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 Bri￿tIon9$•a
Audemy.
/ Safe ar￿ secure auommodatic
/ Nutritious ￿al$
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 s￿￿1 supplies
rf pa￿oral 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. chIld￿n 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 I￿se children wt
lfving in unsafe Conditions
with no stability, no quiet place
to study and no cortalftty
ab￿rt 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
5UPF￿rt 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 t￿￿￿w.
SUPPOR TING OUR
FEEDING PROGRAMME
A STEP TOWARDS
SUSTAINABILITY
LEARNING. GROIYING.
THRIVING.
STRONGER TOGETHER,
BRIGHTER FUTURES
Thank YOU.
F￿$h. he•lthy and Ioc311y
grtxbm food ￿lpS prthidè
nui¥itK)us meals tor
thidren evvyday.
Pf•¢lt•l le*hiNJ
hÈlp ¢hildr•h dwdeltsp vkIUa￿e I
"te skills tor the future.
0￿$, build5 seeurity
yole¢ts Wchil&•'sfu￿T¢.
W0￿￿n9 ￿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
sit￿￿tIon 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•rtd￿nS.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 ¢Xamit￿llon 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¢M￿r 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 AcCoun￿nts. 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 Tr￿￿te¢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 Re￿rnIng 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 I￿gIble 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 a￿et as follo￿S..
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 In￿leeS out of unresiritied funds for
specific future purposes or projects.
Resiricied funds- Ihese are funds ihai can only be used for particular reStriC￿d
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 charl￿ble 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