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## SEJA
(previously ACE Projects)
## 1182685
Trustees Annual Report & Accounts
For the Year Ending 31 December 2023
1
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||SEJA|
|---|---|
||Report & Accounts 2023|
||1182685|
|Legal and Administrative Information|3|
|CEO’s Letter – George Crawley|4|
|Public Benefit|4|
|Trustees' Report|4|
|Charity Overview|5|
|Structure, Governance, and Management|5|
|Charitable Objectives|5|
|Impact Overview for 2023|6|
|Key Highlights|6|
|1. Expansion of the SEJA Cypher Circuit:|6|
|2. Professional Development Program Success:|6|
|3. Social Enterprise Growth:|7|
|4. Global Reach and Partnerships:|7|
|5. London Projects and Growth:|7|
|SEJA's Key Achievements in Numbers:|7|
|COO’s Letter – Dylan Brown|7|
|Financial Overview|8|
|Strategic Objectives for 2024|8|
|Challenges Faced|9|
|Volunteers and Team Contributions|9|
|Looking Ahead|9|
|Chair’s Letter – Mimma Viglezio|10|
|Independent Examiners Report|11|
|Accounts (prepared on receipts and payments basis)|12|
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SEJA Report & Accounts 2023 1182685
## Legal and Administrative Information
## Board of Trustees
Mimma Viglezio Appointed: 05/10/2022 Brita Fernandez Schmidt Appointed: 05/10/2022 Julian Wootton Appointed: 05/10/2022 Claudio Rocha Appointed: 05/10/2022
Executives
G M B Crawley Chief Executive Officer (Appointed: 01/01/2020) D P Brown Chief Operating Officer (Appointed: 01/01/2020)
Charity Secretary
J A Barrett Appointed: 01/04/2020
Accountants
Jo Shenton J Leon & Company 32 Hampstead High Street London NW3 1JQ (+44 (0) 20 7435 7800)
Independent Examination
Julie Burling Ingenhaag LLP 39 Eastcheap London EC3M 1DT (+44 (0) 20 7626 6355)
Charity Offices GRD Floor 90 Bartholomew Road Kentish Town London NW5 2AS
Charity Registration Number 1182685
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SEJA Report & Accounts 2023 1182685
## **SEJA Annual Report & Accounts 2023**
## **CEO’s Letter – George Crawley**
_Dear SEJA Family,_
_As we close the chapter on another transformative year, I reflect on all we’ve achieved together. 2023 was not without its challenges, but thanks to the unwavering commitment of our team, local changemakers, volunteers, partners, and most importantly, the communities we serve, SEJA has emerged stronger._
_This past year, we expanded our reach in Brazil, the UK, and beyond. Through the_ _**SEJA Cypher Circuit** , we brought events and impact to communities often overlooked. These events, which started as small local gatherings, have now become a vital part of SEJA’s identity—helping young people express themselves, connect, and feel valued._
_Our_ _**Professional Development Program** was another cornerstone of our success. By investing in local leaders, we fostered autonomy, allowing these individuals to lead their communities with confidence and without reliance on external aid. This has always been our goal at SEJA: to lift-up communities to create their own sustainable futures._
_Looking ahead, I’m filled with optimism for 2024. We will be launching new projects in Salvador, expanding our footprint, and continuing to lift-up the young people who look to us for inspiration and support. Together, we will keep growing, learning, and transforming._
_Thank you for your continued belief in our mission. SEJA is what it is because of you._
Warm regards, **George Crawley** ���������� Founder
## **Public Benefit**
In accordance with Section 17 of the Charities Act 2011, the Trustees have given careful consideration to the Charity Commission's general guidance on public benefit, ensuring that SEJA’s activities continue to align with the charity’s principal objectives of improving the lives of children and young people living below the poverty line in developing regions.
## Trustees' Report
The Trustees are pleased to present their annual report and financial statements for the year ending 31st December 2023. This report has been prepared in accordance with the Statement
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SEJA Report & Accounts 2023 1182685
of Recommended Practice (SORP) 2005 and CC16 guidance, ensuring transparency and accountability in all SEJA activities.
## **Charity Overview**
**Charity Name** : SEJA (previously ACE Projects)
**Registration Number** : 1182685
**Principal Address** : Ground Floor, 90 Bartholomew Road, London, NW5 2AS
## **Trustees** :
The trustees managing the charity are named on page 4 of the full financial report.
## **Structure, Governance, and Management**
SEJA is governed by a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) Constitution, established on 27th March 2019. The governance structure allows for the appointment of trustees for three-year terms, with reappointments subject to a vote at the Annual General Meeting. Trustees are selected based on their skills, knowledge, and relevant experience, ensuring that the board collectively provides the expertise needed to guide SEJA’s strategic and operational activities.
## **Risk Management** :
The Trustees regularly review the charity’s risk register and implement strategies to mitigate any operational, financial, or reputational risks. In 2023, special attention was given to risks associated with global financial instability and its potential impact on funding streams. Measures such as diversification of income sources, more efficient financial management, and the establishment of a designated reserves fund have been put in place to address these concerns.
## **Charitable Objectives**
SEJA’s core mission remains to support children and young people (ages 3-18) who live below the poverty line in developing countries. Our objectives focus on improving their lives through:
1. To advance in life and relieve needs of children and young people aged between 3-18 living below the poverty line in the developing world through:
- a. The provision of recreational and leisure time activities provided in the interests of social welfare, designed to improve their conditions of life;
- b. Providing support and activities which develop their skills, capacities and capabilities to enable them to participate in society as mature and responsible individuals; and
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SEJA Report & Accounts 2023 1182685
- c. Advancing their education in particular but not exclusively by the provision of native and English language classes, geography classes and the study of art, dance, photography and media.
- d. Preserving and protecting of health and mental well-being of such children and young people, experiencing emotional, behavioural and other challenges and complex needs by providing art-as-therapy programmes and family therapy sessions, that, amongst other things, promote engagement with learning and inclusion in schools and communities, for the public benefit.
- e. The advancement of education for the public benefit by providing training and support for those who work with children and young people experiencing challenges in their lives.
## Impact Overview for 2023
SEJA experienced a transformative year in 2023, expanding its operations both in Brazil and the UK, and consolidating its leadership development programs, cultural outreach, and community empowerment initiatives. Our activities not only continued to impact thousands of young individuals but also laid a foundation for future growth in new regions.
## **Key Highlights**
## **1. Expansion of the SEJA Cypher Circuit:**
This year, SEJA hosted a record 12 Cypher Circuit events across Rio de Janeiro and the UK. These events engaged over 60,000 people digitally and attracted hundreds of local participants. They provided a platform for local talent, particularly from marginalized communities, to showcase their artistic skills, including dance and music, thus creating a positive cultural narrative. The Cyphers also served as a crucial tool in bridging social inequalities by bringing cultural events to underserved neighborhoods.
## **2. Professional Development Program Success:**
SEJA’s Professional Development Program empowered 70 community leaders in 2023, offering 1,620 hours of training in nonprofit management, leadership, and community development. This year saw a significant shift, with leaders becoming more autonomous, reducing their dependency on SEJA for financial support and learning how to attract external funding. The program fostered a 67% increase in technical knowledge in the nonprofit sector and resulted in local leaders independently raising R$35,000.
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SEJA Report & Accounts 2023 1182685
## **3. Social Projects Growth:**
SEJA’s strategic financial and professional support for grassroots social projects yielded notable success in 2023. Our grants enabled community-led initiatives to expand their operations, with key projects in Rio de Janeiro, Natal, and Salvador seeing substantial growth. For example, Projeto Bale da Rale, a community-driven initiative focused on promoting cultural heritage and education through ballet and music, impacted 200 young people weekly and received over £5,000 in direct investment.
## **4. Global Reach and Partnerships:**
SEJA’s international partnerships expanded in 2023, with organizations like the Swarovski Foundation and Rexona playing a pivotal role in supporting both financial and operational needs. The SEJA Community Battle, a festival that brought together over 90 dancers competing for sponsorship contracts, highlighted the global cultural outreach of SEJA, emphasizing its commitment to fostering local talent in Brazil’s favelas.
## **5. London Projects and Growth:**
In London, SEJA continued to build on its success with projects aimed at addressing youth disengagement and violence. Our partnerships with YouthInk and SportsFun4All provided safe spaces for over 120 young people weekly. Through activities such as football, breakdancing, and book clubs, SEJA is actively creating pathways for young people to develop both personally and academically.
## **SEJA's Key Achievements in Numbers:**
- **60,000+ individuals reached digitally** through online platforms and cultural events.
- **2,370 young people engaged weekly** , representing a 427% increase from 2022.
- **15,000+ young people impacted globally** , showcasing SEJA’s expanded outreach.
- **£187,000 invested directly into communities** , a significant increase from previous years.
- **750 hours of safe space service provided per month** to young people in Rio, Natal, and London.
- **35 professional development workshops held** , offering tailored training to leaders across SEJA hubs.
## **COO’s Letter – Dylan Brown**
## _Dear Friends,_
_2023 was a pivotal year for SEJA. As Chief Operating Officer, I have had the privilege of seeing our organization’s operations expand in ways we could only imagine a few years ago. The_
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SEJA Report & Accounts 2023 1182685
_challenges of managing such growth, particularly across international borders, were significant, but our team rose to the occasion time and again._
_Our work this year, particularly in_ _**London** and_ _**Brazil** , has been about building systems and structures that can support sustainable growth. From launching new community initiatives to expanding our_ _**Professional Development Program** , every step we took was about ensuring that the communities we serve have the resources, knowledge, and support to thrive._
_A personal highlight for me was witnessing the_ _**KEBRA Festival** in Rio de Janeiro. This event, which celebrated local culture and gave young people a platform to shine, is a perfect example of what SEJA stands for—empowering the community through culture, leadership, and shared experiences._
_As we look ahead to 2024, I am confident that we are on the right path. With continued focus on professional development, community-led initiatives, and the expansion of our cultural programs, SEJA is set to make an even greater impact._
_Thank you for being a part of our journey._
Sincerely, **Dylan Brown** ���������� Chief Operating Officer
## **Financial Overview**
In 2023, SEJA’s total income amounted to **£198,722** , while expenditures reached **£276,537** , resulting in a deficit of **£77,815** . This deficit was covered by reserves from previous years, allowing SEJA to maintain its core operations without disruption. The shortfall was exacerbated by the unexpected withdrawal of support from the **Swarovski Foundation** , a key contributor to SEJA’s operational budget. The foundation was forced to significantly reduce its funding due to unforeseen circumstances, creating a gap in expected income.
Despite this challenge, SEJA’s **Reserves Policy** ensured that the organization could continue to operate during this financial downturn. A minimum reserve of **£30,000** is maintained, allowing the charity to cover essential operational costs for up to three months, providing a buffer in case of future funding delays or unexpected financial difficulties.
## **Strategic Objectives for 2024**
As SEJA moves into 2024, several key strategic objectives have been set:
1. **Expansion into New Regions** :
In addition to deepening our impact in Rio, Natal, and London, SEJA aims to establish a
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SEJA Report & Accounts 2023 1182685
more substantial presence in Salvador, Brazil. Five new projects will be launched, focusing on community empowerment through boxing, music, and cultural activities.
2. **Sustainability and Fundraising** : SEJA plans to strengthen the autonomy of its local leaders by providing additional training in fundraising and project management. By 2024, the goal is for all partner projects to secure external funding, reducing reliance on SEJA for day-to-day financial support.
3. **Scaling the Professional Development Program** :
- SEJA will double the number of leaders in its Professional Development Program, aiming to engage 10 new projects in 2024. The emphasis will be on helping leaders raise independent funding and creating more sustainable projects.
4. **Cultural Power Through KEBRA Festival** : SEJA plans to host its largest-ever **KEBRA Festival** in Rio de Janeiro in 2024. This two-day event will highlight the vibrant and diverse culture of Brazil’s favelas, featuring dance battles, music performances, art exhibitions, and more. The festival will be a platform to showcase the talents of young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.
## **Challenges Faced**
2023 was not without its challenges. Global economic instability and rising operational costs made it difficult to sustain some initiatives at the levels initially planned. SEJA also faced logistical challenges, particularly in Brazil, where political changes created obstacles in securing certain permits and approvals for community events. Despite this, SEJA’s resilience, supported by a committed network of funders, staff, and volunteers, allowed it to continue driving its mission forward.
## **Volunteers and Team Contributions**
SEJA’s impact in 2023 would not have been possible without the dedication of its volunteers. Over 10 volunteers in Brazil and the UK contributed their time and expertise, helping to deliver community events, lead workshops, and support young people. SEJA’s core team, led by **Dylan Brown (COO)** and **Pamella Lessa (Director of Impact, Brazil)** , played a critical role in ensuring the organization’s continued growth and impact.
## **Looking Ahead**
SEJA’s plans for 2024 are ambitious. With new projects, expanded cultural outreach, and a growing network of partners, SEJA is poised to continue its mission of creating sustainable, community-led change. As we look to the future, our commitment to empowering young people, developing local leaders, and reducing inequality remains stronger than ever.
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SEJA Report & Accounts 2023 1182685
## **Chair’s Letter – Mimma Viglezio**
_Dear Friends of SEJA,_
_This year has been incredibly challenging for our charity. Global political uncertainties, ongoing conflicts in Ukraine, the Middle East, and Sudan, and the rising cost of living affecting families worldwide have understandably shifted priorities away from small charitable organisations like ours._
_However, at SEJA, we remain resilient. We are actively rethinking our strategies and are determined to come back stronger than ever. Our commitment to fostering community-led impact is unwavering, and I look forward to sharing exciting new projects with you soon._
_Thank you, as always, for your loyal and continued support. Your belief in our mission gives us the strength to move forward, and I’m confident that the coming year will bring renewed success for SEJA._
## _**Mimma Viglezio**_
_Chair of the Board of Trustees_
����������
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SEJA Report & Accounts 2023 1182685
## Independent Examiners Report
Insert here
11
CHARITY COMMISSION
FOR ENGLAND AND WALES
Independent examinerfs
report on the accounts
Section A
Independent Examiner's Report
Report to the trusteesl
members of
SEJA (previously ACE Proje¢ts)
On accounts for the year
ended
Chartty no
lif any)
31 Dember 2023
1182685
Set out on pages
1-12
I r8POrt to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of th8 above
charity {"the Trust") for the year ended 31 December 2023.
Responsibilities and As the charity trustees of the Trust, you are responsible for the preparation
basis of report of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Acl
2011 {"the Acr).
I report in respect of my examination of the Trust's accounts carried out
under section 145 ofthe 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I
have followed the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission
under section 145(5){b) ()f the Act.
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material mattets have
corne to my attenlion (other than that disclosed below '} in connection wth
Ihe examination which gives me cause to believe that in, any material
respect..
a¢Gounting rewrds were not kept in accordan with sedion 130 of
the Act or
the accounts do not accord wrth the accounting records
Independent
axaminer's statement
I have no Concerns and have come across no other rnatters in connedion
with the examination to which attention should be drawn in orderto enablè a
proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Pleaso delete the words in thè brackets if they do not apply.
Signed:
Date:
zA- ID.24•
Name:
JULIE ANNE BURLING
Relovant professional
qualification(s) or body
(if any):
FCCA CTA TEP
Address:
clo Ingenhaag LLP
39 Eastcheap
London EC3M 1 DT
IER
October 2018
Section B
Disclosure
Only complete if the examiner needs to highlight matters of concern (see CC32,
Indepèndent examination of charity accounts: directions and guidance for
examiners).
Give here brief details of
any items that the
examiner wishes to
disclose.
NONE
IER
October 2018
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SEJA Report & Accounts 2023 1182685
## Accounts (prepared on receipts and payments basis)
## Insert here
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|**Accelerating Community Empowerment**|**1182685**||
|---|---|---|
|**Receipts and payments accounts**||**CC16a**|
|**For the period**
**from**
**01/01/2023**
**To**|**31/12/2023**||
## **Section A Receipts and payments**
||**Unrestricted**
**funds**
**to the nearest £**
**1,742**
**56,350**
**21,000**
**15,500**
**-**
**11,136**
**-**
**214**
**105,943**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**105,943**
**78,317**
**-**
**1,357**
**4,216**
**1,996**
**2,351**
**166**
**-**
**88,403**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**88,403**
**17,540**
**(95,355)**
**92,896**
**15,081**|**Restricted**
**funds**
**to the nearest £**
**-**
**5,000**
**29,362**
**58,418**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**92,779**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**92,779**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**5,250**
**162,850**
**20,019**
**15**
**-**
**188,134**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**188,134**
**(95,355)**
**95,355**
**-**
**-**|**Endowment**
**funds**
**to the nearest £**|**Total funds**
**to the nearest £**
**1,742**
**61,350**
**50,362**
**73,918**
**-**
**11,136**
**-**
**214**
**-**
**-**
**198,722**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**198,722**
**78,317**
**-**
**1,357**
**9,466**
**164,846**
**22,370**
**181**
**-**
**276,537**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**276,537**
**(77,815)**
**-**
**92,896**
**15,081**|**Last year**
**to the nearest £**|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|**A1 Receipts**||||||
|Individual Donations|**1,742**||**-**|**1,742**|**590**|
|Major Donor|**56,350**|||**61,350**|**20,000**|
|Corporate Donations|**21,000**|||**50,362**|**57,925**|
|Grants|**15,500**|||**73,918**|**100,386**|
|Event Income|**-**|||**-**|**23,242**|
|Gift Aid|**11,136**|||**11,136**|**5,434**|
|Sales|**-**|||**-**|**96**|
|Other Income|**214**|||**214**|**15**|
|||||**-**|**-**|
|||||**-**|**-**|
|**_Sub total_**_(Gross income for AR) _|**105,943**|||**198,722**|**207,688**|
|||||||
|**A2 Asset and investment sales, (see**
**table).**||||||
||**-**||**-**
**-**
**-**|**-**|**-**|
||**-**|||**-**|**-**|
|**_Sub total _**|**-**|||**-**|**-**|
|**_Total receipts_ **
**A3 Payments**||||||
||||**-**|**198,722**|**207,688**|
|||||||
|Staff Costs|**78,317**||**-**|**78,317**|**64,371**|
|Marketing|**-**|||**-**|**16,939**|
|General Administration|**1,357**|||**1,357**|**5,532**|
|FundraisingCosts|**4,216**|||**9,466**|**11,753**|
|Impact Costs Brazil|**1,996**|||**164,846**|**136,118**|
|Impact Costs London|**2,351**|||**22,370**|**40,735**|
|Bank Fees|**166**|||**181**|**213**|
|Legal Costs|**-**|||**-**|**795**|
|**_Sub total_ **|**88,403**|||**276,537**|**276,456**|
|||||||
|**A4 Asset and investment purchases, (see**
**table)**||||||
||**-**||**-**
**-**
**-**|**-**|**-**|
||**-**|||**-**|**-**|
|**_Sub total_ **|**-**|||**-**|**-**|
|**_Total payments_**
**_Net of receipts/(payments)_**
**A5 Transfers between funds**
**A6 Cash funds last year end**
**_Cash funds this year end_**||||||
||||**-**|**276,537**|**276,456**|
|||||||
||**17,540**|**(95,355)**|**-**|**(77,815)**|**(68,768)**|
||**(95,355)**|**95,355**|**-**
**-**|**-**|**-**|
||**92,896**|**-**||**92,896**|**161,664**|
||**15,081**|**-**|**-**|**15,081**|**92,896**|
CCXX R1 accounts (SS)
01/08/2024
1
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|**Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period**|**Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period**|**Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period**||
|---|---|---|---|
|**Categories**
**B1 Cash funds**
**B2 Other monetary assets**
**B3 Investment assets**
**B5 Liabilities**
**Signed by one or two trustees on behalf of all**
**the trustees**
**B4 Assets retained for the charity’s**
**own use**|
**Details**
**ACE Projects**
**_Total cash funds_**
**Details**
**Computer**
**Details**
**Details**
**Details**
**Signature**|**Unrestricted**
**funds**
**Restricted**
**funds**
**to nearest £**
**to nearest £**
**15,081**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**15,081**
**-**
**Unrestricted**
**funds**
**Restricted**
**funds**
**to nearest £**
**to nearest £**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**Fund to which**
**asset belongs**
**Cost (optional)**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**Fund to which**
**asset belongs**
**Cost (optional)**
**Unrestricted**
**3,557**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**Fund to which**
**liability relates**
**Amount due**
**(optional)**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**Print Name**|**Endowment**
**funds**
**to nearest £**|
||||**-**|
||||**-**|
||||**-**|
||||**-**|
||||**Endowment**
**funds**
**to nearest £**|
||||**-**|
||||**-**|
||||**-**|
||||**-**|
||||**-**|
||||**-**|
||||**Current value**
**(optional)**|
||||**-**|
||||**-**|
||||**-**|
||||**-**|
||||**-**|
||||**Current value**
**(optional)**|
||||**-**|
||||**-**|
||||**-**|
||||**-**|
||||**-**|
||||**-**|
||||**-**|
||||**-**|
||||**-**|
||||**When due**
**(optional)**|
||||**-**|
||||**-**|
||||**-**|
||||**-**|
||||**-**|
||||**Date of**
**approval**|
|||||
|||||
CCXX R2 accounts (SS)
01/08/2024
2