## **Trustees' annual report for the** ## **period** Period start date Period end date ~~31 03 2024 31 03~~ 2025 **From To** ## Reference and administration details **Charity** _Sudanese Community in and Portsmouth_ **name Other names charity is** _SCIP_ **known by Registered charity** _1190685_ **number (if any)** **Charity's principal address** _Flat 85_ _Crown Court, Crown Street_ _Portsmouth_ **Postcode** _PO1 1QW_ ## **Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity** |1
2
3|**Trustee name**|**Office (if any)**|**Dates acted if not for whole**
**year**|**Name of person (or body) entitled**
**to appoint trustee(if any)**| |---|---|---|---|---| ||Bakhit Ismail
Mohamed|_Chair_||| ||_Mukhtar Yousif_
_Hagar_|||| ||Osman Ibrahim
Fadlalla|||| |||||| ~~_anuary_~~ ## **Name of executives** _Bashier Abdalla, Mohamed Ibrahim, Reem Hassan and Abdelkarim Hamad_ ## **Structure, governance and management** _Constitution adopted 12 September 2019_ _Unincorporated association_ _Trustees are appointed or reappointed annually at the Annual General Meeting held in July_ _Membership of the organisation is open to all people from Sudanese origin who reside in Portsmouth locality and its surroundings. The trustees oversee the day to day running of the community group. The trustees seek the views of members._ _There is a child protection policy in place. Criminal Records Bureau checks are carried out prior to commencement of volunteering or trusteeship and checks are carried out again in line with statutory requirements._ _SCIP is partnered with The Sudanese Community School in Portsmouth with whom we jointly undertake some activities which aimed to help children and youths such as Homework Club and skills sessions._ _All trustees give their time voluntarily and received no remuneration or other benefits._ ## **Objectives and activities** To promote the advancement of citizenship and community development for the public benefit by working with people in and around Portsmouth who are socially excluded on the grounds of their ethnic origin, religion, belief or creed, in particular members of the Sudanese community, to relieve the needs of such people and assist them to integrate into society. _In planning our activities for the year we kept in mind the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit at our trustee meetings. The main activities are as follows:_ - _Sudanese Cultural day_ - _Ramadan gathering and Eid celebrations_ - _Visit to British Museum in London_ - _Weekly community Club_ _These activities benefit members their self-_ _confidence and social skills, bringing communities together, address issues of isolations, social inclusion and integration in society._ ~~_We are grateful for the many hours volunteers,_~~ _including member volunteers, have spent delivering our activities. Without this valuable contribution of time, energy and expertise we would not have been able to achieve so much._ Achievements and performance ## **Summary of the main achievements of the charity during the year.** ## _**Cultural Day in Partnership with Portsmouth Museum**_ In a major cultural milestone for our community, the Sudanese Community in Portsmouth proudly organised a Sudanese Cultural Day in partnership with Portsmouth Museum, held at the Charles Dickens Activity Centre. This event brought together community members, local residents, and cultural partners to celebrate Sudan’s rich heritage and promote cultural understanding within the wider Portsmouth area. The Cultural Day complemented Portsmouth Museum’s special exhibition on Ancient Sudanese Civilisation, which featured displays on the ancient kingdoms of Kush and Nubia, highlighting Sudan's deep historical roots in African and world history. As part of this collaboration, members of our community loaned several traditional Sudanese objects to be featured in the exhibition. These included cultural garments, handcrafted items, household tools, and decorative artifacts, each carrying personal stories and cultural significance. The loaned items were a powerful addition to the exhibition, offering an authentic and lived connection to Sudanese heritage. The Cultural Day at Charles Dickens Activity Centre included: •Live Sudanese music and traditional dance performances •A display of cultural clothing from various regions of Sudan •A Sudanese food stall, where guests could sample traditional dishes •Storytelling sessions and informal presentations about Sudanese life and history • Children’s activities, such as calligraphy, flag painting, and craft-making The event was well attended by diverse audiences, including local families, students, council representatives, museum staff, and people from other cultural communities. It was particularly impactful for young members of the Sudanese community, who had the chance to see their heritage celebrated and respected in a public setting. This successful collaboration with Portsmouth Museum and the use of a well-known local venue helped raise awareness about Sudanese culture, promoted social inclusion, and laid the groundwork for future educational and cultural initiatives. **Ramadan Iftar Program** Throughout the holy month of Ramadan, the Sudanese Community in Portsmouth organised weekly community Iftar gatherings every Saturday at Charter Academy School. These gatherings became a central part of our Ramadan activities, welcoming Sudanese families, youth, local residents, students, and guests from various backgrounds across Portsmouth. Each Iftar was a celebration of both spirituality and culture. Community members generously prepared and shared a wide range of traditional Sudanese dishes, such as aseeda, Kisra, sambusa, fatta, and karkadeh (hibiscus juice). These meals were enjoyed together in a spirit of unity and generosity. Children and youth played an active role in these events. They not only joined their families for Iftar but also took part in conversations and informal learning about Sudanese values, traditions, and Islamic practices during Ramadan. Through food, dress, and storytelling, they gained a deeper understanding of their cultural heritage. For many, it was a valuable opportunity to strengthen their identity and connect with others from similar backgrounds. The gatherings fostered a strong sense of community, promoted cultural pride among the younger generation, and encouraged inclusivity and friendship between different communities in Portsmouth. The success of these Iftars was made possible by the dedication of volunteers and the generosity of our members and supporters. ## **Eid Celebrations** The Sudanese Community in Portsmouth and around celebrated both Eid alFitr and Eid al-Adha with joyful events that reflected our faith, traditions, and strong sense of community. These gatherings brought together families, children, elders, and friends, offering spaces to connect, celebrate, and share our cultural heritage. ## **Eid al-Fitr** Our Eid al-Fitr celebration, held shortly after the end of Ramadan, took place at Buckland Community Centre. The event brought together a large number of families and community members for a day filled with joy, laughter, and cultural pride. Traditional Sudanese dishes and sweets were served, generously prepared and shared by members of the community. Children enjoyed a range of fun activities, including a bouncy castle and games. Many wore traditional clothing, creating a colourful and festive atmosphere. It was a wonderful opportunity for families to come together and celebrate in a warm and inclusive environment. ## **Eid al-Adha** Our Eid al-Adha celebration was held at Southsea Common, where we hosted an open-air community BBQ. Families and friends gathered in the park to enjoy grilled food, refreshments, and social time. The relaxed outdoor setting allowed children to play freely and created space for informal conversations and connections among attendees. Everyone contributed by bringing food to share, and volunteers helped with the organisation and grilling. The event captured the true spirit of Eid al-Adha — generosity, unity, and community support. Both Eid events were open to guests from all backgrounds, promoting inclusion and cross-cultural exchange. We thank our volunteers, organisers, and supporters whose efforts made these celebrations so successful and memorable. ## **Weekly Community Club** For several months during the year, the Sudanese Community in Portsmouth ran a Weekly Community Club, held every Wednesday, which served as an informal but vital space for social connection, relaxation, and community support. The club was attended by a range of community members — particularly youths — and provided a welcoming and friendly environment where people could gather to share food, chat, and unwind. Popular activities included playing cards, dominoes, board games, and listening to Sudanese music. These simple but meaningful activities helped create a sense of familiarity, comfort, and belonging, especially for those who may be socially isolated or new to the area. Sadly, due to a lack of sustainable funding, the weekly club had to close despite strong community interest and appreciation. The closure highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by grassroots organisations trying to provide consistent support and connection for their communities. We hope to revive the weekly club in the near future, pending successful funding applications or partnerships. It remains a priority for us, as it fosters mental wellbeing, cultural continuity, and strong interpersonal bonds among our members ## **Community Solidarity and Outreach** In addition to organising cultural, social, and religious events for our own members, the Sudanese Community in Portsmouth continues to play an active role in supporting others across the wider city — particularly during times of hardship or need. A notable example this year was our **financial and moral contribution toward the funeral costs of Riyad** , a **young man from the Algerian community** who tragically passed away in Portsmouth. Although he was not a member of our community, we felt it was our duty to stand in solidarity with our fellow North African brothers and sisters. Members of our community came together to **donate** , share the fundraising appeal, and offer support to those close to him, ensuring that Riyad received a **dignified burial** and that his loved ones felt cared for. This gesture reflected the deep values of **compassion, unity, and mutual respect** that guide our community’s work — values rooted in both Sudanese culture and our shared faith. We are committed to continuing this spirit of outreach, and to building stronger ties with **other migrant and minority groups** across Portsmouth. We believe that **standing together in times of need** builds resilience, trust, and long-term relationships between communities ## **Visit to the British Museum – Cultural Recognition** As a recognition of the Sudanese Community in Portsmouth’s contribution to the **Ancient Sudanese Civilisation exhibition** , **Portsmouth Museum** kindly organised a **community visit to the British Museum in London** . The visit was both an **educational and celebratory experience** , acknowledging the role our members played in enriching the exhibition with personal items and cultural knowledge. Community members who had contributed to the exhibition — by loaning objects or helping with the **Sudanese Cultural Day** — were invited to take part in the visit. It provided a wonderful opportunity to explore **Sudan’s historical legacy** within one of the world’s most prominent museums and to see artefacts and narratives that connect directly with our heritage. The trip also helped **deepen the connection between our community and cultural institutions** in the UK, and strengthened our relationship with **Portsmouth Museum** , whose staff have shown continued support and respect for our culture. Such initiatives are valuable in making communities feel **seen, respected, and included** in the broader cultural landscape of the city and the country. We are grateful to Portsmouth Museum for their partnership and recognition **Financial review** **Brief statement of the charity’s policy on reserves** _Cash at bank at the end of financial year was £1686.49 in unrestricted funds._ _The funds are held to meet any unforeseen expenditure that may occur._ **Details of any funds materially in deficit** _Not applicable_ ## **Further financial review details:** _Our main source of funds this year has been members contribution, donations and fundraising event._ _We use general funds to meet the cost for activities programs focused on young people, skills sessions for newly arrived refugees and social inclusion activities._ ## **Other optional information** ## _Future Plans_ _The coming year will see a continued emphasis on youths, children new commers projects. We also aim to devise special programs for women and youths by means of training and skills sessions._ ## **Declaration** **The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above.** **Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees** > **Signature(s)** _B Mohamed_ > **Full name:** Bakhit Ismail Mohamed > **Position** _Trustee 3 August 2025_ **Independent examiner's report on the accounts** Charity Name **Report to the trustees/** Charity Name **members of** _Sudanese Community in and Around Portsmouth_ > **On accounts for the year** _31st March 2025_ **ended** > **d** _Budget report attached_ **Atthached** I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025. As the charity trustees of the Trust, you are responsible for the preparation of **Responsibilities** the accounts in accordance with the Charities Act 2011 (“the Act”). **and basis of report** I report in respect of my examination of the Trust’s accounts carried out under s145 of the Act and in carrying out my examination, I have followed the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under s145(5) (b) of the Act. I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have **Independent** come to my attention in connection with the examination which gives me **examiner's** cause to **believe** that in, any material respect: **statement**  accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Act; or  the accounts do not accord with the accounting records. I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached _._ > **Signed** _B I Mohamed_ **Name:** Bashir Mohamed 5 Aug 2025 **Date:** Bsc Accounting **Relevant professional** Partly qualified accountant **qualification** ## **Sudanese Community in and around Portsmouth** ## **Date: 2 Aug 2024** ## **Budget Report** ## **30[th] March 2024 – 30[th] March 2025** ## **Revenue and expenditure statement** |**A**|**Revenue**|**Revenue**|| |---|---|---|---| |1|Balance forwarded
||£3001.57| |2|Members contributon
||£3915.00| |3|Donatons||£1410.00| |4|Fundraising||£380.90| |**Total**|||**£8707.47**| |**B**|**Expense**
||| |1|Eid celebraton expenses||£865.00| |2|Account Audit||£100.00| |3|Media room for monitoring impact of war in the city of El-Fasher
||£1410.00| |4|Contributon toward funeral expenses (Riyad)
||£380.00| |5|Zoom subscripton||£155.88| |6|Venue hiring||£3150.60| |7|Ramadan gathering expenses||£959.50| |**Total**
|||**£7020.98**| |**Balance at the end of fnancial year (A – B)**|||**£1686.49**| ## **Account details:** TREASURERS ACCOUNT SUDANESE COMMUNITY IN PORTSMOUTH LLOYDS BANK Sort Code: 30-98-97 Account Number: 86442460