. UK
(Supporting the Theological College of Zimbabawe, Bulawayo, Zimbabawe)
Report of the Friends of the Theological College of Zimbabwe, UK
A. Trustees
Rev Dr Alan Beavis Rev Dr Hillary Nyika Rev Elias Moyo Mr Grasiano Takawira
B. Registered office 6 Ashfields, Loughton IG101SB
C. Charity Number: 1168286
- D. Bankers: HSBC
E. Report of the Trustees for the period ended 31[st] December 2020
The trustees present their first report of the activities of the charity for the period ending 31[st] December 2020.
F. Structure, governance and management.
The charity still operates without an executive management structure and all the activities of the charity are executed through the Trustees as is due to the low activities taking place. The Trustees meet regularly by electronic means to discuss and plan the activities of the charity.
All the Trustees gave their time freely with no remuneration during the period under review.
G. Objectives and activities for public benefit
The objectives of the charity, which is for the public benefit is the advancement of the Evangelical Christian faith worldwide, and in particular to support the work of the Theological College of Zimbabwe, which is located in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, and these have not changed.
1 | P a g e
The Trustees confirm that they have referred to the general guidance contained in the Charity Commission general guidance on public benefit when reviewing the Charity’s aims and objectives in planning for future activities.
The charity carries out its objects by:
-
a. Raising funds from individuals, churches and other organisations that are interested in objectives of the charity
-
b. Sending funds to the Theological College of Zimbabwe to meet the developmental goals of the college in Zimbabwe in which the college administration sees fit
H. Grant making policy
The policy of the charity is exclusively for raising funds for the Theological College in Zimbabwe. Funds raised in the UK are not meant to cover salaries, but for payment of the college overheads such as electricity, water, rates and repairs. The charity also participates in raising funds for capital projects at the college, and supporting students.
I. Monitoring progress/achievement
The chair of the trustees and any of the trustees occasionally travel to Zimbabwe, but did not do so last year due the travel restrictions because of the Covid-19 pandemic. The purpose of travelling there is to evaluate the progress made with funds sent from the UK.
There are regular board meetings at the Theological College in Zimbabwe and minutes are sent to the UK charity so that they are kept abreast of developments at the college. The chair of the charity attends these College Board meetings via. Zoom
The Principal of the College in Zimbabwe does come over to the UK to brief the Trustees on the developments at the College and meet some of the donors, but this has not been possible during the pandemic because of travel restrictions. Most of the evaluation have been done via Zoom.
J. Financial review
The charity’s income is derived mainly from donations from individuals, churches and other organisations in the UK. There are plans to explore other fund raising initiatives so as to widen the income base for the charity as the needs of the college in Zimbabwe. The College requirements have remained high over the last 5 years. Not much was done last year due to the pandemic.
K. Investments and reserves policy
The charity does not engage in any investments or set on making any reserves on funds received as all the funds raised are sent to the college in Zimbabwe.
2 | P a g e
L. Plans for the future
Efforts are still ongoing to increase the number of trustees so as to widen the fund-raising catchment area and also bring in new ideas of how the charity be able to raise more funds.
M. Trustees responsibilities to maintain financial statements
The trustees are responsible for the preparation of the annual statements and financial statements at the end of the reporting period and to ensure that the funds raised are used for the sole purpose for which the charity was established for.
Signed
Rev Dr Alan Beavis, Chair Friends of the Theological College of Zimbabwe, UK
Summary accounts
Income - £18,760.75
Expenditure - £ 24,762.00
Note: All expenditures are funds sent to the college in Zimbabwe.
3 | P a g e