Illusions
It's not what you see,
ere every child s
It's what you want to see
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Annual
Accounts
2022
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W ere every child sh
h ines
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Shining Stars London 16 Gilda Crescent London N16 6JP ...............................................
Email: shiningstarslondon@gmail.com ...............................................
Trustees: Joel Ostreicher, Sarah Gross, Jacob Kornbluh ...............................................
Charity Number: 1186702 ...............................................
Accountants: De Claron Ltd. 3A The Vale London NW11 8SB
Message from the chair
Look at this picture, what do you see? Trees, buildings, water? If I tell you it's a face, will you believe me? Well it sure is!
It's all about 'what you want to see'!
This is more than the theme of our 2022 accounts. It is the theme upon which all projects and activities at Shining Stars are based, it is the belief we have and the training we give our staff: Look for it and you'll find it!
What is it we are looking for and finding?
What is it we want to see?
Unlimited capability, talent and potential in every youth we work with. Every child is destined for a life of success. We see beyond illusions of stigma which dictate that children from immigrant families, live in poverty, illness and deprivation, or have academic and social difficulties, are overweight etc. cannot succeed.
We turn the image over, hold it near, then far, focus our eyes, until we see what we want to see!
And we see! What a year we have seen!
Thank you to our charitable partners who gave us the support and funding so that we can unravel illusions, to give children a vision of inclusion and independence through our four project themes of Skills, Society, Subsistence and Success!
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Chair
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Today's kids have more paths to success than ever. but they also deal with more challeng•5. more risks. and mor• dangers. Shining Star5 has committed themselves to dolng more for the communlty's youth. To dolng whatever It takes to empower klds to Imaglne and achleve great futures. guldlng. supportlng and advocatlng for them as they grow Into thelr best selves. We believe it takes an arniy of skilled staff. a safeenvironment. high-qualitypro8rnms and positive experiences to ensure kids have a greatfuture. Shining Stars believes that all young people deserve to thrive. Shining Stars irnagines a world where the determinants necessary to thrive are fully accessible to everyyouth in London. Thriving reflects a slgnlflcant sense of growth or success In and across many domalns. Young people wlth access to more quallty opportunltles are more Ilkely to thrlve than thelr peers wlth slmilaradaptlveskills.
Our Mission:
To empower every Club member, through safe and impactful experiences, to contribute to their community and live a healthy life
Our Values:
Our Vision:
To transform and inspire lives of all Club members to strengthen our community.
Respect We recognize that each person has equal, intrinsic worth and deserves to be treated with dignity.
Integrity We operate with honesty and hold ourselves accountable for all words and actions.
Excellence We set high expectations and work hard to achieve them by engaging in continuous learning and improvement.
Teamwork We collaborate openly on common goals to leverage the expanded knowledge of our entire community.
Innovation We seek out and embrace new possibilities that can increase our impact.
Our four project themes are: Skills, Society, Subsistence And Success. These themes encompass the core values that we believe are essential for a child's growth and development.
S
S
S
S
Skills refer to the development of cognitive, emotional and physical abilities that enable children to learn and grow. This includes education, creative expression, problem-solving and critical thinking.
Society plays a crucial role in shaping the social skills of children, and it is our responsibility to ensure that all children are included and feel valued. Children who are often excluded from social settings can struggle with developing necessary social skills, which can have long-lasting effects on their mental health and wellbeing.
Subsistence In today's world, millions of children and young people are struggling to access food and essentials due to various reasons. As a society, it is our responsibility to support these vulnerable groups and ensure that they have access to the necessities required for their survival. We believe that no child should have to bear the burden of poverty, and we strive towards making their lives better through our small efforts. Through this program, we provide nutritious meals to underprivileged children who come from low-income families. Our aim is not only to fill their stomachs but also improve their overall health and well-being.
Success is about providing opportunities for personal growth, career development and financial stability. It involves mentorship programs, vocational training and entrepreneurship initiatives. Every child deserves the opportunity to succeed in life. Providing every child with a pathway to success is critical for their future and the future of society as a whole.
By focusing on these four project themes for supporting children we can create a holistic approach that addresses their needs at every stage of life and create a positive impact on their future.
2022 Project Highlights
Weekly Superstars
Our passion for youth volunteering are designed to cater to the unique interests and needs of different age groups. We offer a range of activities that are both fun and educational, including sports, crafts, music, drama, and more. Our team of trained staff members ensures that each child feels included and valued while participating in these activities. Moreover, our youth clubs provide an opportunity for children to develop social skills and make new friends. We encourage teamwork, communication, and respect among all participants. We understand the importance of keeping children engaged in constructive activities during their free time.
Leadership Badge
The demand for strong character and leadership skills is increasing in classrooms and workplaces. Being able to think critically, demonstrate empathy for others, communicate effectively, solve problems and collaborate well are necessary skills for young people to navigate the challenges of adolescence and adulthood. Leadership Training promotes social-emotional skills, youth develop the strong character traits central to being effective leaders and agents of change among their peers and within their communities. This approach keeps youth engaged and challenged and builds on their existing knowledge and skills.
Holidays in the Stars
Our club is dedicated to ensuring that disadvantaged children have access to safe and enjoyable holiday play schemes. We understand that for many families, the school holidays can be a difficult time, with parents struggling to find appropriate activities for their children while they work or attend to other responsibilities. Our aim is to provide a solution to this problem by offering a range of fun and engaging activities, all within a safe and secure environment.
Talent show by Choice
Our club is dedicated to providing drama training and performance opportunities for children who struggle academically. We understand that not all children excel in traditional academic subjects, and we believe that the arts can provide a valuable outlet for their creativity and self-expression. Through our drama program, children learn important skills such as public speaking, teamwork, and confidence building and to succeed both on stage and in life.
The big Food Problem
In today's world, it is unfortunate that there are still children who go hungry every day. We have taken a small step towards this by providing free meals to children in our clubs. We believe that every child deserves a nutritious meal to fuel their growth and development. The food we serve is healthy and balanced, ensuring that the children get all the necessary nutrients they need. Our efforts may be small in comparison to the scale of the problem, but we firmly believe that every little bit counts.
OUR IMPACT IS NOT ILLUSIONARY!
‘'Our passion of our youth volunteering is a true inspiration of the capabilities of today's youth! By taking on leadership roles at our youth clubs, they learn that a time is a time, a job is a job, and a commitment is a commitment. Nobody is forcing it on them, but it comes from their own free will, once they experience the feelings of letting down, and the exhilarating feelings of satisfaction when they realise that their effort is causing an impact. This opportunity provides life skills which can never be learnt behind a desk.''
(Youth Volunteer Coordinator)
Nobody remembers how it happened, but at 11 years old Bessie had stopped talking. She had been struggling with low self-esteem issues, stemming from her overweight stamina, unclear speech, and complex inferiority. Slowly she stopped talking to friends, and teachers, first to whispering and then to nothing at all. She spent her days at school in the silent world of her mind and then, after a while, she shut down her emotions and withdrew into herself. Her parents and teachers were terribly worried, watching this happen and not having the tools to prevent it, or help it. At first they thought it is a passing stage, but when there was no change, they started to fear that it will only bring more serious problems and emotional damage.
When Drama Auditions began at Shining Stars, Bessie asked to have a role in the act. The Drama Facilitator who has no prior familiarity of the children she works with and gave her a large part. In this incognito setting, Bessie was able to start anew, and whilst at first she was in confident and hesitant, with the support and encouragement, and more than anything, belief in her potential, Bessie was the star at the performance. Watching the major show, nobody would have believed that in the audience sits a mother, wiping her tears, who has just been given her child back, and her belief that her child will once again flourish and shine, and reach her potential.
Hear from Bessie, ''At that point, I was stuck in my mute status, I couldn't gather the courage to allow my voice to be heard again. At rehearsals I found myself in a world of fantasy where my emotions could be real and heard. I
Hear from her Mother, ''When Bessie received her part, I was so scared she would flop on stage. After so many unsuccessful methods of intervention, I didn't believe she would ever talk again. But she did, and she hasn't stopped since.''
Hear from her Head Teacher, ''We had tried so many professional methods to help Bessie. I was moved to see how she blossomed once again in the world of drama. This was truly her healing point.''
Why youth club activities are so important, and the benefits of learning skills out of a school setting.
Children and YP can develop new friendships when there is no history and prior knowledge of their academic and social capabilities. They can be appreciated for what they are, and not what they used to be, or where they come from.
Knowledge
without the school setting is beneficial for children who cannot sit still, struggle with concentration, or just need to be more active so that their brain can work best.
In school, children and YP are used to being taught and receiving knowledge. In youth club settings, children are welcome to be part of the facilitating sector on many occasions.
Impact Monitoring
Monitoring our impact is crucial to ensure that we are making progress towards our goals and objectives. It allows us to identify areas where we need to improve and make necessary changes. There are various methods that can be used to monitor our impact, such as surveys, focus groups, and data analysis. Surveys provide us with valuable data that can be used to make informed decisions about the direction of our work. They help us identify areas where we need to improve and areas where we are succeeding. Feedback from program participants also gives us insights into their experiences and allows us to adjust our approach accordingly. Focus groups provide an opportunity for individuals to share their experiences and perspectives in a group setting. Data analysis involves collecting and analysing data on key indicators related to the program or initiative. By monitoring our impact using these methods, we can track progress over time and adjust strategies as needed. This helps us to improve outcomes, increase efficiency, and ultimately achieve our goals more effectively. Therefore, it is essential to prioritize monitoring efforts in any project or initiative. By doing so, we can ensure that we are making a positive difference in the world around us.
Data excerpts from 'Superstar Survey' 2022 User Feedback
Improved identity and self esteem
Improved friendships and relationships
Improved health and wellbeing
Increased skills and knowledge
Increased user involvement
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3500
Free
Meals
420
Youth
Members
12
Adult
Volunteers
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6 Weekly Youth Clubs
59 Young Volunteers
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER, S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF
SHINING STARS LONDON
We report on the ac¢ount.s of the Charity for ihe year ended 31 December 2022, which
are set out nn pages 5 to 8.
Respective responsibi lit les of trustees and exatDiner
The Charity
% Iru.8lQLJS are respon8ible for Lhe preparation of the aeeount%. The
LhdfiLy' S truslE'L'5 consider th¢iL ¢in audit is noi fL'quifL.d lor this year undLir the
Charitios Aet 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an indÉ'pc'ndent oxaminalion is niLJded
li is our ro£ponsibi l ity lo-
exami ne the
Shining Stars London 11186702) - yle 31.12.2022 y/e 31. 12.2022 yle 31. 12. 2021 Incoine & Expenditure Sttsteinent INcouixr. Ii&.SnllWES iKIXATIOIS REC'EII'ED 33. 515. (10 GRANTS RECEI¥'ED 6. IY9.a8 24, 500. (K) ?l..I1)D. IK TofAL INCOMllf. REWLIKCèS RESOL"RCES EXPE.XDED 5, 000. 00 aiAKITABI.P. PRW,RAIIS 60, 77). 1.3 12, 912. 06 TALLIT SIIOW 3b. 393. 00 g IJD.00 Dl.bU .'1. 28J. ¥7 6. 99J. QO 7. 282. On 60. 170. 15 5, 000. 00 12,912. ( ,IDIIIIISTRATII.'E LXPEI'SLS P05r..IGF.. %T,IfiiixLRI- 4ti2. a8 1.23S.00 PK(11.-I.-%SIOIAL I.'I.-L% 4 lib. UO GLNLIiIL EXPLNS1.'S TOTAI. P.XI4.'IDITlIRL TfjrAI. iicniiiic, KF.Eal-RCP.S riiDS BROI fillT FORItARD TOTAL PI'I.D% CAKRIF.D I.'OIII.,IRD Baldnce Sheet CLRREIIT ASSETS 15. 484. 01 26, 5fi6. 33 Nl:T A%%l.'TS TOTAL I.'I'.IDS 15. 484. 07 20. 566. 33
RESERVE POLICY
It is the policy of the charity to maintain unrestricted funds, which are the free reserves of the charity, at a level which equates to approximately three months unrestricted expenditure. This provides sufficient funds to cover management, administration.
RISK ASSESSMENT
The trustees have assessed the major risks to which the charity is exposed, in particular those related to the operations and finances of the charity, and are satisfied that systems are in place to mitigate their exposure to major risks.
STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES’ RESPONSIBILITIES
Charity law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the profit or loss of the charity for that period. In preparing those financial statements we:
- Select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
- Make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent; - Prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in its activities.
The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011.
AUDITOR
There is no audit requirement for the charity. An independent examiner’s unqualified report will be prepared by De Claron Ltd.
ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of preparation of financial statements
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention as modified to include the revaluation of land and building with the exception of investments which are included at market value. These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP),“Accounting and Reporting by Charities” published in Jan 2015..
Charity status
The charity is an unincorporated association. The members of the charity are the trustees named on page 1.
Fund accounting
General funds are unrestricted funds which are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the charity and which have not been designated for other purposes.
Incoming resources
All incoming resources are included in the Statement of Financial Activities when the charity is legally entitled to the income and the amount can be quantified with reasonable accuracy.
Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deed of covenant is recognized at the time of the donation.
Resources expended
All expenditure is accounted for on a cash basis and has been included under expense categories that aggregate all costs for allocation to activities. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular activities they have been allocated on a basis consistent with the use of the resources.
Management and administration costs are those incurred in connection with administration of the charity and compliance with constitutional and statutory requirements.
Going Concern
The accounts have been prepared on a going concern basis as the trustees consider the charity will continue to operate for a period of at least twelve months from the date of the approval of these accounts.
2 NET INCOMING RESOURCES During the year no trustees received any remuneration, benefits in kind or reimbursement of expenses.
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