Charity registration number: 1180851
Al-Ajar Charity & Education Foundation
Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year 2nd February 2024 to 1st February 2025
Al-Ajar Charity & Education Foundation Contents
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Reference and Administrative details | 2 |
| Trustees' Report | 3 to 7 |
| Statement of financial activities | 8 |
| Balance sheet | 9 |
| Notes to the financial statements | 10 |
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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 & Education Foundation
Trustees Report for 2024 – 25
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, Sudan and Syria. 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 another transformative year for the Al Ajar Foundation, it is evident that our achievements stem from our unwavering dedication and the strength of our community. Our journey, beginning as a small yet passionate group, has evolved into a significant international charity, united by our mission to support those in need.
Our commitment to community development remains strong. In Calderdale, we continue vital projects focused on community engagement, education, and sports, while expanding our international reach to alleviate poverty. We successfully expanded our efforts to two new areas and launched new orphan support and food bank programmes in Syria and Morocco. Our support for displaced individuals in West Africa and refugees in Turkiye is ongoing, alongside the distribution of thousands of food parcels and school meals in Pakistan, The
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Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, and famine-affected areas. Our fundraising for a new school in Guinea-Bissau aims to educate 300 children, primarily orphans, while our water projects continue to provide safe drinking water across Morocco, West Africa, and Pakistan, thanks to our generous donor network in the UK.
Enrollment at our Primary School in The Gambia has increased, creating new educational opportunities for children. As we aid a growing number of individuals, including orphans, refugees, widows, and the homeless - we are deeply grateful for the compassion and support of our donors. As the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “The best of people are those that bring the most benefit to others.” We remain committed to fulfilling the responsibilities entrusted to us and a reminder on just how special the team is at Al-Ajar; how remarkable our donors are; and indeed, a profound reminder that our need to serve others is the greatest level of fulfilment anyone can achieve.
Thank you, Mohammed Ozair Chairperson
Al Ajar Charity and Education Foundation Trustees Report for 2024-25
Achievements and Performance
In this reporting period, we have amplified our commitment to empower children and young people across our six operational sites. Through our orphan sponsorship, food programs, and educational initiatives, we tailor support to meet individual needs based on local conditions. Our dedicated volunteers on the ground continually assess these needs, ensuring that each child in our program remains engaged in their education.
This year was marked by increased fundraising efforts, reflecting in a substantial growth of both income and expenditure. We raised significant funds that have allowed us to broaden the scope and impact of our initiatives.
Türkiye
Our partnership with Karim Home has remained strong, with ongoing assistance to the orphanage for operational costs, including rent and essentials for the children. We arranged visits in 2025 via our trustees, volunteers and donors to engage directly with families and children who are still in need. While we lost one cancer center, our commitment to providing care continues unabated, as we operate in the region to supporting orphans, cancer patients and those living in temporary camps many of whom are refugees. Distributions of cash donations, food, and clothing fulfill Zakat obligations, reinforcing our role in social welfare. Our Qurbani programme continued here.
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Morocco
Hospital of Hope (Enfant Espoire - Abandoned Babies Project)
In Morocco, where abandonment rates are still alarming, we have committed to fundraise and visit the project via our young leaders and volunteers who visit during the summer holidays to see and support the development . Enhancements at the Abandoned Babies Centre have included the development of an enriching play area and the provision of toys and sensory equipment as well as vital funds to sponsor the abandoned babies and toddlers. The centre is currently home to 30 children in 2025.
Dar-ul-Tifl Orphanage
We successfully completed a renovation of classroom facilities at the Dar-ul-Tifl orphanage, as well as a new Basketball playing facility benefiting 300 children with updated furnishings, promoting a conducive learning environment. Complementing this, we supplied sports equipment for the Physical Education department, encouraging active lifestyles among the children.
The Association for taking care of Orphans and Widows
We have continued our fruitful partnership with The Association, dedicated to supporting orphans and widows in Marrakech. This year, their commendable efforts have aided over a thousand families through initiatives such as food vouchers and household supplies. Each sponsored orphan, including those under our charity's care, continues to receive quality education and recognition for their achievements. Additionally, we visited some of the earthquake affected villages in the Atlas Mountains to provide aid and develop a solar panel water system to provide clean drinking water to the region. This project was supported by a number of charities coming together including the Unique Children’s Charity.
Pakistan: Orphans, Water, and Food Programs
In Pakistan, our investment largely continues to focus on food assistance and educational initiatives. We have maintained our commitment to constructing boreholes and water filtration systems in the Cholistan-Thar region. During Ramadan, we delivered food baskets to support Iftar programs, promoting equality during the fasting period. We completed the building of a new mosque and educational center, which benefits orphans and the needy with free education and resources. Al-Ajar was on hand to support the victims of the Floods and this year we built new homes for some of the most needy families who had no support systems after losing everything to the floods.
Guinea-Bissau: Education and Nutrition Focus
This year, we embarked on a crucial initiative in Guinea-Bissau, emphasising education and nutrition. We launched an ambitious project to plan and build a school that will provide essential educational resources for up to 300 of the most impoverished children in the area. The school is designed to create a safe and nurturing environment, fostering access to quality education for a brighter future. The programme has slowed down due to a lack of
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funds, however through fundraising challenges we hope to complete the project and visit the School later this year. We have continued our food bank and hot meal programme here.
The Gambia: Orphan Sponsorship, Education, and Water Projects
Our educational programs are making a significant impact through our school, which offers free education and nutritious meals to refugees and children in underserved areas. Our Primary school located in Kaling Village has become very popular and continues to increase enrollment. Our water projects via the solar powered bore wells continue to provide for and develop communities who are in need. We managed to build a further 10 water projects this year through donor sponsorships. This initiative is integral to our long-term development strategy, as each borehole is designed to function effectively for approximately a decade without 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. Each project has a designated project lead and a group of experienced volunteers who reports back to the management committee.
Project Leads and Volunteers
We take pride in operating without any project leads or paid staff. The Charity thrives on the generous contributions of a committed team of dedicated volunteers who share responsibilities and collaborate to fulfill our mission. Our revamped website opens up a volunteering programme for people to come and see the poverty relief work at first hand. The Chair oversees this invaluable volunteer team, and the Trustees extend their sincere gratitude to all volunteers, whose efforts are vital to the Charity’s success.
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Governance, Administration, and Monitoring
In 2024, we revisited our organisational agreements and collaborative efforts with partners, alongside essential policies and procedures. We consistently monitor our operations to ensure alignment with our charitable objectives, as stated at the beginning of this report. Comprehensive due diligence checks on all project documentation are performed, and our devoted volunteers conduct in-person visits to international sites to confirm that funds are utilised as intended and to identify additional support needs. These visits also include quality assessments of services, which are shared with beneficiaries, together with evaluations of the financial support provided. This year’s assessments were conducted by volunteers in Pakistan, Gaziantep, The Gambia, Türkiye, and Morocco.
Al-Ajar is entrusted by our donors to support orphans and widows, and we uphold strict expenditure controls. We aim to keep associated costs to a minimum, as all administrative work is carried out entirely by volunteers, resulting in significant savings. While we diligently strive to reduce our administrative expenses, we acknowledge the necessity of investing in thorough monitoring, assessment, and enhancement of our work with beneficiaries, which includes expenses for local volunteers and the development of appropriate policies and procedures.
The Charity does not deduct any fees from Zakat donations; all administrative costs are managed through our fundraising activities, including sports events, and Gift Aid. For the fiscal year 2024-25, the Trustees have decided that all administrative expenses will be covered from Gift Aid income. This strategy enables us to allocate 100% of charity and Zakat donations directly to our poverty relief initiatives.
Our project development and grassroots activities are characterised by transparency and inclusivity. We are committed to conducting our fundraising efforts in a manner that is respectful, open, honest, and accountable to the public, fostering scrutiny and engagement from all stakeholders.
Financial Review
The Trustees routinely evaluate the risks faced by the Charity and actively monitor our available reserves, as sustaining our sponsorship projects is a significant commitment. Our activities proceed only when adequate funds are secured. The Trustees have resolved to maintain a minimal reserve of £60,000 to accommodate contingencies and support ongoing poverty relief initiatives across our six locations including the running of our Schools, support centers and food banks.
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Al-Ajar Charity & Education Foundation Statement of Financial Activities for the year 2nd February 2024 to 1st February 2025
| VOLUNTARY INCOME Appeals and donations Total resources expended Direct costs Projects and relief Accountancy Hire of facilities Charitable activities Insurance Profit/loss for the year |
2025 156,977 149,988 240 2,600 8,756 - 161,584 (4,607) |
2024 334,896 301,877 240 3,111 1,692 363 307,283 27,613 |
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Al-Ajar Charity & Education Foundation Balance Sheet
for the year 2nd February 2024 to 1st February 2025
| Note 2025 Current assets Cash at bank and in hand 96,602 96,602 Creditors Accrued expenses 240 240 96,362 Net business assets represented by Capital account: Balance brought forward 100,969 Net profit or loss (4,607) 96,362 |
2024 101,209 73,596 240 240 100,969 73,356 27,613 100,969 |
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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 2025
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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