DA’ARO YOUTH PROJECT ANNUAL REPORT
April 2023 to March 2024
TABLE OF CONTENTS
| TABLE OF CONTENTS | 2 |
|---|---|
| CHAIR’S REPORT | 3 |
| INTRODUCTION | 6 |
| YOUTH ACTIVITIES | 7 |
| Injera Club | 7 |
| Thursday Youth Club | 8 |
| Supplementary Activities | 9 |
| Thread Ahead Partnership | 9 |
| May 2023 - Girls Football Trip & Picnic | 9 |
| July 2023 - Beach Trip | 9 |
| September 2023 - Men's Mental Health Talk & Fulham Stadium | 9 |
| October 2023 - Africa Writes | 10 |
| December 2023 - Christmas Party | 10 |
| Azmaribet Ethiopian Cultural Show | 10 |
| YOUTH CASEWORK SERVICE | 11 |
| Casework Model | 12 |
| Overview Of Present Casework | 13 |
| Key Issues | 13 |
| Challenges | 14 |
| Key Achievements | 15 |
| CASE STUDIES | 16 |
| i. Young person (M) | 16 |
| ii. Young person (S) | 17 |
| iii. Young person (K) | 18 |
| POLICY & CAMPAIGNS | 19 |
| YOUTH MENTORING SERVICE | 20 |
| INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT | 21 |
| FINANCIAL OVERVIEW | 22 |
| TRUSTEES | 29 |
| THANKS TO OUR FUNDERS | 31 |
Da’aro Youth Project: Annual Report 2023-2024 Registered charity 1189245
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CHAIR’S REPORT
The recent sad stories of death and tragedy of migrants while crossing the channel to reach the UK continue to occupy a large part of our national social discourse. For the young people supported by Da’aro Youth Project (DYP) these stories are a fraction of the harrowing journeys they have made to reach safety and sanctuary. Their stories are filled with anguish, hardships and rejection far beyond our comprehension. Having escaped death and multiple tragedies on their journey to seek safety and sanctuary in the UK, sadly some of them succumbed to self-harm and suicide out of desperation.
It is as a result of these tragic outcomes that DYP was founded with the sole purpose of helping young people arriving in whatever way possible. Since its inception in 2018 and its birth as a charitable organisation in 2020, the financial year of 2023/2024 marks its growth as an established, formidable and mature small charity. Financially, Da’aro is in a secure and stable position, thanks to the generosity of our funders. Our services have greatly expanded not only in size but in the type and nature of our provision. Our staff size has equally expanded to meet the above changes. In parallel to this, our management and governance structures have been strengthened and updated. Such change was made possible through the hard work, dedication and devotion of each one of our staff members, volunteers and trustees and a very high credit goes to our director, Sarah Robson.
The case study section of our annual report reflects a snapshot of DYP’s activities within and outside our clubs. Our collaborative work with organisations that have similar values to our mission witnesses our growth and development. The Thursday Youth Club allows us to add value to our service by working more closely with SLRA, an organisation that has played a key role in the survival of DYP during its early days. These Thursday sessions add value to our traditional Tuesday Injera clubs which continue to increase in popularity. Our open-door policy of serving anyone that comes through the door allows us to welcome and support all those that arrive on the day.
Our staff are well supported by our committed volunteers. The safety and wellbeing of our staff and volunteers is maintained through regular training and supervision. This has allowed the clubs to offer a seamless and peaceful regular social activity. There are regular opportunities for young people to provide feedback on how best to maintain and improve our services. DYP is involved in high-level research in collaboration with a senior researcher of one of our world leading universities in the UK. This is to look at the overall impact of our services in improving the quality of life of our service users.
Da’aro Youth Project: Annual Report 2023-2024 Registered charity 1189245
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CHAIR’S REPORT
(continued)
For me it is both a great privilege and a great honour to support and encourage such change, however little my role might have been. Having closely witnessed the devotion and dedication invested by our director, no word is strong enough to express my gratitude. All these achievements would have not been possible had it not been for the initial getting together of the Eritrean mothers in 2018 and for Dehab Woldu and Benjamin Hunter who led the foundation of the charity in 2020. We are in debt of gratitude to all of them for their unparalleled contribution. Our trustee Futsum has been part of the journey from 2018 and our trustee Elaine Chase since the foundation of the charity in 2020. It would be impossible to make all of these changes happen without the hard work and support of my fellow trustees in both the present and past.
It is now time to up our game and lift and expand further DYP’s services, as discussed in our latest strategy meeting. Last but not least, no hard work or good will would have been made possible had it not been for the generosity of our funders who trusted us with their donations. Our major funders are listed on the annual report, but I would like to highlight the small donations of our community members and those who tirelessly run and participate in our fundraising efforts. It has helped us raise our profile in addition to the donations we have received. Thank you again for all of your efforts. Needless to say, thank you to all the young people who gave us this opportunity to serve and regularly improve our services based on their feedback.
Dr Yohannes Bahru
Da’aro Youth Project: Annual Report 2023-2024 Registered charity 1189245
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Da’aro Youth Project members at the Africa Writes Festival, Oct 2023
Da’aro Youth Project: Annual Report 2023-2024 Registered charity 1189245
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INTRODUCTION
Da’aro Youth Project was founded in 2018 by members of the Eritrean community in London, in response to a tragic series of suicides among Eritrean teenagers. These heartbreaking events underscored the urgent need for a support network tailored to the unique challenges faced by unaccompanied asylum-seeking minors from the Horn of Africa.
According to the UNHCR, Eritreans and Ethiopians collectively represented the largest group of unaccompanied minors arriving in the UK during 2017, 2018, and 2019. In 2020, Sudanese minors became the most prevalent nationality among new arrivals, with Eritreans ranking as the third-largest group of asylum seekers in 2021. These young people embark on perilous journeys, often traversing the Sahara Desert, enduring harrowing conditions in Libya, crossing the treacherous Mediterranean Sea, and navigating tumultuous environments in Europe, such as in Calais. Upon reaching the UK, they face the daunting task of adapting to life in a foreign country, far from their families. The complexities of the asylum system, coupled with social isolation, discrimination, and, at times, outright hostility, only exacerbate the trauma they have already endured.
Da’aro Youth Project is committed to promoting the wellbeing of these vulnerable young migrants by providing direct support and advocating for systemic change. In the context of a broader "hostile environment"—a term that describes the increasingly restrictive and punitive immigration policies that create significant barriers for asylum seekers and refugees—our work is both crucial and challenging. This environment intensifies the difficulties faced by unaccompanied young people from navigating a complex asylum system to accessing essential services and support. We work tirelessly to challenge the unfair and discriminatory practices that undermine their wellbeing and impede their ability to build new lives and resettle in the UK.
To achieve these aims, we currently run two key initiatives: two youth clubs throughout the week and comprehensive casework support. These programmes provide young asylum seekers and refugees with a safe space to connect, receive guidance, and build resilience, and make friends. Additionally, we actively advocate on behalf of our community, focusing on the mental health and wellbeing of unaccompanied young people. Through our campaigns, we strive to bring attention to the issues that matter most, ensuring that young people’s voices are heard in the broader societal and policy contexts.
Da’aro Youth Project: Annual Report 2023-2024 Registered charity 1189245
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YOUTH ACTIVITIES
Injera Club
Our weekly Injera Club caters to a range of unaccompanied asylum-seeking and refugee young people. The club offers a space for 14-25-year-olds from Eritrea, Ethiopia, Sudan, and Somalia (and their friends) to relax, socialise, play, and take part in our workshops and activities.
Injera Club is a space that offers young people the chance to feel safe and seeks to provide respite from the social and cultural isolation many feel upon arrival in the UK. At Da’aro Youth Project we are passionate about ensuring that our young young people receive more than just essential services; we also aim to afford them the opportunity to find belonging and community in their new home. Young people can interact with their traditions and create meaningful connections within their communities through food, dance, and speaking in their own languages.
One young person attending Da’aro reported,
“Since attending the weekly Injera Club sessions, my confidence has grown significantly. I feel more at ease communicating with young people, and my language skills have improved considerably. I have met many young people of a similar background at Injera Club and now have a friendship group I regularly spend time with, which has made me very happy. It is nice for me to be around people from my home country”
Between April 2023 and March 2024, we hosted 48 Injera Club sessions. A home cooked meal is served at every session and cultural holidays and celebrations are marked with meals and activities for our young people.
1920 hot meals were served
268 young people were reached through Injera Club
Da’aro Youth Project: Annual Report 2023-2024 Registered charity 1189245
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FIG.1 Injera Club attendance April 2023 - March 2024
Thursday Youth Club
Alongside Injera Club, Da’aro Youth Project has collaborated with South London Refugee Association (SLRA) to deliver a joint Thursday Youth Club aimed at fostering cross cultural exchange and community building across the refugee and asylumseeking population, beyond the Horn of Africa. This club caters to unaccompanied refugees and asylum-seeking young people aged 14 to 25 and the club also offers an ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) class run by our volunteers.
Thursday Youth Club is a space for young people to participate in games, wellbeing workshops, arts and craft sessions and sports whilst being provided with a hot meal. The first Thursday Youth Club was hosted on 12/10/2023, we have since hosted 14 Youth Clubs serving 95 hot meals to young people.
Thursday Youth Club also operates as a space to facilitate youth-led activities and enable our members to take on extra responsibilities and develop their interpersonal and leadership skills. One participant noted that:
“My confidence and language skills have improved, I support new attendees to feel comfortable at the youth club, making sure they are included in activities and providing translations.”
Da’aro Youth Project: Annual Report 2023-2024 Registered charity 1189245
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Supplementary Activities
In addition to our Youth Clubs, many young people attending Da’aro are given the opportunity to engage with our services through a host of trips, activities and cultural events. We work with partners to deliver services beyond the scope of our youth clubs including Thread Ahead and Fulham Football Club Foundation.
Thread Ahead Partnership
Da’aro Youth Project have worked in partnership with Thread Ahead to provide essential clothing for particularly vulnerable young people including those new to the country, experiencing homelessness and new mothers. During these trips, individuals have had the opportunity to choose high-quality and sustainable clothing and toiletries. These trips have aimed to restore dignity and enable our young people to regain their confidence and autonomy.
May 2023 - Girls Football Trip & Picnic
Another highlight of the year was our trip to Fulham Football Club, where we organised a memorable day for young women at Da’aro. We enjoyed a game between Fulham FC and Crystal Palace FC and rounded off the day with a picnic.
July 2023 - Beach Trip
In July 2023, we organised a trip to Brighton Beach for young people. This excursion provided an opportunity for them to enjoy a day outside of London, and was the first time many of them had left London since arriving in the UK. We played sports on the beach and walked around the town. It was a refreshing break and a wonderful opportunity for young people to relax, have fun, and experience a new side of the UK.
September 2023 - Men's Mental Health Talk & Football Match At Fulham Stadium
Fulham Foundation organised a men's mental health summit at Fulham Stadium. The day included talks and interactive workshops. This event was particularly relevant given that many young people coming to Da’aro have experienced immense hardship making their way to the UK, often dealing with trauma, PTSD, and ongoing mental health struggles as they try to navigate life in a new country. The talk provided a safe space for them to learn about mental health, share their experiences, and acquire practical tools to help manage their wellbeing. Following the talk, those attending were able to watch an exciting football match between Fulham FC and Norwich FC.
Da’aro Youth Project: Annual Report 2023-2024 Registered charity 1189245
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October 2023 - Africa Writes
Africa Writes is an annual festival celebrating contemporary literature from Africa and the diaspora. Hosted at the British Museum, it features a range of events including book launches, panel discussions, and performances, showcasing the vibrant literary culture of Africa.
One of our young people had the opportunity to recite a poem at this event alongside many renowned black poets including poet laureate Lemn Sissay. Volunteers and young people came along to support and engage with cultural activities of the day. This event not only showcased the remarkable talent within our group but also highlighted the importance of providing platforms for young voices to be heard and celebrated.
December 2023 - Christmas Party
One of the most cherished events of the year was our Christmas party at Injera Club. The celebration was a true community effort, with generous individuals from the local community bringing food, snacks, and fruit baskets for young people to enjoy. We also organised a variety of games and team building activities. Sharing traditional meals together was a highlight event, fostering a sense of unity and togetherness.
Azmaribet Ethiopian Cultural Show
We were honoured to receive an invitation from Azmaribet for young people at Da’aro to participate in an Ethiopian cultural event. This special occasion provided a unique opportunity for them to engage in the rich traditions and vibrant celebrations of Ethiopian culture.
Throughout the event, many young people from Da’aro were treated to mesmerising performances of traditional music, dance, and cultural showcases. They had the chance to engage directly with the cultural aspects of the event, gaining a deeper appreciation and connection to Ethiopian heritage.
Da’aro Youth Project: Annual Report 2023-2024 Registered charity 1189245
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YOUTH
CASEWORK SERVICE (April 2023 - March 2024)
Background
Our Casework team provides vital support to our young people. Our present focus is attempting to ensure they have access to all provisions they are entitled to as unaccompanied asylum-seeking children and young people. We advocate on behalf of young people to ensure that the authorities are providing adequate support to them and enabling them to thrive by ensuring they have access to legal assistance, secure and stable housing, physical and mental health provisions and education and employment opportunities. Da’aro also enables young people to attend a cultural hub where they can meet people from similar backgrounds and begin to rebuild their social lives here in the UK.
The DYP casework team has evolved significantly over the past financial year. We continue to be committed to working with a person-centred approach and providing excellent support whereby young people can access relevant information and referrals to other services which may assist with some of the practical difficulties that they frequently grapple with. We have continued to build warm and caring relationships with young people and have achieved outstanding results in supporting them. In October 2023, DYP recruited a Casework Manager who has since worked alongside DYP’s youth caseworker on streamlining the casework service. Between October 2023 and April 2024, the casework team worked on developing the existing casework model to enable staff to gain further training and expertise to support young people effectively.
The team also worked towards reshaping administrative processes and practises in preparation for recruiting more caseworkers and team members to meet the needs of our young people. The Casework team has additionally developed further positive and lasting relationships with other organisations in the sector including solicitors and legal representatives, other charities working on similar issues and third sector providers who are able to extend direct and/or indirect support to our young people. We have also started looking at partnerships with other community organisations such as The Advocacy Academy and Bar in the Community who are committed to offering workshops, information sessions and further practical support to our young people.
Da’aro Youth Project: Annual Report 2023-2024 Registered charity 1189245
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Casework Model
We continue to develop our casework model to enable more holistic service delivery. We are working on enhancing our current self-referral, adhoc service to incorporate it within a more formalised casework model. This means that while DYP will continue to operate an open-door policy based primarily around young people seeking casework support via youth clubs, young people will all have detailed needs and risk assessments carried out before their case is taken on, and we will ensure that we formalise support plans for each young person so that both their short-term and long-term needs are adequately met. Likewise, we are working towards being able to carry out more work in the community, whereby we attend some appointments alongside young people. Our scope to do this has been limited by a huge demand and insufficient capacity to take on outreach work. We have now recruited more youth caseworkers which will enable us to provide more comprehensive support to our young people.
We are also working towards ensuring that the bulk of our casework takes place outside of youth clubs so that the clubs become a space where referral and information-gathering processes take place whereas all support and referral-based work happens with the team in a more formal and sustained manner.
In December 2023 DYP began sending our employees for OISC training (Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner) with Refugee Action. This is part of the process necessary to enable caseworkers to undertake OISC assessments and become qualified immigration advisors. By April 2024, DYP had begun the process of completing an application for OISC registration so that DYP can register to be a regulated organisation which is able to offer some immigration advice to service users. The casework team will be pursuing OISC qualifications up to level 3 in the immigration and asylum support categories. Our objective is to ensure that casework staff gain a level 2 qualification in the asylum and protection category by April 2025 with a view to seeking a level 3 qualification by the end of the following financial year.
Da’aro Youth Project: Annual Report 2023-2024 Registered charity 1189245
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Overview Of Present Casework
At the start of April 2024 DYP had 59 open cases. Our youth caseworker and casework manager support young people with a multitude of complex and often intersecting issues such as:
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Immigration and asylum
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Housing and homelessness
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Age disputes
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Physical and mental health sustainment
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Family reunification
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Seeking education and employment opportunities
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Social care disputes.
Additionally, the casework team ensures that safeguarding is integral and built into our work with all young people. A breakdown of the key issues we support young people with is offered below.
Key Issues
FIG.2 - Breakdown of areas of casework support 2023-24
The ‘hostile environment’ has led to all young people experiencing significant difficulties as part of the resettlement process. The most common difficulties we support young people with are shown in the graph above. Most other issues we work
Da’aro Youth Project: Annual Report 2023-2024 Registered charity 1189245
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on stem from failures to ensure young people are able to access asylum and/or stable housing in the UK. All our young people have experienced trauma of unimaginable magnitude on their journeys to the UK, this is further compounded by the difficulties they face in accessing stability and security here following arrival.
Therefore, many of the challenges young people face in accessing education, employment as well as mental and general health services are exacerbated by issues surrounding their immigration status and housing needs. This is the central driving factor behind our decision to move towards making DYP’s casework service an immigration advice service in the coming years.
Challenges
The key challenge we face in carrying out casework is ensuring that all young people have access to appropriate legal representatives. Unfortunately, due to increasing legal aid cuts, it is very difficult for young people to be able to find solicitors and legal advisors. We currently operate legal referrals through a triage list which enables us to refer young people to solicitors in line with their individual needs.
However, it usually takes us at least four to eight weeks to find a solicitor who has the capacity to take on any given legal aid claim. This means that a huge number of our young people are forced to wait lengthy periods under difficult circumstances before they can speak to a solicitor who would be able to challenge negative outcomes. These could be related to age disputes, immigration claims and/or social services disputes – which are all issues that typically tend to be interconnected among young people using our service. As a non-fee charging organisation, we hope to be able to alleviate some of the demand for legal advice on immigration and asylum issues. DYP’s Youth Casework Manager and Caseworker have both completed training on OISC levels 1 and 2 in both immigration and asylum & protection categories. Once the organisation completes the registration process, DYP staff will be able to undertake their assessments to be able to offer immigration advice to young people.
Da’aro Youth Project: Annual Report 2023-2024 Registered charity 1189245
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Key Achievements
Legal Assistance
3 young people and their relatives were supported in navigating complex legal issues; one was supported through a public sector inquest into the death of a love one and two others were provided with practical and emotional support in going through criminal justice proceedings.
We secured access to legal representatives for 12 individual young people who were in need of solicitors to process their asylum applications in the UK.
We assisted three young people in challenging negative age disputes.
Housing Support
We successfully supported 13 young people in securing stable housing in London.
Family Reunification
We secured solicitors for 11 young people seeking to initiate family reunification claims.
Da’aro Youth Project: Annual Report 2023-2024 Registered charity 1189245
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CASE STUDIES
- Please note all case studies have been anonymised in the interest of safeguarding young people who each consented to a brief summary of their cases being shared as part of this report.
i. Young person (M)
M is a 15-year-old boy who approached DYP’s casework team via our Tuesday evening Injera club. He had previously been placed with a foster carer in London but was moved to another area in the midlands under the National Transfer Scheme. He had been age disputed by his new social worker and experienced violence and discrimination at his new placement. He returned to London on his own and refused to return to the placement in question because he felt very unsafe there.
Following his age dispute M was forced to live on the streets, as social services would not support him given the fact that they claimed he was over 20 years old. We supported M to find a solicitor to challenge the age assessment outcome, which was said to be highly contentious by M’s legal representative. This was subsequently withdrawn by the local authority. We were also able to find M a solicitor to complete his asylum claim. This took more than two months. We attended solicitor appointments with M and ensured he was able to complete his asylum claim safely and with extensive emotional support around him.
We sought further support for M with regards to his health and past experiences. Although M is still waiting for his asylum application decision and has been returned to the midlands in the interim, he is living safely with a caring foster family and is now looked after by social services and has an advocate in his local area who works with him to ensure he receives adequate support from social care.
We are proud to be able to see that we saw M through an exceptionally difficult time and ensured he had a roof over his head and was well on his way to accessing secure refugee status. This was a very long process and a challenging case but we are delighted to know that M is living with a kind family and is able to be safe, taken care of and crucially, has been recognised as a child and can access provisions to enable him to enjoy his childhood. M keeps in touch with DYP and has said he would like to come back and visit Injera club once he has secure status and is a little more settled.
Da’aro Youth Project: Annual Report 2023-2024 Registered charity 1189245
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ii. Young person (S)
Successful family reunion: Two young siblings united with their older brother in the UK, August 2023
One of the remarkable success stories this year involves a young man who faced significant distress due to his siblings being stranded in Sudan. These siblings, very young and without an adult to care for them, were in a vulnerable situation, causing the young person immense worry about their wellbeing and safety.
A regular attendee of our youth club, this young man approached us at the Injera Club a year ago to express the severe stress he was experiencing and to request our assistance in reuniting with his two younger siblings. Understanding the urgency and importance of his situation, we promptly connected him with lawyers who could assist in the process.
After a long and challenging journey, we are pleased to report that earlier this year, he was successfully reunited with both of his siblings. The two siblings have since adjusted well to their new environment and have both started school, marking a positive turn in their lives.
Da’aro Youth Project: Annual Report 2023-2024 Registered charity 1189245
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iii. Young person (K)
Our casework team worked with a vulnerable young person who was dealing with multiple incidents, mainly that he was severely attacked and left with major medical trauma as a result. On top of this, there were social services disputes alongside accessing appropriate housing.
We advocated for the replacement of his PA as the one he had was dismissive of his situation, not empathetic, and was unable to provide the care and support required or enable him to access appropriate care from other services.
We also supported him on a daily basis in terms of advocating for multiple services as issues were overlapping. This involved attending GP appointments, supporting with attending court dates and dealing with the investigation over the attack, which eventually had a positive outcome as his perpetrators were found guilty. We made referrals for Mentoring support with external service providers and the young person continued to engage positively with DYP.
Da’aro Youth Project: Annual Report 2023-2024 Registered charity 1189245
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POLICY & CAMPAIGNS
Overview
Our work extends beyond providing direct support and we are deeply committed to advocating for systemic change, particularly in the realm of healthcare access and accountability for asylum seekers and refugees. We continue to campaign for the rights of refugees, ensuring that their voices are heard and their dignity upheld, reflecting our ongoing commitment to challenging injustices within the system.
For the past two years, we have been supporting the family of a young man who tragically died in a mental hospital in Coventry. Our efforts have extended to assisting his family members in both Switzerland and Eritrea as they seek justice for his untimely death.
One of our key actions was to find a lawyer to help investigate the staff involved in his care and ensure they fulfilled their duty of care responsibilities. Despite our efforts and the thorough investigation, it was determined earlier this year that the police would not bring any criminal charges against those involved in his care.
Throughout this process, we have faced significant challenges, including navigating an unjust system and addressing the barriers refugees encounter in accessing adequate medical support. The young man who committed suicide in the hospital's care was not provided with basic services, such as an interpreter or support workers. This lack of communication likely led to misunderstandings and inappropriate treatment, contributing to the tragic outcome.
Preparation for the inquest proved to be a crucial step in understanding the circumstances surrounding the young man’s death and ensuring that the family’s quest for justice continues. This case underscores the critical need for policy reforms, as it also highlights the systemic failures that refugees often encounter in accessing adequate medical support.
While our immediate focus often involves addressing the critical gaps left by service providers and the state, we are determined not to merely "clean up the mess." Our ultimate goal is to drive systemic change that prevents these failures from occurring in the first place. We are deeply committed to advocating for policy reforms that protect and empower young asylum seekers and refugees. In our efforts to raise awareness and advocate for change, we spoke to the BBC about this case and the broader issues affecting young asylum seekers. By sharing these stories through media channels, we aim to elevate the conversation and push for the necessary reforms to prevent such tragedies in the future.
As we look to the future, we are eager to expand our capacity in this area, working strategically to influence policies and practices that ensure fair treatment and adequate support for all young people in need. This is not just a vision, but a priority that we are determined to develop as our organisation grows.
Da’aro Youth Project: Annual Report 2023-2024 Registered charity 1189245
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YOUTH MENTORING SERVICE
As Da’aro Youth Project is growing, we have recognised the need for an additional service to support young people - a Youth Mentoring project. This project was discussed in early 2024, with a projected partnership across 3 organisations, with funding from Lambeth Council.
The idea of this project is for support to be provided through a 1-1 model, helping young people with a diverse range of needs that can enhance their daily life. This could include enrolling into college, engaging with more social activities, developing new skills and hobbies, CV writing, applying for jobs and more.
As we look towards the future, we envision a project in which a Youth Mentoring Lead will develop this new service, leading on 1-1 work with young people to develop a positive support system and set goals for each young person. The Youth Mentoring Lead will assess the needs of young people and provide both internal and external support where suitable, including referrals to external organisations to grow the young person’s support network. For example, a young person looking to join a football club may initially be encouraged to attend our weekly football sessions at Injera Club, and then also supported into finding an external club.
This project will work alongside our other services, including casework, activities and youth clubs. The Youth Mentoring Lead will develop rapport with young people being supported and ensure that they are holistically supported by DYP. For example, young people looking to meet new friends through social activities will be encouraged to attend youth clubs but could also be put forward for trips that DYP runs, in coordination with our Youth Activity Lead.
This project will also be supported by volunteer mentors. Volunteer mentors will be provided with mentoring training, and then matched with young people to support, based on the volunteer’s skills and the young person’s needs. For example, a volunteer may support a young person to complete an online registration for a library, during Injera Club.
Much of the face-to-face mentoring may happen at our youth clubs, but the Youth Mentoring Lead will also facilitate outreach work where appropriate.
Da’aro Youth Project: Annual Report 2023-2024 Registered charity 1189245
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INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF DA'ARO YOUTH PROJECT Independent Examiner's Report on the Accounts I report on the accounts for the chanty for the year ended 31st March 2024. Respectiv• rosponsibililits of trusi68s and oxaminOT The trustees a responsible for the preparation of the finantyal ststements. The trustees Consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144121 of the Chanties Act 2011 and that an Independent Examination Is needed It is my responsibility to.. examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act to follow the procedures laid down in the general directions gNen by the Charities Commission under se¢lion 145151 Ibl, and lo slate whether parb"cular matters have come to my attention. Basi$ of Indendnt examin•r'$ report An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the chanty and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes ¢ongderation of any unusual items of disdosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as trustees conceming any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and ct)nsequently no opinion is given as lo whether the accounts present a 'true and fair. view and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below. Indepondont txaminor's statoment In the course of my examinatKJn. no matter has come to my attention.. 111 which gives me reasonable cause lo bdieve that in any Materi respect the requirements have not been mel.. lo keep a¢¢ounting records in accordance th section 130 of the 2011 A¢t.' and to prepare accounts which accord with the accounts.ng records, aThJ nplY with the accounting requirements of the 2011 Act ,or 121 to th1¢h, in my oynion, attention should be drwn in order to enable a proper understsnding of the a¢UnIS lo be reached. Namo: Dunslanette Kuts FCCA Date= 1111012024 Posilion., Community Accountant Community Action Sutton Granfets Community Centre 73-79 Oakhill Road Sutton Surrey, SM13AA Da'aro Youth Project.. Annual Report 2023-2024 Registed ¢harily 1189245 21
FINANCIAL OVERVIEW Financial Statements DA'ARO YOUTH PROJECT STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES for the year ended 31st March 2024 Unrestricted Regtricted Funds Funds 2024 2024 Total Funds 2024 Total Funds 2023 Note Income: Charitable Activits'es 104.952 298.181 403.133 173,833 Investments Total Income 104,952 298,181 403,133 173,833 Expenditure- Charitable Activities 20.296 167.946 188.242 164,050 Total Expenditure 20.296 167.946 188.242 164,050 Net Income l {expenditure) Transfer bettveen funds 84,656 130,235 214,891 9.783 Net movement in funds 84,656 130,235 214,891 9.783 Total Funds brought forward 41,462 17.430 58.892 49,109 Total Funds carried forward 126,118 147,665 273,783 58,892 The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses in tho yaar. All incoming r8sour¢o9 and ro$ourco9 oxpondod dorivo from continuing a¢tiviti6$. The notes form part of these financial statements Da'aro Youth Project.. Annual Report 2023-2024 Registed ¢harily 1189245 22
DA'ARO YOUTH PROJECT BALANCE SHEET as at 31st March 2024 Note 2024 2023 Fixed A88Ot8 Office Equipment Current a88et8 Debtors and receivable 1,749 Cash al bank and in hand 318.730 82,102 320.479 82,102 Current liabiliti09 Deferred income 40.410 18.589 Amounts falling due within one year 10 6,286 4.621 46,696 23.210 Net current assets 273,783 58.892 Net assets 273,783 58,892 Funds Restricled Funds 147,665 17.430 Unrestricted Funds 126.118 41.462 11 273,783 58,892 The financial slatemenls were approved by the Board of Trustees on were signed on its behalf by.. and Da'aro Youth Project.. Annual Report 2023-2024 Registed ¢harily 1189245 23
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH 2024 1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES a) Accounting Conventions The Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with applicable accounting standards under the historical Cost Convention and in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice.. Accounting and Reporting by Charities. b) Fund Accounting Restricted Funds are those received which have been earmarked for a special purpose by the donor. Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtheranGe of the general objectives of the Charity. c) Incoming Resources All incoming resources are included in the statement of financial activities when the charity is entitled to the income and the amount Gan be quantified wilh reasonable accuracy. The following specific policies are applied lo partlGular Gategories of income. Voluntary income is received by way of grants and is included in full in the Statement of Financial Activities when receivable. Grants, where entitlement is not conditional on the delivery of a specific performance by the Charity, are recognised when the Charity becomes unconditionally entitled to the grant. Activities for generating funds consist of room hire and are accounted for on a receivable basis. Surplus funds are invested in a bank deposit account to earn interest. Interest received Is included when receivable. Interest is credited to the unrestricted fund to offset overheads. In¢oming resources from the charitable activities consists of grants, which are related to performance and are accounted for as the Charity earns the right to consideration by its performance. Other sources of Incoming resources from the charitable activities consist of fees and Cafe takings accounted for on a receivable basis. d) Resources Expended Expenditure is recognised on an accrual basis as a liability is incurred. Cost of generating funds comprises the costs associaled with attracling future Income. Charitable expenditure comprises those costs incurred by the Charity in the delivery of its activilies and services for its beneficiaries. It includes both costs that Gan be allocated directly to such activities and those costs of an indirect nature necessary to support them. Governance costs include those costs associaled with meeting the constitutional and statutory requirements of the Charity and include the Independent Examination fees and costs linked to the strategic management of the Charity. Costs are allocated to charitable activities and the Community Centre on the basis of usage. Costs relating to a particular activity are allocated directly, other overheads are apportioned on an appropriate basis see note. Da'aro Youth Project.. Annual Report 2023-2024 Registed ¢harily 1189245 24
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH 2024 (CONTINUED) e) Charitable activities Costs of charitable aclivilies include grants made during the year. f) Incoming resources Incoming resources are included gross on a receivable basis. There are no deferred incoming resources. g) Investment income Inveslmenl income is included in the stalement of financial activities on an accrual basis. h) Accounting basis The accounts have been prepared on an accrual basis, 2. INCOME FROM CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES 2024 2024 Unrestricted Restricled 2024 Total 2023 Tolal Grants received Donations other Income 51.373 49.267 4,312 104,952 298.181 349.554 49.267 4,312 298,181 403,133 154.021 19,316 496 173,833 Grants received. included in the above, are as follows: Restricted funds: Choose Love City Bridge Community Lottery Fund Ground work London Mayor Lambeth DfE The Phonix Fund - 91.666 14.720 84,114 54.000 51.932 1.749 91.666 14.720 84.114 54.000 51.932 1.749 73,334 Unrestricted funds- Blue Thread ABCT AB Charitable TS Dragons Den Money4You LLoyds Bank Foundation 29,423 3.617 10,000 8,333 51,373 29.423 3.617 10.000 8.333 298,181 349,554 80,687 154,021 Da'aro Youth Project.. Annual Report 2023-2024 Registed ¢harily 1189245 25
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 318t MARCH 2024 ICONTINUEDI 3 INVESTMENT INCOME 2024 2023 Deposit account interest 4 EXPENDITURE ON CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES 2024 2024 2024 2023 Unrestricted Restricted Total Total Bookkeeping And Accounts Freelance Workers Fundraising Independent Examiner Fees Injera Club Food and Delivery Insurances IT Equipment KYC Rent Materials and Equipment Miscellaneous Costs Office Rent Other Interest Payroll Expense Professional fees Refreshmenls Staff Costs ( note 7) Staff Recruitment Staff Training and Supervision Staff Travel and Expense Stationery, Postage and Printing Telephone Volunteer Costs Young Person Direct Support Youth Activities 2,095 2,095 3.523 3,463 1,010 20,146 261 1.481 8,420 4,006 450 6,732 3.523 3,463 1,010 96 910 11,268 261 2.181 5,222 271 679 14.508 161 422 3.216 20.146 261 1,481 6,420 4,006 450 6,732 578 578 1.557 470 470 124.392 124,392 112,197 2.100 1,491 1,444 4,232 2,269 953 38 313 1,696 1,915 469 841 3,151 2,521 491 389 1,557 2,100 1,444 2,269 38 1,696 469 3,151 491 20,296 167,946 188,242 164,050 Da'aro Youth Project.. Annual Report 2023-2024 Registed ¢harily 1189245 26
5 GOVERNANCE COSTS 2024 2023 Legal and professional fees Independent Examiner's Fees 1,557 3,216 1,010 910 2.567 4,126 6 NET INCOMINGIIOUTGOING) RESOURCES Net resources are stated after chargingl{crediling)'. 2024 2023 Independent Examiner's Fees 1,010 910 7 STAFF COSTS 2024 2023 Salaries ER'S NIC ER'S Pensions 116.211 105.805 5,724 4.276 2.457 2,117 124.392 112.197 The average number of employeès during the yéar was as follows= 2024 2023 The number of employees whose emoluments fell within the following band5 was.. 2024 2023 £60,001- £70.000 8 DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR 2024 2023 Accrued Income 1,749 1,749 Da'aro Youth Project.. Annual Report 2023-2024 Registed ¢harily 1189245 27
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31$t MARCH 2024 (CONTINUED) 9 DEFERRED INCOME 2024 2023 Restricted Grants: Choose Love City Bridge 16.666 7,360 Unrestricted Grants- Blue Thread ABCT AB Charitable TS Lloyds Bank Foundation 1.923 16,383 16,667 40,410 18,589 10 CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR 2024 2023 Taxation and Social Security Pensions payable Payroll Control Accruals 2,479 827 11251 3,105 6.286 3,413 298 910 4.621 11 MOVEMENT IN FUNDS At Incoming Ro8ourco8 Movement 31.3.23 r080urces oxpended in fund8 At 31.3.24 Unrestricted funds General fund 41,462 104,952 20.296 126,119 Restricted funds Balance BlfNd Choose Love City Bridge Community Lottery Fund Groundwork London Mayor Lambeth DfE The Phoenix Fund- 27,463 (10,033} 27,463 30,004 6,429 36,738 23,585 22,682 91,666 14,720 84,114 54.000 51,932 1.749 (51.629) 18,291) 147.3761 130.4151 (29,250) (985) 17,430 298,181 167.946 147,665 TOTAL FUNDS 58,892 403,133 188.242 273,784 Da'aro Youth Project.. Annual Report 2023-2024 Registed ¢harily 1189245 28
TRUSTEES
Governance And Management
������������������������������������������
| ������������������������������������ | |
|---|---|
| Full name of trustee | Position |
| Sarah Akberet Robson | �������� |
| Dr Yohannes Teklu Bahru | Chair of Trustees |
| Dr Mikal Woldu | Trustee |
| Tigist Kinfe | Trustee |
| Adonay ����� | Trustee |
| Yordanos Tesfa Feseha | Treasurer |
| Amel Hamilton | Trustee |
| Nardos Yemane | Trustee |
| Yacob Woldehiwot | Trustee |
| Dr Elaine Chase | Secretary of Trustees |
| Futsum Kahsa | Trustee |
| D' Yth Pt i Chitbl Aron Zerezghi |
Itd Oiti CIO O Trustee |
| aaro ou rojec s a arae | ncorporae rgansaon (). ur |
governing document is a 'constitution of a Charitable Incorporated Organisation Da'aro Youth Project is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO). Our with voting members other than its charity trustees'. There must be at least three governing document is a 'constitution of a Charitable Incorporated Organisation charity trustees. If the number falls below this minimum, the remaining trustee with voting members other than its charity trustees'. There must be at least three or trustees may act only to call a meeting of the charity trustees, or appoint a charity trustees. If the number falls below this minimum, the remaining trustee new charity trustee. The maximum number of charity trustees is 12. The charity or trustees may act only to call a meeting of the charity trustees, or appoint a trustees may not appoint any charity trustee if as a result the number of charity new charity trustee. The maximum number of charity trustees is 12. The charity trustees would exceed the maximum. The majority of trustees must be people trustees may not appoint any charity trustee if as a result the number of charity who claim Eritrean heritage. trustees would exceed the maximum. The majority of trustees must be people who claim Eritrean heritage.
At every annual general meeting of the members of the CIO, one-third of the
charity trustees shall retire from office. If the number of charity trustees is notAt every annual general meeting of the members of the CIO, one-third of the three or a multiple of three, then the numbcharity trustees shall retire from office. If th e r nearest to one-third shall retire number of charity trustees is not from office, but if there is only one charity trustthree or a multiple of three, then the number n e e, he or sharest to on e shall retire. The-third shall retire charity trustees to retire by rotation shall be those who have been longest infrom office, but if there is only one charity trustee, he or she shall retire. The office since their last appointment or reappointment. If any trustees were lastcharity trustees to retire by rotation shall be those who have been longest in appointed or reappointed on the same day those to retire shall (unless theyoffice since their last appointment or reappointment. If any trustees were last otherwise agree among themselves) be determined by lot; the vacancies soappointed or reappointed on the same day those to retire shall (unless they otherwise agree among themselves) be determined by lot; the vacancies so
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arising may be filled by the decision of the members at the annual general meeting.
The members or the charity trustees may at any time decide to appoint a new charity trustee, whether in place of a charity trustee who has retired or been removed, or as an additional charity trustee, provided that the limit on the number of charity trustees would not as a result be exceeded; a person so appointed by the charity trustees shall retire at the conclusion of the next annual general meeting after the date of his or her appointment, and shall not be counted for the purpose of determining which of the charity trustees is to retire by rotation at that meeting. All of our activities are undertaken to further our charitable purposes for the benefit of the public. The Trustees have had regard to Charity Commission guidance on public benefit in section 4 of the Charities Act 2006.
Public benefit
The Trustees have referred to the Charity Commission guidance on public benefit and used this to help them plan current and future activities. The Trustees review the aims, objectives and activities of the Charity at least annually. This report looks at what the Charity has achieved and the outcomes of its work in the reporting period. The Trustees report the success of each key activity and the benefits the Charity has brought to those groups of people it was set up to help. The review also helps the Trustees ensure the Charity’s aims, objectives and activities remain focused on its stated charitable purpose.
The Trustees have referred to the guidance contained in the Charity Commission’s general guidance on public benefit when reviewing the Charity’s aims and objectives and in planning its future activities. In particular, the Trustees consider how planned activities will contribute to the aims and objectives that have been set.
In considering our key objectives, the Trustees have taken into account the following factors:
The profile, numbers and needs of asylum-seeking and refugee young people from the Horn of Africa who are at risk in the local area.
The provision of accessible, specialist services available to the people we work with within our local area and the gaps in provision.
External factors such as changes in national and local government policies and procedures.
Feedback from all our stakeholders.
Declarations
The Trustees declare that they have approved the Trustees’ report above.
Signed on behalf of the charity’s Trustees.
Dr Yohannes Bahru:.............................
15 October 2024 Date:......................
Dr Elaine Chase ………………………..............
15 October 2024 Date:.....................
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THANKS TO OUR FUNDERS
As we reflect on the achievements and challenges of the past year, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to our funders whose generous support makes our work possible. Your commitment enables us to continue providing essential services, advocating for systemic change, and supporting young unaccompanied asylum seekers and refugees through their most difficult times.
Thank you for standing with us and for investing in the future of these young people. Together, we are making a meaningful difference.
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Da’aro Youth Project Woodlawn Centre 16 Leigham Court Road London SW16 2PJ
info@daaroyouth.org.uk Charity No. 1189245
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