Charity Number 1196095
Trustees Annual report
The trustees present their first annual report for the period 11[th] October 2021 to 9[th] January 2023, the financial statements for the same year are appended.
Statement
There has been a strong relationship between Africa and Wales going back many years. The Welsh Government has a Wales and Africa programme that encourages people to become involved in Global Solidarity work in Africa.
This is characterised by partnerships being formed to share experience, and knowledge in a spirit of mutual respect and reciprocity. This vibrant, civil society-based approach has seen friendships formed across Wales and Africa, as people work together, purposefully, and meaningfully towards achieving the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
It was through such a partnership and relationship building that GBV Uganda projects (GUP) has come to fruition. Initially through the work of Give Me Hope Africa Wales, which received Charity status in 2017. Who worked in conjunction with Uganda based, Give Me Hope Africa. This work supported a nursery, orphans and constructing a clinic/community centre in a remote eastern area of Uganda.
It was through these relationships that Carole Parsons in 2019 was sent on an International Learning Opportunity funded by The Welsh Government. The secondment in her capacity as Senior Domestic Violence Adviser lasted for 2 months.
During this time, she engaged with many community groups to discuss the plight of the victims of Gender Based Violence (GBV) and their families. It was an enlightening experience to say the least and it became Carole Parson’s passion to enable support for these victims.
A group of individuals came together during the year with a common purpose:
“The prevention or relief of poverty in Uganda by providing grants, items and services to individuals in need and/or charities, or other organisations working to prevent or relieve poverty.”
Consequently, GBV Uganda projects (GUP) was formed.
Chair
Wendy Williams
Trustees
Carole Parsons – Founder-director Wendy Williams – Chair David James – Trustee Margaret James – Trustee Sarah Hall – Treasurer
Charity Number 1196095
Volunteers
-
Fundraiser
-
Accountant
-
Website designer
-
Administrator
-
Presentations/media
Reference details
Registered name: GBV UGANDA PROJECTS Registered number: 1196095 Address: 10 Bailey Street, Brynmawr, Blaenau Gwent South Wales NP23 4DN Bank: Cashplus Bank 6th Floor, One London Wall, London EC2Y 5EB Auditor: no audit of accounts as not required
Structure, Governance and Management
GBV UGANDA PROJECTS abbreviated to GUP SUP Community Initiatives abbreviated to SUP Non-Government Organisation abbreviated to NGO
GBV UGANDA PROJECTS (GUP) was established as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO), registered on 11[th] October 2021 with a constitution as its governing document.
Should the need arise new trustees will be appointed for a term of two years by the existing trustees taking full account of the individuals’ skills, knowledge, and experience. Any new trustees will be appropriately trained in respect of their responsibilities, procedures, and Charity Commission compliance.
The charity does not employ any staff and is administered by Carole Parsons Founder-director, all decisions regarding finances are discussed and agreed by the appointed trustees at that time.
‘The charity regularly reviews risk, and where risks are identified, mitigating procedure are devised and implemented’ but this is continually reviewed and should any such be identified, mitigating procedures will be devised and implemented.
GBV UGANDA PROJECTS was awarded an Advanced mentoring and Charity development by ‘Hub Cymru-Africa’, bringing together charities, individuals and partners across Wales and Africa, whose vision is a globally responsible Wales, which acts in solidarity with the people of Africa.’
Additional governance issues:
GBV UGANDA PROJECTS work in partnership with a (Registered NGO) SUP Community Initiatives Africa (SUP), who work with the most vulnerable in 13 sub counties in the Mbale and Mount Elgon district of Uganda. SUPs mission is to initiate and support activities geared towards improving the
Charity Number 1196095
quality of life for the disadvantaged families in the community by capacity building, livelihood support through sustainable projects, environmental promotion, and prevention against and
response to gender - based violence. network with various frontline agencies seeking to reduce the impact of abuse upon individuals, families, and communities. SUP have strong links with the criminal justice systems in Mbale supporting survivors through the criminal and civil legal remedies available to them.
Due to the lack of any benefit system in Uganda survivors of abuse and their families unduly suffer through the lack of skills, support, and finances to make a living.
Public benefit statement
The trustees of GBV UGANDA PROJECTS confirm that they have complied with their duty under the Charities Act 2011 to have regard for the Charity Commission's guidance on public benefit and that the public benefit requirement has informed the activities of the charity period up to and including the 9th of January 2023
Activities of the charity
GBV UGANDA PROJECTS (GUP) activities are centred around the prevention or relief of poverty in Uganda by providing grants, items, and services to individuals in need and/or charities, or other organisations working to prevent or relieve poverty. It is informed through consultation with the communities and organisations with which it is partnered. For further information consult our website www.gbvugandaprojects.co.uk
We are working towards and supporting the:
UN Sustainability goal no 5 Empower women and girls and ensure their equal rights. International Women and Girls Strategy UK 2023–2030 Wales International action plan 2020-2025 Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment
Overview of activities 2021
Our first year has been focusing on foundation building of the charity, developing the links with Uganda, assessing the best invest projects and looking ahead at the next 5 years. Consequently, a great deal of work has focused on the following areas. Establishing a quorate of trustees Developing a CIO with its objectives Developing a business plan covering the first 5 years (2021-2026) Applying for charitable status Establishing a Memorandum of understanding (MOU) with our partners SUP Developing Policies and Procedures in accordance with good practice. Roles and responsibilities of the trustees
Creating a website and social media streams that advise potential donors of the work being conducted.
Initiation of Global prayer team by Trustee
However, the key objective was to enable support to those in desperate need.
Charity Number 1196095
In 2021 there were still strict Government restrictions in place and travel to Uganda was prohibited during certain periods. We worked within the guidelines set out by the UK and the Ugandan Government to ensure the safety of ourselves, our partners, and communities we work with.
Through various social platforms we remained in constant contact with SUP and were vigilant with any prevention equipment needed and furlough of workers.
Due to the escalating incidence of abuse during the Covid pandemic, GUP funded Radio broadcasts to reach the rural communities in the Mbale and the Mount Elgon. The Mbale public protection police and our Ugandan partners SUP delivered information about abuse, its effects, and the support available for anyone suffering.
Hardships were experienced by the most vulnerable due to the Covid pandemic, and a food distribution was agreed by GUP trustees on a short-term crisis basis.
A building became available for SUP (NGO) purposes and GUP trustees agreed to restore the building for the purposes of a tailoring training centre.
Funding from donors to GUP provided twenty sewing machines at the newly restored tailoring centre.
Funding found for 20 female survivors of abuse to be given one year’s tailoring training and empowered with a skill for their future living needs. As lockdown persisted, we found funds to furlough the teachers and prevention equipment for the tailoring centre complying with Government standards. The students managed to pass their exams due to the commitment of the teachers to give extra lessons when the lockdown was lifted and 18 of the 20 students were awarded their certificates at the 2021 graduation day. Sadly, two students due to personal reasons were unable to sit their exams but remained students in 2022 offering them the opportunity to pass their exams gaining a recognised certificate. Grateful thanks to the Souter Charitable Trust for their support of £2000 towards the tailoring training costs.
Three agriculture projects were established in three communities for ninety survivors of abuse, land was rented for one year and seeds and equipment purchased. Training was given by SUP for the women to learn how to plant, harvest and market their produce. After one year the groups were able to afford to rent the land themselves, have finances for their livelihood, and be able to save as a group for their future needs.
A turkey farm for twenty-nine survivors commenced in 2021 and has replicated itself many times supporting other survivors with a livelihood.
A firewood project helping one survivor was making a profit in its initial stages but was unable to survive the pandemic, however other work for the survivor was found in its place.
A TV, solar panel and speaker system were purchased for educational purposes, expanding the knowledge of the tailoring trainees and for SUPs work in educating the communities on finances, abuse, safeguarding, healthy relationships, entrepreneurship, contraception, hygiene, sexual issues, and communication.
Charity Number 1196095
The Mbale police approached our partners SUP requesting our support to equip a safe room for those fleeing abuse. Since the radio broadcasts many of those in abusive situations had sought help by fleeing the perpetrators, but there was nowhere safe for them to stay for a temporary period until police intervention or other remedies were sought. GUP trustees agreed this was an urgent need and provided bunk beds, bedding, and mosquito nets for a room the police had cleared in their locality. This room has proved to be invaluable and GUP future plans are looking at funding other safe rooms in other locations.
GUP funded Elgon girl foundation (a local NGO) to train twenty-five facilitators from the tailoring training centre and the local community to educate the communities on sexual issues and making reusable sanitary products. The sanitary towels enable young girls to remain in education during their menstruation period and bring dignity to the women who are unable to afford menstruation products. This train the trainer model continues to be rolled out to other communities.
SUP continues to educate the communities on gender-based violence, the Ugandan laws on abuse, the effects of abuse on individuals, families, children, and communities, what support is available and training champions on supporting those within the communities who are suffering or have suffered abuse.
Overview of activities in 2022
20 students trained in tailoring to a recognised certificate, provision of 2 teachers and a finance worker. 18 of the 20 students were awarded their certificates at the 2022 graduation day, two students had personal issues and were unable to complete the years training. They are being accommodated with the 2023 students to complete the academic years training.
For security purposes a high wall surrounding the tailoring centre and gated entrance was put in place to safeguard the girls from members of the community entering the site, and to reduce the risk of theft.
Hub Cymru-Africa (HCA) through the Waterloo foundation funded for SUP an office computer, software package, solar panel, website, and costs for one year, a router and internet costs for one year. This has made positive changes towards communication to partners and others, reduced costs of travel expenses and time, software packages easing the monitoring and evaluation processes and accountancy as well as efficiency within office procedures.
Security cameras were installed by engineers as part of the safeguarding plan for the beneficiaries and the equipment at the tailoring centre reducing present and future risks.
Heb Ffin funded three generator pumps after crops were failing throughout the dry seasons on the agriculture projects. This has improved the quality of the crops and profits for the groups.
Two sewing machines from sponsors supported two young girls to work from their homes providing a livelihood for their families.
Bricks were made by the local community youth towards the future extension of the tailoring centre.
A bible study group was initiated at the tailoring centre by the local pastor for those wanting to grow Spiritually. A generous sponsor funded bibles for those participating.
Project management training for GUP Founder-director and SUP director by Hub Cymru- Africa
Charity Number 1196095
Monitoring, evaluation, accountability and learning (MEAL) Training for GUP Founder-director and SUP Director by Hub Cymru -Africa
Bidding for Funding Training for GUP Founder- director and SUP Director by Hub Cymru-Africa Advanced mentoring for GUP Founder – Director by Hub Cymru-Africa
Safeguarding training for GUP Founder- Director and SUP Director by WCVA (Wales Council of Voluntary Action)
Focal safeguarding training for GUP Founder-Director and Trustee
Risk Assessment
The established written analysis of risks to which the charity is exposed is reviewed annually by the trustees.
Any factors posing a risk during the year are discussed by GUP and SUP and as shown in the report action was taken with regards to:
-
❖ Covid 19 obligations of prevention equipment and furlough
-
❖ Funding for three water generation pumps lessened the impact of future droughts on the agriculture projects.
-
❖ Safeguarding of the beneficiaries and the equipment by building a high wall around the tailoring centre and gated entrance as well as installing CCTV on the site.
-
❖ Three years funding was found for the tailoring project furthering the ability to plan towards sustainability during this period.
-
❖ Clear consistent, open, and transparent communication is always maintained between GUP and SUP and increased communication during any times of problem solving.
-
❖ Funders and GUP founder-director have visited the projects and agree with the findings on the continued progress on the projects and the quality of work from SUP workers.
Forward plans for 2023-2025
To extend the Tailoring training centre to a training centre comprising of:
-
A tailoring training room for 20 students
-
A workshop for 20 trained tailors and 4 finishing machines
-
A hairdressing training room and equipment
-
A hairdressing salon
-
A craft making training room.
-
A shop to sell the clothes and crafts.
-
A counselling room.
-
A safe room comprising a small kitchen, toilet and bed and living space.
-
Breakout room for the beneficiaries to socialise and rest times.
-
Demolish and renew the latrines and a septic tank.
-
Piped water onto the centre.
-
Cell groups within the communities as a means of support, safeguarding and networking.
-
6 turkey farms
-
3 beekeeping projects.
-
Party hire project with 3 marquees and chairs for meetings, training, celebrations within communities
Charity Number 1196095
-
A goat project.
-
40 sewing machines for community workers as a cottage industry
-
Food generation project to increase food supply to the most vulnerable.
-
Develop presentations and focus manuals on ‘Not just surviving but thriving’ by a mental health and wellbeing coach.
-
Research the current market for possible contracts for the tailoring work and link in with the Ugandan Tailoring organisation to widen the scope of future work.
-
Training and preparation of tools for monitoring and evaluation purposes
-
Seek further development for trustees and volunteers of GBV and SUP
Funding for the above plans will be found from sponsors, donations, fundraising, funding streams and legacies over the next 2 years and repayments on any loans from projects.
Financial review
During the financial year GBV have received funds by means of one-off donations, monthly donations and grant funding from foundations and trusts. We will endeavour to claim gift aid in the next financial period.
GUP has not accrued any finances this financial period through fundraising events due to the Covid 19 restrictions.
Reserves Policy
GUP will look at developing a reserves policy over the next 3-5 years as a risk management strategy.
Fund Accounting
Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees.
Restricted funds are governed by the restricted purpose within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for restricted purposes.
All received restricted funds have been spent in accordance with the above information.
Foreign Exchange transactions
SUP holds an account in Uganda to receive funds from GUP.
GUP sends direct payments via the UK bank to SUP bank.
Regular accounts for each project are provided by SUP and a yearly accumulated balance of the accounts is sent annually to GUP.
Expenditure Restricted Unrestricted
Charity Number 1196095
| GBV Uganda Projects Accounts |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11th October 2021 to 9th January 2023 |
||||
| Receipts | Restricted | Unrestricted | ||
| Donations | £ 13,206.78 | £ 5,325.81 | ||
| Interest received | £ 0.03 | |||
| Bank Compensation | ||||
| Total | £ 13206.78 | £ 5,325.84 | ||
| Payments | Restricted | Unrestricted | ||
| Bibles | £ 625.00 | £ 500.00 | ||
| Centre Costs | £ 2,376.00 | |||
| Construction | £ 150.00 | £ 953.19 | ||
| Digital | £ 1,038.50 | |||
| Equipment | £ 3,477.51 | |||
| Tailoring | £7,690.57 | £ 1646.5 | ||
| Bank charge | £ 9.95 | |||
| Website | £ 106.80 | £ 99.60 | ||
| Gifts | £ 50.00 | |||
| Total | £ £13,098.33 |
£ 5,625.29 |
||
| Net Cash | £ 108.45 | -£299.45 | ||
| Previous Cash Balance b/fwd | £ 1,061.74 | |||
| Cash Balance as at 9th Jan 2023 |
£ 870.74 | |||
| CharityNumber 1196095 | CharityNumber 1196095 | CharityNumber 1196095 | CharityNumber 1196095 | CharityNumber 1196095 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Statement of financial activities |
||||
| Opening Balance 11th October 2021 |
1,061.74 | |||
| Donations 11th October 2021 to 9th January 2023 (restricted) |
£ 13,206.78 | |||
| Donations 11th October 2021 to 9th January 2023 (unrestricted) |
£ 5,325.81 | |||
| Bank interest | £ 0.03 | |||
| Total | £ 18,532.62 | |||
| Expenditure | Restricted | Unrestricted | ||
| Description | Funds | Funds | ||
| Bibles | £ 625.00 | £ 500.00 | ||
| Centre Costs | £ 2,376.00 | |||
| Construction | £ 150.00 | £ 953.19 | ||
| Digital | £1,08.50 | |||
| Equipment | £ 3,477.51 | |||
| Tailoring | £ 7,690.57 | £ 1,646.50 | ||
| Bank charge | £ 9.95 | |||
| Website | £ 106.80 | £ 99.60 | ||
| Gifts | £ 50.00 | |||
| Total expenditure | £ 13,098.33 | £ 5,625.29 | ||
| Grand total | £ 18,723.62 | |||
| Closing balance as at 9th January2023 |
£870.74 | |||
Restricted Acknowledgements:
Anon £2,523.90 Tailoring, Bibles and Construction Gofundme £76.68 Construction Paypal £143.75 Construction Heb Ffin Charitable Organisation £3,150 Water generator pumps Souter Charitable Trust £2,000 Tailoring
Hub Cymru-Africa HCA / Waterloo Foundation £1,000 Digital
Charity Number 1196095
Brian Murtagh Charitable Trust £3,454 Tailoring Training Hub Cymru Africa HCA mentoring £750 Equipment.
Declaration
Statement of the trustees’ responsibilities
The trustees are responsible for preparing the Report of the Trustees and the financial statements in accordance with the applicable law and United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice. The law applicable to charities in England and Wales, the Charities Act 2011, Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the provision of the constitution requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including income and expenditure, of the charity for that period. In preparing those financial statements, the trustees are required to:
-
Select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently.
-
Observe the methods and the principles of the Charity SORP
-
Make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent.
-
Prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in business.
The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Charity (Accounts and reports) Regulations 2008 and the provisions of the constitution. They are also responsible for safeguarding any assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees report above.
- signed on behalf of the trustees.
David James
David James
Trustee Date: 31st January 2023
| GBV Uganda Projects Accounts |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11th October 2021 to 9th January 2023 |
||||
| Receipts | Restricted | Unrestricted | ||
| Donations | £ 13,206.78 | £ 5,325.81 | ||
| Interest received | £ 0.03 | |||
| Bank Compensation | ||||
| Total | £ 13206.78 | £ 5,325.84 | ||
| Payments | Restricted | Unrestricted | ||
| Bibles | £ 625.00 | £ 500.00 | ||
| Centre Costs | £ 2,376.00 | |||
| Construction | £ 150.00 | £ 953.19 | ||
| Digital | £ 1,038.50 | |||
| Equipment | £ 3,477.51 | |||
| Tailoring | £7,690.57 | £ 1646.5 | ||
| Bank charge | £ 9.95 | |||
| Website | £ 106.80 | £ 99.60 | ||
| Gifts | £ 50.00 | |||
| Total | £ £13,098.33 |
£ 5,625.29 |
||
| Net Cash | £ 108.45 | -£299.45 | ||
| Previous Cash Balance b/fwd | £ 1,061.74 | |||
| Cash Balance as at 9th Jan 2023 |
£ 870.74 | |||
| Statement of financial activities |
| Opening Balance 11th October 2021 |
1,061.74 | |||
| Donations 11th October 2021 to 9th January 2023 (restricted) |
£ 13,206.78 |
|||
| Donations 11th October 2021 to 9th January 2023 (unrestricted) |
£ 5,325.81 | |||
| Bank interest | £ 0.03 | |||
| Total | £ 18,532.62 |
|||
| Expenditure | Restricted | Unrestricted | ||
| Description | Funds | Funds | ||
| Bibles | £ 625.00 | £ 500.00 | ||
| Centre Costs | £ 2,376.00 | |||
| Construction | £ 150.00 | £ 953.19 | ||
| Digital | £1,08.50 | |||
| Equipment | £ 3,477.51 | |||
| Tailoring | £ 7,690.57 | £ 1,646.50 | ||
| Bank charge | £ 9.95 | |||
| Website | £ 106.80 | £ 99.60 | ||
| Gifts | £ 50.00 | |||
| Total expenditure | £ 13,098.33 | £ 5,625.29 | ||
| Grand total | £ 18,723.62 | |||
| Closing balance as at 9th January2023 |
870.74 | |||