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Annual Report
2023
saving
lives
together
A year with Lonely Orphans
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CEO’s Message 7
Our Purpose 9
About Us 10 - 12
Lonely Orphans at a Glance 14
Summary of Activities 16 - 17
Our Impact Around the World 18 - 29
Activities and Programmes 30 - 35
Our Commitment to the SDG’s 36 - 39
Success Stories 40 - 49
Final Remarks 50 - 52
Conclusion 53
Independent Examiner’s Report 54
Statement of Financial Activity 56 - 64
Review of the Charity’s Financial 65
Position at the End of the Period
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## **Message from the Chair of the Board of Trustees**
_Looking ahead, I am filled with hope and optimism. The unwavering dedication of our supporters has been the driving force behind every success story._
## Dear Esteemed Supporters and Friends,
As I reflect on the year 2023, it has been my distinct privilege to serve as the Chair of the Board of Trustees. This year, like those before it, has shown me the power of unity, compassion, and collective action. The extraordinary support from all of you—our donors, volunteers, and partners—has once again brought about profound changes in the lives of vulnerable children and families across the globe. I write to you today with immense gratitude for your continued trust in our mission.
The past year has been a testament to the resilience of the communities we serve, and the strategic initiatives we’ve set in motion to uplift them. Our focus on orphans and marginalised groups remains at the heart of everything we do. We have expanded our programmes to reach even **4**
more communities facing hardship, not only providing immediate relief but laying the groundwork for long-term, sustainable change. This deepened commitment is visible in the way our projects align with critical global goals, such as SDG 1: No Poverty, SDG 2: Zero Hunger, and SDG 4: Quality Education.
One of the key milestones in 2023 was the broadening of our advocacy at the grassroots level. By empowering communities with education, skills, and resources, we are working towards building a future where children can thrive in environments of security and opportunity. While we remain focused on non-policy advocacy, our influence on the ground continues to grow, extending far beyond the borders of the UK into the regions that need us most.
Integrity and transparency continue to guide us in every step we take. The Board of Trustees, in close collaboration with our operational teams, has worked diligently to ensure that every project is rooted in our core values. We have embraced innovative solutions to maximise our impact, making sure that our resources are used as efficiently as possible to deliver lifechanging support where it is most needed.
Looking ahead, I am filled with hope and optimism. The unwavering dedication of our supporters has been the driving force behind every success story. It is through your kindness that we have been able to touch so many lives, and I have no doubt that together, we will continue to expand our reach and deepen our impact.
I offer my heartfelt thanks to each and every one of you. Your generosity and belief
in our vision have been, and will continue to be, the cornerstone of our progress. As we move forward, let us remain united in our goal of building a world where every child has the opportunity to realise their full potential.
With deep appreciation,
**Kona Miah** _Chair Board of Trustees_
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## **CEO’s Message**
## Dear Supporters and Partners,
As we look back on 2023, I am reminded of the profound resilience and commitment that define Lonely Orphans and those we serve. This year has been a testament to our collective strength in the face of adversity. The challenges we encountered, including natural disasters and global instability, pushed us to expand our reach and deepen our impact in ways that will leave a lasting legacy.
At the start of the year, our team responded swiftly to the tragic earthquake in Türkiye, delivering critical aid to displaced and devastated families. Through coordinated efforts, we provided emergency food, shelter, and medical care to communities in dire need, ensuring their survival in one of the most difficult moments of their lives. Despite the scale of the crisis, our dedication to our existing projects remained unshaken. We continued supporting children and their supporting communities across the globe, never wavering in our mission to alleviate suffering.
In 2023, we also began a new chapter by expanding our work to Tanzania. In rural areas, we launched a critical food distribution initiative for orphaned and vulnerable children, while initiating an education project within a newly-built community centre. This initiative marks our commitment to creating long-term, sustainable solutions that empower communities to grow beyond the immediate relief of aid.
Our efforts this year were aligned more deeply with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically targeting SDG 1: No Poverty and SDG 4: Quality Education. By addressing food insecurity and creating access to education, we laid the groundwork for more sustainable futures in the regions we serve. These efforts reaffirm our belief that real change comes through empowering people to lift themselves out of poverty, one project at a time.
As always, responsible financial management has remained central to our operations. We ensured that the majority of our resources directly benefited the communities we serve, all while maintaining full transparency with our supporters. Your trust is at the heart of everything we achieve.
Looking forward, I remain filled with hope. Our work is not just about responding to urgent crises but about building a future where every child has the opportunity to thrive. Thank you for walking alongside us on this journey, and together, we will continue to create a world filled with hope, dignity, and lasting change.
Warm regards,
**Nasr Ali** _Chief Executive Officer_
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Our Purpose
To empower marginalised communities by providing dignified assistance and creating pathways for sustainable change that improve their long-term circumstances.
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## **About Us**
## **Who We Are**
Established in 2013, Lonely Orphans is a dedicated charitable organisation focused on uplifting the most vulnerable and marginalised communities worldwide. Operating in five countries, our mission is to deliver meaningful, long-term change through a combination of humanitarian relief and sustainable development. With a passionate team of professionals and volunteers, we are committed to empowering communities, addressing immediate needs while building pathways to a brighter, more self-sufficient future.
## **Vision**
To create a world where orphans, vulnerable children and their supporting communities are treated with fairness and equality, fostering environments where support systems are robust, tailored, and sustainable, benefitting generations to come.
## **Mission**
We commit to alleviating poverty, sickness, and facilitating education for orphans, vulnerable children, and their supporting communities globally. Through inventive and distinct projects, we proffer accommodation, sustenance, medical care, education, emergency aid, and sustainable solutions.
## **Strategic Pillars**
## Sustainability:
## Innovation:
Implementing environmentally conscious solutions that drive long-term positive impacts within the communities we serve.
Embarking on groundbreaking projects that address the core issues of poverty and initiate sustainable change.
## Risk Management:
## Capacity-building:
Promoting organisational stability and reducing harm to the communities we cater to by managing and mitigating risks effectively.
Enhancing the capabilities of employees, volunteers, partners, and beneficiaries through high-quality training and educational opportunities.
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## **Core Values**
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Innovation & Efficiency: Implementing creative and sustainable solutions that optimise resource usage and enhance service delivery.
Integrity & Accountability: Compassion & Respect: Upholding high moral and Demonstrating empathy and ethical standards while kindness in our approach, taking full responsibility for valuing every individual’s our actions. dignity.
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Unity & Collaboration: Stewardship & Fostering a collaborative Fiscal Responsibility: environment that values Managing resources every contribution, responsibly and promoting unity in our transparently, aiming for the efforts. most significant impact.
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Inclusivity & Service: Ensuring our programs cater to diverse communities and _maintain a steadfast commitment to serving humanity._
## **Beneficiary Groups**
## **Lifecycle Approach to Beneficiary Support**
## Primary - Orphans:
Children under 16, primarily amongst refugees and individuals in need, who have lost one or both parents.
Secondary - Vulnerable Children: Children under 18 who find themselves in environments where the conventional support network is unavailable or significantly compromised.
Tertiary - Communities:
The broader community surrounding the primary and secondary beneficiary groups, including family networks and environments where primary caregivers are absent for various reasons.
Lonely Orphans adopts a lifecycle approach in its beneficiary support programmes, where assistance evolves in line with the changing age and needs of the individuals served. These initiatives are dynamic, transitioning seamlessly from providing focused care for orphans to supporting vulnerable children, and ultimately extending to their communitywide assistance. This approach ensures a nurturing pathway that fosters both individual growth and long-term sustainability within the wider community.
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## **Lonely Orphans at a Glance**
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BANGLADESH
TURKIYE
INDONESIA
THAILAND
TANZANIA
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**We work in some of the worlds most demanding countries.**
**As well as the world’s most diverse and niche communities:**
**ROHINGYA** COMMUNITIES **MALAYU** COMMUNITIES **UYGHURS** FROM CHINA
## **Meeting 7 of the 16**
**From food poverty, to water and education Lonely Orphans’s programmes are aligned to meet the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.**
## **A Million+ Meals**
Provided to children and vulnerable families.
## **23 New Homes Built**
in Bangladesh, safe shelters established for families in need of secure housing.
## **3+ Million Litres of Clean Water**
21 water wells constructed, supplying clean water supporting approximately 130 people with daily access.
## **A Million+ Hours of Free Education**
to 1,430 children, with each child receiving an average of 720 hours of education.
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## **Summary of Activities**
inclusivity. We don’t just respond to crises; we build pathways for growth, recovery, and empowerment. Our capacity-building initiatives in 2023 ensured that both local volunteers and beneficiaries gained skills to foster self-reliance. Additionally, our focus on sustainability has seen us implementing environmentally conscious solutions, such as solar-powered community centres and eco-friendly infrastructure in regions like Bangladesh and Indonesia. This year’s activities have been underpinned by our strategic pillars of innovation, sustainability, capacity-building, and risk management, ensuring that our work not only addresses immediate needs but also paves the way for future resilience.
In 2023, Lonely Orphans continued to stand as a symbol of hope and transformation for orphans, vulnerable children, and the communities that support them.
True to our vision of fostering fairness, equality, and sustainability, we have strived to ensure that every child, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to build a brighter future. Guided by our mission to alleviate poverty, provide education, and promote health and wellbeing, our work this year has further strengthened our resolve to empower the world’s most marginalised populations.
This report highlights the impact we achieved in 2023, showcasing how we aligned our work with our strategic goals and values. It also underscores the strong partnerships we have built with local and international stakeholders, which have been essential in maximising our reach. As always, we remain committed to transparency and accountability, ensuring that every resource is used effectively to make the greatest possible impact.
Our efforts in 2023 were marked by significant expansion into new regions and the deepening of our presence in areas already under our care. From responding to natural disasters like the devastating earthquake in Türkiye, to launching new programmes in Tanzania, we have remained agile and responsive to the evolving needs of the communities we serve. Our work spans five countries, with each programme tailored to address the unique challenges faced by those on the ground. Whether it’s through delivering essential food aid, building sustainable education initiatives, or enhancing local healthcare services, Lonely Orphans continues to work toward longterm, sustainable change.
In 2023, we reaffirmed our belief that no child should feel forgotten, no community should be left behind, and no challenge is too great when met with unity, compassion, and determination. Together with our supporters, we will continue to transform lives and create sustainable opportunities for orphans and vulnerable children across the world.
The heart of our efforts lies in the principles that drive us - compassion, dignity, and
## **Our Long-Term Objectives**
Promoting Sustainable Development: Lonely Orphans is committed to driving sustainable development in communities facing hardship by implementing projects that offer lasting solutions to poverty, education, and health challenges.
## Fostering Resilience:
Our initiatives aim to empower marginalised groups by equipping them with the tools and skills needed to build resilience, fostering long-term independence and growth.
## Building Partnerships:
We continue to forge meaningful partnerships with local organisations and global stakeholders, ensuring collective impact and sustainable community development.
## Ensuring Basic Needs:
We prioritise providing access to fundamental necessities, including safe shelter, quality education, clean water, and healthcare, ensuring that vulnerable communities can meet their most urgent needs.
Together, these objectives drive us toward a future where every orphan and vulnerable child has the opportunity to thrive and build a brighter future.
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## **Our Impact Around the World Since 2013**
## Empowering Rohingya Refugees and Local Bangladeshi Communities
In Bangladesh, Lonely Orphans seasonal and emergency relief, has been steadfast in supporting religious dues, and healthcare Rohingya refugees and to build resilience in these marginalised communities, communities. Lonely Orphans addressing critical needs in remain committed to improving shelter, food, education, clean their living conditions and water, and sanitation since helping them withstand the 2013. Our initiatives provide continuous challenges they essential aid to those living face. in extreme poverty, with a particular focus on Rohingya In the last decade, we have refugees who fled persecution delivered millions of meals to in Myanmar. By 2017, over a orphans, vulnerable children and million Rohingya had settled in their supporting communities crowded camps along Teknaf and provided free education and Cox’s Bazar, where they to thousands of children who continue to live in inadequate otherwise would have no shelters with minimal access to access to learning. In 2018, we necessary services, education, expanded our reach by opening or employment opportunities. new schools in the Rohingya refugee camps, ensuring that Our programmes, therefore, more children have a chance emphasise not only the at a better future. Our work provision of essential resources remains essential as the need but also educational access for for aid continues to grow in this children, who otherwise have region, particularly as refugees no schooling opportunities. continue to face uncertain futures.
Our programmes, therefore, emphasise not only the provision of essential resources but also educational access for children, who otherwise have no schooling opportunities. Additionally, we provide
## **CASE STUDY**
Eight-year-old Hasina, a Rohingya refugee, lived in a camp with little to no access to clean water or education. Her family struggled for food, and Hasina’s health was declining due to malnutrition and unsanitary conditions. With the help of Lonely Orphans, Hasina was enrolled in school, where she now receives daily nutritious meals and clean drinking water. In addition to her education, which is helping her catch up on lost years, the water and sanitation facilities provided by Lonely Orphans have significantly improved her health. Hasina’s life has been transformed, with the project aligning with the SDGs 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6, helping her build a more secure and promising future.
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## **TÜRKIYE**
Standing with Türkiye is home to an estimated the Uyghur 50,000 Uyghur refugees, the majority of whom sought Community refuge from persecution in East Turkestan. Concentrated primarily in Istanbul, these families face significant challenges in rebuilding their lives and accessing essential resources. Children, in particular, are vulnerable, with frequent disruptions in their education and limited access to basic needs such as food and healthcare.
they navigate the complexities of life in exile and work towards a brighter future. Since 2019, Lonely Orphans has been working directly with Uyghur families, providing aid and essential services to help them rebuild their lives. Our efforts have facilitated hundreds of thousands of meals and free education to hundreds of Uyghur children in Türkiye. In 2023, we expanded our educational programmes, ensuring that displaced Uyghur children have the resources they need to succeed academically and emotionally. By working closely with the community, Lonely Orphans continues to stand as a pillar of support for Uyghur families in Türkiye. When the devastating earthquake struck Türkiye this year, we provided immediate emergency relief, distributing thousands of food packs and critical supplies to families affected by the disaster.
Lonely Orphans works closely with the Uyghur community to provide vital support, offering programmes that include food distribution, education, and seasonal care. Our initiatives focus on helping Uyghur children regain stability through quality education, addressing food insecurity, and offering consistent, holistic support to ensure their well-being. By creating a more stable environment for Uyghur families, we aim to empower them as
## **CASE STUDY**
Nine-year-old Yusuf’s family fled persecution in China and sought refuge in Türkiye. Upon arrival, they had minimal access to work or education, and survived on very little food. Lonely Orphans helped Yusuf’s family with food aid, addressing their most urgent needs. Yusuf was enrolled in a school supported by Lonely Orphans, where he now thrives in his studies. He receives regular meals and structured education, helping him with a chance at a prosperous future. Yusuf’s education and access to basic necessities have given him a sense of stability, aligning with SDGs 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6 by ensuring a healthier, more hopeful future for him and his family.
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## **THAILAND**
## Supporting the Melayu Community in Southern Thailand
Lonely Orphans began its work in Thailand in 2019, focusing on supporting orphaned children and widows through incomegenerating activities and educational programmes. We have supported two orphanages in the region, providing children with safe spaces to grow, learn, and receive emotional support. In 2022, we took significant steps towards the completion of an orphan well-being centre, which will serve as a dedicated facility for the long-term growth and development of orphaned children. Alongside this, our livelihood projects continue to empower widows, providing them with the means to support their families through sustainable income. Through these efforts, Lonely Orphans is committed to fostering hope and resilience in southern Thailand.
In Thailand’s southern provinces, particularly Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat, the Melayu community faces persistent challenges due to ongoing political instability and violence. This environment leaves orphaned and vulnerable children at high risk, while widows face severe economic hardships, with limited options to support their families. Lonely Orphans is committed to providing essential support to these communities, offering resources such as shelter, food, education, and seasonal aid to address immediate needs. We also implement income-generating projects for widows, helping them create more sustainable livelihoods and build economic resilience. By supporting access to education and basic resources, Lonely Orphans aims to uplift and empower these families, creating pathways to stability and hope. Our work seeks to strengthen the future prospects for the Melayu community in Thailand’s southern regions, helping them overcome the challenges they face daily.
## **CASE STUDY**
Seven-year-old Aisha, along with her siblings, live without a father in a small village in southern Thailand. The family struggled daily with inadequate shelter and a lack of food. Lonely Orphans stepped in by providing seasonal food support, ensuring the children received regular meals, particularly during difficult periods. Additionally, Lonely Orphans helped build a new home for Aisha’s family, giving them a safe and stable environment to live in. This intervention has significantly improved the family's well-being, helping to align with SDGs 1, 2, 3, and 4 by providing them with security, proper nutrition, and hope for the future.
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## Extending a Helping Hand to Those in Need
Indonesia has served as a refuge for displaced populations, including Rohingya refugees in 2014, while also grappling with frequent natural disasters such as earthquakes and tsunamis. The 2018 disaster in Palu underscored the need for long-term recovery efforts in affected communities. Lonely Orphans provides vital support to impoverished Indonesian communities and refugees, delivering shelter and food. Our food support initiatives address critical nutritional needs, ensuring that vulnerable families and refugees receive essential sustenance during difficult times. Additionally, our ambulance services offer crucial medical aid in areas affected by natural disasters. Partnering with local organisations, we focus on sustainable development to ensure these communities can build resilience and maintain long-term stability amidst ongoing challenges.
Lonely Orphans began working in Indonesia in 2014, supporting Rohingya refugees and impoverished local communities. A cornerstone of our efforts is our ambulance programme, which provides essential medical aid, particularly in remote and disaster-affected areas like Yogyakarta. In 2023, we continued delivering thousands of meals to struggling families, sustained critical healthcare services, and provided ongoing emergency relief to disasterhit areas. Our commitment in Indonesia combines immediate response with long-term recovery, ensuring vulnerable communities receive the support needed to rebuild their lives and foster resilience.
## **CASE STUDY**
Ten-year-old Ajij’s village in Indonesia was devastated by an earthquake in 2018, leaving his family without shelter, food, or clean water. Lonely Orphans responded swiftly, providing emergency shelter, clean water, and nutritious meals for Ajij and his family. Ajij now has access to nutritious meals and proper sanitation, significantly improving his health. By aligning with SDGs 1, 2, 3, and 17, our efforts have helped Ajij’s family recover and rebuild their lives with dignity.
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## **CHAD**
## Supporting the Refugees from Central African Republic
Chad has become a refuge for thousands of children and families fleeing conflict in the Central African Republic (CAR). However, it is one of the world’s most underfunded emergency situations, leaving refugees and their host communities with little access to basic services such as food, shelter, and healthcare. Many refugees live outside of formal camps, further limiting their access to international aid.
displaced populations, focusing on food security and basic healthcare for vulnerable children and women. In the last three years, we have made provisions for thousands of meals to those in need, while working on expanding our programmes to reach more families. We have also worked closely with local communities to ensure that our programmes are inclusive and benefit both refugees and their hosts. Our work in Chad remains vital as we continue to address the growing needs of those displaced by violence and instability in the region.
Since 2020, Lonely Orphans has provided essential seasonal support to these
## Empowering and Supporting Young People and Children
In the UK, Lonely Orphans focuses on empowering disadvantaged young people through a variety of programmes aimed at education, skills training, and social inclusion. We provide workshops, mentorship, and community activities to help young people build confidence and essential life skills. Our projects support underprivileged youth, giving them opportunities for personal and professional development, and contributing to the overall well-being of local communities.
## **CASE STUDY**
Fifteen-year-old Adam lives with his single mother in East London and was vulnerable to falling into gang culture and knife crime. Struggling in school and surrounded by negative influences. Through a youth empowerment programme funded by Lonely Orphans, Adam received mentorship, life skills training, and academic support. He is now focused on his education and developing a positive path for the future. The programme has not only provided him with the guidance he needed to avoid dangerous choices but also connected him with a community of peers striving for better outcomes, aligning with SDGs 4 and 11.
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## **TANZANIA**
## Providing Essential Support to Vulnerable Communities
In 2023, Lonely Orphans extended its mission to rural Tanzania, addressing the pressing needs of orphaned and vulnerable children in regions where resources are scarce and infrastructure is minimal. Many of these children face severe food insecurity, malnutrition, limited healthcare, and lack access to reliable educational opportunities. Recognising these challenges, Lonely Orphans launched a food distribution programme to provide essential nutrition, reducing the impact of hunger on children’s health and development. By alleviating food insecurity, our programme gives these children a chance to focus on learning and thriving, rather than struggling to meet basic survival needs.
a newly built community centre, designed to be a hub for learning and growth in areas with few existing schools. This centre offers children a safe and nurturing environment for academic learning and skill-building, which are crucial for longterm empowerment. By working with local organisations and community leaders, we ensure that our projects are sustainable and adaptable to meet evolving needs. Our work in Tanzania focuses not only on immediate relief but also on creating a foundation for self-sufficiency, equipping children with tools and support that will foster long-lasting positive change.
In addition to food support, Lonely Orphans established an education initiative through
## **CASE STUDY**
Nine-year-old Neema lives in a rural village in Tanzania with her mother and younger brother. Their family struggled to afford food, and Neema often missed school to help her mother work for extra income. Through Lonely Orphans’ seasonal food support programme, Neema’s family received food packages, ensuring that both she and her brother are wellnourished. Additionally, Lonely Orphans helped Neema through an education programme at the local community centre. Her access to consistent meals and education has improved her health and given her the opportunity to focus on her studies, helping to align with SDGs 1, 2, 3, and 4.
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## **Activities and Programmes:** Our Achievements in 2023
## **EDUCATION**
In 2023, Lonely Orphans significantly expanded its educational programmes, operating 11 schools in Bangladesh and 2 schools in Türkiye. These schools provide essential education to 1,430 vulnerable children, including those in Rohingya refugee camps and exiled Uyghur communities.
of 720 hours of education, helping to create pathways to brighter futures for these marginalised communities. This initiative aligns with SDG 4: Quality Education, ensuring equitable access to education, and SDG 5: Gender Equality by providing education to both boys and girls.
By focusing on academic growth and fostering resilience, we empower students with the knowledge and skills they need to overcome adversity and break the cycle of poverty, aligning with SDG 1: No Poverty and SDG 10: Reduced Inequality as well.
Cumulatively, we delivered approximately 1,029,600 hours of free education across the year, reaching 1,430 children in Bangladesh, the Rohingya refugee camps, and Türkiye. Each child received an average
## Mission Insight:
Nine-year-old Ahmed, a student in one of our schools in Bangladesh, had never attended formal school before. Since joining, he has thrived in his studies and dreams of becoming a teacher. Ahmed receives consistent education, food, and emotional support, allowing him to focus on his future. His story exemplifies the transformative impact of Lonely Orphans’ educational programmes.
## **FOOD**
Our food distribution efforts were impactful across multiple regions in 2023, providing vital sustenance to the most vulnerable populations. In total, Lonely Orphans made provisions for approximately 1,100,000 meals, ensuring that children and families had reliable access to nutritious food. These efforts are aligned with SDG 2: Zero Hunger, addressing both immediate food needs and long-term food security.
## Bangladesh/Rohingya Camps:
## Indonesia:
We delivered 550 food packs, facilitating over 60,000 meals to 2,750 people, aligning with SDG 2 and SDG 3 by addressing hunger and supporting community well-being.
We delivered 5,223 food packs, facilitating over 750,000 meals to over 26,000 individuals. This project also aligns with SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, ensuring that beneficiaries receive nutritious meals essential for physical health.
## Chad:
217 food packs facilitated over 25,000 meals to 1,080 displaced individuals, aligning with SDG 2 and supporting vulnerable populations in conflictaffected regions.
## Türkiye:
In response to the earthquake, 1,600 food packs facilitated approximately 240,000 meals to over 8,200 people, alongside 7,500 hot cooked meals for homeless survivors. This aligns with SDG 2: Zero Hunger.
## Tanzania:
67 food packs facilitated a little over 9,000 meals to 330 people in rural communities, ensuring consistent nutrition for vulnerable families, aligning with SDG 2.
## Thailand:
400 food packs facilitated for over 40,000 meals to struggling communities, ensuring consistent nutrition and aligning with SDG 2 and SDG 3 by supporting good health and food security.
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Testimonial from Indonesia:
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_“The food packs my family received helped us through some very difficult times. Without the support from Lonely Orphans, we would have struggled a lot.”_ Aji, father of three, Indonesia.
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## **SCHOOL MEAL PROJECTS**
Lonely Orphans continued its commitment to addressing both hunger and education through our School Meals Project. This initiative provided over 81,000 hot meals to more than 250 school children across our schools in Bangladesh and Türkiye. These meals are a critical part of ensuring that students have the energy and nutrition necessary to focus on their studies and achieve their full potential. This project aligns with SDG 2: Zero Hunger by providing nutritious food and SDG 4: Quality Education by supporting students’ learning. The meals also align with SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, ensuring children remain physically and mentally prepared to succeed.
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Testimonial from Rohingya
Refugee Camps:
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_“Before the school meals programme, I would come to class hungry and couldn’t concentrate. Now, with the hot meals we get every day, I can study well and dream of becoming a doctor. The food gives me the energy to learn and play with my friends.”_
Halema, 8 years old, Rohingya Refugee Camps, Bangladesh.
## **WATER WELLS**
Our commitment to improving access to clean water continued in 2023 with the construction of 21 water wells, facilitating over 3 million litres of clean water to underserved communities. These wells benefitted approximately 130 people throughout the year, providing up to 20 litres of water per person each day, ensuring sustainable access to safe drinking water. This project is directly aligned with SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation, improving health outcomes by reducing the risk of waterborne diseases and supporting overall wellbeing through access to clean water.
## Mission Insight:
In a rural village in Bangladesh, ten-year-old Nabila’s family struggled to access clean water, often walking miles to unsafe water sources. After Lonely Orphans built a new water well nearby, Nabila’s family now has access to clean drinking water, improving their health and well-being. This well has transformed their daily lives and ensured their safety.
## **HEALTH AND WINTER RELIEF**
To support families during harsh weather conditions, we distributed 80 winter relief packs, benefiting over 400 people. These packs provided essential items such as blankets and warm clothing to protect against extreme cold, helping vulnerable individuals stay healthy and safe. This initiative aligns with SDG 3: Good Health and Wellbeing, addressing the immediate health needs of individuals during winter and SDG 1: No Poverty by providing critical relief to those most in need.
## Testimonial from Türkiye:
_“Last winter was so hard for us after the earthquake. We had nothing, but the warm clothes and blankets from Lonely Orphans saved us from the freezing cold. I will never forget their kindness. They gave us hope when we had none.”_ Zeynep, earthquake survivor, Türkiye.
## **PILOT PROJECT: LAPTOPS FOR REFUGEES**
Testimonial from Rohingya Refugee Camps: _“Learning how to use a computer has opened up so many opportunities for me. Before this, I never thought I could work in an office or study online. Now, I can dream of a better future, and I have the skills to make that dream come true.”_ Fatima, 18 years old refugee, Rohingya Refugee Camp, Bangladesh
Our Laptops for Refugees pilot project cumulatively delivered over 3,500 hours of digital skills training to 16 beneficiaries in the Rohingya Refugee Camps, with each refugee receiving 220 hours of training across six months. The aim is to empower refugees with essential digital skills. This project not only provides access to education but also enhances future employment opportunities, aligning with SDG 4: Quality Education and SDG 10: Reduced Inequality by bridging the digital gap for marginalised communities.
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## **EMERGENCY RESPONSES**
2023 saw Lonely Orphans at the forefront of several critical emergency responses, supporting victims of natural disasters:
## Indonesian Earthquake:
## Türkiye Earthquake:
We delivered 260 emergency food packs, facilitating the provision of over 35,000 meals to 1,300 people, aligning with SDG 2 and SDG 3 by ensuring immediate food security and health support for survivors.
After the earthquake, we provided 1,600 food packs (facilitating the provision of over 240,000 meals) and 7,500 hot meals to homeless survivors. We also delivered 1,000 emergency relief packs, helping 5,000 individuals. These efforts aligned with SDG 2: Zero Hunger and SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being.
## Mission Insight:
After the devastating earthquake in Indonesia, eight-year-old Lila and her family lost everything. Lonely Orphans provided immediate relief through food packs. The emergency aid helped Lila’s family recover, giving them the strength to rebuild their lives after the disaster, ensuring they did not go hungry during the crisis.
## **UK PROJECTS**
In the UK, Lonely Orphans partnered with four local organisations to support vulnerable youth. These collaborations benefitted 400 young people, providing essential skills training, mentorship, and social inclusion opportunities. This project aligns with SDG 4: Quality Education and SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities by helping young people build brighter futures and fostering safer, more inclusive communities.
Testimonial from Türkiye (Emergency Relief):
_“After the earthquake, we had no home, no food, and no hope. Lonely Orphans were among the first to help us, bringing food and supplies when we needed them most. The hot meals and emergency packs kept my family going in those dark days. Without their support, we would have struggled to survive.”_ Mehmet, father of two, Türkiye.
## Mission Insight:
Seventeen-year-old Adam, from East London, struggled with College and felt isolated in his community. Through Lonely Orphans’ UK youth mentorship programme, Adam received tailored support, helping him focus on his education and learn new skills. The programme gave him a sense of belonging and hope for the future, steering him away from negative influences and toward a brighter path.
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## **Our commitment to the SDG’s**
In our ongoing pursuit of creating a more sustainable future for orphan and vulnerable children, Lonely Orphans remains deeply committed to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through all our programmes and activities. These 17 global goals represent a collective responsibility to combat poverty, promote equality, and protect the environment by 2030. Our mission aligns closely with these objectives, as we work to deliver holistic support in areas such as education, healthcare, livelihoods, and community empowerment. Each initiative is designed to ensure long-term positive change while fostering resilience and self-reliance in the communities we serve.
## **SDG 1: No Poverty**
In 2023, Lonely Orphans reinforced its commitment to breaking the cycle of poverty by focusing on empowerment through education, vocational training, and essential aid. Our programmes made provisions for approximately 1.1 million meals across six countries, ensuring that families had access to basic food security while receiving support to build a better future. In Bangladesh, for example, 23 homes were built, giving families a safe space to grow and rebuild their lives. By offering over 1 million cumulative hours of free education globally to over 1,400 children, with each child receiving 720 hours of education per year, we aimed to equip children with the knowledge and skills needed to escape poverty. Additionally, the Laptops for Refugees
project provided over 3,500 hours cumulatively of digital skills training inside the Rohingya Refugee Camps to 16 refugees for a period of 6 months, empowering refugees with modern skills for future employment opportunities. Through these initiatives, Lonely Orphans is helping communities move toward greater selfsufficiency, reducing reliance on aid and fostering long-term economic stability.
## Testimonial from Bangladesh:
_“Thanks to the new home built for my family, I can now focus on my children’s future. We no longer have to worry about shelter, and the skills I’ve learned have given me hope that we can rise out of poverty.”_ Rabia, Bangladesh
## **SDG 2: Zero Hunger**
Ensuring food security for the most vulnerable has remained a cornerstone of our mission in 2023. Through the distribution of food packs and daily school meals, Lonely Orphans made provisions for over 1.1 million meals across Bangladesh, Türkiye, Indonesia, Thailand, Chad, and Tanzania. In the Rohingya refugee camps and poverty-stricken communities within Bangladesh, over 750,00 meals were facilitated to families in desperate need. Additionally, 81,000 school meals were provided to over 200 children, ensuring their nutritional needs were met while they pursued their education. Our food programmes also focus on sustainable approaches, such as exploring the potential for local food production and empowering families to become financially independent, reducing long-term food insecurity.
## Mission Insight:
Eight-year-old Raqib, living in a Rohingya camp, received daily school meals through
Lonely Orphans’ food programme. These meals not only provided essential nutrition but also motivated him to attend school regularly. By addressing his hunger, Rahim’s academic performance improved, and he now dreams of becoming a teacher. This intervention directly aligns with SDG 2 by promoting both food security and education.
## **SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being**
Health and well-being are embedded into every project Lonely Orphans delivers. In 2023, our food packs were carefully put together to ensure nutritional value, facilitating the provision of over 1.1 million meals across multiple countries. We also provided essential winter relief in Türkiye, with 80 winter packs helping over 400
people to stay warm and healthy during the harshest months. Our ambulance service in Indonesia continued to offer life-saving transportation, reaching those in remote areas. In Türkiye, following the devastating earthquake, we delivered 1,000 emergency relief packs and provided 7,000 hot meals to those left homeless. These efforts reflect our holistic approach to well-being, ensuring that every individual we serve has the support needed to stay healthy and resilient.
## Testimonial from Türkiye:
_“After the earthquake, we had nothing. The food and blankets provided by Lonely Orphans were a lifeline for my family. We couldn’t have survived without their support.”_
Selma, earthquake survivor, Türkiye
## **SDG 4: Quality Education**
Access to quality education is one of the most powerful tools in the fight against poverty and inequality. In 2023, Lonely Orphans delivered over 1 million cumulative hours of free education to 1,430 students, providing each student with 720 hours of education throughout the year across 11 schools in Bangladesh and 2 schools in Türkiye, including children in Rohingya refugee camps and Uyghur children in Türkiye. These schools provide a safe learning environment for children who otherwise have no access to formal education. Our innovative Laptops for Refugees project also delivered 3,500 cumulative hours of digital skills training, empowering 16 Rohingya refugees with valuable technological skills for future employment. We remain committed to ensuring that every child we reach has the opportunity to improve their life through education, helping them break the cycle of poverty.
## Mission Insight:
Fatima, a 10-year-old student at one of our schools in Bangladesh, had never attended school before Lonely Orphans built a local learning centre. Now, Fatima is excelling in her studies and dreams of becoming a doctor. The school meals provided daily ensure she can concentrate on her education, showcasing the transformative impact of education in her life.
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## home, Noor’s family now has access
## **SDG 5: Gender Equality**
to clean, safe water. This has drastically improved their health and quality of life, reducing the risks of illness and allowing Noor to focus on her education.
At Lonely Orphans, gender equality is embedded in every initiative we deliver. In 2023, our educational programmes across Bangladesh and Türkiye ensured that both boys and girls had equal access to quality education, reaching 1,430 students, with an emphasis on young girls from marginalised communities.
## **SDG 10: Reduced Inequality**
In 2023, Lonely Orphans continued to tackle inequality by providing equitable access to essential services such as education, food, and healthcare across all the regions we operate. Our education programmes in Bangladesh and Türkiye reached 1,430 students, ensuring that children from disadvantaged communities have equal opportunities to thrive. In the UK, we worked with over 300 vulnerable children from disadvantaged backgrounds, offering skills training, mentorship, and community support to bridge the inequality gap. Through workshops and activities, we ensured that even the most marginalised had the opportunity to develop their potential and improve their future prospects.
Testimonial from Rohingya Refugee Camps: _“Before Lonely Orphans stepped in, my daughters had no chance of going to school. Now they’re learning every day, and I can see a better future for them.”_
Hamida, mother of two girls, Rohingya Refugee Camp, Bangladesh
## **SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation**
In 2023, Lonely Orphans ensured access to safe drinking water by building 21 water wells, providing over 3 million litres of clean water to communities in need. These wells benefitted around 130 people across multiple regions, including Bangladesh and the Rohingya refugee camps. Alongside water, we prioritised sanitation by constructing safe toilets and bathing facilities, alongside the emergency shelters built in these overcrowded camps, reducing the risk of waterborne diseases and improving the overall health of children and families. Clean water access is fundamental to improving community health and wellbeing, and our projects are making a lasting difference.
## Testimonial from the UK:
_“Thanks to Lonely Orphans, my son now has a mentor who supports him with his education. I feel like he has a real chance to escape the challenges we face.”_ Sara, single mother, United Kingdom
## Mission Insight:
In Bangladesh’s Rohingya camps, 6-yearold Noor’s family used to wait hours to fetch water from unsafe sources. After Lonely Orphans installed a well near their
## **SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities**
Lonely Orphans is dedicated to creating sustainable communities through ecofriendly projects. In 2023, we constructed 23 emergency homes in Bangladesh using locally sourced materials, such as bamboo and wood, for poor families. Many of these homes were equipped with solar panels, providing sustainable energy to families living in remote areas. These homes not only provide immediate shelter but also offer a long-term solution that aligns with environmental sustainability. By incorporating renewable energy sources into our housing projects, we are ensuring that these communities can thrive sustainably in the future.
## Mission Insight:
Rahel, a 9-year-old boy in Bangladesh, and his family received a new solar-powered home built by Lonely Orphans. Previously living in unsafe conditions, Rafiq’s family now enjoys a secure house with access to clean water and sustainable electricity. This new home has given them stability and the opportunity to build a better future.
## **SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions**
Our projects in the UK focus on providing vulnerable youth with alternatives to gang involvement and knife crime. In 2023, we worked with over 300 young people through local partnerships, offering workshops and skills training designed to engage them in positive activities. By empowering disadvantaged youth, Lonely Orphans is helping to reduce crime, promote peace, and create safer communities. These efforts align with
SDG 16 by fostering a sense of justice and providing opportunities for young people to build peaceful, productive futures.
## Testimonial from the UK:
_“Before joining Lonely Orphans’ programme, I didn’t see a way out. Now, I’ve learned new skills and feel confident that I can have a better future.”_ Adam, 15, United Kingdom
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## **SUCCESS STORY:**
## **EMPOWERING ROHINGYA REFUGEES THROUGH EDUCATION**
In the heart of the Rohingya refugee camps in Bangladesh, Lonely Orphans embarked on a mission to provide quality education to children who had known only hardship and displacement. For years, the children in these camps had little to no access to formal schooling, and the cycle of poverty and illiteracy threatened their futures. Our vision to create a world where every child can thrive aligned perfectly with the urgent needs of these children.
opportunity to learn or play like other children his age. When Lonely Orphans established schools in the camps, Abdul’s life took a significant turn.
Enrolling in one of our schools, Abdul quickly showed a passion for learning. He was especially drawn to mathematics and dreamed of becoming a teacher to help others like him. Over the course of a year, Abdul made remarkable progress, not only in his studies but also in his social skills. The structured environment of the school provided him with a sense of stability that he had never experienced before.
One success story that embodies the impact of our efforts is that of Abdul, a 10-year-old Rohingya boy who had never attended school before. Like many other children in the camp, Abdul spent his days working with his parents to gather water and assist with chores. He had no
Our strategic pillars of innovation and capacity-building were key in this success, as we worked to provide not just education,
but a nurturing environment that fostered personal growth and resilience. By offering these children a structured educational system, we aligned with SDG 4: Quality Education and SDG 1: No Poverty, equipping them with the tools to rise out of their circumstances. Abdul now dreams of helping others in his community and has become a beacon of hope for his peers.
## Testimonial from Abdul:
_“Before Lonely Orphans came, I didn’t know what a classroom was. Now, I can read and write. I love school, and one day I want to be a teacher so I can help other children like me.”_
Abdul, 10 years old, Rohingya refugee camp, Bangladesh
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## **SUCCESS STORY:**
## **RESILIENCE AND HOPE FOR UYGHUR REFUGEES IN TÜRKIYE**
In Türkiye, Lonely Orphans recognised the need to support the growing number of Uyghur refugees fleeing persecution in China. For many families, the displacement had stripped them of their cultural roots, community networks, and access to essential services. Our mission to provide dignity and sustainable change drove us to develop comprehensive support programmes, focusing on education and emotional well-being for Uyghur children.
Fatima, a 12-year-old Uyghur girl, had witnessed the horrors of persecution and the uncertainty of exile. Struggling with the trauma of displacement, Fatima’s family found refuge in Türkiye, but adapting to their new reality was difficult. Lonely Orphans enrolled Fatima in one of our schools, where she could not only continue her education but also receive emotional support through structured counselling and community programmes.
Over time, Fatima began to flourish. She excelled in her studies, particularly in history, where she learned about her own
cultural heritage, helping her reconnect with her identity. Our core values of compassion and respect were central to our approach, ensuring that Fatima and her family felt valued and supported. Fatima’s progress is a testament to the strength of community collaboration, one of our strategic pillars, as we worked with local partners to ensure that every child had access to resources tailored to their needs. Fatima’s story reflects Lonely Orphans’ commitment to SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, and SDG 10: Reduced Inequality. Today, Fatima speaks with hope and confidence about her future, determined to become a doctor and serve both her Uyghur community and her host country.
## Testimonial from Fatima:
_“At first, I felt lost in Türkiye. But Lonely Orphans gave me hope. They not only helped me with my studies but also made me proud of who I am. I now have dreams again.”_ Fatima, 12 years old, Uyghur refugee in Türkiye
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## **SUCCESS STORY:**
## **REBUILDING LIVES IN SOUTHERN THAILAND**
In Southern Thailand’s Yala province, the Melayu Muslim community has faced years of instability due to political conflict. For many families, daily life is a struggle to survive, and education often takes a back seat. In line with our vision to
create lasting, sustainable change, Lonely Orphans identified an urgent need to support vulnerable children in the region, particularly those from single-parent households.
also access to consistent, quality education. Our gender equality focus was crucial in ensuring that both Amina and her brothers had equal opportunities to learn and grow. Amina’s story represents our dedication to SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 5: Gender Equality, and SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities. Today, Amina is thriving in school, and her family has a renewed sense of hope and stability.
## Testimonial from Amina’s Mother:
One of the most profound success stories is that of Amina, an 8-year-old girl living with her widowed mother and two siblings. Amina’s father passed away, and her mother struggled to provide for the family. Amina’s education was disrupted, and her family lacked stable housing. Lonely Orphans intervened by building a safe, sustainable home for Amina’s family and she has enrolled in local education programmes.
Through our strategic pillars of sustainability and risk management, we ensured that Amina not only had a safe place to live but
_“With the new house, I feel safe again. My children now go to school, and I know they have a future. Lonely Orphans has given my family hope where there was none.”_ Amina’s mother, Yala, Southern Thailand.
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## **SUCCESS STORY:**
## **FOOD SECURITY FOR DISPLACED FAMILIES IN CHAD**
Chad is home to thousands of refugees fleeing conflict in neighbouring Central African Republic. With limited resources, many families are unable to secure even basic necessities such as food and shelter. In response, Lonely Orphans extended its food security programmes to these displaced populations, aligning with our mission to alleviate suffering and promote sustainable development.
One family that benefitted from our intervention was that of Ibrahim, a 7-yearold boy living with his mother and three siblings in a makeshift shelter. Food was scarce, and the family often had little to eat. Lonely Orphans delivered food packs to Ibrahim’s family, ensuring that they received nutritious meals that could sustain them through difficult times. Our distribution of 217 food packs in Chad facilitated the provision of over 32,000 meals to displaced individuals, aligning with SDG 2: Zero
Hunger and SDG 3: Good Health and Wellbeing.
Ibrahim’s mother shared how the regular food deliveries allowed her children to regain their strength and focus on their education. This support was crucial in stabilising the family’s well-being. By providing both short-term relief and longterm support, Lonely Orphans exemplified its strategic pillars of innovation and sustainability, ensuring that vulnerable families like Ibrahim’s can look forward to a brighter, more secure future.
Testimonial from Ibrahim’s Mother: _“We had nothing and didn’t know where our next meal would come from. Lonely Orphans brought us food when we needed it most. Now my children can go to school, and we feel stronger every day.”_ Ibrahim’s mother, Chad
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## **SUCCESS STORY:**
## **RESTORING HOPE THROUGH EDUCATION IN TÜRKIYE**
Following the devastating earthquake in Türkiye, Lonely Orphans played a pivotal role in restoring hope for affected families, especially children. One such family was that of Leyla, a 9-year-old girl whose home was destroyed during the earthquake. Leyla’s family, left homeless and without basic necessities, struggled to adapt to life in the aftermath of the disaster.
Recognising the need for both immediate relief and long-term support, Lonely Orphans provided the family with emergency relief packs, food, and temporary shelter. Once Leyla was ready, she enrolled back into her temporary school to start receiving an education, where she could regain a sense of normalcy and stability.
strategic focus on education, sustainability, and community collaboration, aligning with SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, and SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions.
## Testimonial from Leyla:
_“When our house fell, I thought we would not survive. But through the efforts of local volunteers, supported by Lonely Orphans, we were able to get food, a safe place to stay, and soon, we will start back at school. Now, I want to be an architect and help rebuild our homes.”_ Leyla, 9 years old, Türkiye
This success story highlights how our core values of compassion and integrity are implemented in disaster relief, ensuring that we not only meet immediate needs but also foster long-term recovery. Leyla’s family is now part of a resilient community, supported by Lonely Orphans through our **48**
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## **Final Remarks**
## **Partnerships and Collaborations:**
Lonely Orphans is committed to building impactful partnerships and collaborative ventures with local NGOs, governmental bodies, and international organisations to amplify our global impact. This approach was exemplified in 2023 through our work in Türkiye, where we partnered with local organisations to provide immediate support to earthquake survivors. By working closely with local communities, we provided essential education, food, and emergency relief to thousands of vulnerable people. These partnerships allowed us to respond swiftly and effectively, leveraging local expertise to meet urgent needs.
At Lonely Orphans, we prioritise collaboration, recognising that through strong partnerships, we can achieve more sustainable, meaningful change even when our own resources are limited.
## **Volunteer and Staff Contributions:**
The dedication and commitment of our staff and volunteers are the foundation of Lonely Orphans’ success. In 2023, a shining example of this collaboration was a mountain trek organised by our volunteers to raise funds for vulnerable children and their communities around the world. Supported by Lonely Orphans staff, the event brought together people from all walks of life, raising significant funds to provide essential aid.
This effort exemplifies the tireless contributions of our team, whose combined efforts fuel our mission and drive us toward achieving transformational change for those in need. Their passion and teamwork are the lifeblood of our organisation.
## **Challenges Faced in 2023**
Rising Living Costs and Reduced Donations: The surge in living costs across the UK has led to fewer donations from our regular supporters. This economic pressure has impacted our fundraising efforts, resulting in reduced resources for our international projects. In response, we are diversifying our fundraising strategies and strengthening local partnerships to sustain our vital work despite the financial strain.
## Geopolitical Constraints on Access:
Access to certain regions continues to be restricted due to geopolitical factors. In 2023, this challenge was particularly evident in Chad, where political instability limited our ability to reach displaced communities. We are exploring alternative avenues for collaboration, while ensuring that our operations remain compliant with local laws and maintain a positive impact.
## Sustainability Amid Rising Costs:
The increasing cost of living and inflation across multiple regions, especially in Bangladesh and Türkiye, put pressure on project budgets. To counter this, we have started the process of building sustainable models, such as local income-generating activities, into our programmes. These efforts aim to reduce dependency on external funding and ensure long-term viability for our initiatives, despite financial constraints.
## Sustainability Amid Funding Challenges:
Sustaining long-term projects remains a challenge as external funding becomes less reliable. To address this, we have introduced income-generating activities within our projects, empowering communities to build self-reliance. We are also working
on integrating sustainable development models to reduce dependence on fluctuating international aid, ensuring continuity for the communities we serve.
## Improving Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Systems:
Enhancing the effectiveness of our onground Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) processes continues to be a priority. In 2023, we implemented new digital tools to improve data collection, enabling more accurate assessments of our programme outcomes. This remains key to maintaining transparency and ensuring that our impact aligns with the needs of the communities we serve.
## **Future Plans and Goals**
Solidifying and Enhancing Current Projects: As we look toward the future, Lonely Orphans is focused on strengthening the impact of our current programmes rather than expanding into new regions. Our priority is to ensure that the projects already in place, such as education, food security, and clean water initiatives, are enhanced for greater effectiveness. By improving resource distribution, local partnerships, and monitoring systems, we aim to maximise the long-term benefits for communities in Bangladesh, Türkiye, and beyond, ensuring that our work leaves a lasting and sustainable impact.
## Diversification of Funding Sources for Financial Resilience:
Maintaining financial stability is critical to sustaining our mission, especially in the face of global economic challenges. In 2023 and beyond, Lonely Orphans is committed to diversifying our funding streams by exploring new grants, donor outreach, and innovative fundraising strategies. This approach reduces our reliance on single-source funding and strengthens our financial foundation. By developing a broader base of support, we will better safeguard our projects and ensure that we can continue serving vulnerable populations effectively, regardless of external financial fluctuations.
## Continuous Enhancement of Transparency and Accountability:
Upholding transparency and accountability remains a core commitment. In 2024, we plan to refine our reporting mechanisms further, ensuring that donors, stakeholders, and beneficiaries have a clear understanding of how resources are utilised. By expanding our Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) processes and enhancing our feedback systems, we aim to demonstrate the tangible impact of our
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work with greater precision. This ongoing commitment to transparency not only fosters trust but also allows us to remain adaptable and responsive to the needs of the communities we serve.
## Advocacy for Meaningful Change:
Lonely Orphans recognises the importance of addressing systemic issues affecting vulnerable populations. In the coming years, we will strengthen our advocacy efforts, focusing on promoting policies and practices that align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through strategic partnerships and grassroots initiatives, we will advocate for longterm solutions that address root causes of poverty, inequality, and displacement. Our advocacy work will complement our on-the-ground efforts, helping to create a more sustainable and just framework for future development.
## Focus on Qualitative Data for
## Informed Impact:
To ensure our interventions are as effective as possible, we will place a greater emphasis on collecting and analysing qualitative data from beneficiaries. This approach will allow us to better understand the lived experiences of the people we serve, enabling us to tailor our projects to their specific needs. In 2024, we aim to integrate new digital tools for remote data collection and conduct regular beneficiary interviews, ensuring that their feedback directly informs our decision-making processes and programme adaptations.
## Responding to Disasters with Speed and Impact:
In the face of increasing natural disasters and crises, Lonely Orphans is committed to enhancing our disaster response capabilities. Our goal is to respond with greater robustness, speed, and effectiveness, ensuring that our emergency
relief efforts are impactful. By developing a more streamlined logistical approach, expanding local partnerships, and improving disaster preparedness, we aim to ensure that vulnerable communities receive immediate and life-saving assistance. Whether it’s delivering emergency food packs, medical aid, or shelter, our future disaster responses will prioritise efficiency and long-term recovery to support affected populations with dignity and care.
## **Transparency and Accountability:**
At Lonely Orphans, transparency is not just a principle but a cornerstone of our operations. We are deeply committed to providing clear and accurate financial reports that demonstrate how resources are utilised, ensuring that our donors see the tangible results of their contributions. Accountability is embedded in everything we do, with rigorous standards in place to maintain the trust and confidence of our supporters. We hold ourselves to the highest levels of responsibility, constantly striving to surpass expectations and ensure that every action we take reflects our dedication to honesty, integrity, and transparency.
## **Acknowledgments:**
The success of Lonely Orphans is built upon the compassion, generosity, and dedication of those who walk this journey with us. To our donors, volunteers, partners, and hardworking staff, we offer our deepest gratitude. Your unwavering support and selfless contributions are the driving force behind the change we create. Together, we are making a profound difference, bringing hope and transformation to those who need it most. Your commitment allows us to reach beyond individual efforts, creating a lasting impact that touches countless lives and strengthens communities around the world.
## **Conclusion**
Reflecting on 2023, Lonely Orphans has made tremendous strides in delivering life-changing support to vulnerable children, orphans, and marginalised communities. This year’s impact has been deeply felt across the regions we serve, from Rohingya refugee camps in Bangladesh to disaster-stricken areas in Türkiye and beyond. Our mission to provide sustainable change has never been clearer, and our programmes have brought real, measurable transformation to thousands of lives.
In 2023, we reached new heights by enhancing our educational programmes, providing over 1 million hours of free education to over 1,400 children, with each child receiving 720 hours of education within the year. Our food distribution efforts facilitated the provision of over 1.1 million meals to families facing hunger, ensuring that essential nutrition reached those most in need. These initiatives have not only aligned with key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) but have also paved the way for long-term community resilience, particularly through clean water projects, disaster relief, and skill-building initiatives.
The heart of our achievements lies in the collective effort of our dedicated team, volunteers, and supporters. Their contributions have been pivotal, from organising fundraisers to delivering aid on the ground. In 2023, a public mountain trek led by our volunteers exemplified the powerful synergy between our staff and community, raising crucial funds that helped
sustain our programmes. This collaborative spirit is the lifeblood of our organisation, driving us to achieve ever-greater heights.
As we reflect on these successes, we are also mindful that our journey is far from over. We remain committed to expanding the depth and quality of our existing projects, ensuring that every child we reach has the opportunity to build a brighter future. Our focus on sustainability, transparency, and accountability will continue to guide us, ensuring that every resource is maximised for lasting impact.
Looking ahead, Lonely Orphans is driven by the belief that compassion can bring about meaningful, transformative change. As we step into the future, we carry with us the stories of hope and resilience we’ve witnessed, and we remain steadfast in our mission to illuminate the lives of those most in need. Together, with the unwavering support of our community, we will continue to create lasting, positive change in the world’s most vulnerable regions.
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## **Independent Examiner’s Report to the Trustees of Lonely Orphans**
I report to the Charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the charity for the year ended 31[st] December 2023.
## Responsibilities and Basis of Report:
The charity’s trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the Act’).
I report in respect of my examination of the charity’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.
## Independent Examiner’s Statement:
The charity’s gross income exceeds £250,000, which requires an examiner to be appointed from a listed body. I confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of the ACCA, which is one of the listed bodies, in section 124 of the Charities Act 2011.
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 130 of the Act; or
2. the accounts do not accord with those records
3. the accounts do not comply with the applicable reporting requirements
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
## Iqbal Chowdhury FCCA
Association of Chartered Certified Accountants
16 High Holborn London WC1V 6BX
Date: 30/10/2024
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## **Statement of Financial Activity**
**LONELY ORPHANS (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (INCLUDING INCOME & EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023**
## **INCOME & EXPENDITURE**
**NOTES UNNRESTRICTED RESTRICTED TOTAL [£] TOTAL [£] [£] [£] 2023 2022**
## **LONELY ORPHANS (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2023**
|**FIXED ASSETS**
**13**
**NOTES**
**£**
**TOTAL [£]**
**2023**
**7,858**
Tangible Assets|**TOTAL [£]**
**2022**|
|---|---|
||**10,412**|
## **CURRENT ASSETS**
## **INCOMING RESOURCES**
|**455,517**
**TOTAL INCOME**
**125,854**
**5**
**6**
**5**
**125,854**
**58,318**
**-**
**583,180**
**271,345**
**271,345**
**524,862**
**524,862**
**980,379**
Donations and legacies
Charitable Activity Income
Other Income|**384,613**|
|---|---|
||**424,670**|
||**130,624**|
||**939,906**|
## **RESOURCES EXPENDED**
|**TOTAL RESOURCES EXPENDED**
**390,623**
**195,208**
**99,011**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**294,219**
**135,942**
**(142,751)**
**(15,526) (158,277)**
**598,268**
**52,457**
**83,485**
**540,388**
**10**
**17**
**9**
**8**
**17**
**390,623**
**540,388**
**207,645**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**207,645**
**540,388**
**1,138,656**
**NET INCOME /DEFICIT FOR THE YEAR**
Fundraising Costs
Charitable Activity Costs
Governance & Support Costs
Fund Movement
Funds at 1 January 2023
Funds at 31 December 2023|**169,737**|
|---|---|
||**573,201**|
||**298,507**|
||**1,041,444**|
||**(101,538)**|
||**-**
**395,757**
**294,219**|
|Debtors & Prepayments
Cash at Bank and in Hand
Amount falling due
within one year
Unrestricted Funds
Restricted Funds
**CREDITORS**
**NET CURRENT ASSETS**
**TOTAL NET ASSETS**
**FUNDS**
**TOTAL FUNDS**
**14**
**15**
**17**
**17**
**128,084**
**135,942**
**52,457**
**83,485**
**135,942**
**13,917**
**27,413**
**121,194**
**271,428**
**135,111**
**15,032**
**7,027**||
|---|---|
|||
||**298,841**|
|||
||**283,809**|
||**294,219**|
|||
||**195,208**|
||**99,011**|
||**294,219**|
These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies’ regime and in accordance with FRS 102, “The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland”.
These financial statements were approved by the board of directors and authorised for issue on 18 October 2023, and are signed on behalf of the board by:
All the activities of the charitable company are from continuing operations.
Kona Miah (Chairman)
**56**
**57**
## **LONELY ORPHANS (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) CASHFLOW STATEMENT AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2023**
## **LONELY ORPHANS (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMEBER 2023**
- 1 General information
|**CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES**|**[£]**|**2023**|**[£]**|**2022**|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|||**[£]**||**[£]**|
|Operating Proft|**(158,277)**||**(101,538)**||
|Depreciation|**2,554**||**3,721**||
|Finance Costs|||||
|(Gain)/Loss on Subsidiary Disposal|||||
|(Gain)/Loss on Fixed Asset Disposal|||||
|**OPERATING PROFIT BEFORE WORKING CAPITAL CHARGES**|**(155,723)**|**(97,817)**||
|---|---|---|---|
|(Increase)/Decrease in Debtors|**13,494**|**(20,202)**||
|(Increase)/Decrease in Inventory||||
|Increase/(Decrease) in Creditors|**(8,005)**|**(32,419)**||
|**CASH FROM OPERATIONS**|**(150,234)**|**(150,438)**||
|Finance Cost Paid||||
|**NET CASH GENERATED FROM OPERATIONS**|**(150,234)**||**(150,438)**|
|**CASH OUTFLOW FROM INVESTMENT ACTIVITIES**||||
|Purchase of Tangible Fixed Assets||||
|Fixed assets disposal||||
|Disposal of a subsidiary net||||
|of cash disposed of||||
|**NET CASH INFLOW/OUTFLOW FROM INVESTMENT ACTIVITIES**|**(150,234)**||**(150,438)**|
|**CASH OUTFLOW FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES**||||
|Capital Grants||||
|Increase/(Decrease) of Long Term Loans||||
|**NET INCREASE /(DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENT**|**(150,234)**||**(150,438)**|
|Opening Cash and Cash Equivalents|**271,428**||**421,866**|
|Closing Cash and Cash Equivalents|**121,194**||**271,428**|
|**RECONCILIATION**||||
|Cash at bank and in hand|**121,194**||**271,428**|
||**121,194**||**271,428**|
Lonely Orphans is a registered charity, and a company limited by Guarantee, registered in England & Wales. In the event of the charity being wound up, the liability in respect of the guarantee is limited to £10 per member of the charity. The address of the registered office is given in the company’s charity information page on these financial statements.
- 2 Accounting convention
- “The charitable company is a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102, and the financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice for Charities, preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2015)- Charities SORP FRS 102, and the Companies Act 2006.
The financial statements are prepared on a going concern basis under the historical cost convention, and are prepared in pound sterling which is the functional currency of the charity.”
- 3 Accounting Policies
- 3.1 Going concern
The trustees have taken into account the entity’s forecasts and projections for the 12 months from signing these financial statements, in confirming their assessment of going concern. The organisation conducted a cashflow analysis to demonstrate the financial reserves built up to September 2024, as well as assess the monthly commitments going forward to September 2024. The entity has seen an increase in donations into 2024, and with careful budgeting, is expected to have a surplus in the next year.
- 3.2 Income Recognition
All incoming resources are included in the Statement of Financial Activities (SoFA) when the charity is legally entitled to the income after any performance conditions have been met, the amount can be measured reliably and it is probable that the income will be received. The charity does not partake in grant-making activities.
- Donations are recognised on receipt, and trading income is recognised at the point of sale of goods.
-
- Grants for immediate expenditure are accounted for when they become receivable, in accordance with restrictions, where applicable.
- Grants and donations restricted to future accounting periods are deferred and recognised in those periods.
- 3.3 Expenditure recognition
- “All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all costs related to the category. Expenditure is recognised where there is a legal or constructive obligation to make payments to third parties, it is probable that the settlement will be required and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. The charity uses foreign partners to help execute some projects abroad. Expenditure on trading activities relates to the costs of goods sold.“
- 3.4 Allocation and apportionment of costs
Costs are allocated between restricted and unrestricted funds in accordance with the resources allocated for the delivery of the activity they relate to, and the appropriate restricted or unrestricted income elements of those activities. IT costs, printing and postage, utilities,
- and general travel expenditure which are not directly attributable to projects, are apportioned between governance and support costs.
## 3.5 Support Costs
Support costs are those functions that assist the work of the charity but do not directly undertake charitable activities. Support costs include back office costs, finance, personnel, payroll and governance costs which support the Trusts programmes and activities. These costs have been allocated between cost of raising funds and expenditure on charitable activities.
- 3.6 Tangible fixed assets and depreciation
Fixed assets for the charity use are capitalised at cost. They are stated in the accounts at cost less depreciation. Depreciation is calculated to write off the cost less their estimated residual value, over their expected useful lives on the following bases:
Vehicles 15% on cost. Furniture, Fixture and Computer Equipment 15% on cost.
3.7 Funds Unrestricted funds comprise the accumulated surplus or deficit in income and expenditure accounts, and are available for use at the discretion of Trustees, to further the general objectives of the entity.
- Designated funds comprise unrestricted funds that have been set aside by the trustees for particular purposes. No funds are set aside as designated.
“Restricted funds are used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by funders, or grantmakers. The cost of raising and administering such funds are charged against the specific fund. Current restricted funds of the entity are set out in Note 12.“
The entity has no debt, See Note 24.
- 4 Incoming Resources Incoming resources are attributable to the principal activities of the charity.
**58**
**59**
## **LONELY ORPHANS (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMEBER 2023**
## **LONELY ORPHANS (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMEBER 2023**
## **EXPENSES SUMMARY**
## **INCOME SUMMARY**
## **5 DONATIONS & LEGACIES**
|
|
|
|---|---|
|
**UNRESTRICTED**
**RESTRICTED**
**2023**
**2022**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**||
|General Donations
Gift Aid|**271,345**
**271,345**
**384,613**|
||**271,345**
**271,345**
**384,613**|
||**125,854**
**125,854**
**130,624**|
||**125,854**
**125,854**
**130,624**|
|||
|**CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES INCOME:**
**UNRESTRICTED**
**RESTRICTED**
**2023**
**2022**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
Education, Shelter and Settlement
**12,101**
**108,909**
**121,010** **212,910**
Emergency Relief, Food, Health & Wash**38,007**
**342,065**
**380,072**
**132,889**
Religious dues
**8,210**
**73,888**
**82,098**
**39,139**
UK Project
**39,732**
**58,318**
**524,862**
**583,180 424,670**||
||**58,318**
**524,862**
**583,180 424,670**|
|**TOTAL INCOME**|**455517**
**524862**
**980379 939906**|
## **6 CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES INCOME:**
|**8**
**9**
**10**|**FUNDRAISING COST:**
**26,272**
**41,387**
**7,287**
**26,272**
**41,387**
**7,287**
**89,600**
**89,600**
**43,099**
**43,099**
**UNRESTRICTED**
**[£]**
**RESTRICTED**
**[£]**
**2023**
**[£]**
Fundraising events
Consultants
Online platform charges
Publicity
Merchandise and equipment
**207,645**
**207,645**
**CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES COST:**
**460**
**33,000**
**337,871**
**169,057**
**UNRESTRICTED**
**[£]**
**RESTRICTED**
**[£]**
**2023**
**[£]**
Education, Shelter and Settlement
Emergency Relief, Food, Health & Wash
Religious dues
UK Project (See Note 25)
**540,388**
**540,388**
**169,057**
**337,871**
**460**
**33,000**
**-**
**GOVERNANCE AND SUPPORT COST:**
**112,147**
**54,740**
**23,529**
**80**
**22,175**
**198**
**140,217**
**1,886**
**2,251**
**2,554**
**359,777**
**1,552**
**20,294**
**7,000**
**2,000**
**30,846**
**390,623**
**598,268**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**540,388**
**-**
**112,147**
**54,740**
**23,529**
**80**
**22,175**
**198**
**140,217**
**1,886**
**2,251**
**2,554**
**359,777**
**1,552**
**20,294**
**7,000**
**2,000**
**30,846**
**390,623**
**1,138,656**
**UNRESTRICTED**
**[£]**
**RESTRICTED**
**[£]**
**2023**
**[£]**
Support Costs:
Salaries and Employer costs
Rent, Rates and Service Charges
IT Support and Maintenance
Printing/Postage/Stationery
Ofce Repairs
Travel and Motor Vehicle Expenses
Legal, Professional and Consultant Fees
Bank Interest and Charges
Sundry expenses (incl. volunteers)
Depreciation
Governance Cost:
Meeting Costs
Subscriptions and legal fees
Travel - Partners’ monitoring
Accountancy and examination fees
**Total Expenses**|**18,503**
**27,087**
**13,781**
**70,483**
**39,883**
**2022**
**[£]**
**169,737**
**573,201**
**128,367**
**409,609**
**35,225**
**2022**
**[£]**
**-**
**101,680**
**30,023**
**5,552**
**1,197**
**21,233**
**94,455**
**3,588**
**4,264**
**3,721**
**265,713**
**517**
**26,239**
**4,038**
**2,000**
**32,794**
**298,507**
**1,041,444**
**2022**
**[£]**|
|---|---|---|
**60**
**61**
## **LONELY ORPHANS (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMEBER 2023**
|**11**
**12**
**13**|**ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BETWEEN FUNDS:**
**7,858**
**51,626**
**(7,027)**
**52,457**
**83,485**
**83,485**
**7,858**
**135,111**
**7,027**
**135,942**
**UNRESTRICTED**
**FUND**
**RESTRICTED**
**FUND**
**TOTAL**
**FUNDS**
Tangible fxed assets
Current assets
Current liabilities
Total Net assets
**RESTRICTED FUND MOVEMENT**
**169,057**
**108,909**
**63,252**
**3,104**
**INCOMING**
**RESOURCES**
**£**
**OPENING**
**BALANCE**
**£**
**RESOURCES**
**EXPENDED**
**£**
**UNRESTRICTED**
**FUND USED**
**£**
**CLOSING**
**BALANCE**
**£**
Education, Shelter and Settlement|**TOTAL**
**FUNDS**|
|---|---|---|
|||**7,858**|
|||**135,111**|
|||**7,027**|
|||**135,942**|
||**337,871**
**342,065**
**-**
**4,194**
Emergency Relief, Food, Health & Wash||
||**460**
**73,888**
**-**
**73,428**
Religious dues||
||**33,000**
**-**
**35,759**
**2,759**
UK Project||
||**540,388**
**524,862**
**35,759**
**-**
**83,485**||
||**TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS:**
**8,502**
**10,453**
**5,850**
**24,805**
**COMPUTER**
**EQUIPMENT**
**£**
**MOTOR**
**VEHICLES**
**£**
**FURNITURE**
**& FITTINGS**
**£**
**TOTAL**
**£**
Cost B/Fwd.||
||Additions||
||**24,805**
Disposals||
||**8,502**
**10,453**
**5,850**||
||**8,394**
**4,210**
**1,789**
**14,393**
Depreciation:
Charges B/Fwd.||
||**108**
**1,568**
**878**
**2,554**
Charge for the year||
||Dep Elim on Disposal||
||**8,502**
**5,778**
**2,667**
**16,947**||
||**0**
**4,675**
**3,184**
**7,858**
Net Book Value
31-Dec-23||
||**108**
**6,243**
**4,062**
**10,412**
31-Dec-22||
## **LONELY ORPHANS (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMEBER 2023 CASHFLOW STATEMENT AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2023**
|**14**
**15**
**16**|**DEBTORS & PREPAYMENTS:**
**2023**
**2022**
**£**
**£**
Prepaid expenses and wages
**8,142**
Rent deposits
**9,000**
Accrued Income
**4,917**
**19,271**
**13,917**
**27,413**
**CREDITORS: AMOUNT FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR**
**2023**
**2022**
**£**
**£**
Accruals
**2,000**
**2,000**
PAYE and tax liabilities
**5,027**
**10,632**
Accrued Project costs
**2,400**
Other creditors
**7,027**
**15,032**
**STAFF EMOLUMENTS:**
**2023**
**2022**
**£**
**£**
Total wages and salaries
**251,997**
**249,910**
Employer’s NIC
**23,746**
**20,150**
**275,743**
**270,060**
Direct Charitable
**163,596**
**101,680**
Others
**102,092**
**168,380**
**265,688**
**270,060**
Avg No of employees: Admin
**5**
**6**
Avg No of employees: Direct
**8**
**8**
**13**
**14**
Employees paid in excess of £60,000
during the current year and previous year.
**NONE**
**NONE**
Key management personnel were remunerated
£58,844 during the year (2022: £56,297)|
|---|---|
**62**
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## **LONELY ORPHANS (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMEBER 2023**
|**17 MOVEMENT IN FUNDS:**|**UNRESTRICTED**|**DESIGNATED**|**TOTAL**|**RESTRICTED**||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
||**FUND**|**FUND**|**UNRESTRICTED**|**FUND**|**TOTAL**|
||**£**|**£**|**£**|**£**|**£**|
|As at 1 January 2023|**184,796**|**10,412**|**195,208**|**99,011**|**294,219**|
|Current year|**(142,751)**||**(142,751)**|**(15,526)**|**(158,277)**|
|Current year transfer|**2,554**|**(2,554)**|||**0**|
|As at 31 December 2023|**44,599**|**7,858**|**52,457**|**83,485**|**135,942**|
As at 31 December 2023 designated funds of £7,858 were required to match the net cost of fixed assets. This left free £44,599 unrestricted reserves for future operation of the charity. It is the aim of the Trustees to build on these reserves in future so that they can support 6 months worth of operating activities.
## **18 TAXATION**
As a registered charity, the entity is exempt from Taxation.
## **19 POST BALANCE SHEET EVENTS**
## **Review of the Charity’s Financial Position at the End of the Period**
Despite challenging global conditions, Lonely Orphans maintained financial resilience in 2023, with a total income of £980,379. This reflects an increase from the previous year, driven by donations and income from charitable activities. While total expenditures rose to £1,138,656, we continued to deliver vital services worldwide, supporting education, shelter, and emergency relief.
Though the year closed with a net deficit of £158,277, Lonely Orphans successfully maintained cash reserves of £121,194. The organisation’s assets total £135,942, with £83,485 in restricted funds, and £52,457 in unrestricted reserves.
Moving forward, Lonely Orphans aims to increase its unrestricted reserves to support six months of operational activity, ensuring its continued ability to serve vulnerable communities worldwide.
There were no adusting or non-adjusting post year-end events to report.
## **20 RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS AND TRANSACTIONS WITH TRUSTEES**
Trustees were reimbursed £827.84 expenses during the year (2022: nil). There were no related party transactions to report during the year.
## **21 CONTINGENT ASSETS AND LIABILITIES**
## **Legal and Administrative**
There were no contingent assets or liabilities in the year.
## **22 VOLUNTEERS**
During the year the charitable company benefited from unpaid work performed by volunteers. The company refers to Fundraising guidelines as set out by the Fundraising Regulator for collections.
## **23 FINANCIAL COMMITMENTS**
As at 31st December 2023, the following future minimum lease payments were due under noncancellable operating leases
|cancellable operating leases|||
|---|---|---|
|LAND AND BUILDINGS|**2023**|**2022**|
||**£**|**£**|
|UNDER ONE YEAR|**36,950**|**10,800**|
|BETWEEN 2-5 YEARS|**113,929**|**32,400**|
|More than 5 years|-|-|
## **24 ANALYSIS OF CHANGES IN NET DEBT**
||At start||Acq/disp|New|Fair value|Forex|Other non-|At end|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
||of year|Cash fows|of subsidiaries|fnance leases|movements|movements|cash changes|of year|
||**£**|**£**|**£**|**£**|**£**|**£**|**£**|**£**|
|Cash|**271,428**|**(150,234)**|-|-|-|-|-|**121,194**|
|Overdrafts|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|
|Total cash|**271,428**|**(150,234)**||||||**121,194**|
|Loans|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|
|Fin leases|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|
|Total borrowings|||||||||
|**TOTAL**|**271,428**|**(150,234)**||||||**121,194**|
Lonely Orphans is a registered Non-Profit charity. It is registered in the UK with the Charity Commission. Charity Registration Number is 1171230. It is also a Companies House registered entity. The company is a Private Limited Company by guarantee without share capital and use of ‘Limited’ exemption. The company number is 08528320.
Trustees: Mr. Kona Miah Mr. Nazrul Islam Mr. Khaled Mahmud Company Reg No: 8528320 Charity Reg No: 1171230 Principal Office: Lonely Orphans, 93 – 101 Greenfield Road, London, E1 1EJ The charity is incorporated in the UK.
## Independent Examiner:
Ipsum Accountants, 16 High Holborn, London, WC1V 6BX
The Trustees are appointed by the Members of the Charity in general meeting and all Trustees are Members of the Charity and Company. The trustees are required to follow the policies applicable to them. The core governing documents are the Memorandum and Articles of Association.
**64**
**65**
## **Trustees’ Responsibilities**
## **Structure, Governance & Management**
## **Governance Arrangements**
The Trustees, who are also Directors of Lonely Orphans for the purposes of Company Law, are responsible for preparing the Trustees’ Annual Report and financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (UK GAAP applicable to smaller entities).
Company/Charity law requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each year, which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure of the charitable company for that period. In preparing these financial statements, Trustees are required to:
Select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently.
As a registered charity and company limited by guarantee Lonely Orphans is governed by company and charity law and by The Statement of Recommended Practice, Charities SORP second edition (FRS 102), issued by the Charities Commission in October 2019. The SORP sets out the accounting practices and disclosure required by charities in their annual accounts. The Trustees have followed its recommendations and applicable accounting standards in presenting these accounts.
## **Trustee Appointment and Chair**
The Trustees are appointed by the Members of the Charity in general meeting and all Trustees are Members of the Charity and Company.
## **Management**
The Board of Trustees holds formal meetings at least four times a year. In this financial year, the board has met formally 4 times. In between these meetings, matters are progressed through the delegation of actions to Officers of the Charity.
Observe methods and principles in the Charities SORP.
Make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent.
State whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements.
- Prepare financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charitable company will continue in operation.
The Trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charitable company and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006 and Charities Act 2011. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charitable company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
## **Key Responsibilities of Trustees**
The following points outline the key responsibilities of Trustees:
- Agree the strategic direction and policy of the Charity;
- Agree the annual operating and investment budgets;
Execute all legal responsibilities in connection with the Charity;
- Be aware of the content of the Charity’s Articles of Association in order to comply with the Charity Commission regulations;
- Support the Chair in ensuring that the Charity is following best practice in terms of its business rigour;
- Provide expertise and insight into key areas of activity for the Charity and represent the charity when required.
In so far as the Trustees are aware:
- There is no relevant audit information of which the charitable company’s auditor is unaware; and
- As the Directors of the company, we have taken all steps that we ought to have taken in order to make ourselves aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the company’s auditors are aware of that information.
Approved by the trustees of the charity on 15 September 2023 and signed on its behalf by:
## Mr. Kona Miah
Chair Of Trustees
**66**
**67**
**Lonely Orphans** 93 – 101 Greenfield Road, London, E1 1EJ Company Reg No: 8528320 **|** Charity Reg No: 1171230