**Charitable Incorporated Organisation Number: CE023001 Charity number: 1191203** 

## **BOSNIAN GENOCIDE EDUCATIONAL TRUST** 

**ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025** 




**BOSNIAN GENOCIDE EDUCATIONAL TRUST** 

**Charity No: 1191203** 

**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025** 


**Trustees** Smajo Beso (Chair) Appointed 09 September 2020 Richard Charlton Appointed 20 February 2025 Hakija Stitkovac Appointed 23 July 2024 Siauw-Jung Lie Appointed 09 September 2020 Emily Scullion Resigned 06 August 2023 **Registered Office** 35 Cragside Newcastle upon Tyne, NE7 7EJ **Bank** Lloyds Bank 102 Grey Street Newcastle upon Tyne NE99 1SL 

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**BOSNIAN GENOCIDE EDUCATIONAL TRUST** 

**Charity No: 1191203** 

**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025** 


## **Contents** 

Report of the Trustees 

Independent Examiners report Statement of Financial Activities 

Statement of Financial Position 

Cashflow Statement 

Notes to the Financial Statements 

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**BOSNIAN GENOCIDE EDUCATIONAL TRUST** 

**Charity No: 1191203** 

**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025** 


## **Report of the Trustees** 

The trustees of the charity, present their annual report and independently examined financial statements for the Year ended 31 March 2025. 

## **Objectives and Activities** 

The charity's objects are specifically for the public benefit in the following areas: 

- To advance the education of the public benefit in the subject of the Bosnian Genocide, in particular, European, Bosnian and British Bosnian history relevant to the Bosnian Genocide. Furthermore, advancement of the subject in relation to other genocides and the Holocaust. 

- To promote religious and racial harmony, equality, diversity and good citizenship by advancing the education about the Bosnian Genocide and its contemporary relevance. 

- To promote the elimination of discrimination on the grounds of race, religion, disability, gender, sexual orientation by raising public awareness of the causes and effects of prejudice and racism in society including the significant impact of the Bosnian Genocide, as well as other acts of systematic discrimination, in particular those leading to genocide and the Holocaust. 

- The organisation advances genocide education, specifically centring on the Bosnian Genocide, however, it also will educate on other instances of genocide including the Holocaust. 

The charity organises and takes part in a variety of innovative educational events and activities throughout the year. All of our events and resources are based on internationally agreed principles of effective genocide / Holocaust education and contemporary research. 

We encourage participants / audience to explore the complexity of the Bosnian genocide through hearing first-hand experiences of survivors and victims. All educational material is based on first-hand testimony. 

The main activities undertaken for the public benefit in relation to our objects fall under 3 categories: 

1. Research where we gather survivor and refugees’ stories, personal objects and contribute to publications. 

2. Education including provision of workshops and talks in schools, universities, for public and private organisations, and organising study trips to Bosnia. 

3. Community projects in collaboration with other organisations, charities, and communities to coordinate art and cultural projects, and commemorative events and activities. 

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**BOSNIAN GENOCIDE EDUCATIONAL TRUST** 

**Charity No: 1191203** 

**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025** 


## **Further Aims** 

The Charity further aims to share insights from genocide survivors from Bosnia by reflecting on survivor’s lived experience of war to reflect on its contemporary relevance. 

- To humanise history by replacing faceless statistics and numbers with real human experience. 

- To give a voice to those who lived through the genocide in Bosnia and came to the UK as refugees. 

- To create opportunities for all people to be heard and have their stories validated. 

- • To empower those who believe they do not have a voice. 

- To encourage people to challenge all forms of prejudice, hatred and discrimination. 

- To promote peace and acts of peace. 

- To facilitate dialogue about our differences and similarities. 

- To support other peace initiatives and work with our local communities and different faith groups to promote peace. 

- To inspire individuals to consider their responsibilities to their communities. 

- To include the Bosnian genocide in the national curriculum. 

- To inspire critical thinking, empathy, personal growth, and awareness of social issues. 

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**BOSNIAN GENOCIDE EDUCATIONAL TRUST** 

**Charity No: 1191203** 

**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025** 


## **Structure, Governance and Management** 

Bosnia Genocide Education Trust operates as a charitable incorporated organisation (CIO) and decision are made by the board. It is registered as a charity with the Charity Commission. 

The Board have the power to make bye laws and rules governing the affairs of the charity. 

With a view to effectively govern, the Board authorises a committee of trustees to serve as the Office Bearers which includes the Chair, General Secretary and the Treasurer. The Office Bearers maintain a close link with centre to oversee the overall operation. In addition, the Board also elects sub- committees for the effective monitoring of different services and taking the lead on its behalf on matters relating to the services to ensure the best interest of the beneficiaries. The Board also, occasionally, sets up ad hoc working groups to look at specific matters and to report back. 

## **Financial Review** 

During this financial year, the BGET team and our dedicated group of volunteers organized and participated in numerous events across the North East of England and in various cities, towns, and regions across the UK. 

We facilitated commemorative and educational activities, events, exhibitions, and workshops in collaboration with local authorities, organizations, government institutions, charities, schools, colleges, universities, and NHS trusts. By bringing together people from all backgrounds—regardless of faith or belief—we aim to combat hatred and prejudice, promote peace, and honour the victims of the Bosnian Genocide. 

## **Outreach: Education and School Work** 

## **I Am Because We Are school programme** 

Survivor-led education remained at the heart of the Bosnian Genocide Educational Trust’s work this year. Our core belief is that sustained engagement with survivor testimony — rather than one-off events — is essential if young people are to understand genocide as a human process with moral and civic consequences 

## **Survivor Talks and National Outreach** 

Survivors continued to share their first-hand experiences in schools, community settings, and institutions across the UK. This year, we expanded our Survivor Talks Programme nationwide, delivering talks and education sessions in London, Edinburgh, Bradford, Newcastle, Sunderland, Ipswich, Stockton, Nottingham, and Swindon. 

Our speakers worked with a wide range of audiences, including secondary schools, community organisations, universities, and civic bodies. We also contributed to national programmes and commemorative events through partnerships with organisations such as 

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**BOSNIAN GENOCIDE EDUCATIONAL TRUST** 

**Charity No: 1191203** 

**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025** 


the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust, Hammersmith and Fulham Council, and the UK National Holocaust Memorial Day Ceremony. 

These talks remain an important part of our outreach. However, this year marked a strategic shift in our work: moving from predominantly standalone events towards a long-term, structured education model centred on our flagship schools programme. 

## **Flagship Programme:** 

## **I Am Because We Are** 

The development and pilot delivery of I Am Because We Are has been the primary focus of the Trust’s work this year and will continue to be the central focus of our education strategy moving forward. 

I Am Because We Are is a survivor-led Holocaust and genocide education programme for UK secondary schools. It is grounded in lived experience, sustained learning, and reflective action. The programme is built around the South African philosophy of Ubuntu — “I am because we are” — emphasising shared humanity, responsibility, and interdependence. 

Rather than relying on isolated survivor talks, the programme supports schools over time, enabling students to encounter survivor testimony through structured classroom learning, reflection, and dialogue before meeting survivors in person. 

## **The School Pilot (Newcastle)** 

The programme was piloted in Newcastle in 2023–2024, culminating in a Learning Day 

Conference in July 2024. The pilot involved: 

- 5 secondary schools 

- Over 200 students (Years 8–10) 

- 13 teachers 

- 16 volunteers, including educators and community and faith leaders 

- 3 genocide survivors present throughout the Learning Day Conference 

Participating schools engaged with the programme over several months. Each school was allocated the story of one survivor — from the Holocaust, the Bosnian Genocide, or the Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda — and received a bespoke Education Pack developed by the Trust in collaboration with experienced Holocaust and genocide educators. 

Students explored survivor stories through photographs, personal objects, documents, filmed testimony, and guided activities. Learning focused on identity, belonging, exclusion, prejudice, and genocide as a process, rather than as a single historical event. 

Teachers consistently reported that this sustained approach significantly deepened students’ understanding and preparedness before encountering survivors. 

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**BOSNIAN GENOCIDE EDUCATIONAL TRUST** 

**Charity No: 1191203** 

**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025** 


## **Learning Day Conference and Survivor Encounter** 

The pilot culminated in a Learning Day Conference at Newcastle Civic Centre, hosted in the Banqueting Hall — placing survivors and young people at the heart of the city’s civic space. Survivors did not speak from a distance. They moved between tables, sat with students, listened, answered questions, and engaged in dialogue. Students were active participants, sharing their own reflections, creative work, and personal responses. 

For many students, this was the first time they had ever met someone who had lived through genocide. Teachers highlighted the depth of engagement, emotional maturity, and respect shown by students throughout the day. 

The conference environment prioritised safety, dignity, and dialogue, ensuring survivor testimony was handled ethically and responsibly. 

## **Legacy Projects and Ongoing Learning** 

A defining feature of I Am Because We Are is its emphasis on action and legacy. Students were supported to begin designing real, school-based legacy projects, intended to continue beyond the conference. These projects are supported throughout the academic year, ensuring that learning is carried forward into lasting change within school culture, rather than ending with a single event. 

## **UK Bosnian Memory Archive** 

Alongside the pilot, we continued to develop the UK Bosnian Memory Archive, which underpins all our education work. This year, we recorded additional survivor testimonies, with a particular focus on the North East of England, documenting stories of persecution, displacement, refuge, and rebuilding. 

Archive material directly informed the I Am Because We Are Education Pack, allowing students to engage with testimony ethically and in context before meeting survivors. 

We are currently working with a filmmaker linked to Newcastle University to collate recorded testimonies into a public screening and exhibition, alongside the production of a one-hour feature documentary for education and public engagement. 

## **Collaboration with the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust** 

Our longstanding collaboration with the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust (HMDT) continued to provide a national platform for our work. Our Chair participated in the UK National Holocaust Memorial Day Ceremonies in London and Scotland. 

The London ceremony was televised live on the BBC and reached an audience of over 2 million people, significantly raising awareness of the Bosnian Genocide and survivor-led education. 

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**BOSNIAN GENOCIDE EDUCATIONAL TRUST** 

**Charity No: 1191203** 

**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025** 


Through HMDT, our speakers contributed to school programmes, civic institutions, and national commemorations. Several of these testimonies are now preserved within the UK Bosnian Memory Archive. 

## **Publications and Media** 

Public awareness remains a core part of our mission. This year, trustees and speakers featured in national and international media, including BBC, ITV, and Bosnian outlets such as TV Hayat, N1 (CNN affiliate), Mostarski.ba, Avaz, and Vijesti.ba. 

Engagement across our digital platforms increased significantly during Holocaust Memorial Day and UK Memorial Week in July, with thousands of people engaging via Facebook, LinkedIn, and our website. 

## **Impact Metrics (Year Summary)** 

- 30+ survivor talks and education events delivered across the UK 

- 2 million+ people reached through talks, exhibitions, and national media 

- 5 secondary schools engaged in the I Am Because We Are pilot 

- 200+ students involved in sustained, survivor-led learning 

- Strong growth in social media engagement during key commemorative periods 

## **Looking Ahead** 

I Am Because We Are now sits at the centre of the Trust’s education work. 

In 2025–26, the programme will expand across Newcastle, with increased school participation and two annual Learning Day Conferences. Following this phase, the programme will be launched nationally. 

Future development will include: 

- An expanded Education Pack with additional survivor stories 

- Greater integration of the UK Bosnian Memory Archive 

- Survivor school visits 

- Teacher CPD and structured mentorship 

- Improved accessibility for SEND and EAL learners 

This programme will shape the Trust’s outreach, partnerships, and resource development in the years ahead. 

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**BOSNIAN GENOCIDE EDUCATIONAL TRUST** 

**Charity No: 1191203** 

**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025** 


## **Diversity and Inclusion** 

We are committed to making our programs accessible to everyone. This year, we introduced translated materials, improved our digital accessibility, and worked with diverse community groups to ensure inclusivity in our workshops and events. 

## **Call for Support** 

We invite you to join us in our mission to combat hatred and prejudice. Whether through volunteering, hosting survivor talks, supporting the UK Bosnian Memory Archive, or making a donation, your help is crucial. 

Visit our website to learn more about how you can get involved or contact us directly to discuss opportunities for collaboration. 

## **Acknowledgments** 

The achievements of the past 12 months would not have been possible without the unwavering dedication and hard work of our trustees and volunteers. Their efforts have allowed us to continue making a meaningful impact in communities across the UK. 

Approved by the Trustee and signed on its behalf by: 

Signed by a Chair Trustee 


Print name Smajo Beso Dated 16/12/2025 

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**BOSNIAN GENOCIDE EDUCATIONAL TRUST** 

**Charity No: 1191203** 

**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025** 


## **Independent Examiner’s report to the trustees of Bosnia Genocide Education Trust.** 

I report on the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the charity for the Year ended 31 March 2025. 

## **Responsibilities and basis of report** 

As the charity's trustees, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (“the Act”). 

I report in respect of my examination of the Trust’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act. 

## **Independent examiner's statement** 

I have completed my examination.  I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect: 

- the accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act; or 

- the accounts did not accord with the accounting records; or 

- the accounts did not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a ‘true and fair’ view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination. 

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. 

**Name:** A Mohammed (ACCA) **Address:** Alghazi, Springhill Gardens, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE15 6QS **Date** : 16/12/2025 

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**BOSNIAN GENOCIDE EDUCATIONAL TRUST** 

**Charity No: 1191203** 


**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025** 

## **Statement of Financial Activities** 

|**Income and endowments from:**<br>Donations<br>Funding and Grants<br>**Total**<br>**Expenditure on:**<br>Website<br>Admin<br>IT Expense<br>Insurance<br>Educational Activities<br>Depreciation of Tangible Assets<br>Charity activities<br>**Total**<br>**Net income/(Expenditure)**<br>**Reconciliation of funds:**<br>Total funds brought forward<br>**Total funds carried forward**|**Unrestricted**<br>**funds**<br>**£**<br>292<br>-<br>**292**<br>-<br>-<br>**-**<br>**292**|**Restricted**<br>**funds**<br>**£**<br>-<br>-<br>**-**<br>110<br>96<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>6,743<br>**6,949**<br>**(6,949)**|**2025**<br>**Total funds**<br>**£**<br>292<br>-<br>**292**<br>110<br>-<br>96<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>6,743<br>**6,949**<br>**(6,657)**|**2024**<br>**Total funds**<br>**£**<br>250<br>-|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|||||**250**|
|||||234<br>-<br>96<br>96<br>997<br>2,108<br>660|
|||||**4,191**|
||||||
|||||**(3,941)**|
||42<br>**334**|29,996<br>**23,047**|30,038<br>**23,381**|33,979<br>**30,038**|



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**BOSNIAN GENOCIDE EDUCATIONAL TRUST** 

**Charity No: 1191203** 

**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025** 


## **Statement of Financial Position** 

|**Notes**<br>**Fixed assets**<br>Tangible assets<br>**2**<br>**Total fixed assets**<br>**Current assets**<br>Cash at bank and in hand<br>**Total current assets**<br>**Creditors: Amounts falling due within**<br>**one year**<br>**Net current assets/(liabilities)**<br>**Total assets less current liabilities**<br>**Creditors: amounts falling due after one**<br>**year**<br>**Total net assets or liabilities**<br>**Funds of the Charity**<br>Restricted income funds<br>Unrestricted funds<br>**Total funds**|**Unrestricted**<br>**funds**<br>**£**<br>-<br>**-**<br>334<br>**334**<br>-<br>**334**|**Restricted**<br>**funds**<br>**£**<br>-<br>**-**<br>23,047<br>**23,047**<br>-<br>**23,047**|**2025**<br>**Total this**<br>**year**<br>**£**<br>-<br>**-**<br>23,381<br>**23,381**<br>-<br>**23,381**|**2024**<br>**Total last**<br>**year**<br>**£**<br>-|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|||||**-**|
|||||30,038|
|||||30,038|
|||||-|
|||||30,038|
||**334**<br>-<br>**334**<br>334<br>**334**|**23,047**<br>-<br>**23,047**<br>23,047<br>**23,047**|**23,381**<br>-<br>**23,381**<br>23,047<br>334<br>**23,381**||
|||||30,038|
|||||-|
|||||30,038|
|||||29,996<br>42<br>30,038|



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**BOSNIAN GENOCIDE EDUCATIONAL TRUST** 

**Charity No: 1191203** 

**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025** 


## **Cashflow Statement** 

|**Cash and Cash Equivalents at the Beginning of the Year**<br>**Cash Flows from Operating Activities**<br>Cash received from donations and grants<br>Cash paid for services<br>**Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities**<br>**Cash Flows from Investing Activities**<br>Purchase of tangible fixed assets<br>**Net Cash Used in Investing Activities**<br>**Cash and Cash Equivalents at the End of the Year**|**01/04/2024**<br>**-**<br>**31/03/2025**<br>**01/04/2023**<br>**-**<br>**31/03/2024**<br>**2025**<br>**2024**|
|---|---|
||**30,038**<br>**31,871**|
||292<br>250<br>(6,949)<br>(2,083)|
||**(6,657)**<br>**(1,833)**|
||-<br>-|
||**-**<br>**-**|
||**23,381**<br>**30,038**|



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**BOSNIAN GENOCIDE EDUCATIONAL TRUST** 

**Charity No: 1191203** 

**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025** 


## **Notes to the Financial Statements** 

## **1. Accounting policies** 

The principal accounting policies adopted, judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty in the preparation of the financial statements are as follows: 

## **Basis of preparation** 

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2015) - (Charities SORP (FRS 102)), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Companies Act 2006. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy note(s). 

The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional and presentation currency of the charity. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest pound. 

The charity has 6 volunteer employees to Year ended to 31 March 2025. 

## **Tangible Fixed Assets** 

Individual fixed assets costing £1,000 or more are capitalised at cost and are depreciated over their estimated useful economic lives on a straight line basis as follows: 

Computer and camera equipment – 50% per annum per Financial Year end. 

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**BOSNIAN GENOCIDE EDUCATIONAL TRUST** 

**Charity No: 1191203** 

**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025** 


## **2. Tangible Assets** 

|**Cost**<br>At 31 March 2024<br>Additions<br>At 31 March 2025<br>**Depreciation**<br>At 31 March 2024<br>Depreciation<br>At 31 March 2025<br>**Net book value**<br>At 31 March 2024<br>At 31 March 2025|**Computer/**<br>**Camera**<br>**Equipment**<br>**£**<br>4,216<br>-<br>**4,216**<br>4,216<br>-<br>**4,216**<br>-<br>**-**|**Total**<br>**£**<br>4,216<br>-|
|---|---|---|
|||**4,216**|
|||4,216<br>-|
|||**4,216**|
|||-|
|||**-**|



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