Charity registration number: 1180851
Al-Ajar Charity & Education Foundation
Annual Report and Financial Statements
for the year 2nd February 2023 to 1st February 2024
Al-Ajar Charity & Education Foundation Contents
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Reference and Administrative details | 2 |
| Trustees' Report | 3 to 8 |
| Statement of financial activities | 9 |
| Balance sheet | 10 |
| Notes to the financial statements | 11 |
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Al-Ajar Charity & Education Foundation
Charity Information
Charity name
Al-Ajar Charity & Education Foundation
Charity registration number
1180851
Trustees
Kashif Mohammed
Mohammed Husnain
Salim El Khchin
Mohammed Ozair
Kamran Saghir
Registered office
Glen Wells
Glen View
Halifax
HX1 2YL
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Al Ajar Charity and Education Foundation Trustees Report for 2022 – 23
Al-Ajar Charity & Education Foundation
About Al Ajar Charity and Education Foundation
Aims, objectives and activities
The Charity’s objectives are to help young people progress in life through:
(a) Provision of recreational sports and leisure activities aimed at promoting social welfare, designed to keep individuals active and in safe environments.
(b) Empowering communities by providing young people with access to activities that develop their skills and capabilities, enabling them to participate in society as mature and responsible individuals.
(c) Alleviating poverty by providing financial assistance and access to education and support services for communities and children not only in the UK but also in The Gambia, GuineaBissau, Morocco, Pakistan, Türkiye, and Egypt. This support targets those facing poverty and various adversities, such as lack of education, ill health, marginalisation, and the aftermath of war and natural disasters.
Public benefit statement
The above section of this report sets out the aims and priorities of the Charity. The Trustees have considered this matter, in line with the guidance provided by the Charity Commission’s general guidance on public benefit, and have concluded:
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a) That the aims of the Charity continue to be charitable.
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b) That the aims and work done give identifiable benefits to the charitable sector both directly and indirectly to individuals in need.
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c) That the benefits are for the public and are not unreasonably restricted in any way.
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d) That there is no detriment or harm arising from the aims or activities
Chairperson’s Message
As we reflect on the progress of Al Ajar Foundation this past year, it is clear that our success is rooted in unwavering dedication and a strong sense of community. What began as a small group of passionate young individuals has transformed into an impactful international charity, driven by the same ideals and commitment to support those in need.
This year, a significant portion of our efforts was devoted to addressing the profound aftermath of the devastating earthquake in eastern Türkiye. Sadly, this disaster claimed not only our Cancer Centre but also the life of one of our dedicated leaders for the Karim Home Orphanage in Gaziantep and Cancer Centre in central Hatay. In response to this tragedy, we organised three visits by our trustees and donors to the affected areas, ensuring that we could assess the damage firsthand and provide the necessary support to those impacted.
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These visits reinforced our resolve to rebuild and adapt; honoring the memory of those we lost by continuing their vital work.
Our ongoing commitment to community development has not wavered. We continue to execute vital projects in Calderdale, including regular community engagement, educational initiatives, and sports activities, while simultaneously expanding our reach as an international poverty relief charity. Our work with displaced refugees in West Africa and the Syrian refugees in Turkey remains steadfast, along with the thousands of food parcels and school dinners being provided in Pakistan, The Gambia, Guinea- Bissau and the Sahara Desert.
We are continuing our work in south east Turkiye where we have set up a number of camps and food banks for those displaced whilst we look for a new home for the Orphans from Karim Home. Additionally, we have initiated fundraising efforts for a new school in GuineaBissau, aimed at educating 300 children and young people, primarily orphans. Our water projects, which provide safe drinking water in famine-affected regions of Morocco, West Africa, and Pakistan, continue to thrive, garnering support from our growing donor communities here in the UK.
This past year has also seen an increase in enrollment at our Primary School in The Gambia, offering new educational opportunities to children and fostering hope for a brighter future. As the number of those we serve—including orphans, refugees, widows, and the homeless— continues to grow, so too has the compassion and generosity of our donors, both in the UK and abroad.
We take the responsibility entrusted to us by our trustees and donor community seriously, pledging to sustain and expand our efforts in serving humanity. To all our donors, supporters, volunteers, and friends, I extend my heartfelt gratitude for your continued encouragement and generosity. It is through your kindness that we can bring smiles to the faces of some of the most vulnerable members of our society and work together to make the world a better place.
Thank you
Mohammed Ozair Chairperson
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Al-Ajar Charity & Education Foundation
Al Ajar Charity and Education Foundation Trustees Report for 2023-24
Achievements and Performance
In this reporting year, we have significantly intensified our efforts to support and empower children and young people across our six operational sites through our orphan sponsorship, food programs, and educational initiatives. Each child receives varying levels of assistance based on their individual needs and local conditions. Our dedicated local volunteers assess the appropriate support, with some beneficiaries receiving a fixed monthly stipend to help cover education, food, clothing, and other essential needs. We closely monitor the progress of these children, as communicated by our on-ground partners, ensuring that every child in our program remains engaged in their education.
This year has been our busiest yet, marked by an almost doubling of our income and expenditure compared to previous years, thanks to increased fundraising initiatives and activity by trustees, volunteers and donors.
Türkiye
In 2023, we focused significantly on relief efforts following the devastating earthquake in Türkiye, which has consumed much of our calendar year. We raised and allocated £242,499.01 to support affected communities by setting up camps and tents for the homeless, medical camps, food banks and several soup kitchens. Our partnership with Karim Home in Gaziantep continued as we assisted with the orphanage's operational costs, including rent, utilities, food, and clothing for the children. Notably, we visited in February, March and July, organising fundraising activities and directly engaging with impacted children and families.
We lost one of our cancer centers in Hatay to the earthquake; however we continued to operate from a second building which we have rented for 12 months providing essential care for cancer patients, many of whom are Syrian refugees. We are committed to supporting these individuals long-term. Our distribution of cash donations, food, and clothes allows our donors to fulfill their Zakat obligations, reinforcing its role as social welfare. We also conducted Qurbani for Eid ul-Adha and distributed Zakat for Eid ul-Fitr.
Morocco
Hospital of Hope (Enfant Espoire - Abandoned Babies Project)
In Morocco, where recent studies indicate that 2 in 100 children are abandoned, we remain committed to our work. In 2023, we spent £13,798.93. Our efforts are guided by data from UNICEF, which shows that nearly half of all abandoned children are cared for in institutions, with many facing adverse circumstances. The Abandoned Babies Centre received over £3,000 for the development of an outdoor play area, creating a safe and stimulating environment for the babies to explore and play. We also donated over toys and sensory equipment to enhance their developmental experiences.
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Dar-ul-Tifl
This year, the Al Ajar Foundation facilitated the renovation of another neweducation facility at the Dar-ul-Tifl orphanage, benefiting 300 children with new tables and chairs. This vibrant and inspiring environment fosters their intellectual growth. Additionally, we provided the Physical Education department with a range of sports equipment, encouraging physical activity and promoting a healthier lifestyle among the children.
The Association for taking care of Orphans and Widows
We continued our long-standing partnership with The Association, which takes care of orphans and widows in Marrakech. They do an excellent job of supporting over a thousand families of widows and orphans by providing food vouchers, household goods, and ensuring that each sponsored orphan, including those supported by our charity, receives a quality education and is rewarded for their achievements. We also donated £10,000 to refurbish a large centre which will now be used for extracurricular classes by the orphans and a training centre for widows to upskill and find work locally.
Pakistan
Orphans, Water, and Food Programs
In Pakistan, we spent a total of £17,400. A large portion of these funds was allocated to food and education programs. We have continued our efforts to construct boreholes and water filtration systems in the Cholistan-Thar region. Throughout Ramadan, we delivered food baskets to support Iftar programs, ensuring fair participation in fasting. We have been supporting the constrction of a new Mosque and educational centre build where work is now almost complete.
Guinea Bissau
In our ongoing commitment to support the most vulnerable communities, we have initiated significant aid work in Guinea-Bissau, focusing on education and nutrition. This year marks the beginning of our ambitious project to plan and build a school that will serve as a vital educational resource for 300 of the poorest children in the region. The school aims to provide a safe and nurturing environment where children can access quality education and a brighter future. Additionally, recognising the urgent need during famine periods, we have been actively distributing hot meals and food packs to ensure that families receive essential nourishment. Through these efforts, we have invested £20,498 in aid, striving to uplift the community and foster sustainable development in Guinea-Bissau.
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The Gambia
Orphan Sponsorship, Education, and Water Projects
This year, we allocated a total of £4,748.09 towards the running of our school that offers free education and daily nutritious meals to refugees and children in a high-deprivation area. We have proudly enrolled 150 children, 85 of whom previously had no access to education. The school in Kaling Village features four large, fully equipped classrooms, a wash area, a teacher's office, a kitchen, and an outdoor dining area. We also have land for future expansion and the development of an outdoor play area.
Water Is Life Project
By constructing boreholes and community wells, we are ensuring sustainable access to clean drinking water for countless communities. Our partnerships with local organisations enable us to manage costs effectively, and this year, we successfully completed six boreholes and water wells, benefiting over 600 people daily. This initiative is part of our long-term development plans, as each borehole has a lifespan of approximately ten years without requiring significant repairs.
Key Risks and Uncertainties
The Trustees regularly review the major risks facing the Charity, particularly those related to its operations and finances. They are satisfied with the systems in place to mitigate the Charity’s exposure to these risks. Our risk management strategy includes:
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A regular review of potential risks the Charity may encounter, along with site visits and updated risk assessments for any new activities, organised events, or visits.
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An evaluation of the effectiveness of current systems and procedures to address the risks identified in the strategy.
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The implementation of procedures designed to minimise any potential impact on the Charity if these risks materialise.
The Trustees will conduct regular reviews of this strategy to ensure its continued relevance and effectiveness.
Organisational Structure
The Charity was founded and is based in Halifax, West Yorkshire, and operates in partnership with local organisations both in the UK and internationally. The Trustees oversee the governance of the Charity, while day-to-day management is carried out by the Trustees and a volunteer-run management committee.
Project Leads and Volunteers
We are proud to operate entirely without any project leads, helpers, or volunteers on the payroll. The Charity relies on the generous support of a dedicated team of selfless volunteers who share responsibilities and tasks to achieve our aims and objectives. The Chair manages
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this volunteer team, and the Trustees extend their heartfelt gratitude to all volunteers, whose contributions are essential to the Charity’s operations.
Governance, Administration, and Monitoring
In 2023, we reviewed our organisational agreements and areas of collaboration with partners, along with key policies and procedures. We implement consistent monitoring of our operations to ensure they align with our charitable objectives, as outlined at the beginning of this report. Due diligence checks on all project documentation are conducted, and our dedicated volunteers personally visit international sites to verify that funds are spent as intended and to identify additional support needs. These visits include assessments of service quality, which are shared with beneficiaries, along with evaluations of financial support provided. This year, similar visits and assessments were conducted by volunteers in Pakistan, Gaziantep, Türkiye and Morocco.
Al-Ajar is entrusted by our donors to provide support to orphans and widows, and we maintain strict controls over expenditures. We strive to keep associated costs to a minimum, as all administrative work is conducted entirely by volunteers, which ultimately saves thousands of pounds. While we work diligently to minimise our administrative expenses, we also recognise the importance of monitoring, assessing, and improving our work with beneficiaries, necessitating investment in thorough due diligence, local volunteer expenses, and the establishment of appropriate policies and procedures.
The Charity does not deduct any fees from Zakat donations; all administrative costs are covered by our fundraising activities through the Saturday school, Sports and Gift aid. For the year 2023-24, the Trustees agreed that all administrative expenses will be drawn from gift-aid income. This approach allows us to allocate 100% of charity and Zakat donations directly to our poverty relief projects.
Our project development and grassroots activities remain transparent and inclusive. We are committed to ensuring that our fundraising efforts are respectful, open, honest, and accountable to the public, allowing for scrutiny and engagement from stakeholders.
Financial Review
The Trustees regularly assess the risks faced by the Charity and actively monitor the available reserves, as sustaining our sponsorship projects represents a significant commitment. Our work proceeds only when adequate funds are available. The Trustees have determined to maintain a minimal reserve of £50,000 to cover contingencies and support ongoing poverty relief projects across our six sites.
The cost of public liability and volunteer insurance amounted to £363.20.
At the end of the financial year, the Charity had a closing balance of £101,209.40
The Trustees are confident that the funds received have been utilised effectively in line with our charitable objectives.
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Al-Ajar Charity & Education Foundation Statement of Financial Activities
for the year 2nd February 2023 to 1st February 2024
| VOLUNTARY INCOME Appeals and donations Total resources expended Direct costs Projects and relief Accountancy Hire of facilities Advertising Insurance Profit/loss for the year |
2024 334,896 301,877 240 3,111 1,692 363 307,283 27,613 |
2023 126,198 80,215 240 1,070 2,114 314 |
|---|---|---|
| 83,953 | ||
| 42,245 |
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Al-Ajar Charity & Education Foundation Balance Sheet
for the year 2nd February 2023 to 1st February 2024
| Note 2024 Current assets Cash at back and in hand 101,209 101,209 Creditors Accrued expenses 240 240 100,969 Net business assets represented by Capital account: Balance brought forward 73,356 Net profit or loss 27,613 100,969 |
2023 73,596 |
|---|---|
| 73,596 | |
| 240 | |
| 240 | |
| 73,356 | |
| 102,883 (29,527) |
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| 73,356 |
I approve these accounts and confirm that I have made available all relevant records and information for their preparation.
Mohammed Husnain Trustee
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Al-Ajar Charity & Education Foundation Notes to the Financial Statements for the Period Ended 1st February 2024
Accounting policies
Basis of preparation
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention and in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice 'Accounting and Reporting by Charities (SORP 2005)', issued in March 2005, applicable accounting standards and the Companies Act 2006.
Fund accounting policy
Unrestricted income funds are general funds that are available for use at the trustees' discretion in furtherance of the objectives of the charity.
Incoming resources
Voluntary income including donations and grants that provide core funding or are of a general nature is recognised where there is entitlement, certainty of receipt and the amount can be measured with sufficient reliability.
Resources expended
Liabilities are recognised as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to the
that aggregate all costs related to the category.
Charitable expenditure comprises those costs incurred by the charity in the delivery of its activities and services for its beneficiaries. It includes both costs that can be allocated directly to such activities and those costs of an indirect nature necessary to support them.
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