its peaceful, warm people. Yet these features mask some of the challenges the country also faces:
Zambia is rich in minerals – it probably has the highest copper deposits in Africa, yet the people who live within the mining communities are the urban poor who live in extreme poverty
Zambia has wonderfully diverse wildlife and magnificent scenery attracting tourists, yet the rural poor are among the poorest people in the world with few opportunities to improve their life trajectories
Zambia is well-regarded within the region as being a peaceful nation yet has among the world’s highest rates of domestic violence
The extended family is supportive and caring, yet there are many taboo subjects which can create dysfunction within the home
There is a rising middle class but 60% of the population lives in extreme poverty There is a growing, youthful population with a sense of urgency to create change, but there is unwillingness among many youths to volunteer within their communities
There is an expanding pool of well-educated young people entering the workforce, but jobs aren’t being created quickly enough
- There are many bright, motivated young people leaving school, but education systems have been underfunded so only an estimated 1.1% of 20-24 year olds graduate from university
The government has a merit and needs based loans system, but even the 100% loan doesn't cover all costs and students from the poorest households struggle to complete university
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The government has increased international opportunities for school leavers but young people leave school underprepared compared to their peers from other countries, and find it hard to compete.
This is why we need to act and harness the power of bright students who will lead the development needed in their communities, country and continent.
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OUR MOON’S RESPONSE
OUR VALUES
Vision
Mission
Inspiring, educating, connecting and unleashing the potential in Zambia's young people to become changemakers in their respective fields
Underprivileged African youth are empowered to shape society
Our Moon is founded on the belief that Africa's next changemakers will come from well-educated and well-exposed young people with the lived experience of the challenges in their country – ethical, collaborative leaders who can think critically and are proud of their heritage and
identity. These same young people often emerge from school with outstanding results, but fail to meet their potential and don't have the creative, growth mindsets to instigate the change they want to see.
Empowering a community of changemakers
Creating independent, critical thinkers in an interdependent society
Developing human, social and cultural capital
What we do - We provide sustainable programmes to create independent leaders for financially-disadvantaged people in Zambia to empower them to lead positive social change within their communities.
Where we work - Our Moon is located in Mbulo-Chipansha, Chibombo, in Zambia's Central Province. We work with young people from throughout the country.
Valuing the individual within universal systems
WE CHANGE ONE LIFE TO CHANGE THOUSANDS
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Docusign Envelope ID." 44C48A0244D(k4EC2-8772-35A5ACF04FA3 OUR MOON, OUR STUDENTS AND OUR ALUMNI MAKE AN IMPACT 100% £8 million 18X Young Leaders graduated from our programme Unlocked scholarshtps Return on Investment f,f,F,I,I 50 40 Young Leaders Identity and Expression Graduates oe 64% 26.24 STEM Majors Social Sciences inc 77% Economics Gender split M:F Young Leaders Our Moon Education, 1165083, 2023 - 11
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S E C T I O N 2 : A B O U T O U R M O O N ’ S P R O G R A M M E S
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OUR PROGRAMMES EXPAND OUR IMPACT
We have five main programmes, with Young Leaders being our flagship programme
| Young Leaders Programme Helps brilliant young people fulfil their academic potential, and become critical thinkers with a social conscience and awareness of the issues around them. |
Identity and Expression Programme Develops the critical thinking, problem-solving and employability skills of those going on to study at Zambian universities, while also giving them the resources they need to explore their own identities. Alumni Programme Creates connections between alumni and provides them with information about further scholarship opportunities and internships while studying, helping them develop the resilience and confidence to succeed in life. Value Added Volunteering Develops employability skills of youth within Our Moon's local community and around Zambia. Graduate Programme Connects graduates with post-graduate opportunities to help them fulfil their academic potential and develop networks to become changemakers. |
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YOUNG LEADERS PROGRAMME: CREATING CHANGE MAKERS
Our Moon's Young Leaders Programme is our flagship programme. Our goal is to unleash the potential in Zambia's brilliant but financiallydisadvantaged young students and help them become Zambia's changemakers. We do this by providing them with a programme that sits in the gap between high school and university. It gives them broad as well as providing them with access to opportunities to study at world-class universities around the world.
SELECTING OUR MOON'S YOUNG LEADERS
We carefully select brilliant but financially-disadvantaged Zambian youth in collaboration with partner organisations, our alumni and through our social media channels. Demand by far exceeds places available
Despite the students having excellent academic results, they would struggle to complete university in Zambia as the government loan system doesn't provide for all attendance costs. Similarly, the education system in Zambia doesn't prepare students adequately to make them competitive for universities outside of Zambia.
APPLICANTS MUST DEMONSTRATE BRILLIANCE AND LEADERSHIP
Recently completed high school Outstanding high school leaving grades
From the poorest communities - be unable to attend university in Zambia,
Demonstrate leadership
“ Being part of Our Moon is the best step I have ever taken as I transform into a changemaker. So proud to participate in this impactful programme!"
John
Want to contribute to change in Zambia and on the continent
POLICY TO BALANCE GENDERS
We endeavour to select an equal number of young women and young men.
We transform our students into socially-conscious global citizens who give back to their communities. We change one life to change thousands.
Our partners, therefore, include girls’ schools and NGOs. We are actively seeking to add more and to engage more girls especially from rural areas.
We measure impact from individual stories: community involvement; helping Our Moon; setting up their own NGOs and impactful projects; working in purposeful careers; impacting their families and taking up internships.
When making our final decision, we assess how much value we can add to a student. We want to select those students who are keenest to learn and up for a rigorous programme.
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At the heart of our Young Leaders Programme is the community - our world where young people are empowered to become socially-conscious leaders. All courses within the Young Leaders Programme develop our students to become confident, courageous, curious, critical-thinkers, who act with integrity and compassion. We teach them to work in teams and develop creative solutions to the problems they see around them.
One of the key outputs of our programme is a 4000-word research essay. The students work online with mentors from Ecolint, an international school in Geneva where they study a global issue explored through a Zambian lens.
Students are also involved in community projects to apply their knowledge and gain experience of taking practical action. They are taught primary research techniques, developing an action plan, holding discussion groups and helping to instigate action to develop leadership skills.
Class of 2023-24: University majors and research essays
Steven, Environmental Science - researching the impact of climate change on smallholder farmers in southern Zambia
Joseph, Entrepreneurship/ Business Administration - issues of availability of start-up capital in Zambia compared to Rwanda and the UK
Tionge, Biological Sciences - impact of malaria on Zambia's economic growth
John, Electrical Engineering - exploring the impact of the lack of availability of reliable electricity on individuals and small businesses
Esther, Biochemistry - impact of the removal of patents on antimalarial drugs and lessons learnt for TB drugs
Paul, Environmental Science - impact of the damage of lead waste from the mines on people in his local town of Kabwe
Precious, Business Administration/International Relations - researching the impact of Zambia's previous government's pro-poor policies
Namwayi, Epidemiology - exploring ways GMO crops can be used to reduce famine in Zambia
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UNIVERSITY DESTINATIONS OF YOUNG LEADERS
CANADA:
USA:
UK:
University of British Carleton College Columbia Northwestern
University of Edinburgh University of Oxford London School of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
USA WEST COAST: INDIA:
Stanford University A shoka University University of GHANA: LEBANON: California Berkley Ashesi University American University of Beirut Soka University of KNUST America
KENYA: NORTH AMERICA EAST COAST: USIU-Africa COSTA RICA Columbia University University of Rochester Earth University Swarthmore College Georgetown Cornell University SOUTHERN AFRICA: Duke University University of Zambia University of Toronto University of Zimbabwe Smith College
IMPACT
Worked with 50 students
£8 million unlocked full scholarships Studied at 26 universities in 10 countries
All help to uplift their families 83% of our Young Leaders are first generation in family to go to university 39% of our Young Leaders are first in family to complete secondary school
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Future for our Young Leaders Programme
Expand from 8 to 16 students in each year group
Conduct part on site and part from home
Students' community service to include helping Our Moon's future expansion into new communities
Expand internship opportunities
Develop relationships with more universities
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IDENTITY AND EXPRESSION PROGRAMME
Our Identity and Expression Programme disrupts mindsets
Problem: many students leave school without sufficient preparation for university and life beyond and lack the skills required to lead change. In addition, they have a year before they go to university with little constructive to do during this time.
Our Identity and Expression programme, takes the core of our Young Leaders academic curriculum, and makes it available to high school children and young people preparing for university in Zambia. It is based around the theories of Justin Mushitu, our Country Director. He has devised a programme which aims to disrupt mindsets and question the positives and negatives of traditional Zambian education systems and culture.
It emphasises dialogue, critical thinking, exploration of the individual within universal systems, and active participation both in speech and action. This contributes to students being able to problem solve, start projects and join written and oral conversations.
We have drawn on the ancient philosophers, religious texts and the theories of Paolo Freire (Pedagogy of the Oppressed) and Pierre Bourdieu.
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2023 saw the continuation of our Identity and Expression Programme with Pestalozzi World, where Justin worked with approximately 24 students during the year, culminating in a week’s bootcamp at Our Moon for 16 of those students.
Justin worked with the children at Pestalozzi one weekend each month, communicating with them online during the interim to keep the momentum going.
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The main outputs from the bootcamp were videos produced by each student on one of the themes of the Identity and Expression Programme.
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THE IMPACT OF AND FUTURE FOR IDENTITY AND EXPRESSION
IMPACT
FUTURE
Teachers notice a marked improvement in confidence of all students
All students are able to articulate their thoughts
All students feel comfortable presenting in public
All students are able to define balanced life goals and identify the steps they need to take to achieve them
Grow the programme to involve students across the country and help them to prepare for university in Zambia to become catalysts of change Involve Identity and Expression students in the roll out of the programme Over time, expand the programme to include students in school and create awareness of opportunities.
"We can tell which students have been through Our Moon's Identity and Expression Programme. They conduct themselves more assuredly in class and are more curious to ask questions"
— Clarence Mwami, Pestalozzi
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OUR ALUMNI
Connecting and empowering our alumni to contribute to Zambia's development
On graduation from our programmes, students become members of our alumni network. Whether they go directly to university, study in Africa or overseas, we stay in touch formally and informally.
What is harder is to connect alumni with each other when they are from different year groups. This is what we focussed our efforts on this year.
2023 saw our second Alumni Conference, expertly MC’d by Fred, alum from our class of 2021-22 following on the heels of our very successful first conference.
Thomas, ably supported by Lute, outdid themselves by providing a highly sophisticated platform and beautiful graphics for the online event. Invitees could visit the rooms before the start of the conference to familiarise themselves with the format and what would be on offer.
The theme for the conference was, "Navigating Expectations for a Transformative Future". The content was planned by a small team which included Racheal and Tiwonge with input from Lute and Thomas and plenty of speakers from each cohort of students. The content included expectations while at Our Moon, the expectations Our Moon has for our students and what new alumni should expect when they go off to university. There was a session on mental health awareness and the importance of seeking help. As always, it was a session that triggered considerable discussion.
Quincy took time to explain the buddy system, a cause very close to Quincy's heart. It aims to pair students with alumni and alumni with working alumni and others, an area that Quincy continued to work on during her spare time away from work during 2023.
The conference was a great opportunity for Our Moon's newest students to introduce themselves. Led well by Paul and Steven, who also outlined Our Moon's programme in its newest incarnation, they quickly felt assimilated into Our Moon's family.
The team thoroughly enjoyed working to bring the conference to life. Lute says, "This was an exhilarating experience that involved intricate planning and thoughtful execution. It greatly enhanced my brainstorming and teamwork skills, and provided an opportunity to showcase my design abilities. Working with such an incredible team made it truly worthwhile, and I couldn't have asked for a better experience."
Outside of the conference and the buddy system, it is always very heartening to hear of stories where our alumni work to-
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gether to improve the lives of others. Read Komani's and Naomi's stories to find out more!
An impromptu alumni meet-up took place in Lusaka at the turn of the year as our alumni returned home for Christmas. Alumni across multiple cohorts thoroughly enjoyed the evening together. It gave Paul who had just been offered a place to study at Cornell University chance to meet Andrew who is already there. Marvellous, who was just off to KNUST, also caught up with Komani and Florence who are already studying there. We hope similar gatherings take place in the future.
IMPACT
Alumni and friends connect with each other to solve problems
Alumni learn from one another
Alumni support current students with their university applications
Alumni are buddies for current students
FUTURE
As we expand our programmes, numbers of alumni will expand. With greater collaboration, we expect our alumni's impact to be greater
More alumni working together and encouraging each other to bring about socially-conscious change
Forming sub-groups within the alumni network so they can support each other better
Provide more internship opportunities in Zambia
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VALUE-ADDED VOLUNTEERING IMPACTS OUR LOCAL COMMUNITY
A strong sense of community is central to Our Moon's ethos whether Our Moon’s community, our local village or the wider world in which we exist. Our impact is far greater than the students we work with on our Young Leaders Programme. Our Moon couldn't operate without the support and dedication of our staff who provide stimulating, thought provoking lessons, aimed at stretching our students intellectually while providing a balance in their mental, physical and spiritual health.
Our rural site in Mbulo-Chipansha is among the poorest areas of the country with an estimated youth unemployment rate of 83%. Its people mostly practice subsistence farming, growing maize, Zambia's staple food.
Our volunteers and workers help maintain our site, cook, clean, and make our operations run smoothly.
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With unemployment so high, it would seem easy to find people to work for us, but: Youth have few skills
Youth have a poor work ethic
Many don't have papers, so we can't legally employ them People like to do things the way they have always been done Aspirations are low
Our solution: young people can volunteer with us and earn a living stipend. During that period, they are given time to organise a birth certificate, their national ID cards and register with the tax and pension services. We take some of these people on fulltime longer-term contracts. Others leave us having developed transferable skills.
We see the seeds of development locally from their time spent people have worked for us. An increasing number of homes now have corrugated steel roofs rather than the traditional grass roofs which let in a lot of rain. We also see homes lit up by simple solar lights dotted around the landscape, that they buy with their earnings.
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IMPACT
All volunteers who stay for a month have their papers in order, giving them greater access to labour markets
- All volunteers learn new transferable skills increasing their chances of future employment
Workers can afford simple solar lights for their homes
Some workers can afford to send their children to school
We can see signs of development within the village where workers' homes are improved and they can afford roofing sheets to replace their traditional grass roofs which let in the rain.
LONG-TERM VISION
We will expand the volunteering scheme to help us with our expansion, setting up learning and information hubs to attract future Young Leaders and Identity and Expression students
The programme could offer invaluable internship opportunities for students on our other programmes
We would like to offer qualifications to people so they can prove achievement of their skills
“As a single mother, working for Our moon helps me take care of my three children. I can send them to school and provide them with uniform, books and food."
— Emelda
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GRADUATE OPPORTUNITIES
Post-graduate application support extends to higher education opportunities
While it is important for our students to gain a university education, sometimes an undergraduate degree is insufficient for them to make progress in their chosen fields or they want to explore their academic interests further.
To respond to this need, we have a database of fullyfunded scholarship opportunities for post-graduate degrees. Unlike undergraduate scholarship opportunities, many of these are in the UK. To date, we have worked with a small number of students to create awareness of opportunities, help them with their applications and prepare for their interviews, and pair them with mentors.
It is a light touch programme, focussing more on creating awareness, as all the students we have helped so far have already studied abroad. We connect applicants with strong academic results with our alumni and friends to work together.
All students in this programme are welcome to become members of our Alumni Programme.
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IMPACT
7 students in Master's and PhD opportunities Increasing education opportunities for our students and friends
Studying at Oxford, Edinburgh, Liverpool, London School of Tropical Medicine, University of Toronto Graduates are making impact in Zambia in their fields
FUTURE
Light touch programme matching students with opportunities
Alumni to help by matching them with applicants Develop alumni's knowledge of Master's application processes and opportunities so they can also make applications
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S E C T I O N 3 : S T O R I E S O F S T U D E N T A N D A L U M N I I M P A C T
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JOHN’S STORY: A STREET KID AND A LEADER
John wears a broad smile and confidently introduces himself to our new group of students: “I’m a street kid and I’m a leader”.
We were all sitting in our ‘insaka’, a thatched shelter. You know how you are told, “there is always someone worse off than you?” I think that was the moment that everyone sitting in the circle realised they had found that person.
John takes over. “Sadly my parents passed away when I was eight years old. I was split up from my older siblings and taken to live with my grandmother who wouldn’t let me go to school despite extended family protests. After five years, I decided to take my life into my own hands and left for the streets.
Life was hard – I was only thirteen years old and had to work at weekends to make sure I could go to school. I set up a small stationery business to feed myself. I squatted in my late grandfather’s unfinished two roomed home and invited other street kids to stay with me. My meagre earnings were shared out among all of us and I encouraged my friends to go to school. I excelled academically despite often being turned away for non-payment of fees. My friends and
a small group of teachers knew I was a good student. I would often hide under their desks while the school bursar took the register, chasing away those who hadn’t paid. Some days I even had to listen to my classes from outside the classroom. At night, I would go out in search of a street light so I could study under it.
When I completed lower secondary school, I was invited to transfer to the best government school in my area. Although it was a very long walk to school, I was totally up for it. But it wasn’t simple. The headteacher told me I had to pay all my fees upfront. A disagreement between us ensued and I was sent away.
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But I knew others who were allowed to pay in instalments. I argued my case at the local education department and I was eventually given my place to study.
Despite having to work for only ZMW 20 (around £6) for 12 hours each Saturday and Sunday and occasionally during the week, I was ambitious and curious. I wanted to know about electrical and mechanics, so I would volunteer at a local motorbike workshop whenever I could. I also love sport, and played football at school.
I found out about Our Moon while I was volunteering for a Zambian NGO called CopperRose, sensitising youth about sexual health. When I was offered a place to study at Our Moon, I realised that everything in my life was about to change for the better. I always
"Our Moon has built me up in ways I couldn’t have imagined. My use of English has improved exponentially as we had to write and read extensively….. I enjoyed the company of my fellow students as well as being cared for and looked after so I didn’t always have one part of me wondering where our next meal would come from."
knew God had a plan for me. I ensured my street kid friends were set up by planting some vegetables and showing them how to run ome of my small businesses. I urged them to continue going to
school, so I could also pursue my dreams.
Our Moon has built me up in ways I couldn’t have imagined. My use of English has improved exponentially as we had write and read extensively. I have learnt how to use IT and had a three month internship at KPMG where I was excited to meet with its clients and take part in audits. I enjoyed the company of my fellow students as well as being cared for and looked after so I didn’t always have one part of me wondering where our next meal would come from.
I wrote my research essay on the impact of unreliable electricity access on individuals and small businesses, and how it has a knockon effect on our economic development. This area fascinates me as I can see that we are allowing ourselves as a nation to get further and further behind our Western friends.
I am now excited to move into the next phase of my life. I will attend Swarthmore College – Obama’s alma mater - in Pennsylvania. I plan to study engineering. But I have also become interested in economics and would love to see a way I can combine them. My hope is that I can contribute to distributing affordable, clean and sustainable electricity across my country and inspire others along the way.
While I am waiting to go to Swarthmore, I have been staying in Quincy’s family home. Quincy was an Our Moon student a few years ago. I have known her brother for a long time and they have made me feel like I am part of their family.”
We all wish John good luck and feel honoured to be involved in his life. He is truly an exceptional young man.
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CATHY IS AWARDED $5000 FOR RESEARCH
My experience at Duke University so far has been exposing, adventurous, full of surprises, and great overall. I have met new people, come across new cultures, and seen the world through a different lens and space. At first, everything was so overwhelming, but after some time, I adapted and gave way to my curiosity, which came with a lot of opportunities. One of the many things I appreciate is having passed through Our Moon before coming to the United States. If I had not, I would not have had all the skills, knowledge, and discipline that have helped me live in harmony with new people and thrive in this foreign country. I also appreciate that Our Moon helped me with finding a host family for me in the United States. The Mufalos have been helping me a lot. They check up on me regularly to see if there is anything I need and advise me on issues with my academics. They are like my family away from home.
Cathy creates an impression on her professors and is awarded $5000 for research
“There is a saying that a journey of 1000 miles begins with one step. Although my journey began years ago, I feel like this is when I am truly starting, probably because the journey that I imagined years ago has changed its course. I am now at one of the best universities in the world, with a diverse student body, distinguished professors, and immense resources. I am surrounded by brilliant students, all multitalented and unique, and there I am as one of them. Sometimes, I fail to believe I am here. Of course, this always reminds me that I am here for a reason, and I have seized the opportunity to contribute to my community, make more connections, excel in my education, and make new friends and family among my peers and professors.
"I am now at one of the best universities in the world, with a diverse student body, distinguished professors, and immense resources. I am surrounded by brilliant students, all multitalented and unique, and there I am as one of them."
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One of the many things I have enjoyed doing at Duke so far is exploring courses. Although I was certain that I wanted to be an environmental science major, I have also taken full advantage of the liberal arts curriculum at Duke. I have explored social sciences, humanities, natural sciences, literature, and the arts, which has been a very interesting journey because it helped me unlock some of my hidden passions. While exploring these courses, I encountered two professors whose work sparked my interest.
Eventually, I got the opportunity to work for them as a research assistant in Environmental Justice and the Global Politics of Climate Change. Before starting to do this research, I was a pro-minded environmentalist. I only cared about the impacts that human activities have on the environment and disregarded the fact that those activities are also among the factors that contribute to human survival. Now I understand that as much as there is a need to conserve the environment and reduce greenhouse gases, there is also a need to continue developing and growing economically as this is also a part of survival in many ways. For this reason, I want to understand how we can reach a balance between the two subjects, and to do so, I hope to double major in both economics and environmental science and policy.
Working with my professors as their research assistant opened more opportunities for me. I was awarded a Kenan Institute Summer Fellows Award of 5000 U.S. dollars to do a research project of my choice with the supervision of my two professors. I saw this as an opportunity to make an impact back home, so I chose to do this research in Zambia. I grew up near Lusaka’s biggest dumpsite called Chunga Dumpsite. Half of Lusaka’s waste is dumped here and incinerated, but this causes different types of pollution in the surrounding residences, especially toxic air fumes. In my first semester, I learned about Environmental Justice mapping tools which showed that there is a strong correlation between heavily air polluted areas and the prevalence of asthmatic patients in those areas.
I grew up near Chunga dumpsite and was asthmatic my entire time there. Unfortunately, Zambia does not have Environmental Justice tools to map this correlation. Therefore, I want to do research that will enable me to find the correlation and analyze the results in terms of environmental justice and public health for the people of Chunga and surrounding areas. I am very excited about this project, and with the supervision of my professors, it will hopefully succeed.
Otherwise, my first year at Duke has been amazing, and I am happy that I got the opportunity to do an amazing project back home. I am also happy that I will have time to spend with my family and friends. I also cannot wait to go and visit Our Moon, the land of opportunities, memories, and amazing people.
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Many of you will have been following Quincy over the years as she was one of our early group of students. Quincy graduated with an MA in Economics from University of Edinburgh in 2023 and now works in London for BlackRock as an investment management analyst.
Quincy says, "At the forefront of my mind, I am always thinking about how I can help those who have supported me and my community at home. While at university, I partnered with a Zambian NGO to help children within my neighbourhood to have access to basic necessities so they can go to school. I remember only too well how difficult it was for me when I didn't have the right school uniform and we couldn't afford to pay for books and stationery. My hope is that no child will have to drop out of secondary school because they can't afford their uniform and other school requirements".
Since becoming one of our alumni, Quincy has supported us in myriad ways including co-hosting our alumni conference, giving speeches at some of our fundraising events, starting our buddy scheme to connect current students with alumni and connecting us with opportunities at BlackRock. She also served for two years as an Advisor to our board of trustees. For HALI Access Network, Quincy and Helen, along with Janet, another alumna, co-hosted a series of podcasts for the network.
"At the forefront of my mind, I am always thinking about how I can contribute back to those who have helped me and to my community at home.”
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Quincy and her mother
Quincy has never forgotten the needs of her family. Even while she was a student on a scholarship provided by MasterCard Foundation, she would send money home to help to support them. She put her cousin through nursing college and supported her younger siblings through school. Marvellous, her younger brother, is now studying Civil Engineering at KNUST in Ghana (also on a MasterCard Foundation scholarship), with help on his applications from Quincy and Helen. Marvellous says, "My time at KNUST so far is nothing short of magical. The greenery, the friendships, the food, and the academic support have and continue to make this experience wonderful".
Quincy's mum, Cindy says, "I can't thank Our Moon enough for what it has done directly and indirectly for my family. Our standard of living has increased and two of my children have an outstanding international education. It is beyond everything I could have prayed for".
Quincy plans to return to Zambia in the future to make a wider impact. A natural, charismatic leader, we all eagerly look forward to watching her progress.
Quincy’s brother, Marvellous, first left
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KOMANI’S STORY: AN ENTREPRENEUR WITH A SOCIAL CONSCIENCE
Komani comes from a rural area of Muchinga Province where his mother, a subsistence farmer, brought him up, until they moved to Central Province in search of better opportunities. Komani is very entrepreneurial, having set up several micro-businesses including running a small shop to provide supplies to his local community and contribute to his family’s living expenses. We asked him how he benefited from being at Our Moon, what he is doing now and his hopes for his future.
“Before joining Our Moon, I was very poor at time management. Our Moon helped me to plan my days. This is a tool I use now I am studying at university with a large workload and with competing priorities including managing my assignments, my daily activities, cooking and other things.
I also wasn’t a very sociable person. Our family circumstances often made it difficult to make friends as we moved around quite a lot and because much of my spare time was spent helpng my mother to make ends meet. Because Our Moon recruits people from all over Zambia, from different tribes, we have to find ways to socialise despite having these differences in how we respond to situations.
For the same reasons as above as well as the Zambian education system, my team work skills were limited. Before I joined, I believed in working on my own. I had this perception that when you’re working in a team there is that slowness, you know, people will not give you the information at the time that you need it, some will say I’m busy, or can you please see me at this other time. But when you’re at Our Moon we’re encouraged to work in teams through teaching, running projects and studying in groups.
"The future looks rosy for me; I can genuinely say it wouldn’t have been like this without Our Moon’s programme and guidance. I have developed an awareness that many people around me have issues to deal with; I am pleased I can play my part in helping them”
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Since starting at university, I apply the writing, research and reading skills I learnt at Our Moon. My writing, in particular, was very poor. I couldn’t construct proper sentences and I didn’t understand punctuation. The reading we did really helped me when I had to take the literature course - far from being the worst in my class, I managed to cope with the stories, poems and creative writing devices very well.
Similarly, the research I did at Our Moon put me ahead of my friends because I had already been introduced to citations, plagiarism and paraphrasing. So, when I was given an assignment at university, I could do it easily.
I’m studying Mechanical Engineering at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Ghana. Mechanical Engineering is a field that combines engineering physics, mathematical principals, material science and, from the understanding of these subjects, we learn to analyse, design and manufacture goods.
I’m passionate about the design and manufacturing part of the course because it gives me a deeper understanding of machines' mechanical principles and operations. When I went to do my internship at DGM Beverages, I worked as a Machine Operator. I learnt so many basic operations on their production line: how to set up and use the filler, caping, rinser and drying machines, inspection lights, and the date code machine.
Unfortunately, my supervisor resigned. However, this worked out well for me as I was temporarily assigned his position of Maintenance Coordinator. I was tasked to plan the daily schedule for my subordinates, technicians and machine operators. It wasn’t so easy, since the people were older than me.
To avoid conflict, I had to find appropriate ways to communicate with them. I also had the privilege of making daily reports and was responsible for ensuring everything was in place. If we didn’t have the skills inhouse, I was given the power to request external technicians.
It was quite an awesome experience and I’ve really developed a lot in line with my programme.
If you want to hear Komani being interviewed, follow this link.
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NAOMI: UNDERSTANDING THE HEALTH OF THE NATION
Naomi builds on her academic work through her internship
Naomi comes from Lusaka. Her single mother brought up Naomi and her two younger sisters after she and Naomi’s father divorced. Her mother works long hours as a maid, leaving Naomi to care for her sisters after school each day. Initially, Naomi had wanted to study to be a doctor. She realised, however, that even if she managed to get a full loan for her course, her mother would be unable to cover the other costs, such as accommodation, lab fees and other expenses, leaving Naomi vulnerable to dropping out.
Naomi takes over her story from here. “I did very well at school. It was a school where very few went to university and only one other person had studied abroad. Because of this, I was quite narrow-minded when I left high school. Being at Our Moon opened up my mind to many possible careers and opportunities that I could take. This exposure and the broadening of my mind is something I still utilise in different parts of my life as well as in my career. It is something I have passed on to my sisters as well.
I am currently studying Epidemiology and Biostatistics at USIU-Africa in Kenya. Epidemiology is the science of the occurrence of disease. Our job is to analyse the data and look for ways to prevent the disease spreading. It appeals to me as I had wanted to help treat people, but I now realise that disease prevention is even more impactful. The more I learn about Epidemiology, the more I love it!
With Our Moon’s help, I have been interning at Zambia’s National Health Research Authority (HNRA). It is a government organisation that works in the field of Epidemiology. Interning here has been great as it has allowed me to apply the theory I have learnt at school to the real world. It has also helped me identify the gaps I need to fill if I am going to become a great epidemiologist. NHRA has also provided me with several training courses that I have attended and which have taught me such a lot. It has also given me a network of people who may come in handy in the future.
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Back at university, I find myself applying lessons that I learnt at Our Moon daily. The education I received was holistic – we had group work, volunteering, physical fitness as well as the academic courses and projects we need to complete. It made me aware of how to manage my team and developed my social skills which have been very helpful at USIU. It has made me try out many different activities at uni, outside my academics. Something I would never had the time for before. Our Moon also made me much more aware of the need to network with people. There is a lot of group work at USIU; Our Moon introduced me to the importance of taking on leadership roles while being a supportive member of a team.
"Being at Our Moon opened up my mind to many possible careers and opportunities that I could take. This exposure and the broadening of my mind is something I still utilise in different parts of my life as well as in my career. It is something I have passed on to my sisters as well."
At the moment, my future career ideas are still evolving as I am learning so much. I am exposed to different ideas, different problems, different types of knowledge and new information. From the experience I have gained so far from my internship and course at USIU, I would like to bridge the health inequalities in Zambia. I am also keen to use the knowledge I am gaining to inform others who don’t have access to good quality information.
Outside USIU, I have been working with Komani and a small team of Zambians to establish Hope for Refugees Foundation. We have registered the organisation in Zambia and have received some initial funding from MasterCard. We are now looking for other funding opportunities. It is an exciting experience for me to feel I am able to make this impact with some of my fellow Our Moon scholars.
I have always been keen to inspire my two sisters to work hard. Through Our Moon and the consequent opportunities that have opened up, I share my experiences and guide them to a successful and purposeful future. One of my sisters is now studying with another HALI Access Network organisation, thanks to Helen’s connections. With the stipend I receive at USIU, I send a little money home to ease the struggles. Once I start working, I want to help Mum start up a micro-business so she can become more self-reliant.
Here is a link to Naomi being interviewed following completion of her internship.
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S E C T I O N 4 :
I M P A C T F U L P A R T N E R S H I P S A N D I N T E R N S H I P S
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HALI ACCESS NETWORK
Helen leads Team Zambia for HALI Indaba 2023
We are very happy to have been associated with HALI Access Network since its inaugural indaba in Zimbabwe in 2016. The network is an association of organisations which operate in Sub-Saharan Africa with the common goal of helping young Africans access university while aiding their return to the continent so they can contribute to change. HALI is an acronym for high-achieving, low-income, a category of students its mission is to serve.
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In 2023, Helen headed the Indaba Committee for the Indaba which was held for the first time in Zambia. 75 advocates of higher education access gathered at the Taj Pamodzi Hotl in Lusaka. The theme for the indaba was "Building an Impactful Network". Watch our video which was put together by Our Moon's Malama Mushitu.
Helen says, "The fantastic thing for me (and Our Moon) is that we all have the same passion to help brilliant young people who, just because of where they were born, struggle to fulfil their academic potential. We share best practice, advocate for our students, challenge each other to always improve our programmes, and the more experienced of us provide mentorship to our newer members. We involve universities in the Indaba so it gives us the chance for them to get to know about our organisations as well as for us to get to know the universities better and which ones are the best fit for individual students.”
Duolingo and Unifrog gave presentations. We are very grateful to Duolingo for providing English test vouchers for our students through the HALI Access Network. We are now using Unifrog, a university destinations platform that will simplify the administration of our university guidance process and put more control into our students' hands. We are also grateful to Collegeboard which provides SAT test vouchers through the network and Initialview that provides vouchers for online interviews that can be sent to universities.
Outside of the Indaba, HALI prepares an online pre-departure programme that all our students attend and Helen connects our students to others within the network who are travelling to the same universities so they can connect before they travel. Thando (Class of 2018-19), who attended Smith College says that one of her best friends still is a student from HALI organisation, Education Matters whom she connected with before she travelled".
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ECOLINT
International School of Geneva teachers mentor Our Moon's students
A mutual personal tutor from UCL's Institute of Education introduced Helen and Keith Browne from Ecolint (translated and abbreviated from International School of Geneva) because of their shared connection to Zambia. This chance connection has resulted in a very significant partnership with Our Moon.
An important part of our Young Leaders programme is the research essay our students undertake mostly in their second term. The essay is a 4000-word analytical essay, investigating a world issue, as seen within a Zambian context. Students are encouraged to choose a topic of their choice, based either on an issue they feel passionate
about or an area of study they hope to pursue at university. Ecolint provides mentors so the students have the benefit of highly qualified international teachers. They score the essay against a marking rubric prepared to international standards.
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Namwayi says, "Through my research essay, I have analysed both the positive and negative impacts of GMOs in order to come up with a balanced opinion on the topic. I discovered that GM crops have the possibility to revolutionize agriculture by providing crops that produce more yields and are more resistant to pests and harsh environmental conditions……My aim is to promote a thoughtful and informed approach to embracing scientific advancements while safeguarding both our health and the well-being of our planet." The essay has led her to explore university courses that combine both her interest in health care and the environment.
Ecolint also has provided Our Moon over the years with second hand chrome books which our students use to do their work. The chrome books have been vital for teaching students basic ICT skills, completing their coursework and providing access to our various learning platforms.
We are very grateful to Keith and his team of mentors from Ecolint as well as Mark Grace who heads up their IT department.
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INTERNSHIPS
Internships show our students that Zambia has decent work at professional companies.
When designing our programme, we were keen to give students a multitude of experiences before going to university as well as the more traditional mid-university and end of university opportunities.
The internship programme enables our young leaders to develop employability skills and, very importantly, opens up their eyes to opportunities to work for professional companies that offer meaningful and impactful careers in Zambia before they leave the country.
Our internship programme aims to provide paid internships. Not only is this fair to our students and alumni, but it also gives them chance to learn how to budget for their expenses and, if possible, save a little money for university expenses. Participating in an internship in Zambia during their studies and, at the end, helps make their return home more feasible.
PwC Zambia
Watch this film where Andrew Chibuye, Country Partner, summarises our programme, saying "As PwC, we are happy to keep supporting, but I am also happy to let others know and vouch for this programme...because of how significant the impact is."
We would like to thank all companies that welcome our students for internships and hope that many more will join this group so our students and alumni have the opportunities to gain invaluable experience.
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KPMG Zambia
Read Paul's blog where he describes how impactful his internship has been at KPMG
It seemed like a novel to me; my life was moving so fast that I had been chasing to catch up. Now I’m at the same pace with my life, it is time to take a breath and reflect on my recent time at KPMG.
At the beginning of my internship, I sure was struggling to keep my sanity with all the information I had to take in, always uncertain with every task I did. Nonetheless, I would seek clarity whenever I was unsure of my tasks. This taught me to be humble when asking questions because I knew nothing about auditing. I really was starting at the bottom.
Having been given the chance to work on the Copperbelt as part of the audit team working on a mine, I was scared and excited at the same time of the experience that lay ahead of me. Apart from the work, I experienced flying for the first time! Luckily the people on the team were so friendly, I was quicky able to relax. One person in particular, a lady from Zimbabwe who mentored me closely, made me feel okay with not knowing much about the work; she helped me with every task I did until I was ready to do things on my own.
Working at the mining company’s office was a surreal experience. I recall many times when the mine alarm would go off signalling to everyone in the offices to run outside as blasting was in progress. The blasts felt like minor earthquakes as the ground would shake from the impact. This made me wonder about the condition of many nearby houses. I later found out that the mine monitors the nearby community for any mine-caused disasters so they can help.
I was treated respectfully, especially when I would go from office to office questioning and interviewing people older than me about audit issues. I would think to myself that I am just a high school graduate, but I am treated like a fully fledged KPMG member of staff who knows what they are doing; what an experience! The work was tough, but it made me tough as well and I got to learn a lot of transferable skills such as how to use Microsoft Excel and, most importantly, how to approach any person considerately, regardless of who they may be.
As an incoming Environmental Science graduate at Cornell University, my interest was piqued by the impact of mining companies on the environment. I learnt that KPMG and its clients have environment, social and governance (ESG) policies that help them contribute positively to the environment and people. The mine I worked on with the team for instance, has policies guiding its contribution to combating environmental crises. Different companies have different policies that they follow, aimed at reducing negative environmental impacts, such as recycling, reducing carbon emissions and not polluting the environment.
My time at KPMG as an intern exposed me to realities I could only dream of. The list could go on and on of the ups and downs I faced during my internship, but seeing myself grow along the way and making new friends makes me appreciate the blessings. I surely had a fun time at KPMG. I am very grateful for having been given this opportunity.
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Copper Rose Zambia
Tionge, writing about her internship experience at Copper Rose Zambia says,
"As I reflect on the journey of my internship, I can't help but feel overwhelmed with gratitude for the invaluable experiences and lessons I've gained along the way. From day one, I dove headfirst into a realm of learning and growth that has not only shaped my professional skills but also influenced my educational and career trajectory in profound ways.
Throughout my tenure, I've had the opportunity to engage myself in a variety of tasks, each offering its own set of challenges and rewards. From mastering the art of public speaking to crafting minutes during a meeting, from handling data entry with precision to ensuring Data Quality Assurance (DQA) standards are met, every task has been a stepping stone towards refining my skills and expanding my knowledge base.
One aspect that has particularly resonated with me is the journey towards creating a professional brand. Understanding the significance of presenting oneself in a polished and authentic manner has been eye-opening. It's not just about showcasing skills and achievements but also about embodying values and visions that align with my aspirations.
Moreover, delving into HIV Testing services has been an enlightening experience. It has opened my eyes to the pressing healthcare needs within our society and the pivotal role that individuals can play in addressing them. This exposure has sparked a deeper passion within me to contribute meaningfully towards enhancing the health and well-being of others, ultimately influencing my educational and career path.
As I reflect on these experiences, I realize that my internship journey has been instrumental in helping me define my path. It has reaffirmed my commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of people in society, whether it's by improving their health outcomes or extending their lifespans. Moving forward, I am excited to continue this journey, armed with newfound knowledge, skills, and a renewed sense of purpose".
"Our Moon's students were remarkably adaptable and exuded a warm sociability, effortlessly engaging with colleagues from all walks of life. Their fervent enthusiasm for learning was infectious, and they made an invaluable contribution to the team."
John Mwape, Copper Rose Zambia ,
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OTHER PARTNERSHIPS
Helen presents Ted Talk style to PwC Alumni.
H elen was invited to present at the PwC Alumni Live event in March 2023. In a TedTalk style event, she tells her story about how and why she set up Our Moon.
"The PwC Alumni Live event took place in the wonderful setting of the Design Museum in London. I was both nervous and excited to be given this platform to talk about my journey in setting up Our Moon Education.
Making this presentation was particularly important to me. It made me reflect on the fact that I have made my deepest impact, taken part in my most fulfilling work, had my most significant study experience, and been involved in some of the most profound discussions in my life. All this is at a time when so many of my former colleagues are approaching or have taken retirement.
I am more aware than ever of the disparities between opportunities dependent on where we are born, the colour of our skin, and the quality of education. It is clear how super-determined the least privileged have to be to succeed - and how they are clearly the ones who understand the structural changes needed to make positive change in their societies so fewer people suffer.
I feel an immense privilege to be involved in lighting up the lives - not only of young people in Zambia and the people who work for us, but also all of you who support us too.
I hope you enjoy watching the film by following this link.
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S E C T I O N 5 : F I N A N C I A L S T A T E M E N T S 2 0 2 4 A N D A B O U T O U R T E A M
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TRUSTEES ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORT
The Board of Trustees is pleased to present its report and financial statements of the charity for the fiscal year ended 31 December 2023. The trustees have adopted the provisions of the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) “Accounting and Reporting by Charities” in preparing the annual report of the charity.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in notes to the accounts and are fully compliant with the charity’s governing document, the Charities Act 2011, as well as the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities adhering to the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland, as published in October 2019.
Our Moon Education is registered by the Charity Commission for England and Wales, registered number 1165083. Our registered office is at The Coach House, Hurstwood Lane, Tunbridge Wells, TN4 8YA.
The following people served as trustees during 2023:
Total income for the year was £123,021 (2022: £105,445) demonstrating commendable growth of 16%. This growth has primarily been attributed to fostering enduring partnerships with key trusts and foundations, organizing impactful events, and expanding our donor network. Notably, the charity hosted a successful cocktail party at the Zambia High Commission in London, coinciding with the Big Give Christmas Challenge week.
Richard Bowen (Chair) Charles Coldman John Kirkland Alan Leale-Green Helen Leale-Green Chanda Singoyi – appointed 27 February 2023 Vanessa Strauss
Despite the challenges posed by the UK ‘Cost of Living Crisis’, high Zambian inflation and challenging global events, the charity has demonstrated resilience, achieving notable progress in both income growth and expenditure management while sustaining its commitment to benefit young people in Zambia.
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The amount spent in the year was £122,902 (2022: £107,703), including depreciation of fixed assets. In addition, we invested £12,409 (2022: £12,469) in fixed assets during the year, to start the building of our Learning Forum, aimed at enhancing Our Moon’s educational infrastructure.
In light of Zambia's economic challenges in restructuring its debt, resulting in heightened inflation and currency fluctuations (especially towards the end of the year), the charity prudently hedged its currency risks. Although currency hedging limited potential gains, strategic decisions have been made to optimize future opportunities, with 50% of costs hedged for the forthcoming year.
ZMW TO GBP FLUCTUATION SINCE 2014
Source: walletinvestor.com
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Continuing our commitment to our Young Leaders Programme, we spent £86,794 (2022: £81,891), benefitting 16 individuals and resulting in a reduced average cost per beneficiary from £5,849 in 2022 to £5,424 in 2023. Additionally, collaborative efforts with Pestalozzi World on our Identity and Expression Programme continued, providing invaluable support to an average of 25 young participants at cost.
The charity's administrative overheads in the UK remained minimal at £3,326 (2022: £2,047), representing a mere 2.7% of total costs, underscoring our commitment to operational efficiency. While we do not have any paid members of staff, we hired a consultant to help with fundraising applications during the year.
As of year-end, Our Moon held unrestricted funds of £5,930 (2022: £2,928) and restricted funds of £20,508 (2022: £12,329). Of the restricted funds, £18,413 is earmarked for spending on our building programme in 2024, £779 on our alumni studying in India. We have also started a new fund, following a generous gift from a donor to support our students and alumni when working as interns of £1,316.
The trustees aim to keep reserves at a level to cover three months’ programme support and running costs.
Based on our spend in 2023, at the year end, we were operating with reserves (unrestricted funds) lasting just over a month. However, money had already been pledged for the start of 2024 of which we received £13,800 during January 2024. The trustees, therefore, consider that there are no material uncertainties about the ability of Our Moon Education to continue as a going concern.
We are upbeat about our future. To increase the number of students we take onto our Young Leaders Programme, we are moving to a part online method of delivery. In addition, we plan during 2024 or early 2025 to launch our Identity and Expression Programme. In this way, we can work with many more students and help them develop the skills they need to become changemakers in Zambian society.
The accounts were approved by the trustees on 18 March 2024.
Alan Leale-Green Treasurer and Trustee 18 March 2024
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INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF OUR MOON EDUCATION
I report on the accounts of the Trust (Charity No. 1165083) for the year ended 31 December 2023.
RESPECTIVE RESPONSIBILITIES OF TRUSTEES AND EXAMINER
The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity's trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 (the Charities Act) and that an independent examination is needed.
It is my responsibility to:
examine the accounts under section 145 of the Charities Act; to follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Charities Act; and to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
BASIS OF INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT
My examination was carried out in accordance with the general Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts and seeking explanations from the trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures
undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a 'true and fair view' and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S STATEMENT
In connection with my examination, no material matters have come to my attention which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect:
the accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act; or the accounts did not accord with the accounting records; or the accounts did not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set up in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a 'true and fair' view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.
I have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
24-Jul-24 Date:
Ryan Evans FCA Independent Examiner Cadence Accounting Limited, Suite 3, 157 Station Road East, Oxted, RH8 0QE.
Signature:
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STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT FOR YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Fixed asset | Total funds | Total funds | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| funds | funds | funds | 2023 | 2022 | ||
| Note | £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Income from donations | 2.1, 3.1 | 70,723 | 27,394 | 24,834 | 122,951 | 105,439 |
| Investment income | 69 | 69 | 6 | |||
| TOTAL INCOME | 70,792 | 27,394 | 24,834 | 123,020 | 105,445 | |
| Expenditure on raising funds |
2.2, 3.2 | 9,310 | 9,310 | 1,773 | ||
| Expenditure on charitable activities |
2.2, 3.2 | 86,794 | 86,794 | 86,094 | ||
| Expenditure on support costs |
2.2, 3.2 | 3,326 | 3,326 | 2,047 | ||
| Depreciation on fixed assets |
2.3, 4.1 | 23,472 | 23,472 | 17,789 | ||
| TOTAL EXPENDITURE | 12,636 | 86,794 | 23,472 | 122,902 | 107,703 | |
| Net movement in funds |
58,156 | -59.400 | 1,362 | 118 | -2,258 | |
| Total funds | ||||||
| brought forward | 2,928 | 12,329 | 71,281 | 86,538 | 88,795 | |
| Fund transfers | -55,154 | 67,579 | -12,425 | 1 | ||
| Total funds |
5,930 | 20,508 | 60,218 | 86,656 | 86,538 |
carried forward
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2023
Docusign Envelope ID: 44C48A02-44D0-4EC2-8772-35A5ACF04FA3 BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2023
| 2023 | 2022 | ||
| Note | £ | £ | |
| Fixed assets | |||
| Tangible fixed assets | 4.1 | 60,218 | 71,281 |
| TOTAL FIXED ASSETS | 60,218 | 71,281 | |
| Current assets | |||
| Debtors and accrued income | 8 | 17,013 | 2,157 |
| Cash at bank and in hand | 10 | 13,247 | 30,020 |
| TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS | 30,260 | 22,187 | |
| Current liabilities | |||
| Creditors: amount falling due within 1 year |
9 | 3,882 | 6,390 |
| NET CURRENT ASSETS | 26,438 | 15,257 | |
| TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES | 86,656 | 86,538 | |
| Represented by income funds | |||
| Restricted funds | 5,930 | 2,928 | |
| Unrestricted funds | 20,508 | 12,329 | |
| Total income funds | 26,438 | 15,257 | |
| Fixed asset funds | 60,218 | 71,281 | |
| TOTAL FUNDS | 86,656 | 86,538 |
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NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS
NOTE 1: BASIS OF PREPARATION
1.1 BASIS OF ACCOUNTING
These accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention with items recognised at cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant note(s) to these accounts.
They have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in Note 2 to the accounts. They comply with the charity’s constitution, the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard (FRS) applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102, issued on 16 July 2014), FRS 102 and with the Charities Act 2011.
Notes to the accounts have only been produced when relevant to the accounts of Our Moon Education. Note numbers have been produced in accordance with the Charity Commission’s form CC17a.
The charity constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102.
The charity was entitled to exemption from audit under section 476 and 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.
The trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Companies Act with respect to accounting records and the preparation of accounts. The accounts present a true and fair view and no changes have been made to the accounting policies or estimates with in the reporting period. There have been no prior year adjustments.
NOTE 2: INCOME AND EXPENDITURE 2.1 INCOME
Recognition of income: this is included in the Statement of Financial Activities (SoFA) when the charity becomes entitled to the resources, when it is more likely than not that the trustees will receive the resources and when the monetary value can be measured with enough reliability.
There has been no offsetting of assets and liabilities, or income and expenses, unless required or permitted by the FRS 102 SORP or FRS 102.
Grants and donations are only included in the SoFA when the general income recognition criteria are met (5.10 to 5.12 FRS102 SORP).
There are no legacies within this accounting period.
The charity has not received government grants in the reporting period.
Gift Aid receivable is included in income when there is a valid declaration from the donor. Any Gift Aid amount recovered on a donation is part of that gift and is treated as an addition to the same fund as the initial donation unless the donor or the terms of the appeal have specified otherwise.
2.2 EXPENDITURE AND LIABILITIES
Liabilities are recognised where it is more likely than not that there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to pay out resources and the amount of the obligation can be measured with reasonable certainty.
Support costs have been allocated between governance costs and other support. Governance costs comprise all costs involving public accountability of the charity and its compliance with regulation and good practice.
Fund balances carried forward include assets and liabilities denominated in Zambian kwacha converted at the rate when the currency was bought. There were no material differences at the year end.
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2.3 ASSETS
Freehold land is not depreciated. Depreciation on other items of property, furniture and fittings are calculated using the straight-line method to allocate their depreciable amounts over their estimated useful lives as follows:
Buildings 5 years IT 2 years Furniture and Fittings 5 years Office Equipment 2 years
The residual values estimated useful lives and depreciation method of property, plant and equipment are reviewed, and adjusted as appropriate, at each balance sheet date. The effects of any revision are recognised in profit or loss when the changes arise. There is money in future budgets allocated for the maintenance of the assets.
There are no investments other than a deposit account at Barclays Bank in the UK.
Debtors (including trade debtors and loans receivable) are measured on initial recognition at settlement amount after any trade discounts or amount advanced by the charity. Subsequently, they are measured at the cash or other consideration expected to be received.
NOTE 3: INCOME AND EXPENDITURE 3.1 INCOME ANALYSIS
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Total funds | Total funds | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| funds | funds | 2023 | 2022 | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Donations, grants and gifts |
70,723 | 52,228 | 122,951 | 105,439 |
| Investment income | 69 | 69 | 6 | |
| TOTAL INCOME | 70,792 | 52,228 | 123,020 | 105,445 |
Included in donations,
| Included in donations, | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| grants andgifts above are: | ||||
| Trusts and foundations | 6,500 | 9,255 | 15,755 | 40,855 |
| Campaigns | 4,056 | 4,056 | 10,281 | |
| Corporate giving | 5,549 | 5,549 | 593 | |
| Events | 3,260 | 13,099 | 16,359 | 3,914 |
| Regular donors | 28,576 | 1,378 | 29,954 | 23,526 |
| Pestalozzi | 13,997 | 13,997 | 15,315 | |
| Other donations | 3,497 | 22,958 | 26,455 | 4,304 |
| Gift Aid | 9,344 | 1,482 | 10,826 | 6,657 |
| TOTAL INCOME | 70,723 | 52,228 | 122,951 | 105,445 |
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3.2 CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES EXPENDITURE ANALYSIS
The costs of charitable activities are primarily taken from restricted funds, but when that has been exhausted, unrestricted funds are used.
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NOTE 4: FIXED ASSETS 4.1 ANALYSIS OF FIXED ASSETS
| 2023 | 2022 | |
|---|---|---|
| Motor Vehicles | £ | £ |
| Cost of Motor Vehicle | 16,532 | 16,532 |
| Depreciation | 16,532 | 16,532 |
| Net Value | - | - |
| Land, walls & fences | 14,482 | 14,482 |
| Depreciation | 2,056 | 1,165 |
| Net Value | 12,426 | 13,317 |
| Buildings (see below) | ||
| Cost of Buildings | 107,232 | 94,823 |
| Depreciation | 60,959 | 41,214 |
| Net Value | 46,273 | 53,609 |
| Furniture & Fittings | ||
| Cost of Furniture & Fittings | 3,535 | 3,535 |
| Depreciation | 2,607 | 1,900 |
| Net Value | 928 | 1,635 |
| IT | ||
| Cost of IT Equipment | 3,625 | 3,625 |
| Depreciation | 3,323 | 1,510 |
| Net Value | 302 | 2,115 |
| Office Equipment | ||
| Cost of Office Equipment | 631 | 631 |
| Depreciation | 342 | 26 |
| Net Value | 289 | 605 |
| Total Cost | 146,037 | 133,628 |
| Total Depreciation | 85,819 | 62,347 |
| Total Net Value | 60,218 | 71,281 |
4.2 DETAILED ANALYSIS OF LAND AND BUILDINGS
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| 2023 | 2022 | |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| Independent examiners’ fees | 600 | 600 |
Our accounts were independently reviewed by Ryan Evans of Cadence Accounting Limited, Chartered Accountants. Legal work is carried out by Morgan Lewis and Bockius LLP, on a pro bono basis.
NOTE 6: PAID EMPLOYEES 6.1 STAFF COSTS (ZAMBIA)
| 2023 2022 £ |
2023 2022 £ |
2023 2022 £ |
2023 2022 £ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Salaries and wages | 27,917 | 28,908 | |
| Pension costs | 2,201 | 2,513 | |
| National Insurance | 222 | - | |
| Health Care cost | 505 | 157 | |
| Other staff costs | 426 | 368 | |
| TOTAL SALARY COSTS | 31,271 | 31,946 |
6.2 AVERAGE HEADCOUNT OF £ PERMANENT STAFF IN A YEAR
| 2023 | 2022 | |
|---|---|---|
| Inhouse staff | 10 | 13 |
| General workers | 20 | 17 |
| TOTAL AVERAGE HEADCOUNT | 30 | 30 |
We employed a number of in-house staff and general workers. They work under separate contracts that, under local Zambian laws, require Our Moon to contribute to a government pension scheme, deduct the workers’ contributions and forward both contributions to the Zambian National Pension Scheme Authority (“NAPSA”) and also to the National Health Insurance Management Authority (“NHIMA”).
NOTE 7: PENSION SCHEME
The amount of £4,402 half by Our Moon and half from deductions from salaries, was paid to the Zambian Pension Authority in the year.
NOTE 8: DEBTORS AND REPAYMENTS
| 2023 | 2022 | |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| Forward Foreign Exchange Deposits | 4,500 | - |
| Insurance Paid in Advance | 503 | - |
| Accrued Gift Aid due | 2,052 | 1,337 |
| Other Debtors | 9,958 | 820 |
| TOTAL DEBTORS | 17,012 | 2,157 |
NOTE 9: CREDITORS AND ACCRUALS
| N : | Amounts falling due within one year N |
Amounts falling due within one year N |
Amounts falling due after more than one year U |
Amounts falling due after more than one year U |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | ||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | ||
| Accruals and deferred income |
1,702 | 4,288 | - | - | |
| Credit card balance |
585 | 386 | - | - | |
| Creditors | 1,535 | 2,256 | |||
| TOTAL CREDITORS |
3,823 | 6,930 | - | - |
NOTE 10: CASH AT BANK AND IN HAND
| 2023 | 2022 | |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| TOTAL CASH AT HAND AND IN BANK | 13,247 | 20,030 |
NOTE 11: TRANSACTIONS WITH TRUSTEES AND RELATED PARTIES
TRUSTEE REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS
None of the UK trustees have been paid any remuneration or received any other benefits from employment with the charity or related entity. In her role as CEO, Helen Leale-Green is reimbursed for her flights and expenses she incurs when working in Zambia.
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LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
Trustees Richard Bowen (Chair) Charles Coldman John Kirkland Alan Leale-Green Helen Leale-Green Vanessa Strauss Charity number 1165083 Registered office The Coach House Hurstwood Lane Tunbridge Wells Kent TN4 8YA Bankers Barclays Bank plc 8 Calverley Rd Tunbridge Wells Kent TN1 2TB Ryan Evans FCA Cadence Accounting Limited Suite 3, 157 Station Road East, Oxted, RH8 0QE
Independent examiner
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THE ZAMBIAN TEAM
The Zambia team delivers and expands our programmes
Country Director and Co-Founder, Justine Buchizya Mushitu leads our Zambia staff. He is ably assisted by
a team of employees, volunteers and general workers.
Our members of staff for 2023 were:
Ntasuwila Nambao: resources management Malama Mushitu: programmes officer, photographer and social media
Sanky Mofya: cook and house parent Iwell Banda: night watch and animals Jacqueline Kajoba: administration
Emelda : assistant chef and cleaner
We also have volunteers and general workers who help to maintain our site as well as a small team who is being trained in building work.
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CHANDA’S STORY
Chanda Singoyi, Trustee, gives back to Our Moon and Zambia
Helen met Chanda when she was a trustee at Pestalozzi International Village Trust and he was studying on a scholarship for the International Baccalaureate in the UK. They kept in touch since he left and was always keen to help Our Moon from the start. He has successfully helped many students with their university applications, including several students to apply for master’s programmes.
Chanda is studying for the Master of Public Policy (MPP) degree at the University of Oxford. He also has a master’s in Civil Engineering from the University of Leeds, and both a BA in Economics and a BSc in Civil Engineering from Bucknell University. He has worked as a Civil Engineer in the US and the UK. Chanda is passionate about education reform, and the reduction of poverty and unemployment through human capital and enterprise development. He will be working on a project for the World Bank over summer 24.
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Chanda takes over: "In the long term, I intend to work in the public sector, using my skills and technical expertise as a civil engineer and economist to help countries realize their objectives in improving public infrastructure to elevate residents' living standards. As part of my Summer Project placement at Oxford, I’m working as a Consultant for the World Bank in their Infrastructure Finance and Public-Private Partnerships (IFP) division, helping countries leverage capital from the private sector to help finance their infrastructure projects. Most of the countries I work with are IDA countries - the poorest countries in the world - and I explore the suitable financing instruments the bank can use to fund and mobilise private capital.
After my degree at Oxford, I’ll be joining Bloomberg’s Financial Advisory Unit supporting clients, from all around the globe, involved in various asset classes adding value to their workflow and helping them understand Bloomberg data and analytics to aid in making informed financial decisions.
Oxford University has been a remarkable experience for me. I have enjoyed mixing with my peers at the Blavatnik School of Government and my college, such intelligent people with diverse ideas and brilliant minds. I’ve been inspired at how each one of them intends to make the world a better place to live in and are using their intellect to achieve that. I know that I will have support in every avenue to help progress my goals, be it legal, administrative, business, strategy - there is always a peer from Oxford I could draw advice from as I help progress my goals after Oxford. I have particularly enjoyed my Political Philosophy classes that have introduced me to different ways of thinking - more holistically and in depth - and I believe the overall modules have helped me make better informed decisions in various aspects of life.
I’ve always been keen on giving back to my community and Our Moon provides that opportunity to enable young-gifted, economically disadvantaged youth with capabilities to excel in life. What I like most about Our Moon is not just the ability to help students excel in their education, but also equip them to become conscious leaders, which is needed more now than ever in Zambia, in a fast-pace, changing world. This is an added layer of education that is often lacking but essential to prepare the next generation of Zambian and African leaders. The need for such leaders is more critical than ever in our rapidly changing world. Our Moon's initiative aligns perfectly with my belief in the transformative power of education and leadership development, and I am passionate about contributing to such meaningful progress in my community.”
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S E C T I O N 6 : T H A N K S A N D H O W T O S U P P O R T U S
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CLOSING WORDS - JUSTIN MUSHITU, COUNTRY DIRECTOR
As a Zambian with a similar background to Our Moon's students and beneficiaries, I know the realities of their lives. I understand their burdens and confusions, and I believe that only deliberate actions will resolve the future situation. The reality is that their identity and thoughts of themselves are stained by the limitations of poverty; we cannot ignore the fact that their realities command them to limit their plans, ambitions, and hopes because poverty is a significant part of their reality. Without opportunities and knowledge, millions of Zambian youths have become wishful thinkers without real exposure, experience, or reliable intellectual guidance.
The poverty situation is wearying but their unawareness of these daily threats and social risks cannot be forgiven because curiosity is free. Therefore, we have determined to cultivate a new conversation that turns their limited perception of themselves into an opportunity for holistic growth and a pursuit for passionate expressions.
By using multi-dimensional critical thinking methods, they can overcome their financial poverty by investing in their intellectual, cultural and social wealth: we expect them to repeat the process, on different aspects of their identity, until they realise that they are not defined by circumstances, possessions, or preconceived unsophisticated ideas.
When they enter upon this realisation, their journey of self-discovery, selfdefinition, and self-expression begins because the self has been liberated from the oppression of poverty.
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There are five things I would like to leave you with when thinking about Our Moon:
1 Our Moon is led on the ground by passionate Zambian changemakers whose efforts are focussed on addressing the source of problems to optimise impact.
2 We equip our students with the mindsets to identify opportunities for social impact within their areas of passion and learning, thus creating a ripple effect
3 We value curious minds and encourage our students to be critical thinkers and problem-solvers
4 It is important for our students - future leaders - to have access and exposure to global perspectives before they can conceive new directions for Zambia
5 We encourage independent thinking because it is the foundation of reliable individuals and a productive, interdependent community.
Knowing the gravity of our challenges and the way people are affected by a lack of knowledge or opportunity compels me to do something. We have everything to gain if we try.
Thank you,
Justin
Docusign Envelope ID: 44C48A02-44D0-4EC2-8772-35A5ACF04FA3 THANKS TO EVERYONE AND ALL ORGANISATIONS ......
We would like to thank all our supporters including the Trusts, Foundations and Companies who have generously supported us over the past year, our friends and donors, and companies both local and far who donated to our auction and raffle prizes.
We have not attempted to put a value on any volunteer and pro bono time but recognise its vital importance to us and the success of Our Moon and our programmes. Many others are also involved, and we thank everyone for their time, input, support and enthusiasm. Special thanks go to:
We received pro bono and volunteer support from the following people:
Psychotherapy and counselling support for our students and alumni by Ally Buck, Fungai Munyeza, Nina Sims and Chipala McCalla.
In Zambia, we are very grateful to the Headmen of Chipansha Village for their support of our project and Chief Liteta of the Lenje people of Chibombo District.
We would like to thank those people at the Ministry of Community Development and the Department for Social Welfare in Chibombo.
In March 2023, we organised an art exhibition in Lusaka, where the artists donated 10% of sales to Our Moon. We are very grateful to all the artists who participated and Hotel Latitude 15° who hosted the event.
Thanks for Mulenga J Mulenga and Aubrey Chali for visiting Our Moon and working with the students to create a beautiful mural.
In the UK, in addition to the support we received from our trustees, the Zambia High Commission allowed us to use their room. We would especially like to thank Her Excellency, Macenje Mazoka, for her warm welcome speech and kind words.
The Sarda family for donating money to provide a small stipend to our students studying at Ashoka University in India.
Bob Vale of Coding Tank for hosting our website and ensuring its smooth working.
Malama Mushitu for almost all the photos that appear in this brochure.
The HALI Access Network for all the support they offer Our Moon.
The Small International Development Charities Network, which provides invaluable resources to all small international development charities operating overseas from the UK.
To Vic Hancock Fell of Fair Collective, for allowing us to attend her Small Charity Leaders Course free of charge.
Keith Browne and teachers Philip Wingate, Melanie Church, Toby Reid, Claire Reid, Nick Hannell from Ecolint (InternationalSchool of Geneva) in Switzerland, who tutored our students through their research essays, and for their generous donation of chrome books for our programmes.
Thomas Lifuti, alumnus and IT manager, for giving so much of his time to furthering our IT development.
Patrick Glass for educational materials and help with marking selection essays.
Dhruv Sarda for reading our longlisted applicants and for interviewing our shortlisted students.
Will Sullivan for his input to our strategic review.
Friends and family for helping out at events.
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..... FOR YOUR DONATIONS, TIME AND IN KIND BENEFITS
TRUSTS AND FOUNDATIONS
The Alan Goodwin and Aimee Reynolds Charity The Mageni Trust The Souter Charitable Trust John Collings Charitable Trust Didymus CIO SMOAT
The Coles-Medlock Foundation
CORPORATE GIVING:
COLLEGEBOARD donated SAT vouchers and CSS
profile codes value around £1000
DUOLINGO donated free English tests for our students at the beginning and end of our
programme approximate value £720 LGT VESTRA LLP donated £1000
MENKING TUTORING donated SAT training worth approximately £4,800 annually
GOOGLE donated Google Workspace licenses at an approximate value of £600 - increasing annually MICROSOFT donated unlimited licenses of Office 365 for all staff and Our Moon’s beneficiaries. Approximate value during 2020 £1200 - increasing each year
STRENGTHS PROFILE donated free profiles for our studnts worth approximately £170
PRIZES FOR OUR EVENTS WERE DONATED BY:
Secret Cellar - bottles of wine Bora Studio - voucher for pilates or osteopathy Appointment The Leale-Green family - Christmas hamper and assorted raffle prizes
The Chapel hair salon - voucher for cut and blow dry
Freddie’s Flowers - two boxes of flowers Vanessa Strauss - caddy of cleaning products Lou Hymers - painting of a Zambian woman The Wooden Spoon Company - selection of jams and chutneys
Latitude 15° - weekend break including spa treatments
L’Oreal - hamper of products Painting by Aubrey Chali: The Pollinator #08] Majestic Wine - two bottles of wine
PRIZES TOTALLED APPROXIMATELY £1500
Other donations have been very gratefully received from individuals, including donations for raffle prizes, second-hand clothing and accessories for our students and alumni.
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WE INVITE YOU TO SUPPORT US
If you have enjoyed reading our annual report, then please consider making a donation. All donations are very important to us.
The easiest way to donate is to use the QR code below. Alternatively, go to our website and press the donate button: www.ourmoon.org.uk/get-involved/donate/. You can make a one-off donation or a regular donation from this page.
You can also donate by bank transfer. If you wish to donate this way (and save us money on platform fees), then please contact Helen Leale-Green at helen.lealegreen@ourmoon.org.uk for our bank details.
Please attend our events, follow us on social media and tell your friends about the work we do. Every connection is valuable to us!
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CONTACT DETAILS
Helen Leale-Green
Helen.leale-green@ourmoon.org.uk +44 (0) 7720 287904
Justin Mushitu Justin.mushitu@ourmoon.org.uk +260 97 2221856
SOCIALS
: helen-leale-green-26ba6150 : ourmooneducation : ourmooneducation
PHOTO CREDIT
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Malama Mushitu
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We are members of the following organisations: