2023-10-31-accounts

Trustees’ Annual Report and Accounts For the Year Ended 31st October 2023

Charity Registration No. 1189501 (England and Wales)

Mission and Aims

Each of us is an original by design. Our mission is to create safe environments where children and young people can freely explore and uncover their unique selves. We empower them to pursue purposeful and meaningful lives, ultimately benefiting society.

Objectives

Our Founding Constitution set out our objectives as 'to advance the Christian faith in accordance with the Statement of Faith; and the prevention or relief of poverty 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.' (CIO Founding Constitution, 2020.)

We at Route 61 International (Route 61) are committed to a holistic mission model that fosters interdependent partnerships and enables collaboration towards the common goals of our objectives while preserving autonomy and diversity.

Public Benefit

The trustees are aware of the Charity Commission's guidance on public benefit and believe that Route 61's activities provide an essential public benefit.

In 2023, Route 61 supported the Chaplaincy of the Directorate of Children's Services in Kenya, focusing on children in the juvenile justice system. We advanced the Christian faith through spiritual counselling, teaching, and faith-based programmes while supporting vocational training, healthcare, and family reconciliation initiatives. Our efforts promoted the well-being and selfsufficiency of these children and contributed to the development of healthier, more resilient communities.

Activities

Our programmes are carried out by a team of trained professionals and dedicated volunteers from Kenya. Their extensive training and commitment ensure the effective implementation of our programmes and their delivery in a way sensitive to the culture, needs, and values of the communities we serve.

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As of 2022, approximately 5,000 children are held in the Kenyan juvenile justice system annually, although populations were curbed by the Covid-19 pandemic.

General Strategy for the year ending 31st October 2023.

Throughout the year, Route 61 continued working in unison with The Route Sixty One Foundation (Registered Kenyan Society Number 50896) to promote positive inner transformation and behavioural change in children within the Kenyan juvenile justice system. This collaboration was officially recognised and authorised by signing a three-year Partnership Agreement with the Directorate of Children's Services, Kenya , in February 2023.

Strategy Implementation

Due Diligence

Route 61 delivers programmes through a partnership with a Kenyan registered charity, The Route Sixty One Foundation. An annually reviewed Affiliate Partnership Agreement details the parameters of this collaboration and includes the appointment of a Route 61 representative to The Route Sixty One Foundation's governing body; the benefits of this are:

It ensures the appropriate, responsible and transparent use of Route 61's financial donations.

• Enhanced collaboration and communication, facilitating better decision-making and effective implementation of projects.

• Improved understanding of the local context: This gives Route 61 a better understanding of the local context in which its partner organisation operates. It also helps it make more informed decisions about tailoring its project to meet the local community's needs.

Programme Delivery

Ours is a holistic approach:

----- Start of picture text -----
Population Breakdown:
Care & Protection 30%
Conflict with the law
70%
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When their parents can't be, we are.

Spiritual

1.Eighty-five per cent of children with behavioural problems come from fatherless homes. Route 61 spiritual mentors fill this parental void by serving as consistent role models and offering wise counsel. They also provide:

Guided learning

• Moments of sung praise and worship

• Individual prayer

• Individual counselling to enrich the children's well-being

of these children are affected by fatherlessness.

Children Of Other Faiths

Route 61 is committed to serving all children with love, compassion, and respect, regardless of their religious or cultural backgrounds. We design our programmes to be inclusive and nondiscriminatory, ensuring every child feels welcomed and valued. We respect our participants' diverse faiths and traditions and strive to create an environment where all children can thrive. Participation in our programmes does not require adherence to any particular faith, and we encourage respectful dialogue and understanding among all members of our community.

Mental

The delivery of activities such as reading, drawing and craftwork provides the following benefits to children:

The development of cognitive skills helps the child think, learn and remember.

• Children's time in the juvenile justice system excludes them from accessing formal education. Mental activities, such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and concentration, help the children maintain and develop the skills needed to succeed when they return to school.

• We help children increase their creativity by providing play and art that stimulates them to develop new ideas and solutions.

• Helping the children focus on something other than their current predicament, worries, and concerns reduces their stress and anxiety levels.

• They have improved overall well-being by helping children develop a sense of accomplishment and building self-confidence and resilience.

In February, Route 61 conducted a Trauma Awareness Day for sixty frontline staff members who assist children in the juvenile justice system. A survey conducted during the event revealed that 52% of the staff displayed signs of burnout. In response, Route 61 plans to pilot the implementation of self-help groups to decrease burnout indicators among frontline workers by 1520%.

1. Ngunjiri, Ndirangu. Children and Crime Rates in Kenya (2019) . https://bit.ly/3Dm2JMO

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Physical

Enabling children to play sports and engage in drama, dance and therapy sessions helps:

Improve general physical health and build strong bones and muscles.

Reduce stress and anxiety levels, improve mood and increase self-esteem.

• Improve social skills and learn how to work together in a team.

Develop leadership skills.

Learn how to resolve conflicts.

Improve overall well-being by helping children develop a sense of accomplishment and building self-confidence and resilience.

Other physical activities included promoting personal hygiene by providing sanitary towels, underwear and bathing soap.

Social

In 2020, we introduced the 'Phone Home' project to enable and maintain healthy communication between children and their loved ones. This plays a vital role in the successful restoration of family relationships and effective rehabilitation of the child.

In 2023:

We added three institutions, for a total of eight currently benefiting from Route 61 purchased telephone handsets and monthly airtime.

2,760 Children called home.

On average, every child makes four four-minute calls in a month.

Other social activities included organising and enabling seasonal parties, such as Christmas and Easter celebrations, which involved food and games.

Environmental

Where suitable land is available, we teach sustainable organic farming methods along with secondary lessons in project management and bookkeeping.

Subsistence farming is common throughout Kenya, so it is essential to encourage children to participate in hands-on activities that will help them learn valuable, sustainable farming skills. These small-scale organic farm projects not only provided food for the children and staff but also served as a practical learning experience. This project was successful because the profits from selling the crops were reinvested back into the farms to buy seeds and equipment, ensuring their sustainability.

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Expansion of the Phone Home Project

For the year, 2023-24, we plan to expand the 'Phone Home' initiative by adding four more institutions, bringing the total to 12.

Transformative Parenting Courses

Route 61 will be introducing parenting training programs to address the rise in juvenile involvement in criminal activities by empowering parents with the necessary tools and knowledge. Our training sessions will focus on effective communication, conflict resolution, and understanding the socio-economic challenges faced by families in our community.

It is our belief that by providing parents with these resources, we can work together to create a safer and more supportive environment for children, ultimately reducing juvenile delinquency.

Sex Education and Abstinence Teaching

Last year, we planned to implement a teaching program aimed at promoting respect, informed decision-making, and responsible attitudes towards sexual health among boys and girls. Unfortunately, due to resource constraints, we were unable to carry out this initiative. However, we are committed to introducing this program in the coming year.

Staff Well-being

As frontline workers, staff in the juvenile justice system often face incredibly challenging situations without emotional support. Therefore, we intend to introduce a pilot scheme to assess the effectiveness of quarterly Family Focus Sessions for frontline workers to reduce burnout indicators by 15 to 20%.

Team Growth

The Kenyan team has been steadily growing and currently consists of five members. In the upcoming year, we plan to expand the team by adding three more members, one of whom will focus on strengthening our presence and impact in institutions in and around Nairobi.

As our team continues to grow, we recognize the importance of introducing the role of a Programme Manager to oversee this important work. Ideally, we aim to promote someone from within the existing team to fill this role.

Additionally, we are introducing a 3-month volunteer student attachment programme, a course requirement for those pursuing a higher education qualification.

With our team expanding, we anticipate the need to secure additional office space due to the limited capacity of our current office.

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Developing Existing And Future Leaders

This year, Route 61 will provide leadership training for church leaders in Kenya. Our programmes and curriculum aim to equip leaders with a deep understanding of theological principles, enhance their ability to address societal challenges and foster integrity and accountability.

70% of Kenya's population identifies as Christian, indicating a significant reliance on church leadership for spiritual guidance and community support. Despite this high percentage, a recent survey found that only 40% of church leaders have received formal theological training, highlighting a substantial gap in doctrinal knowledge and leadership skills. Furthermore, the rapid growth of Christianity in Kenya, with the number of believers projected to increase by 5% annually, exacerbates the need for competent leaders who can navigate the complexities of modern society while maintaining doctrinal integrity. By addressing these pressing needs, Route 61's training programmes aim to ensure that church leaders are well-equipped to guide their congregations effectively, uphold sound doctrine, and contribute positively to the growth and stability of the church in Kenya.

Income and Expenditure

For the year ending 31st October 2023, total income was £23,631, and expenditure was £24,806, resulting in a net deficit of £1,175. The trustees continue to monitor spending to maintain costs in line with general income.

Route 61 (International) is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) governed by its CIO Founding Constitution (2020).

Trustees

The trustees who served during the year were:

Mr D. J. Oliver Mrs S. R. Bennett Dr. J. S. Goodman Mr D. J. Young Mr G. P. Brookes Ms M. E. Fields - resigned on 12/10/23

Trustees are appointed and removed by the Board of Trustees as outlined in the Charity’s Constitution. In selecting individuals for appointment as Charity Trustees, the Charity Trustees have regard for the skills, knowledge and experience needed for the effective administration of the CIO.

Management

Route 61 is governed by regular trustee meetings that cover legal responsibilities and due diligence, including finances, regulatory considerations, risk management, and safeguarding matters. Derek Oliver and Penny Oliver, who represent Route 61's work internationally, primarily handle day-to-day operational management and implement trustee decisions.

Principal Office

63 Shearwater Road, Hemel Hempstead, Herts, HP3 0GB, UK.

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The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees' report and accounts.

Signed on behalf of the Trustees:

Signature: …………………………………… Derek John Oliver Full Name: ……………………………………

Trustee Position: ……………………………………

Date: …………………………………… August 26, 2024

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CHARITY COMMISSION FOR ENGLAND AND WALES Receipts and payments accounts 118•501 Pprirxl,-ItJrt tJ21è PwifJ ￿nrj rJ¥& 01111r2022 To 3111¢Y2023 Section A Receipts and payments Unmtrlclod Re8trf¢t•d Endowment nd• fvnds t• th• n••rnst t th• M•mJt£ toth• nMr•rt£ Total lund$ Last y••r 10 Ih• hMr••t£ to th• fiMr••t£ A1 R￿01 DDnall 21.$74 21.6Y4 1•,82S Grants MLBlon TMp8 In¢M Sua totsl{Gffjas &7¢0mo forARI io 1067 21.574 2JA31 A2 A•••t and Inv•8tm•nt •al•4 l•e• table). Sub total Total rnc￿pts 21m4 1067 23MI 11946 A3 P•ym•nts Mknl•ty •upport Iran•len¢d thJTrJ• for thci ar¥lLkn JThl Bupporf Hoallh and Safefy Mkn•knn trfp8 ¢oit• &Jb8olptlJn ShlpplNJ 20.100 20.10• UK Bart 1nsurnn￿ I￿)￿)rt CO*• Gowmafica co •Js Sub total 187 21.921 21014 A4 Altyel and Investsn•nt purchai•s, l••e tab￿) Sub tot•1 rotalpaYn￿nts 21.926 23.014 Nat of recwpts/{payments) A5 Tranthrs botw•gn lund8 A6 Cath fund8 last y4T •nd Cash funds thls year end (8231 110661 11.Th6 708 177 4033

Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the year Categories Details UnreBtrict to no•r•¥t£ Endowmont t• noof••t£ to £ B1 C48h funds 1TI TO￿ ¢•sh ￿ndS 3.918 1TI ?￿1)) Endowm•nt to M•m•t£ to Mimt£ Detsils trj ¢ B2 Oth•r monetary a8•018 We knjs sent k) lund 10 whk Curr•ntv•lu• Details ¢0•¢ lopllonal) 33 Inv0•1m•nt M••ts Fund to ¥thlth Curnfit ￿1￿• Oetsils B4 A•••t• retsln•d for th• charlty'• own u Detsll$ Amount du• Wh•n du• 86 Ll•bllltl•• Sèned ty on• or hvo tr￿l•e on t•h•lf of ￿1 the Iru8t• Slgn•tur• Prfnt Na D4to of approval