**The 3[rd] Annual report of Devon Centocow Link CIO** **Registered Charity No 1183269** **– 1[st] April 2021 31[st] March 2022** ## Name of Charity: **Devon Centocow Link** It was registered as a charity on 7[th] May 2019 **Devon Centocow Link** (DCL) is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation whose only voting members are its charity trustees (‘Foundation’ model constitution) Number: Registered Charity No. **1183269.** **Main charity address:** ## **4 Tuffery Court, Devon road, Exeter EX4 7BR** ## **Trustees:** Jane B Habermehl, Chair Stephen P White, Secretary Diane L Bishop, Trustee/Signatory (resigned November 2022) Esther Hannah, Trustee / Signatory Mark Richards. Treasurer (from November 2021) ## **Bankers:** TSB, 22 The Strand, Exmouth, Devon EX8 1AG Sort code: 30-93-15 Account no: 00995423 BIC: TSBSGB2AXXX 2 A sketch of Centocow Mission Church by Jane Habermehl made during her visit in October 2019. ## **Summary of Objects** - The prevention or relief of poverty in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa and in particular but not exclusively in the Centocow area of KwaZulu-Natal by providing or assisting in the provision of education, training, healthcare projects and all the necessary support designed to enable individuals to generate a sustainable income and be self-sufficient. 3 **Chairperson´sÊReport,Ê** **AprilÊ2021ÊtoÊMarÊ31Ê2022** ## **Summary** interrupted plans from March 2020 s�ll dominated events during the last financial year. Many events cancelled but Steve´s trip to Centocow successfully coincided with the distribu�on of porridge for the pre-schools. The WLTP Water Project had a successful year overcoming many of the barriers imposed by Covid in crea�ve ways. The year ended with a successful exhibi�on at the Interna�onal Women’s Day event in Exeter. ## **TheÊImpactÊofÊCovid** - With a healthy bank balance but with Pre schools unable to func�on apart from topping up food parcels, much of the funding could not be u�lised for training and the ISCA mee�ngs were largely cancelled. ## **FundingÊ** -school teachers and equipment, which at the �me included PPE for the pre-schools. Our bid in April was unsuccessful as was our further bid in February 2022, but we decided we could not fund either training or equipment without funding both components so we try again. ## **WLTPÊWaterÊproject** - Meanwhile the WlTP project, having mastered the re interpreta�on of their training to deal with Covid, was doing remarkably well. The financial year for them runs from October so our financial period included the end of the first year of Quaker Relief Grant which we secured for them for the year beginning October 2020 and their final report for that year was delivered in September 2021. Their new applica�on for further funds in August 2021 was successful, which gave them the second year of funding from October of 2021 that the girls achieved under Sibongile´s leadership. In her March 2021 report she wrote the following about a workshop for 18 teenagers; 4 that the girls achieved under Sibongile´s leadership. In her March 2021 report she wrote the following about a workshop for 18 teenagers; _**“ÊTheÊlevelÊofÊcommitmentÊandÊtheÊenergyÊwasÊgreat.ÊAsÊfacilitatorsÊweÊwereÊ impressedÊbyÊtheÊabilityÊtoÊabsorb,ÊengageÊandÊsharingÊofÊknowledgeÊand,ÊskillsÊ throughoutÊtheÊprogramme.ÊGirlsÊshowedÊtheirÊleadershipÊpoten�alÊinÊmanyÊwaysÊ suchÊasÊleadingÊtheÊgroupsÊinÊdifferentÊac�vi�esÊandÊpunctualityÊwasÊneverÊ disregarded.Ê**_ This workshop was a start and we are hoping that some girls as vulnerable as they are but will be able to resist the pressure of early marriages and choose to develop themselves.” great inspira�on to them and they were beginning to have greater expecta�ons for their future careers. ## **JulyÊ12Ê2021ÊandÊFoodÊParcels** In July, Prime Minister, Ramaposa declared a state of emergency in South Africa due to figh�ng and loo�ng in response to the imprisonment of former president Jacob Zuma. On top of food shortages and unemployment caused by Covid this had a devasta�ng effect on food supplies through out the province. In August we had the news that the preschools may be eligible for some parcels pf porridge from the Do More Founda�on We became involved in the organisa�onal logis�cs of storing and distribu�ng the food. This culminated with the happy event of Steve being finally allowed through the red tape of Covid restric�ons to arrive in South Africa in September to help with the said distribu�on of the food,1200 kg of porridge . This was to be followed by similar deliveries each month un�l April 22. Many thanks for the input of Zimbili in communica�ng with and coordina�ng the creches and to Debbie Rowe for being the lead mediator between Kathy Pitout of the Do More founda�on and the pre-schools. Pierre from FLP stepped up to act as registered NPO for this dona�on and we gave him a dona�on towards their transport costs as well as the Pre-schools. 5 ## **- ISCAÊandÊpre schoolÊregistra�ons** Steve was also able to be present at a mee�ng with Sheila Gumede, the social - worker who is helping the pre schools during their process of registra�on. Our dra� Cons�tu�on for ISCA was fleshed out with the legal requirements by Shela Gumede, This mee�ng between Steve, Sheila and Debbie is a huge step forward for the organisa�on to be a registered NPO. ## **Interna�onalÊWomensÊDayÊ12thÊMarch** Finally free of Covid restric�ons we were able to exhibit a DCL outreach stand at the Interna�onal Women’s Day event at the Phoenix Centre, Exeter on the 12th March. It was a very successful day in terms of the range of interes�ng and worthwhile conversa�ons with students, teachers and generally interested onlookers. - the Persona Doll Training and a par�cular focus on the WLTP. The aim was to re focus our outreach on a shared interest between the KZN and Devon communi�es on empowering educa�on and response to Climate Jus�ce which start at a grass roots level. At our Nov 26th AGM Di handed over the job of treasurer to Mark who was introduced via Whats App. A big thank you to all the trustees Chairperson We are continuing to work with our 4 partner organisations; FLP, ISCA,WLTP and Creighton Sunflower HELP And are grateful for all their support and local knowledge that they bring to us. 6 ## **[Quaker QPSW Relief Grant]** In October 2020 we heard that we had been successful in securing a 3 year grant for WLTP from the UK Quaker QPSW Relief Grant This has enabled WLTP to run a programme of workshops with teenagers from Centocow and neighbouring rural areas star�ng in ## **Extracts from the Women’s Leadership Training Programme (WLTP) Annual Report for 2021** WLTP's strategy is to Train Girls and Women Leaders in communi�es to par�cipate in Water issues in their areas. This includes Advoca�ng for Access to Clean Water, Cleaning of Water Sources like streams and rivers and doing research on water quality and safety. During the first phase of the project in 2020, Girls embraced water and developed a slogan for themselves: 'Manzi sidingo mphelelisi wempilo.' ('We are nothing without Water.') ## **CentocowÊWaterÊTaskÊTeam** teenage girls, embarked on training 40 more girls in Water Tes�ng from four new schools in AmaKhuze Tribal Authority, Centocow. This was an exci�ng process scien�fic tools for water tes�ng, explaining and analysing water issues on site, communica�ng their findings and planning ac�on. Occupants of cars passing by near the Umzimkhulu River saw the girls and young women and many community members wanted to know more about the programme. Some of the comments can be seen on h�ps://web.facebook.com/WLTPwaterproject ## **EngagingÊLocalÊGovernmentÊonÊtheÊ"MyÊWaterÊMyÊRightÊCampaignÊ2021"** Municipal elec�on campaign. They approached Party Candidates in various Wards of the Harry Gwala District Municipality and Umzumbe in Ugu District Municipality using Zoom mee�ngs. The girls par�cipated in 2 online mee�ngs with 8 Party Candidates from 2 major poli�cal par�es (African Na�onal Congress and the Inkatha Freedom Party) and one new poli�cal party (ATM). 6 candidates from the Democra�c Alliance and the Economic Freedom Fighters were unable to join due to network problems as a result of Eskom electricity blackouts. The girls and young women gathered in groups of 5-7, having chosen one spokesperson. They used cell phones or computer devices and rondavels in their Coordinators' homes. 7 Some candidates a�ended from their cars while on the elec�on trail. The ATM candidate in Hlokozi had to use the WLTP staff member's Smart Phone, because she didn't have one herself. WLTP used a Power-Point presenta�on to highlight its work in training Girls and Women Leaders in communi�es to par�cipate in Water issues in their areas. In the second part of the mee�ng the girls and young women asked the Party Candidates what they would do if they won the elec�on, to improve access to clean water for households and communi�es. The discussions went very well, and the Party Candidates outlined in a respec�ul manner what they promised to do. ## **HighlightsÊofÊtheÊEngagement** _"Party candidates must not give excuses for not delivering on water claiming that it is the responsibility of the District Municipality. Water is one of the promises made to people, so it cannot be le� hanging when people are demanding it."_ ANC Candidate _"We have not engaged with girls and water as a cons�tuency, and we would like to learn more about it from you."_ ANC Candidate _affects water in our areas,"_ IFP Candidate. _women. We are hoping to learn a lot from your work,"_ Ms Ntombi Zelongwe ATM. The girls' par�cipa�on was excellent, and they asked ques�ons fluently. _"I learnt about our environmental rights and how the SA Cons�tu�on can be used as a resource to enforce water access."_ Fundiswa Mcotama _"I learnt that the environment has rights too and I realise that if those rights were enforced people and animals would benefit in many ways. If water were respected and legisla�on enforced, we would not be suffering from contaminated water."_ Amanda Nqo Zulu. _"Despite the vastness of rural areas, Girls and young women can use technology to their advantage to be in one space with the Party Candidates during this lockdown period."_ Tusiwe Masuku. Some of the Party Candidates spoke the language of water service delivery well, and one candidate had fetched water as a boy because they were boys only in their home, but all had no understanding of how lack of clean water affects girls, young women and women and how the lives of girls would change should water be easily accessible for them. 8 ## **PlanningÊtheÊWayÊforward** During a workshop in December 2021, four girls reported on their engagements with poli�cal party candidates and all the girls revised their list of demands, a�er discovering that there was a lot they didn't know about the func�ons of the Municipal Water Commi�ees. They made plans to use their Water Pe��on to engage the Water Commi�ees. They also made plans to understand the Water situa�on outside their areas, having learnt about water problems in other areas within the KwaZulu Natal Province and beyond. "We would like to run a water campaign with a pe��on a�ached to our statement and ask school learners to support us by signing the pe��on. We would like WLTP to help us dra� the statement." The Girls would like to have mee�ngs with the newly elected councillors to discuss their strategies on water access. "If there are programmes for girls we want to assist in those programmes. If there are no programmes, we would like to be involved in ini�a�ng them." They want to share their skills and knowledge of water tes�ng like Mini Sass, the Clarity Tube and the Riparian Audit and to do water sampling and tes�ng in other areas. ## **SomeÊofÊtheÊgirlsÊÊinsightsÊintoÊandÊcommentsÊ aboutÊtheÊtopicsÊcoveredÊduringÊ2021:** ## **LeadershipÊdevelopmentÊandÊFeminism** ''I was introduced to patriarchy as a system that promotes male domina�on in decision making and power. I realised how patriarchal most ins�tu�ons are like homes, schools, churches, and workplaces. In most families men are the head of the family, but most successful families are led by women.'' Fundiswa Mcotama They have been denied being who they are, to use their gi�s and strengths to contribute to developing the world. I can now relate be�er to WLTP's goal.'' Amanda Nqo Zulu '' Feminism makes me proud to be a woman. I realised how powerful women are if they are given a chance and support." Amahle Zulu "I know women who are slowly dying emo�onally in abusive rela�onships but believe that they were created to suffer like that. I wish I could help them, but they do not realise they are slaves.'' Fundiswa Mkhize 9 ## **CodeÊofÊconduct** "The Code of Conduct is based on the aim of the group. WLTP is an organisa�on that is interested in girls' and women's development, so our code of conduct protects women from colonisa�on and from living false lives." Amanda Nqo Zulu now in trouble, like having a baby at an early age." Fundiswa Mkhize "A�er learning about the dangers of using relaxers and their impact on my life, on the environment and more especially on water, I will stop using them and help my peers to understand their dangers." Ayanda Mthembu. ## **Addic�on** "Learning about the impact of substance abuse in our community, in our families and in our bodies makes us decide never to use or abuse it to stay safe." Aphiwe Cele. "I will be able to avoid substance abuse and deal with peer pressure so that I take good decisions about my life." Sphesihle Dlamini. ## **- ClimateÊChangeÊandÊAgro ecology** The girls talked about how to adapt to and mi�gate climate change. They wrote points to be added to the exis�ng Water Statement. - "Agro ecology contributes to comba�ng climate change. We should encourage people to have gardens and to stop using fossil fuel products." Thandokuhle Hlubi "I was shocked that I contribute to climate change through what I eat, and wear. For example, when I travel to buy cabbages in Ixopo when my neighbour has cabbages in her garden, I contribute through unnecessary travel." Amanda Nqo Zulu ## **TheÊimpactÊofÊtheÊLeadershipÊProgrammeÊonÊGirlsÊandÊYoungÊWomen** In Centocow, 20 girls have recruited more teenage girls to join the local mee�ngs. There are now more than 40 teenage girls who are influencing 400 of their household members with their posi�ve behaviour and educa�on. The girls have been doing presenta�ons related to what they have learnt in workshops to more than 800 Learners in two high school assemblies and with their 300 classmates in six different schools. 10 The Trustees have given careful consideration to the Charity Commission’s general guidance on public benefit and are satisfied that all of the charity’s work is for the public benefit, both in Devon and in South Africa. The Trustees of the Charity are legally responsible for the overall management and control of Devon Centocow Link (DCL) and meet regularly. The trustees’ report and accounts were approved by a meeting on 18[th ] November 2022 and signed on their behalf by Jane Habermehl Chair Stephen White Secretary 11 ## **DevonÊCentocowÊLinkÊCIO** **Reg.ÊCharityÊNo:Ê1183269** **AccountsÊforÊtheÊperiodÊ 1stÊAprilÊ2021—31stÊMarchÊ2022** These Accounts have been prepared on a Payments and Receipts Basis 12 Devon Centocow Link Receipts and Payments Accounts 2021- 2022 Recelos Unrestrlcted Funds Re￿rICted Funds Total Last Year 2019-20 Donatlons 645.00 645.00 1,446.00 3.750.00 Grant Fundin8 500.00 E 4.999.00 £ 5.499.00 other 352.00 352.00 TOTALS £ 1.497.00 £ 4.999.00 £ 6.496.(Kl £ 5.19&00 Payments Gvants WLTP FLP 15CA- Pre-schools Crei8hton sunflower HELP É 3.886.00 738.00 713.00 £ 3.886.00 £ 738.(K) 713.00 3.754.00 £ 1,289.CNJ Total Grants £ 5,337.00 £ 5,337.(Kl 5,043.00 Adrnin FiDance and Profe55ioDal ID5urance 11.00 126.00 11.00 126.00 52.00 166.00 Total Admln 137.00 137.(Kl 21&00 TOTALS 137.00 £ 5.337.IXI £ 5.474.(Kl £ 5,261. Netof Receipt5 IIPayrnent51 Transfers b8ttv8en funds Cash Funds at last year end 2021 £ 1,360.00 500.00 338.00 500.00 £ I￿22.00 65.00 673.00 673.00 Cash Funds atthls yearend ZOZZ £ 1,533.00 162.00 £ 1,695.(M) Statement of Assets ènd Liabilllles at 31st Marth 2022 Vttresfrirted Retttlrted Totsi Funds Cash Funds Cash at Bank Wise acc Balance £ 1,153.00 £ 1,153.00 542.OD 542.00 Total Cash Funds £ 1,153.00 £ 542.00 £ 1,695. 13 CHARITY COMMISSION FOR ENGLAND ANO WALES Independent examlnorfs report on the accounts SèetiDn A Independent Examiner'5 Report lrf•ny) 2011 fftArfj. 14S olthe2011 AL* •panirAkn. I LThJfjrsoctifft 149SXb} oftr*A( theActc 210*22 MIAB {RoVd) bo Ih14nyl: Addms: Hll Farrn HBn1ey4rFA￿ 895eDE 14 See our Website: **www.devon-centocow-link.org.uk** or Facebook page: **www.facebook.com/ Devon.Centocow.Link.** Email: Tel: **info@devon-centocow-link.org.uk +44 (0)7974694545** ## **Registered Charity Number 1183269** 16