PORRIDCrf. TM &PENS' GHANA- TEN YEARS , Atsysd4 C li A DECADE OF EDUCATION, NUTRITION AND HOPE EDUCATION Giving children the chance to learn ss NUTRITION Providing daily meals and hope STABILITY Supporting families and communities OPPORTUNITY Building brighter futures 2025 TRUSTEE REPOR T
2025 has been an important year for Porridge and Pens. Despite continued financial pressure in both the UK and Ghana, we have remained focused on keeping children and young people in education and supporting families facing increasing hardship.
During the year, we supported 460 children through nursery, primary, and Junior High School education, and a further 60 girls, young women, and boys through our Girl Power educational support programme. Alongside education, many of the children and young people we support also relied on us for meals and welfare support throughout the year.
One of the biggest developments during 2025 was the opening of our boarding facility near Brightlingsea Academy, one of our partner schools. Over recent years, we have seen increasing numbers of children struggling with unstable housing, difficult family situations and disruption to their education during the rainy season. Some children were missing school because there was nowhere stable for them to stay, while others faced long, dangerous journeys during floods which is growing ever more unpredictable in line with climate change. Opening the boarding facility has allowed vulnerable students to stay close to the school, attend lessons consistently and access evening tuition without barriers. It was a joy and a privilege to be there on the day we opened the doors, with our school band in full swing, to mark the occasion.
During 2025, we also completed the construction of a bridge near Brightlingsea Academy to help children and local villagers cross safely during the rainy season. For years, families have risked crossing flooded riverbanks to reach the school and nearby communities & their families have struggled to get to work. Children often tried to cross dangerous water to avoid missing lessons. Trying to detour the children from reaching the students across the flooded areas safely. This was a short-term solution and asked too much of the staff, so we are thrilled the bridge is up.
At Brightlingsea Academy, our 40 Ghanaian staff continued to work incredibly hard to support children living in multidimensional poverty. School feeding remained one of the most important parts of our work, with many children continuing to rely on their school meals each day. Watching our two school cooks make 900 meals each day without any electricity is quite incredible. We also continued developing our school farm and food production projects as part of our aim to strengthen the long-term sustainability of the feeding programme and reduce some of the pressure from rising food costs. As Porridge and Pens continue to evolve, we are always looking for ways to make our work more sustainable.
I am also incredibly proud that, in 2025, we were able to continue supporting more than 60 girls, young women, and boys through our Girl Power educational support programme. Over the years, we have seen many young people progress from extremely difficult situations to secondary school, vocational training, and university education, often becoming the first in their families to reach that stage.
Over the years, we have increasingly recognised that many young people do not always require years of continuous charitable funding, but instead need practical support, mentoring and stability during periods of crisis that place their education at immediate risk. In many situations, a relatively short period of support can prevent a student from dropping out completely and allow them to continue progressing independently once circumstances improve.
As we move further into 2026, our hope is for Porridge and Pens to increasingly act as a bridge during periods of instability, helping students remain in education while also working closely with families, schools, universities and local support systems to identify longer-term solutions beyond Porridge and Pens. This includes encouraging and supporting families back towards greater financial stability where possible, helping students and parents better understand the educational opportunities available to them through university government funding, and strengthening relationships with universities and government support systems within Ghana.
We have been particularly encouraged by the Ghanaian Government's growing efforts to improve access to higher education support, including grants and student finance opportunities for some university students. Part of our role is now to help students and families navigate these While many students still face very serious financial and safeguarding challenges, we hope this approach will gradually direct charitable funding more towards young people facing immediate crises and the greatest barriers to education, while also helping more students move towards long-term independence and stability.
Finally, I want to say a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has continued to support Porridge and Pens through another difficult year. Whether through donations, fundraising, volunteering, encouragement or simply continuing to believe in the children and young people we support, your kindness has helped keep vulnerable students in education during some incredibly challenging circumstances. There are children attending school today, young women continuing their university studies, and families feeling a little more hopeful about the future because people have chosen to stand alongside them. On behalf of all of us at Porridge and Pens, thank you for continuing to be part of that journey.
Jemma Williams
Founder of Porridge and Pens Ghana
Brightlingsea Academy: Hope, Safety and Education
During 2025, Brightlingsea Academy continued supporting around 460 children through free education, school meals and welfare support. Many of the children attending the school still live in significant poverty, with some families living in informal settlements or unstable housing situations which regularly affect school attendance and family life.
School feeding & our teachers continued to be one of the most important parts of our work throughout the year. For many children, the meals they receive at school are still the most reliable food they will eat that day. Rising food costs across Ghana continued to create challenges during 2025, especially the cost of staple
foods, but we continued working hard to keep the feeding programme running each day. We still regularly see the difference a meal makes to a
Alongside education, staff continued supporting families facing difficult circumstances and monitoring children at risk of missing school because of poverty, flooding, illness or unstable home situations. During periods of heavy rain, some children were still making dangerous journeys to school because of flooded riverbanks near the community. We have an incredible teaching team, with Brightlingsea Academy holding the record for best JHS academic results in the area.
One of the biggest moments of 2025 was finally opening the boarding facility near Brightlingsea Academy. Over recent years, we had seen increasing numbers of children struggling to remain consistently in school because of unstable housing and difficult family situations. After years of fundraising and planning, it was wonderful seeing the first children finally move into the new boarding rooms. Already, we are seeing children attending school more consistently, settling into routines and benefiting from evening tuition and additional support in a safer and more stable environment.
During 2025, the charity also completed the construction of a bridge near Brightlingsea Academy to help children and local villagers cross safely during the rainy season. For many years, families have risked crossing flooded riverbanks to reach the school and nearby
communities. Some children attempted to cross dangerous water because they did not want to miss lessons. The bridge has already made journeys much safer for both students and the wider community.
'202 KEY ACHIEVEMENTS SUMMARY j PORRIDGE & PENS- Every day, your support helps us provide nutritious meals, quality education and a safe place to learn and grow for vulnerable children and young people in Ghana. GHANA- sss SCHOOL MEALS MAKING A DAILY DIFFERENCE 900 Every single school doy Nutritinus mp.a15 help our children concentrate. learn and thrive. MEALS A DAY PER MONTH PER YEAR THE IMPACT MEALS A DAY MEALS A DAY x20 x200 180,000 IAverage school days per month) (Average school days per yearl moments of nourishment, care and opportunity to learn, grow and build a better future. Good food fuels learning, health and bright futures. 18,000 180,000 MEALS PER MONTH MEALS PER YEAR Together, we can continue making a lasting difference. Thank you for helping us provide more than just a meal. You are helping children build brighter futures. Thank ou.
Keeping Children Safe & in School- Our new Boarding Facility One of the most important developments during 2025 was the opening of the Brightlingsea Academy boarding facility for children living in unstable or difficult situations. This intervention was aimed at our lowest-attendingllowest-performing students. Over recent years, we had seen increasing numbers of children struggling to remain consistently in school because of housing instability, diff icult family circumstances. flooding during the rainy season, and longjourneys from informal settlements around Kumasi. Some children were regularly missing lessons simply because there was nowhere stable for them to stay. The boardingfacilitywas created to give some of our most exposed students a safer and more stable environment while continuing their education. Children staying at the facility are able to remain close to Brightlingsea Academy, access regular meals, attend school onsistently, and take part in evening tuition sessions for students who have fallen behind academiGally. The facility has also allowed staff to provide more day-to-day emotional support for children facing diff icult circumstances at home. Staff in Ghana continue working closely with families to make sure children remain connected to their communities while also having.- somewhere safe and stable to stay duringthe schoolterm. Although the project is still in its early stages, we are already seeing a real difference in attendance. punctuality. and consistenc learning for some of the Ghildren now staying at the boarding facility.
' PORRIDGE & PENS" 2025 KEY ACHIEVEMENTS SUMMARY A SAFE PLACE TO CALL HOME 20 children a liwThJ in our boardirw facilty, supported th care. guidance and erythir#J ty need to thrive. GHANA- Our boarding facility provides safety, stsbility and opportunty for vulnerable children who have nowhere else to call home. WHO THEY ARE WHAT WE PROVIDE Orphans or children were living in unstable hthjsing or squatting #i infomal settlements around BritIon9$•a Audemy. / Safe ar secure auommodatic / Nutritious al$ Here, I kel sah. I can learn, I have friends and I know I have a future. Extra evening tuition and acadwnic 5UPPOrt / L•aming materials and s1 supplies rf paoral cafe and emotional support Life skills and guidarKe THE IMPACT ON THEIR EDUCA TION 20 CHILDREN IN OUR BOARDING FACILITY BErrER AThENDANCE IMPROVED ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE EMOTIONAL WELLBEING BRIGHTER FUTURES Ch11th attend sctr regularly and are r longer forted to miss lessons due to unsafe or unstablè living situatlons. Stsbility. care aThJ eThcoura9emefit help children feèl securè, build sell-esleem and ha¥e a positive minds•t for learning. With education and support. chIldn are dèveloping skills. discovering thelr potential and dréaming bigyr ftsr their future& Orphans or children living in unstable housing and informal settlements around the Brightlingsèa Acadèmy community. Consistent Study. extra evenin9 tuition and home%wrk support lead to better understsnding. stronger results and brKrea5ed confidence. Mary of Ise children wt lfving in unsafe Conditions with no stability, no quiet place to study and no cortalftty abrt theirfvture. Thank you for giving these children more than a bed - you are giving them stsbility, education and hope. You are changlng their tomorrow. TOGETHER, WE ARE BUILDING BRIGHTER FUTURES FOR CHILDREN 114 OUR COMMUNITY.
In 2025, Porridge and Pens completed construction of a bridge near Brightlingsea Academy to help children and local residents cross safely during the rainy season.
For many years, children and families had been forced to cross dangerous flooded riverbanks to reach the school and nearby communities. During periods of heavy rainfall, some children still attempted to cross deep water because they were so determined not to miss lessons.
In recent years, families and staff connected to Brightlingsea Academy have also noticed real during the main rainy season are now flooding far more often, with water levels rising unexpectedly at different times of the year. For many of our children, this has made journeys to school increasingly difficult and worrying, particularly for families living close to the riverbanks and for parents trying to reach work safely.
The completion of the bridge has already made journeys much safer for both students and the wider community. For many families, it has reduced isolation during periods of flooding and made it easier for children to continue attending school consistently.
The project also reflected the close relationship between Porridge and Pens and the local community.
Residents contributed labour and practical support throughout the construction process, and the local King donated the land needed to build the bridge for Brightlingsea Academy. We are incredibly grateful to the supporters and corporate donors who helped raise the funds needed to finally make the bridge possible. Our amazing corporate donors, The Childrensalon made the work possible through their in house fundraising & we remain incredibly grateful to them for the safe passage of over 500 children and local people every day in our school community.
Unfortunately, several other areas in the community continue facing similar problems with flooding and unsafe crossings, which we know may create further challenges in the future. We hope this project encourages continued partnership within the community so that more safe crossings can be developed over time.
PORRIDCrf & PENS" 2025 KEY ACHIEVEMENTS SUMMARY A BRIDGE TO SAFETY & OPPORTUNITY Building stronger futures together. GHANA OUR NEW SCHOOL BRIDGE CLIMA TE CHANGE IS REAL Rising floods and extreme weather in rural Ghana are making daily journeys dangerous. Thanks to the incredible support of Childrensalon and our local residents. we have built a strong. safe bridge that connects our community and protects lives. Heavier rains and flooding are now more frequent and severe in rural Ghana, cutting communities off and putting lives at risk. Jjiij;, LESS RISK, MORE PEACE OF MIND The brid¥e ¥reaily reduces Ihe hance of children and adult5 falling snto flooded water during the rainy seasofL 0500,- EVERY DAY and lIa ers accessin essential service& STRONGER ACCESS, BRIGHTER FUTURES Reliable a¢¢ess to xh(. work services means better attendance. more opportunity and stronger. healthier cornmunities. THANK YOUI To Childrensalon and our local residents for working together to make this bridge a reality. BEFORE.. NOW.. Dangwous crosskn Flooded Whs. LI at risk A sale brbd8e. A con#ected ¢ommunty. A bett*rfuturn14Y am. Thi5 bridge is more than concrete and steel. It is hope, opportunity and a safer tomorrow. Together, we are building brighter futures. Stronger together. Safer today. Stronger tomorrows. Brighter futures.
Development of the Brightlingsea School Farm and Agricultural System
PORKIDCTE & PENS- SCHOOL FARM Wo are 0wing more than cr¢Jps. We are grry•4ing a bètter futurè for our childrèn. BY 2027, WE HOPE TO PRODUCE GHANA- GROWING FOOD. FEEDING FUTURES. A STEP FORWARD TO SUSTAINABILITY Z * WHAT WE ARE GROWING 30. OF ALL FOOD PRODUCTS THROUGH OUR SCHOOL FARM 2025 OUR FIRST ONION HARVEST! to contribute to the feeding programme managed by our te3ehers and parent Volunteers. sss PLANIAIN LASSAVA MAIZE ONIONS V PLUS OTHER HERBS AND VEGETABLES MANAGED TOGETHER Our school fami i# managèd With 5UPFrt of wr dgdKatod t•achÈrs and Reknry prtS¥t Slain FEEDIPIG FUTURES. HOURISHING MOPE. Every plaTrt VR hEIp5 feed our chlidrEn 5LPPm gur and bLvld a b8ttEr tw. SUPPOR TING OUR FEEDING PROGRAMME A STEP TOWARDS SUSTAINABILITY LEARNING. GROIYING. THRIVING. STRONGER TOGETHER, BRIGHTER FUTURES Thank YOU. F$h. he•lthy and Ioc311y grtxbm food lpS prthidè nui¥itK)us meals tor thidren evvyday. Pf•¢lt•l lehiNJ hÈlp ¢hildr•h dwdeltsp vkIUae I "te skills tor the future. 0$, build5 seeurity yole¢ts Wchil&•'sfuT¢. W0n9 ether tdayfor a mor• sust*nab to our teachers, p•rcnt volunteers .d wpporters lor making this possiblel FROM OUR FIRST ONION HARVEST IN 2025 TO 30Yo OF OUR FOOD BY 20271 TOGETHER, WE GROW HOPE. TOGETHER, WE FEED FUTURES.
C)isability 8 hopes of the Paralympics 2028 . Vvhen we first metAkwasi, he was livingwith his mother and brothers in a small tin-roofed room within an informal settlement in Kumasi close to Brightlingsea Academy. The family survived on very little, with his mother, Anita, - working long hours selling second-hand clothes in the market. Akwasi had stopped attending school after losing his leg in a serious road traffic accident which nearly took his "life. Following the accident, his mother became frightened that people within the communitywould view him differently because of his disability, and for a longtime she kept him close to home. Over time, we slowly built a relationship with both Akwasi and Anita and welGomed them into the Brightlingsea Academy community. Akwasi joined the school, and Anita later began working with us as one of the school cooks. Life remained very difficult for the family. Each day during the rainy season, Akwasi still had to cross dangerous flooded riverbanks to reach school. To stop his prosthetic leg being damaged that we purchased him. his mother 1-. 6:00PM would often carry it separatelywhile he swam the river. It is something many of US Gonnected to the schoolwill never forget seeing. i., Tragically, Anita later passed away, leaving Akwasi and his brothers living alone. Since then, Brightlingsea Academy has continued supportingthe boys through education. welfare support, and ongoing care from staffwithin the school I,. community. Our headteacher is his legal guardian, like manyotherstudents at Brightlingsea Academy who have no one else. From a very young age, Akwasi had taught himself to swim in the local river near his home. What had simply started as part of everyday life in the community slowly became something much bigger. During a school swimming trip, it quickly became clear that Akwasi had an extraordinary natural ability in the water knowing breast stroke, butterfly, back stroke and front crawl- without ever being taught to swim. Despite everything, he was stronger and more confident in the pool than any other student at the school. I'l
Swimming completely changed Akwasi's confidence. Forthe first time, he found something he truly felt proud of. Today, he trains regularly at swimming pools in Kumasi with coaching support linked to the Ghanaian Olympic team, with the long-term hope of one day competing at the LA Paralympics in 2028. Akwasi's story is a reminder ofwhy Porridge and Pens exists. Sometimes, all a child needs is the opportunityto be seen diff erently and the chance for somebody to believe in their potential before they can begin believing in themselves. For all of us involved in the charity, watching Akwasi grow from a frightened young boy isolated f rom education into a determ ined young athlete has been incredible. His story continues to remind us why long-term support, stability and belief in the young people we support matters so much. Girl Power Educational Support During 2025, Porridge & Pens supported 60 girls, young women and boys through the Girl Power educational support programme. Support included school and universityfees, accommodation support where needed, and regular welfare monitoring for students facing f inancial instability or diff icult family situations. Throughout the year, Porridge & Pens continued supporting students across secondary school, vocational training. and higher education through scholarship supportforyoung people who would otherwise struggle to continue their education. During 2025, we reviewed how support could be delivered more sustainably as f inancial pressures continued to increase in both the UK and Ghana. This included exploring ways in which students progressing into higher education could access more supportthrough governmentfunding and studentfinance schemes available within Ghana itself. something new to Ghana. Looking ahead, Porridge and Pens hopes to continue strengthening workwith young people & their families through mentoring and pr8CtIC81 guidance, recognising how important support from parents and carers can be in helping young people remain in education and build more stable futures forthemselves. Ih-
¥Y' .Girl Power Support in 2026 As the Gharity moves into 2026, trustees have Gontinued refleGting on how Girl Power's educational support Gan be delivered as sustainably and responsibly as possible during a time of increasing f inancial pressure and growing need. .Over the years, we have learned that most families genuinely wantto do more to support their children's education where they can. In many situations, however, families are frightened of debt, unsure how student finance works, or worried about the stigma attached to applyingfor government support. Because ofthis, an increasingly important part of ourwork is helping students and families better understand the new support available to them and giving them the confidence to access it safely. Over reGentyears, government grants and student finance has become available to university students but the uptake of them is small, we want to workwith ourfamilies identify the best routes for their children but continue to support those who desperately still need our help. Part ofthis work includes exploring how students progressing into higher education can access greater support through government f unding schemes, student loans, and other opportunities now available within Ghana itself. We hope this approach will gradually help reduce long-term pressure on Porridge and Pens while also 811owing support to reach more young people who may otherwise struggle to continue their education in periods of short term crisis. As p8rt of this approach, the charity now reviews f8mily situations on 8 much more regular basis, recognising how quickly circumstances can change for families in Ghana. Staff are increasingly working closely with students and parents through regular contact and two-weekly reviews to better understand what supportfamilies may be able to contribute towards a young person's education at different points in time. In some situations, even very small contributions made week byweek can make an important difference towards long-term sustainability.
2026 Girl Power Ckonge MAkers Sckem A new WAY of workin supporting youn9 people and fAMilies to build brighter, More independent futures. ODCI ouo l. Working tO9etker 2. Signposting nd guiaAnce We kelp fAMilies nderstand ond ccess government grAYlts, student finance And otlier opportunities Avthilable in Gk 3. FArnily contributions 4. Two-weekly reviews 5. TArgetea Support We bLiild stron relationships with students and fAMilies tkfougk Mentorin9, regular contACt na prActicAI Support. We encoL4fa9e fAmilies to corttribute wkAt they cAn, even SMAII Amounts week by week - it all Adds UP And builds SuStoinab',Ii+ We review eAGk fAMIly sittIon every two weeks os CircumstAnces ckon9e quickly. Support is Adjusted so students get tke ri ht help At Porridge And Pens provides finAnci41 Support only wken It's needed most to keep youn people in ca¢10n ana reackin their potential. Ime. Working *09etker today for confident YOIAIIS people, stron9er f&Milies And stron9er Communities.
Fundraising Fundraising remained difficult in 2025, particularly for small Gharities working internationally. Rising costs in both the UK and Ghana, alongside increasing pressure on grant funding, continued to affect the wider charity sector throughout the year. Despite this, the charity continued to receive support from grant funders, churches, schools, community fundraising efforts, and individual donations. Our online charity eB8y shop also continued to play a major part in fundraising throughout the year, helping generate unrestricted income to support the running of both projects in Ghana. We are also extremely gratefulto our corporate donor, Childrensalon, who continued supportingthe charitythroughout 2025. Childrensalon also organised several fundraising events in support of Porridge and Pens during the year. Their support has made a real difference to the charity during an increasingly difficult fundraising climate. During 2025, we also began exploring grant opportunities with Rotary Internationalto support future development work at Brightlingsea Academy, which we are excited to continue as we move into 2026. Thank You As always, none ofthis work would be possible withoutthe kindness and commitment ofthe people who continue to st8nd alongside Porridge and Pens. We remain incrediblygratefulto our supporters in both the UK and Ghana who continue to believe in the children and young people we work with, even as f undraising has become increasingly difficult for small charities. Every donation, f undraiser, and message of encouragement has helped us continue to support children through education, school feeding, and welfare support during another challenging year. We would also like to thank our trustees, volunteers, and small UK team who continue to give their time and energy to the charity alongside work, family life, and other Commitments. Most importantly, we wantto thank our Ghanaian staff and projectteams, who continue to show extraordinary dedication to the children in their care each day. Their commitment to the Brightlingsea Academy, the boardingfacility and the young people supporte through Girl Power continues to make all of this work possible
HANA- po*tld9e•rtdnS.0r9 A YEAR OF AMAZING FUNDRAISING TOGETHER WE CHANGE LIVES IM GHANA OWER ENINSUL PORRIDfjE & PENS ULlItA I/ '£HALLEI-
Registered Charity Details Porridge and Pens Ghana Registered Charity Number: 1166497 Principal Address: 1 Chapman Close Brightlingsea Essex C07 OFS Trustees IEIDING . >15 o ticket to erefftr, Dr Philip Tibbs Edmund Smith Gregg Weaver (Chair of Trustees) Charlotte Tibbs Jayne Meek Elizabeth Merrell Bankers CAF Bank Ltd 25 Kings HillAvenue Kings H ill West Malling Kent ME194JQ Barclays Bank 9 High Street Colchestei
Essex '.C01 1 DA Independent Examiner Edmund Carr LLP 146 New London Road Chelmsford Essex CM2 OAW Charity Objectives Porridge and Pens work with disadvantaged children and young people in Ghana by helping them access education, school meals and welfare support. Much of ourwork focuses on children aff ected by poverty, housing instability and safeguarding concerns, which place their education at risk. Public Benefit The trustees confirm that they have paid due regard to the Ch8rity Commission's guidance on public benefit when planning the charity's activities. Through Brightlingsea Academy and our Girl Power educational support programme. the charity supports children and young people living in poverty in Ghana through education, school feeding and welfare support. structure. Governance and Management Porridge and Pens is a UK-registered charity working closely alongside project teams in Ghana. During 2025, the charity continued supporting Brightlingsea Academy and the Girl Power educational support programme. The charity is overseen by a board of trustees, who are responsible forthe organisation's governance and financial management. Trustees remain in regular contact with staff and project teams in both the UK and Ghana throughout the year. The day-to-d8y running of the charity is supported by a small UK team, alongside Ghanaian st8ff who deliver support directlywithin the local communities we work in. Communication between the UK and Ghana remains an important part of our work, particularly around safeguarding, budgeting and project oversight.
New trustees are appointed by agreement of the existing trustees and are provided with guidance relating to their responsibilities under tharity law. )/ Rtsk Management ' The trustees continue to review risks faced by the charity throughout the year and take steps to reduce f inancial and operational risks where possible. During 2025, one of the biggest challenges faced bythe charitywas the rapid decline in Ghana's exchange rate, alongside continued inflation. This placed signif icant pressure on food, staff ing and project costs across both programmes. Safeguarding remains an important area of foGus forthe Gharity, particularly as we Gontinue to support Ghildren and young people affected by unstable housing, family breakdown and f inancial hardshi p. As a small charity, we also remain aware olthe ongoing challenges within fundraising and the importance of maintaining careful oversight of Gharitable spending. Financial Reuiew The accounts show income in the year of £262,463 {2024- £258,339} and expenditure of £238,432 {2024- £284,674) resulting in net income of £24,03112024- net expenditure £26,335}. Tot81funds of the charity at 31 December 2025 were £65,831, of which £57,421 were unrestricted and £8,410 were restricted. The charity continued to face a difficult fundraising climate in 2025, alongside rising operational costs in Ghana linked to inf lation and . exchange-rate instability. Despite these pressures, Porridge and Pens continued to support children and young people through Brightlingsea Academy and the Girl Power programme, while also making significant progress during the year. including opening the boarding facility and completi ng the community bridge project. The trustees remain committed to ensuring charitable funds are used carefully and directly support children and young people whereverf possible.
Reserves Policy Porridge and Pens aim to maintain unrestricted reserves of approximately £40,000. The trustees believe this amount would allowthe Gharity to Gontinue supporting Gore projeGt work for around six months should there be a temporary reduGtion in income or unexpected f inancial pressures. Trustees review the reserves position regularly as part of the charity's ongoing f inancial monitoring. Project Plans for 2026 Looking ahead to 2026, we hope to continue strengthening the long-term sustainability of both our projects in Ghana while remaining focused on the children and young people who still need the greatest level of support. At Brightlingse8 Academy, this will include continuing to develop the school farm. food production projects, and poultry plans as we look for more practical ways to strengthen the feeding programme during a time of rising food costs in Ghana. The schoolwill also continue focusing on keepingvulnerable children in educ8tion through school meals, welfare support, S8feguarding, 8nd boarding provision for children living in particularly diff icult situations. Within Girl Power, we are also continuingto reflect on how support can be delivered in a waywhich is both supportive and sustainable for the future. During 2026, we hope to further develop the new Girl Power Changemakers approach, which focuses on working much more closely with students and families through regular mentoring. practical guidance, signposting towards government support and student finance, and ongoingtwo-weekly reviews of each young person's situation. Rather than relying on one fixed model of support. the programme is increasingly becoming more flexible and responsive to cha nging family circumstances. In many situations, families are able to contribute small amounts towards education costs at certain points in time, while at other times additional support may still be needed from Porridge and Pens. Through regular contact and closer relationships with families, we hope this approach will help young people continue their education while also building greater confidence. independence, and long-term stability within families themselves. Alongside financial supportwhere needed, we also hope to continue expanding mentoring and practical support for both studen4s a parents, recognisingthat helping a young person remain in education often means supporting the widerfamily around them too.
)/ Financial Statements The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice.. Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland IFRS 1021 issued in October 2019 and the Financial Reporting standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland IFRS 1021 and the Charities Act 2011 and UK GenerallyAccepted Practice as it applies from 1 January 2019. The financial statements have been prepared to give a'true and fair. view and have departed from the Charities IAccounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 only to the extent required to provide a'true and fair view,. This departure has involved following AGGounting and Reporting by Charities- Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland IFRS 1021 issued in October 2019 rather than the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice effective from 1 April 2005 which has since been withdrawn. This annual report was approved by the Trustees of the Gharity on . 2610812026 - and signed on their behalf by: Gregg Weaver G Weaver- Chair ofTrustees
PORRIDGE & PENS GHANA FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st DECEMBER 2025 Registered Charity Number 1166497 dmund Carr Chartered Accountant• EDMUND CARR LLP Chartered Accountants 146 New London Road Chelmsford Essex CM2 OAW
PORRIDGE & PENS GHANA YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025 CONTENTS Independent Examinevs reFKTrrt lo the Truslees Statement of fitvdncial activities Balance sheet Notes io the finan¢ial siai¢m¢nts
PORRIDGE & PENS GHANA INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025 I report to the charitv trusttts on my examinalion of the accounts of the chariti, for the year ended 31 Decetnber 2025 whi¢h are Set out On TYdge5 2 to 10. Responsibilities and basis of report As th¢ charity's tru5t¢C5 vou arc r¢5ponsibl¢ for th¢ pr¢paration of th¢ accounts in accordanc¢ with thc requiremenis of the Charities Aci ?0 I l ('Ihe Aci'l. I repon in respeci of niy examination of the chariry s accounts carried out under section 145 of the Act and in carry'ingy out my ¢Xamitllon I ha&¢ folloM'¢d all thc applicabl¢ Dir¢ctLOllS gy I¢j) by the Charit}. Commigsitsn under S¢¢iion 145{5Mb) of ihe Aci. Independent examiner's statement Sin¢¢ lh¢ Lhari¢y's &)ross in¢om¢ ¢xL¢¢d¢d £2iO.000 vour ¢xJmin¢r niusi be a m¢Mr ora body listed in se¢¢ion 145 of¢h¢ A¢1. l confimi ihai l am qualifi¢d io und¢rf8k¢ ihe examii)aiioi) b¢¢ause l am a n)¢inber of ihe Association of Certified Chanered AcCounnts. which is one of the listed les. I have ¢oJnpletcd my examination. I confirm that no terial matters have coine to m), altention in ¢onne¢iion wilh ihe examinaiion giving me Cause io beli¢v¢ ihai in any maierial r¢sp¢¢i.' accoLintingT records 'Cre not kept in respeci of ihe charity as required by section 130 of the Act; or 2. the aLcoun15 do not aLcord with those records; or 3. thL aL¢oiinis do not ¢ompl!' with the appli¢dblL r¢quir¢m¢nis ¢on¢¢rnii)b ihe forni and ¢oni¢ni of aLLoiini.% set 0111 in lh¢ Charili¢s IAc¢ounis and RLFKirisl R¢bJulation$ 2008 other than an), rLquireii)¢ni th£lt thL aLLoiints &)ive a 'irue and fair view. which is noi a mailer considered as part of an independent exaniindtion. I have no Concerns and have come across no other mailers in conneciion H'iih (he examination io which attention should be draw) in this rew>rt in order to enable a proper understandinb7 of ihe accounts to be reached. Alex Stone Alex Stone FCCA Edmund Carr LLP 146 New London Road Ch¢lmsford CM? OAW 2610812026
PORRIDGE & PENS GHANA STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTMTIES YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025 Unresiricted Funds Restricted Total Funds Total Funds Funds 2025 2024 Note INCOME from: DonatjOn5 and legacies Fundrdising aciiviti Inv¢5tm¢nls- bank int¢re%t 89.174 46.853 92 126,344 215.518 46.853 92 213,094 45,222 23 TOTAL INCOME 136.119 126,344 ?62,463 258.339 EXPENDITURE on.. Raising fund5.' online shop and events Charilablc aclivi¢i¢s 8,794 105.201 8.794 ?29.638 7.625 277.049 124,437 TOTAL EXPENDITURE 113.995 1 ?4,437 ?38.43? ?84.674 NF.T INCOMF./(F.XPF.NDITURF.y NET MOVF.MF.NT IN FUND. 22.1?4 1.907 24.031 (?6,3351 RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS Total lunds broub>hi forward 35,297 6.503 41.800 68.135 Total funds carried forward 57.421 8.410 65.831 41.800 The notes on pages 4 10 111 fornb Pgrt of Ihese fingn¢iAI st4femtnfs.
PORRIDGE & PENS GHANA BALANCE SHEET At 31st Decembor 2025 2025 2024 Note Fixed assets TanBible asset5 1.132 1,888 CURRENT ASSETS Debiors Cash at bank 1.238 67.597 68.835 2,96? 39,981 4?,943 CREDITOR¥i: AmTrunt$ falling due wiihi ne vear io 4.136 3.031 NET CURRENT AS8ET(i 64.699 39,912 NET ASSETS 65.831 41.800 FUNDS OFTHE CHARITY Unrestricted- bTeneral Restricted 12 57.421 8.410 35.297 6.503 TOTAL CHARITY FUNDS 65.831 These financial statements were approved by the Trte¢S on . their behalf by.. 2610812026 and signed 01) Gregg Weaver G Weaver Chair of Trustecs The tsotes pagts 4 to 10 lom p*rt ofthtst fittatttial stattmeDtk
PORRIDGE & PENS GHANA NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025 ACCOUNTING POLICIES Basis of actountin The accounts (financial Maiementsl have been prepared in accordance wilh ihe gtsiemeni of Recomtnended Practice.. Accounting and Reporting b!, Charities preparing tlieir account5 in accordance with the Financial Reporting Staiidard applicable in the UK and Republic of Irelaiid IFRS 1021 issued on 16 Jul), ?014 and ihe Financial Rekx)ning Sthndard applicable in ihe Uniied Kingdom and Republic of Ireland IFRS 1021 and the Charities Act ?0 I l and UK Generally Accepted Practice as it applies from l January 2019. The accounts (financial siatemenisl have been prepared to give a Irue and fair, view and have departed from the Charities (Accounts and Rewrts) Regulations 2008 only lo tlie extent required to provide o 'true and fair view,. This departure has involv¢d followiii&T A¢¢ountii)&i and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance wilh ihe Financial Reportin¥ Svandard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 1021 issued on 16 July ?014 railieT than tlie Accouniing and RernIng by Chariiics.. Siaiemeni of Recommended Praciice effeciive from I April ?005 which has since been withdrawn. Porridge & Pens is an unincoTporaied regisiered charity and mttts the definition of a public benefii eniiry under FRS 102. Gging ¢on¢¢rn The trustees consider ihai there are no maierial uncertainties aboui the Trust's ability to continue as a bpoinbT coneern. Inconiing Resourets l)onalioiis arc rccobjnised when reeeivable. Resources Expended All cxpciiditurc 15 accounted for on an accruals basis and include5 VA T as the charity is not VAT re8lStered. The majority ofcosts are attributable io specific charitable activities. Governanc¢ cosis are assc)ciaied M'iih ihe bpovemance arrangements of ihe chari¢y. Fixed A4sets gnd Depreeiatio Fixed asseis are shnHn ai hisiorical cosl. Expenditure on IgIble fixed assets is ¢apitalised. Ihe cost of other it¢m5 15 written off a5 incurred. Depreciation is calculated so as to w'rite off ihe cosi of an &ss¢t. less its estimaied residual valu¢, over the useful economic life of that aet as folloS.. C.ompuier equipmeni Office equipment 25.10 slrdighi line 250/u siraighi line
PORRIDGE & PENS GHANA NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Icontinued) YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025 ACCOUNTING POLICIES {eoDtinued} Dehtors and creditors Trade and other deb(or5 are recognised ai the seiilement amount due. Crediiors are recognised at their seitletnent amounl. Cash and cash equiTh'alentS Cash and cash equivalenis comprise cash in hand and de)Sits. Fund aecomnting Fund% held by ihe chariry are either.. Unr¢slri¢t¢d g¢n¢ro1 funds- Ih¢s¢ ar¢ funds Hhich can uKd in accordanc¢ w'ith the charitable objeeis ai the discretion of the irusitts. Designated funds- Ihese are funds sei aside by ihe InleeS out of unresiritied funds for specific future purposes or projects. Resiricied funds- Ihese are funds ihai can only be used for particular reStriCd purposes w'ithin the objects of the chariry.. Taxation -I'hc charity is exempt from taxation in respect of income or ¢apital gains to the extent that su¢h income OT gains are applied exclusively to charithble purpo%s. DONATIONS Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds Total Funds Funds Funds 2024 Donation5 Giftaid Grant5 75.856 7.718 75,856 7,718 131,944 70.352 9.899 132.843 126.344 89.174 126.344 215.518 213.094
PORRIDGE & PENS GHANA NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS {eontlnu•d YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025 FUNDRAISING ACTIVITIES Unrestricted Restricted Funds Funds Total Funds Total Fund5 2024 Online Charity Shop Sales Oiher fundraising income ?i.054 23,799 23,054 23,799 28.639 16.583 46.85J 46,853 45,22? CHARITABLE EXPENDITURE Unrtstricted Restricted Total Funds Funds Funds Total Funds 2024 Girl Power projecis Brightlingsca Academy projects Brigyhter Futures Projecl d¢liv¢ry siaff ¢osis Oth¢T proje¢t ¢osis 41,787 40.430 84.007 117,016 84,007 1,737 15,590 3.981 1,737 15.590 3.981 3,057 26,116 994 Direct project expenditure Projcci support cosis Staff tosts tkpre¢iation Printing, postage and freighi Insurance IT and telephone Rent and Rates Travel Project 5UPPOrt Costs Govemance costs {not¢ 5) 63,095 124.437 187,$32 229,421 31.821 851 887 796 31.821 851 887 796 33,700 963 796 2.598 1.192 331 38.476 3.630 2.598 1.192 331 38.476 3.630 2.823 3,1?9 430 43,553 4.075 Toial cosl of charlble ext*ndiiure 105,201 124.4J7 229.638 277.049
PORRIDGE & PENS GHANA NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Icontinuedl YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025 GOVERNANCE COSTS Total Fund$ 202S Tot41 Funds 2024 Fees payable to independent examiner: accounts and examinaiion Bank Fees Consultancy Costs ?.6?0 660 350 3.380 695 3.630 4.07.5 STAFF COSTS AND EMOLUMENTS Total s18ff ¢ost$ were Is follows: 2025 2024 Wages & salaries Employer pension coniributions 46.560 851 58,450 1.366 47.411 59,816 Parii¢ul&r¥ of enipluyee%." The average number of employees durin8 ihe year on a headcount basis was.. 2025 2024 No employee received remuneraiion of more than £60.(K)O during the period. Key management personnel remuneration in the year totalled £?7.696 (20?4- L?1.797}. TRUSTF.F.S' RF.MUNF.RATION AND F.XPF.NSF.S No remuneration was paid to Trustees in the yvdr (?0?4- Nil) No travel or sub515tence expen5e5 were paid on behalf of Trn5tee5 in the year {?024 - Nil).
PORRIDGE & PENS GHANA NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025 8. TANCIBLE FIXED ASSETS orrice F.quipment Computer Total Cost Ai l Jartuary 2025 Additions At 31st Deeember 2025 945 3.390 94 3.484 4.335 94 4,4?9 945 Depreciatio At l Janiiary 20?5 Char¥r¢ for )'¢ar 140 236 2,307 614 2.447 850 At 31st Decernb¢r 2025 376 2,921 3.297 Net book I'alue At 31st Decernber 2025 569 563 Ai 3 1st tk¢ember 2024 805 1.083 1.888 9. DEBTORS 2024 Gift aid recoveTable Grants Receivable 1238 802 1.238 2.962 10. CREDITORS: Amounts falling due wi¢hin one year 2024 Accruals her creditors 2,760 1,376 2,900 4.136 3.031 11. RF.LATF.D PARTIF.S TRANSACTIONS During the year L Weaver. wife of G Weaver (Trustee). was paid wages totslling Nil (2024- £162) in her role fundraising support officer.
PORRIDGE & PENS GHANA NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025 12. FUNDS Current Year Balance a¢ Olm112025 Balance at 3111212025 IDcorning OutgoiDg Transfer Vnreslricted funds General 35.297 136,119 {113.995) 57.421 35.297 136.119 {113.995} 57.421 Restricted funds l} Girl Power 2} Brightlingsea Academ). 40.430 85.914 (40.430) (84.007) {124.437) 6.503 8.410 6,503 126,344 8,410 Priiir Yeur Buluiice ul 31112ll1124 111/11112U24 Iv¢'oniliiK OulxoliiK TNiisfer Unre.IlricledfHnd.% .135 135 136. 798 136. 79 lJ69.63tS) 116V.636) 35,297 35, ?y7 Re,TiriLredfunds l) Ciirl Pi)wtJr 2) BriAyhilinxJeo Acodemy 32.&00 11. 741 (3 ) N(JO) 6,5n3 171.541 6,503 Restricted Funds l ) Girl Poiier.. Supkwrting around 60 gir15, young women and their families from inforn)al setilement5 and low-income families. Funding covered %hool places. meals mentoring. and safe shelter where needed, helping ihem avoid child labour. abuse. or homelessness while progressing through education and training. It also provided small business grants and menloring to sludents, parents. 2) Brightlingsea Academ).. Rutlning a comrnunitv primary school for around 450 childrell. providing two daily meals (over 150,000 meals served in 2024} and free education without corporal pui)i51)n)enL teacher Salaries and teacher training. It a150 provided small busines5 grants and Inentoring to students, parents.
PORRIDGE & PENS GHANA NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025 13. ANAL YSIS OF NET ASSETS {betweeD res¢rict¢d and unrestricted funds) Current y¢ar Tangible riled assets Other D¢t a55et5 Tot&1 Restricted Unresiricied 8.410 56,?88 8.410 57.4?1 .132 1.132 64,698 65.831 Prlvryeor TunKihl< Oilier nel Rcsiricled Unr¢'stri¢t¢d 6,503 33,409 6,503 35,297 1,888 39.912 14. OPERATING LEASE COMMITMENTS Total fuiure minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases are as follows.. 2024 Within one year Within twg to five years 1,041 1,872 1.041 1.872 10