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2023-12-31-accounts

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT SUMMARY
3
A WORD FROM THE CHAIR
4
CHENNAI
5
FUKUSHIMA
7
ACCRA
9
CERRITOS
11
QUITO
13
OAXACA
14
LOOKING AHEAD
15
FINANCIALS
16
TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT SUMMARY
3
A WORD FROM THE CHAIR
4
CHENNAI
5
FUKUSHIMA
7
ACCRA
9
CERRITOS
11
QUITO
13
OAXACA
14
LOOKING AHEAD
15
FINANCIALS
16
TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT SUMMARY
3
A WORD FROM THE CHAIR
4
CHENNAI
5
FUKUSHIMA
7
ACCRA
9
CERRITOS
11
QUITO
13
OAXACA
14
LOOKING AHEAD
15
FINANCIALS
16
TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT SUMMARY
3
A WORD FROM THE CHAIR
4
CHENNAI
5
FUKUSHIMA
7
ACCRA
9
CERRITOS
11
QUITO
13
OAXACA
14
LOOKING AHEAD
15
FINANCIALS
16
TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT SUMMARY
3
A WORD FROM THE CHAIR
4
CHENNAI
5
FUKUSHIMA
7
ACCRA
9
CERRITOS
11
QUITO
13
OAXACA
14
LOOKING AHEAD
15
FINANCIALS
16
TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT SUMMARY
3
A WORD FROM THE CHAIR
4
CHENNAI
5
FUKUSHIMA
7
ACCRA
9
CERRITOS
11
QUITO
13
OAXACA
14
LOOKING AHEAD
15
FINANCIALS
16
13
14
15
16

Keys of Change is mostly funded by donations from generous individuals who believe, as the trustees do, that music can change the world.

As trustees of Keys of Change, we should like to express our sincere gratitude to all our friends, supporters, musicians and volunteers for the support they have given through the years.

3

TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT SUMMARY YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS

Address 6 Wyvern Road Purley CR8 2NP

Trustees: Chair Other trustees

P. Karan C. Patrick F. Nwaegbe

Bankers

HSBC 54 Woodcote Road Wallington Surrey SM6 ONJ

Organisational Structure

Trustees meet regularly and are responsible for the strategic direction and policy of the Charity.

The trustees confirm that they have referred to the Charity Commission’s general guidance on public benefit when reviewing the Trust’s aims and objectives and in planning future activities. In particular, the trustees consider how planned activities will contribute to the aims and objectives they have set.

Objectives

The objectives of the Charity are:

Governing Document

Keys of Change CIO ("the Charity") is a charity, governed by a trust deed adopted 20th November 2015. It is registered as a charity in England and Wales, number 1166756.

Trustees

Trustees are recruited from people who have an interest in advancing musical education internationally. They are appointed by vote of existing trustees.

4

A W O R D F R O M P A N O S

As the founder of Keys of Change, I have been privileged to witness first-hand the profound impact of our music programmes on young people around the globe. Since our inception in 2011, we have embarked on a mission to harness the power of music to catalyse positive change in the lives of children facing immense challenges.

From the bustling streets of Ghana to the serene landscapes of Ecuador, from the vibrant communities of Mexico to the resilient spirits of India and Japan, our programmes have become beacons of hope, offering solace and opportunity to those who need it most. Through music education, we have witnessed remarkable transformations in the behaviour, attitudes, self-confidence, and overall outlook on life of the children we serve. In 2023, I had the privilege of immersing myself more deeply than ever before in the lives of our young musicians. I traversed continents to engage personally with our beneficiaries, witnessing their journeys of resilience and growth. In Ghana, I saw a student overcome trauma through the power of orchestral music. In the mountains of Ecuador, I witnessed young musicians discovering their identity through the universal language of music. In India, I marvelled as a young pianist took centre stage, radiating confidence and talent. And in Fukushima, I was moved as a group of musicians made history by recording their first album, defying the shadows of tragedy with melodies of hope.

One of the most striking observations from my interactions has been the profound

improvement in the behaviour of our students. Our programmes provide a structured and supportive environment, instilling discipline, determination, and a sense of responsibility. Through music, they learn the value of teamwork, respect, and commitment, leading to positive changes both within our programmes and in their lives beyond.

Equally important is the boost in selfconfidence that music education affords vulnerable young people. For those facing adversity, there is no greater gift than belief in oneself. Through learning to play an instrument, collaborating with peers, and performing before audiences, our young musicians discover their inherent worth and potential. This newfound confidence empowers them to set goals, pursue dreams, and surmount obstacles with resilience and grace.

The significance of supporting such initiatives cannot be overstated. It is through the generosity of our donors, supporters, and volunteers—compassionate souls who share our belief in the transformative power of music—that we are able to continue our mission. In the pages that follow, you will encounter stories of resilience, hope, and triumph—testaments to the boundless possibilities when young people unite in harmony. I invite you to read, be inspired, and join us in our journey of empowerment through music. With heartfelt gratitude,

Panos Karan

5

In collaboration with Keys of Change USA and Musée Musical

C H E N N A I

Our work in India with the Chennai Youth Sinfonietta.

The Chennai Youth Sinfonietta (CYS), born out of the partnership between Musée Musical Foundation and Keys of Change in January 2020, stands as a testament to the power of collaboration. This first-ofits-kind in Chennai youth orchestra provides a unique platform for young music learners in Chennai to share the stage with international mentors, inspiring and empowering them through the transformative power of music.

Following an extremely successful launch in October 2022, as well as holding auditions for new members, the musicians of the CYS continued their musical development throughout 2023, coached by Keys of Change musicians online and in person. The CYS put together an extraordinary performance on December 11, 2023, where the stage became a canvas for a mesmerising fusion of talent and dedication. This was truly a night to remember. Four Keys of Change teachers travelled to India to support this effort and coach the young Indian musicians towards this musical goal.

The orchestra, comprising 30 exceptionally talented young musicians, radiated passion and dedication as they graced the stage. Their overarching goal of using music to spread positivity throughout the city was palpable in every note. The carefully curated repertoire, featuring masterpieces such as Mozart’s Symphony No. 40 and Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue, was flawlessly executed, leaving the audience in awe.

One of the highlights of the evening was witnessing the debut performance of 15-year-old pianist Raga Varshini, a testament to the incredible talent Chennai has to offer. The collaborative efforts of Keys of Change teachers, who have been diligently coaching the orchestra for the past two years, were evident in the seamless coordination and musical finesse displayed.

What makes this musical journey even more remarkable is the involvement of Musée Musical Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to promoting the performing arts. With a mission to inspire, empower, and use music to change lives, the Foundation collaborates with various entities to create an inclusive and safe environment for students from diverse and often challenging backgrounds to learn and perform side-by-side with international teachers and performers.

As we look to the future, the Chennai Youth Sinfonietta, with its roots deeply embedded in the vision to inspire and empower young musicians, is poised to continue changing lives not only in Chennai but throughout Tamil Nadu. Musée Musical Foundation and Keys of Change remain totally dedicated to creating an ecosystem where the highest endeavour of human achievement, the arts, thrives.

6

C H E N N A I : P H O T O J O U R N A L

Images and video from our concert with the Chennai Youth Sinfonietta

7

F U K U S H I M A

Recording a debut album, the Fukushima Youth Sinfonietta has brought together more than 100 Fukushima youth, sharing a message of resilience for the tragic past and hope for the future.

In collaboration with Keys of Change USA and NPO Fukushima Youth Sinfonietta

The Fukushima Youth Sinfonietta (FYS) has played a significant role in the recovery and rejuvenation of Fukushima's young population following the devastating earthquake, tsunami and nuclear disaster sequence of events of 2011. Founded in 2014 with the support of Keys of Change, this music ensemble has not only provided a safe haven for practicing music but has also served as a vehicle of recovery and empowerment for its young members. The FYS has continually showcased its resilience and unity through numerous performances in Fukushima, as well as internationally. With the aim of spreading its positive messages to a wider audience, the FYS embarked on a formal recording project in March 2023.

The musicians practiced for several months with local teachers and then, between March 21st and 29th, 2023, rehearsed with international, as well as local teachers. Participation was open to both past and current members of the orchestra. The recording took place at the Fukushima City Ongaku Do on March 30th and 31st. Since then, Keys of Change has been working with the sound recording team to finalise the recording and produce CDs and online access.

The collaboration between Keys of Change and the musicians from the FYS in Japan, involving an international group of musicians, is of immense importance. This partnership serves as a testament to the power of music in building bridges, expanding horizons and changing lives after the disaster. With teachers hailing from the United Kingdom, Venezuela and Greece, working alongside Japanese instructors, this recording project showcases the remarkable results that can be achieved through intercultural collaboration. Through this exchange, the musicians are able to broaden their horizons and develop a sense of global citizenship. Furthermore, the inspirational power of music can help heal the wounds left by the disaster, offering solace and hope to those affected. By working together and leveraging the strength of their collective talents, the musicians involved in this collaboration create a harmonious symphony that echoes far beyond the stage, inspiring and

uplifting individuals across borders and fostering a sense of unity in the face of adversity.

As the FYS has emerged as a symbol of restoration for the younger generation, its recording in March 2023 symbolises the remarkable resilience and transformative power of music in the face of tragedy. By capturing the FYS's performances on record in both physical and digital formats, this project will provide long-term opportunities to spread the orchestra's positive messages and serve as a symbol of hope for the Fukushima community. Additionally, the income generated from the sales of the recording is essential for supporting the orchestra's future activities. As such, the FYS is committed to promoting the recording and ensuring its own development.

8

F U K U S H I M A : P H O T O J O U R N A L

Images and video from the debut album recording of the Fukushima Youth Sinfonietta. Listen now on Spotify or Apple Music.

9

A C C R A

Keys of Change is empowering children and young people in Ghana by teaching them skills that will help them for the rest of their lives.

In collaboration with Keys of Change USA, and Kinder Paradise

This pioneering endeavour provides highly motivated international music teachers, who dedicate up to six months of their lives to reside on Ghanaian soil. Immersed within the compound of Kinder Paradise, our local partner and home for children escaping harsh and deprived backgrounds, these teachers commune daily with the children residing there, offering personalised music lessons that transcend the boundaries of traditional instruction. Beyond nurturing musical prowess, these sessions serve as transformative opportunities, fostering confidence, leadership skills, and collaboration among the students. Above all, the ultimate aim has been to instil a profound sense of self- worth within these young people.

Continuing the positive momentum of the previous months, a string teacher named Sergio arrived from Venezuela in August 2022, bringing with him a wealth of knowledge and expertise. He immediately began teaching the children at Kinder Paradise, further enriching their musical education. Sergio left Ghana in February 2023, and in March 2023 the team welcomed Efren, another skilled string teacher from

Venezuela. His presence enhanced the programme and continued to inspire the children to explore the world of strings. In July 2023, the programme reached another milestone with the arrival of Moises, a talented brass teacher from Venezuela. Moises wasted no time in immersing himself in his role, bringing new possibilities and teaching techniques to the children. With the addition of Moises, the programme gained a more comprehensive musical dimension, broadening the horizons of the children and fostering their creativity.

In a remarkable sequence of events, two of our teachers have been presented with exceptional opportunities to further their musical careers. Sergio, following his commendable work in Ghana, has been offered a coveted position at a music school in Singapore. He utilised the stipendium provided by Keys of Change for his work in Ghana to embark on this new chapter in Singapore. Similarly, Pedro, another valuable member of our teaching team, has received an offer to study at a prestigious university in Switzerland, focusing on his musical education and teaching skills. These talented individuals are utilising their salaries from Keys of Change to support their dreams and propel their careers forward.

In August 2023 Keys of Change held a music camp and performance. This event was enhanced by the presence of two visiting Keys of Change teachers, as well as the two music teachers based in Ghana long-term. Their collective expertise and dedication greatly contributed to the successful preparation and execution of the music camp, ensuring a memorable and rewarding experience for all involved.

10

A C C R A : P H O T O J O U R N A L

Images of our teachers and students at the Kinder Paradise home

11

In collaboration with Keys of Change USA, the Condor Trust for Education and the Dulcepamba Project

C E R R I T O S

“A village without music is a village without a soul”, says a local proverb, and so the village of Cerritos, located deep in the mountains of the Ecuadorian Andes, already has a musical soul.

In 2021, responding to a request from local community representatives from the village of Cerritos, located deep in the mountains of the Ecuadorian Andes, Keys of Change launched a new programme in Ecuador involving 20 young people. This group had been dreaming of creating a wind and brass band in order to preserve their unique culture and ancestral traditions. With the help of Keys of Change, including six teachers from inside and outside Ecuador, and the logistical support of local partners, the Dulcepamba Project and the Condor Trust for Education, this dream is now a reality.

The main objective is to provide music education and instruments to the youth of Cerritos, encouraging them to pursue their passion for music and also enhance their cognitive abilities. As the community has no cell phone coverage, we are utilising satellite internet access. Basic music tuition is provided through online classes by young music teachers, carefully chosen from our Oaxaca-Mexico project. We have also hired a music theory teacher for this project, who comes from Lima, Peru, and who has been assisting us with our other Ecuador project in Quito, as well as appointing a project manager.

To supplement online classes, our guitar teacher from our Quito project visits the community in Cerritos every few months. Additionally, music teachers from Mexico have visited the community to provide in-person instruction, arranging sectional and group rehearsals, and preparing students for their public performances. During 2023, we organised four visits from our music teachers to provide more comprehensive music education experiences to the students.

On October 20th 2023, the culmination of dreams and dedication unfolded in a magical concert. This public performance marked a significant milestone for these talented young musicians. The development of the band in Cerritos has given a sense of unity, pride and hope to all the participants and to the community overall. As well as helping better sustain the sense of identity and preserving vanishing traditions through music, the band has given an opportunity to its members to expand their horizons and look at new possibilities for the future, many having expressed a desire to become music teachers and a wish to share their musical traditions with other parts of Ecuador.

This initiative not only preserves their cultural heritage but also instils a sense of pride for the community, provides a creative outlet for the youth and opens new avenues of learning and growth. In addition, it enhances the musicians’ standing within the community and improves the prospects of the individual young musicians, as well as of the band as a whole.

Keys of Change aims to expand this programme by inviting more young people to join the band. To achieve this, we need to deliver more instruments and more tuition hours.

12

C E R R I T O S : P H O T O J O U R N A L

Images of our teachers and students in Cerritos, Ecuador

13

Q U I T O

In Ecuador, the country where we started teaching music in 2011, our music programme goes from strength to strength.

In collaboration with Keys of Change USA and the Condor Trust for Education

The music education programme in Quito goes from strength to strength: almost all the secondary school students supported there by the Condor Trust now opt to attend the music lessons provided by local teachers every Saturday morning at the Trust’s Centre. Ten young people are now learning the guitar, seven sing in the choir and five are learning the violin. Attendance levels and enthusiasm are high, as students forget the stresses of the school week and of life in an unstable political environment, and instead immerse themselves in music.

Keys of Change provides guitars and other instruments and supports teachers Daniel Vallejo (guitar) and Anahí Chicaiza (singing), who work alongside Juan Carlos Arciniega (violin). Online lessons are also offered to the most advanced guitar players. Every year, further improvements in musical standards are clear. At the same time, the students love the opportunities every Saturday brings to play or sing together and develop their skills in listening and performing.

One of Keys of Change’s main objectives is to give students the chance to listen to good, live performances. In summer 2023, some of the guitar students had the opportunity to go and listen to the American guitarist Steve Vai play at the Casa de la Cultura, on his first visit to Ecuador – an unforgettable experience. A few weeks earlier, the singing group fulfilled another of Keys of Change’s aims – performing in public. During Women’s History Month, the choir joined

other groups of women in the centre of Quito for an outdoor performance and gesture of solidarity.

Over the past year or so, Keys of Change and the Condor Trust have been trying to start a musical interchange between students learning the guitar in Quito and Keys of Change-supported young people in the Banda in Cerritos. For various logistical reasons, the first trip was postponed several times, but was finally arranged for the end of July 2023. Arrangements were made directly with the community in Cerritos and several of the Quito guitar students travelled south along the Andes to the rural community of Cerritos. The underlying idea is for the groups to meet each other, both in Cerritos and Quito, and to play music both as separate groups and together, and through these activities to broaden their experience of music and of Ecuador, and at the same time develop personal and social skills. For the Quito students, the trip was a definite success. All of them were extremely enthusiastic about the visit as this was a new and eye-opening experience. They loved the scenery, the different way of life in Cerritos, the adventure of getting there – in fact everything except the absence of continuous internet! Musically, it was also a very happy experience. The Quito students grew in stature thanks to the warm reception they received from the various audiences they performed in front of in Cerritos. A return visit, this time of the Banda of Cerritos to Quito, has been arranged for June 2024.

14

O A X A C A

“While Oaxaca gives us their garbage, we give them back music!” Santa Cecilia music school, Oaxaca, Mexico

In 2011, amidst the challenges of drugs, violence, and poverty in the community of Vincente Guerrero near Oaxaca, a group of resilient young individuals sought refuge from their harsh reality. They found solace in music and thus, the Banda de la Música was born. With the guidance of a dedicated local music teacher, they established a music school, marking the genesis of a transformative journey. Fast forward six years, and the impact of this musical initiative had rippled beyond expectations. Witnessing the profound positive changes in the lives of these youngsters, Keys of Change made a commitment in 2017 to nurture their aspirations. The Banda de la Música evolved into the Orquesta Sinfónica Juvenil Santa Cecilia, a beacon of hope amid adversity, showcasing the transformative power of music.

Our programme in Oaxaca currently supports the musical education of 60 young students residing on the outskirts of the city, adjacent to the landfill. In a community where resilience meets creativity, the motto "while Oaxaca gives us their garbage, we give them back music" resonates deeply. Since 2021, Keys of Change has facilitated the presence of two dedicated teachers, ensuring over 60 hours of classes are conducted monthly.

The Oaxaca programme extends beyond the borders of Mexico. In fact, four teachers from Oaxaca are not only involved in online teaching of the Cerritos students, our project in the Ecuadorian Andes, but in 2023 travelled to Ecuador to hold music camps in Cerritos, as a testament to how music can change lives and bring people of different cultures closer together.

In the words of Lucy French, our teacher based in Oaxaca since 2020, “The project is incredibly important in the community and its influence is only growing each year. I was proud, along with the other teachers, to hear just how well regarded our students who are studying in the National University of Mexico are. One of the mums told us how continually surprised and delighted the teachers there were to find that

In collaboration with

Keys of Change USA and the Banda de la Música

our students, who have such a commitment to practice and a high standard, came from a colony in Oaxaca with such a difficult past and story. It is real proof that music can change lives for the better and that the project is deserving of more and more help.”

15

L O O K I N G A H E A D

At the heart of Keys of Change lies its mantra: "music can change the world." In 2024, we're committed to turning our vision of uniting young musicians living in poverty or in difficult circumstances from diverse corners of the globe into tangible action.

Through both research and our firsthand experiences, we've witnessed the transformative power of music countless times. It fosters profound connections, boosts confidence, and instils a sense of empowerment. At Keys of Change, every project reaffirms the incredible motivation and inspiration that music-making ignites. As we move into 2024 and beyond, we eagerly anticipate wholeheartedly embracing our mission of sharing these invaluable benefits of music with even greater reach and impact.

Strengthening our partnerships, expanding our teaching programme, sustaining our youth orchestras.

In 2024, our strategic initiatives encompass several key objectives: -Deployment of instructors to all project sites for in-person instruction, complemented by sustained utilisation of online teaching methodologies.

-Coordination and execution of live performances involving all participating youth cohorts.

-Expansion of instrument availability to facilitate the musical endeavours of newly established groups.

-Enhancement of opportunities for youth engagement through live musical experiences.

Anticipated outcomes include a repeat performances with the Chennai Youth Sinfonietta, and with our Oaxaca group, a musical exchange in Taiwan for the Fukushima Youth Sinfonietta, local concerts featuring our Ghanaian youth musicians, and increased performances by the nascent Banda in Ecuador. Moreover, plans are underway to foster additional exchange programmes, promoting collaboration and growth among participating groups, alongside supporting the continued advancement of the World Youth Sinfonietta.

These concerted efforts aim to sustain our mission of inspiring students and fostering community enrichment through the transformative power of music.

Keys of Change remains steadfast in its commitment to align with the UN's Sustainable Development Goals, contributing to the global agenda of creating a more equitable and sustainable world by 2030. Key objectives closely aligned with our activities include:

16

A C C O U N T S

22/05/2024
Last year
to the nearest £
12,095
2,685
-
-
-
-
-
-
14,780
-
-
14,780
197
13,675
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
13,872
-
13,872
908
-
2,515
3,423
Endowment
funds
to nearest £
-
-
-
-
OK
CC16a
Signed by one or two trustees on
behalf of all the trustees
B2 Other monetary assets
B4 Assets retained for the
charity’s own use
B5 Liabilities
B3 Investment assets
Signature
Details
Details
Details
Details
Unrestricted
funds
to nearest £
-
-
-
-
-
-
Fund to which asset
belongs
Fund to which asset
belongs
Fund to which
liability relates
Print N
Restricted funds
to nearest £
-
-
-
-
-
-
Cost (optional)
-
-
-
-
-
Cost (optional)
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Amount due
(optional)
-
-
-
-
-
ame
Karan
Endowment
funds
to nearest £
Keys of Change C.I.O. 1166756 CC16a
Receipts andpayments accounts -
For the period
from
01/01/2023 To 31/12/2023 -
-
Section A Receipts and payments
-
A1 Receipts
Unrestricted
funds
to the nearest £
Restricted funds
to the nearest £
Endowment
funds
to the nearest £
Total funds
to the nearest £
-
-
Donations and legacies
Charitable activities
12,338
1,983
2,500
-
-
-
14,838
1,983
12,095
2,685
Current value
(optional)
Other - - - - -
- - - - -
- - - - - -
- - - - -
- - - - - -
- - - - -
Sub total(Gross income for AR) 14,321 2,500 - 16,821 14,780 -
A2 Asset and investment sales,
(see table).
-
- - - - -
- - - - -
Sub total - - - - - Current value
(optional)
Total receipts
A3 Payments
14,321 2,500 - 16,821 14,780
-

Raisingfunds
165 - - 165 197 -
Charitable activities 15,649 2,500 - 18,149 13,675 -
Other - - - - -
- - - - - -
- - - - -
- - - - - -
- - - - -
- - - - - -
- - - - -
**Sub total ** 15,814 2,500 - 18,314 13,872 -
A4 Asset and investment
purchases, (see table)
-
-
- - - -
- - - - When due
(optional)
**Sub total ** - - - - -
Total payments
Net of receipts/(payments)
A5 Transfers between funds
A6 Cash funds last year end
Cash funds this year end
15,814 2,500 - 18,314 13,872
- 1,493 -
-

- 1,493
908
- **- ** - - -
3,423 - - 3,423 2,515
1,930 -
-
1,930 3,423
Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period
Date of approval
CCXX R1 accounts (SS)
Categories
B1 Cash funds
Details Unrestricted
funds
to nearest £
Restricted funds
to nearest £
Panos Karan
Bank account 1,930 - -
- - -
- - -
1
Total cash funds
(agree balances with receipts and payments account(s))
1,930 - -
OK OK