BLUE MAGPIE FOUNDATION
ANNUAL REPORT 2024
Only Together We Can
TABLE OF CONTENTS
LETTER FROM 1 THE CEO
ORGANISATION 2 OVERVIEW
ESTATES IN 3 HARROW
ACTIVITIES & 4 ACHIEVEMENTS
SUCCESS 9 STORIES
IMPACT IN NUMBERS
OVERALL IMPACT
FUTURE PLANS
STRUCTURE & GOVERNANCE
10
11
12
13
FINANCIAL 15 STATEMENTS
CONTACT 19 US
LETTER FROM THE CEO
THOMAS KISHAN ANANTHAN Founder, Blue Magpie Foundation
Reflecting on the past year, my heart swells with pride and gratitude for the remarkable advancements we have achieved. The Blue Magpie Foundation (BMF) witnessed another successful year advancing its mission to empower children and young adults through education, support, and community engagement. It is with great pleasure that I share our latest achievements in this annual report.
Our journey at BMF is driven by a simple yet powerful belief: "Only Together We Can." It is the collective effort of our volunteers, donors, partners, and the incredible BMF team that enables us to achieve extraordinary things. The majority of our active members juggle full-time jobs, families, and education, yet still make the time to work for the BMF mission on a best-effort basis. We are ordinary people striving to do something extraordinary. I want to express my deepest gratitude to our volunteers, donors, partners, and the incredible BMF team for their unwavering commitment. This annual report is a testament to the incredible impact we can achieve when we work together. It is my hope that it inspires you to continue supporting our mission and join us on this remarkable journey of empowerment and change.
Thank you for your trust, generosity, and dedication to making the world a better place.
Thomas Kishan Ananthan Lo #OnlyTogetherWeCan
ORGANISATION OVERVIEW
Founded in 2016 our organisation draws its inspiration and commitment from the profound experiences of our founders Thomas Kishan Ananthan and Thivya Ananthan, both born in Sri Lanka and raised in Paris and London respectively. Having witnessed the impact of adversity, particularly through their parents’ journey fleeing the civil war in the 1980s, the founders are intimately connected to the transformative power of education in overcoming such challenges.
OUR VISION AND MISSION
BMF aims to empower vulnerable children and communities, enabling them to build a brighter future. We believe in the transformative power of education, community engagement, and compassionate support.
TARGETING ESTATES IN HARROW
WHY BMF CHOSE GRANGE FARM ESTATE FOR ITS EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMME
BMF selected Harrow's Grange Farm Estate for its educational programme due to the pressing need for positive intervention in a community plagued by violence, crime, and social fragmentation. The Grange Farm Estate, a postwar council housing project, has witnessed a decline in community cohesion and an increase in violent incidents, including stabbings and acid attacks. These challenges, coupled with the temporary nature of many residents' accommodations, have contributed to a sense of instability and insecurity.
Our programme aims to address these issues by engaging the youth in meaningful educational activities designed to foster a love for learning and to underscore the importance of education for a brighter future. We focus on making education appealing and relevant through various engaging activities and providing essential academic support where needed.
Additionally, we emphasise the development of soft skills such as communication, team building, and problem-solving. These skills are crucial in making the children more employable and preparing them for the challenges of the modern world. By equipping them with these competencies, we hope to instill confidence and a sense of purpose, helping them to break the cycle of disadvantage and envision a more hopeful future.
Through our efforts, we aspire to rebuild the fractured community spirit and provide the children with the tools they need to succeed, thereby making a lasting impact on the estate and its residents.
ACTIVITIES AND ACHIEVEMENTS
UNITED KINGDOM: GRANGE FARM ESTATE, SOUTH HARROW
This year, we focused our efforts on the Grange Farm Estate in South Harrow, a community of 200 families living in challenging conditions. We provided educational support and enrichment activities to children aged 12 to 16, aiming to foster with them a passion for learning and essential life skills development.
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMES
Six-Week Educational Programmes: These programmes were designed to improve the children’s academic performance and boost their scholarly confidence. The children attended online courses in diverse subjects such as mathematics, science and others, and were supported in their learning.
Ask a Professional Sessions: We invited professionals from various fields —lawyers, doctors, IT managers, and fashion professionals—to share their career journeys and answer questions. the sessions exposed the children to diverse career paths and reinforced the importance of education in achieving their dreams.
ENRICHMENT ACTIVITIES
Vinted Marketplace Introduction: Children learned how to navigate online marketplaces like Vinted, which develops their entrepreneurial and financial literacy.
Pottery Workshops: The workshops allowed children to express their creativity and learn a new craft, enhancing their fine motor skills and artistic abilities.
Go-Karting: The outing introduced the children to driving in a safe environment, promoting independence and responsibility while having fun.
Science Experiments: Hands-on experiments sparked children’s curiosity and encouraged scientific thinking, demonstrating the fun and practical side of learning.
Team Building Exercises and Charades: These activities and games focused on improving communication, teamwork, and interpersonal skills.
ENRICHMENT ACTIVITIES
Laptop Cleanup: We assisted the children in cleaning up their laptops, improving their technical skills and ensuring they have functional devices for their educational needs.
Crochet Lessons: Crocheting taught patience and concentration, and exercised the children’s motor skills. The activity also provided them a sense of accomplishment and relaxation.
NUTRITIONAL AND SOCIAL ACTIVITIES
Smoothie Science: Children learned about the nutritional values of fruits and how to make healthy smoothies. This activity taught them the value of executing minor culinary tasks for a healthier lifestyle.
Dining Out at Nando’s and Healthy
Snacks: We organised outings and provided healthy snacks like acai bowls to promote balanced nutrition and social interaction, reinforcing the importance of healthy eating and community bonding.
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IMPACT
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Our work in South Harrow has been met with tremendous enthusiasm and gratitude. The children have shown significant improvement in their academic performance, communication skills, and overall confidence. They now understand the value of education and are better equipped to face life’s challenges and opportunities with a positive and proactive mindset.
ACTIVITIES AND ACHIEVEMENTS
SRI LANKA: MADDUVIL, JAFFNA, NORTHERN PROVINCE
Our programmes in Sri Lanka have persisted in sustaining a meaningful impact on the lives of vulnerable children. Our initiatives have provided over 50 children with access to vital educational resources and support. Since 2016, over 350 children have been significantly impacted by BMF’s programmes in Jaffna.
ACADEMIC PROGRAMMES
Since 2016, over
English and IT Classes: We offered periodic classes to advance children’s proficiency in English and IT skills, essential for their academic and professional futures.
350 CHILDREN
have been significantly impacted by BMF’s programmes in Jaffna.
Scholarship and Tutoring: Focused tutoring sessions supported students in preparation for scholarship exams, enhancing their chances of academic advancement and future opportunities.
COMMUNITY SUPPORT
COVID-19 Relief: During the pandemic, we extended support to 80 families, providing them with food and household essentials. This act of solidarity helped alleviate the immediate pressures on these families and demonstrated our commitment to their well-being.
The children in our Sri Lanka programmes have shown remarkable resilience and determination. Their academic achievements and personal growth are clear indicators of the transformational power of education. Our support has not only improved their educational outcomes but also their overall quality of life, providing them with hope and opportunities for a brighter future.
SUCCESS STORIES
KAVIPRIYA
One particularly heartwarming story involves Kavipriya, a star BMF student. Her family's journey from living in a makeshift hut for over 7 years to finally having a government-provided house was a significant turning point. With BMF's support, we ensured that this new home had electricity, fundamentally improving their well-being and Kavipriya's study environment. Today, we are immensely proud to share that Kavipriya is about to become a police officer in Jaffna, a testament to her hard work and the support she received.
Kavipriya and her family lived in a postwar makeshift hut for 7 years and now she’s about to become a police officer
VIJAY
Another inspiring story is that of Vijay, a student from one of the first BMF programmes in 2016. Vijay’s dedication and hard work have led him to pursue higher education at a university in 2024. Remarkably, Vijay is now giving back to his community by teaching English to the children of Madduvil with BMF. This exemplifies the sustainable impact of our efforts, as former students become educators and role models for the next generation.
Vijay was one of BMF’s top students in 2016
and now he is teaching BMF classes while attending university
IMPACT IN NUMBERS
OUR GLOBAL IMPACT
365+ Children
Impacted Worldwide
Since the start of our programme in 2016
5,000+ Teaching 3 Countries
Hours Reached Delivered through our UK, Bangladesh educational sessions and Sri Lanka 4 seme
COMMUNITY AND SUPPORT
300+ Supporters
Engaged through three
different campaigns. Educational and Volunteer Contributions
1,200+ Educational 8,450+ Materials Provided - Volunteer Books, worksheets, and digital Hours resources.
Contributed
50 volunteers in the
PROGRAMMES REACH AND IMPACT
UK since 2023 and 15 volunteers in Sri Lanka since 2016.
8 Years of Educational
Programmes
Empowering young people since 2016.
10+ Charity partnerships in the UK in one year
Collaborated to create impactful partnerships in one year.
OVERALL IMPACT FOR 2023-2024
DIVERSE PROGRAMMES
HOLISTIC APPROACH
Through these diverse activities and
programmes, both in the UK and Sri Lanka, the Blue Magpie Foundation has made significant strides in empowering children and young adults.
Our holistic approach addresses their educational, social, and emotional needs, fostering well-rounded individuals who are ready to take on the world.
FUTURE PLANS
UNITED KINGDOM
In 2024-2025, we aim to replicate our successful pilot programme at the Grange Farm Estate in South Harrow across the remaining 31 estates in Harrow. We have seen the tremendous impact our initiatives have had on the children and families in this community, and we are committed to extending this support to other areas in need. Our goal is to work in five additional estates by the end of 2024, contingent on securing the necessary funding.
Currently, the Blue Magpie Foundation operates entirely with the dedication of over 35 volunteers from diverse professional backgrounds, all working on a best-effort basis while managing their full-time jobs, schools, and careers. To enhance our capacity and effectiveness, we plan to hire two paid staff members in the coming year. These positions will be pivotal in advancing our work, increasing our reach, and ensuring sustained support for the children and young adults we serve.
Additionally, we envision establishing an educational centre in Harrow, providing a safe and welcoming space for young people aged 12 to 25 from disadvantaged backgrounds. This centre will offer academic support, career development assistance, and job placement help. It will be a warm and inclusive environment, open after school hours, with refreshments and snacks available, ensuring that young people have a place to further their education and receive the guidance they need to succeed.
We will also collaborate closely with local charities and organisations to bring educational activities to their communities, leveraging their centres and resources to maximise our impact.
INTERNATIONAL
Our international initiatives continue to be a vital part of our mission. We aim to open more educational centres in Sri Lanka and expand our reach to other countries where we have established a presence.
We are committed to identifying and supporting individuals highly impacted by crises, including the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our goal is to provide them with the educational resources and support they need to rebuild and thrive.
Through these ambitious projects, both domestically and internationally, the Blue Magpie Foundation remains dedicated to empowering vulnerable children and young adults, fostering their education, and supporting their personal and professional development. Together, we can create a brighter future for those who need it most.
STRUCTURE AND GOVERNANCE
DESCRIPTION OF THE CHARITY'S TRUSTS
The charity's trusts encompass a comprehensive set of principles and directives that guide its philanthropic endeavours and financial management, ensuring the organisation's mission and objectives are fulfilled effectively and ethically.
Our charity operates under a meticulously crafted constitution, a legally binding document that outlines its purpose, structure, and operational procedures. This constitution serves as the foundation upon which the charity's activities are built and its governance is established.
The charity is a foundation that adheres to the legal framework and regulations governing charitable organisations. We operate independently, managing our resources and initiatives to fulfil our charitable goals and contribute to the community we serve.
Trustees are elected in a reliable and transparent process overseen by existing trustees. This selection method ensures that individuals with the necessary expertise, dedication, and commitment to the charity's mission are chosen to govern and guide the organisation. The election process is designed to maintain the highest standards of integrity and competence within the board of trustees, fostering effective decision-making and strategic planning.
STRUCTURE AND GOVERNANCE
Blue Magpie Foundation has 8 Trustees as of 1 November 2023
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Appointed Date Date of
Name
of Trustees resignation
-
Thomas Ananthan 8-Sep-16
-
Bincy Babu 4-Aug-23
-
Aparajita Singh 16-Aug-23
-
Sui Lin Tan 4-Sep-23
-
Win Myat Htet 7-Sep-23
-
Himashi Kavindya Nawimana 26-Sep-23
-
Kirstie Anne Gossage 26-Sep-23
-
Ryan Renford Simon 2-Oct-23
Arthika Vamadevan 29-Sep-23
Thivya Ananthan 1-Nov-23
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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
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Unrestricted Restricted Total 2024 Total 2023
Income
Funds £ Funds £ £ £
Donations and
300.00 300.00 2,493.46
legacies
Grants 2,000.00 2,000.00
Misc Income 1.25 1.25
Gift Aid 499.86 499.86 623.37
Amazon Smile
23.30 23.30 29.79
Programme Donation
October 10k Step
2,768.23 2,768.23
Campaign
Total Income 5,592.64 5,592.64 3,146.62
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Your kind donation enables a life-changing experience with the Blue Magpie Foundation, making dreams come true for the young people in Harrow's council estates. Your donations in 2024-2025 will play a crucial role in bringing about change, supporting at-risk youth through our targeted educational programmes.
EXPENSES
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Restricted
Unrestricted Total 2024 Total 2023
Expenditure Funds
Funds £ £ £
£
Sri Lanka
Fundraising Regulator Fees (50.00) (50.00) (100.00)
Sri Lanka Classes (714.66) (714.66) (499.15)
Bank Charges (69.00) (69.00) (73.00)
Kavi Priya Electricity - -
(313.93)
Grange Farm Programme
GFP Educational Supplies (284.30) (284.30)
GFP Outdoor Activities (421.14) (421.14)
GFP Travelling (63.63) (63.63)
GFP educator expense (360.00) (360.00)
GFP session sustenance (45.92) (45.92)
GFP Online Courses (253.00) (253.00)
GFP Welfare Expense (293.65) (293.65)
Admin
Admin Expense (102.60) (102.60) (200)
Website Cost (36.52) (36.52) (200)
Telephone Expense (18.00) (18.00)
- -
Travelling Expense (90)
Bangladesh Children Project (162.50) (162.50)
Total Expenditure (2,874.92) (2,874.92) (1,475.97)
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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
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Total Total
Unrestricted Restricted
2024 2023
Funds £ Funds £
£ £
Net Income for the year 2,717.72 2,717.72 1,670.65
- -
Transfers between funds
Net movement in funds 2,717.72 2,717.72 1,670.65
Total funds brought
forward 50.00 50.00 50.00
Total funds carried
2,767.72 2,767.72 1,720.65
forward
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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
INCOME
Over the past three years, our income has shown remarkable growth, reflecting our expanding reach and increasing support. In 2021, we generated £1,500. This figure more than doubled to £3,147 in 2022, representing a significant 109.8% increase . Our momentum continued in 2023, with income reaching £5,592, marking a 77.8% increase from the previous year. Notably, in 2023, we secured our first grant, a milestone that sets a promising precedent for future funding opportunities. We aim to leverage this success by actively pursuing more grants to support our mission.
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Donations Grants
6000
5000
4000
3000
2000
1000
0
2022 2023 2024
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EXPENDITURE
TOTAL FUNDS
Our expenditure has grown in tandem with our increased activities and expanding programmes. In 2023, we strategically invested in enhancing our services and outreach, ensuring that every pound spent maximises our impact. While detailed figures will be provided in the financial statements, our prudent financial management ensures that expenditures align with our mission to deliver quality support to those in need.
The growth in our income has positively impacted our total funds, providing a stronger financial foundation for our charity. This solid base allows us to plan more effectively and invest in long-term projects that align with our mission. As we continue to grow and secure additional funding sources, we remain committed to transparency and efficient use of our resources, ensuring that we can sustain and expand our impact in the years to come.
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Admin
8.5%
International programmes
37.4%
UK programmes
54.1%
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WE HAD
NO PAID
STAFF
Volunteer
100%
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CONTACT US
BLUE MAGPIE FOUNDATION
Email/
info@bluemagpiefoundation.com Website/ www.bluemagpiefoundation.com
Address/
Hindes Road, Harrow, Middlesex, HA1 1SQ, UK