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2023-12-31-accounts

Sethule Orphans’ Trust (UK) Registered with the Charity Commission No. 1196786

Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 December 2023

The trustees of the Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) present their report along with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 December 2023.

The trustees follow the advice set out in the guidance issued by the UK Charity Commission, and endeavour to be compliant with all aspects thereof.

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES

The main objects of the CIO as established are: the relief of poverty; the relief of sickness; the relief of persons in need because of youth, age, ill-health, disability, financial hardship or other disadvantage; and the advancement of education, particularly, but not exclusively, by providing grant funding to support projects in rural areas of Zimbabwe, with a focus on children and young people.

The activities of the Trust during 2023 included small grants towards the work in Zimbabwe. Children and families in distress continued to receive support and books, and educational materials were distributed to students to enable them to continue studying.

Policy on grant making

The charity will consider applications to provide grants, scholarships, awards or materials in kind and to provide or procure the provision of services, education, training, consultancy, advice, support, counselling or guidance.

Policy on social investment including programme-related investment

The charity seeks to make a lasting social impact in rural areas of Zimbabwe by lifting the quality and accessibility of education, and promoting family cohesion, and solid foundational principles for community living. The trustees have maintained regard for the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit.

Contribution made by volunteers

Volunteers are invited to visit, help or otherwise participate in the charitable work of the Trust, at their own cost and risk.

CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES LARGELY LED & FUNDED BY THE UK CHARITY

Overseas Student Support & Scholarships

CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES LARGELY LED FROM ZIMBABWE BUT FUNDED BY THE UK CHARITY

Borehole drilling in Zimbabwe IT equipment for the Skills Centre IT equipment for the Birth Certificate Project

Air fares and related costs to support Zimbabwe Management and Governance

CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES LARGELY LED FROM ZIMBABWE BUT FUNDED BY OTHER SUPPORTERS OUTSIDE UK

Community development in rural areas and improving the quality of life in rural communities Child protection and education

Food sustenance during times of particular need Smartphones for use during school closures Pre-school management

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Sethule Orphans’ Trust (UK) Registered with the Charity Commission No. 1196786

Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 December 2023

ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE of the TRUST IN ZIMBABWE

Education

The work of Sethule has had an incredible impact on the lives of many orphaned and vulnerable children in Zimbabwe. Through our educational initiatives, we have empowered these children by providing them with access to quality education and the necessary tools to build a bright future. The transformative power of quality education cannot be understated when it comes to vulnerable children. Education can enhance positive change in the lives of individuals and communities. It has the ability to change their lives and through access to quality education, children have the opportunity to break free from the cycle of vulnerability and empower themselves. It equips them with knowledge, skills and confidence to overcome barriers and challenges they may face.

The Scholarship Fund: The Sethule Scholarship Fund supports marginalised but deserving children at primary, secondary and college/university levels. We award scholarships to children from 12 years old and continue to support them until they finish their university education. In 2023, 55 deserving students were able to pursue their academic goals without the burden of financial constraints. The fund has not only enhanced accessibility and affordability but has also contributed to the personal growth and development of these students. The fund has paved the way for success stories and transformed lives. The positive results of the scholarship fund go beyond just one year; it also sets a precedent for future support and encourages more students to strive for excellence in their education.

Sethule Skills Centre: The primary purpose of the Sethule Skills Centre is to offer hands-on training and instruction to help individuals develop the day-to-day life skills. The Skills Centre provides a unique opportunity for our students to gain valuable life skills that may not be taught in schools or at home. They learn a wide range of practical skills that are essential for everyday life. These include sewing, personal hygiene, cooking, social and professional etiquette, financial education, personality enrichment and confidence building. In 2023 the skills centre accommodated 21 students in three sessions. Sessions last a week and have unique curricula designed to suit each particular group.

Early child development (ECD) centres: The Sethule ECD Centres cater for children between the ages of 4 and 5 years. Our focus is on providing a nurturing and stimulating environment that supports children’s physical, cognitive, social and emotional development. In order to increase parental involvement, we introduced play-based learning as well as the ‘Continuous Assessment Learning Activity’. This gave parents/guardians an opportunity to be instrumental in helping their children with tasked projects. At Emarika ECD centre, a total of 39 students were enrolled in 2023. At Sethule Hope Centre, a total of 26 students were enrolled in 2023. We believe that our early child development centres play a crucial role in the future of our children and the community. Therefore, we are committed to providing the best possible environment and resources to support their growth and development.

Nutritional gardens for preschool students

Our nutritional gardens have been thriving, providing a sustainable source of fresh fruits and vegetables for our community. We are particularly proud of the positive impact our gardens have had on our preschool students. They have thoroughly enjoyed the fresh produce, which is essential for maintaining a well-balanced diet. The benefits of our nutritional gardens are numerous and far-reaching. Firstly, our gardens have contributed significantly to improving food security. Primarily the garden is for Emarika children but whenever we have excess, we offer it to the community in exchange for the manure from their cattle or chickens. Secondly, our gardens promote healthy eating habits. By providing fresh, locally grown produce, we are encouraging our community members to make healthier food choices. Finally, our gardens reduce the ecological footprint associated with food production and transportation. By growing our own food, we are reducing the amount of energy and resources required to transport food from distant locations.

Bicycle project

We are proud to be part of a project that is making a positive impact in the lives of children by providing children with a means of transportation that is both safe and reliable. The Bicycle Project has been successful in improving access to education for children in the community. With the availability of bicycles,

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Sethule Orphans’ Trust (UK) Registered with the Charity Commission No. 1196786

Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 December 2023

children are now able to travel to school faster and more conveniently. This has led to an increase in school attendance and an improvement in academic performance. One of the key factors contributing to the success of the Bicycle Project is the collaboration between parents and schools. Parents are actively involved in ensuring that the bicycles are well-maintained and kept safe at all times. This level of community involvement is inspiring and highlights the importance of working together towards a common goal. During 2023, we were able to purchase 10 more bicycles, bringing the total number of bicycles to 33, distributed within four schools. We hope to reach even more schools and provide bicycles to more children in need.

Child safeguarding

Safeguarding is a crucial aspect of any organisation that works with children. As such, Sethule has been conducting regular workshops and sessions with stakeholders, partners, employees and volunteers to emphasise the importance of protecting children from all forms of abuse and harm. A total of 136 people took part in our child safeguarding sessions. A two-day long child safeguarding workshop was held for teachers from various rural schools. It was attended by over 55 teachers representing 20 schools. In addition to teachers, representatives from Childline, a child abuse reporting hotline, the Ministry of Education and other community organisations also participated. The sessions covered various topics, including:

Some of the key findings from the sessions were as follows:

Mental health

As part of our commitment to the children we work with, we at Sethule prioritise their mental health. Our psychosocial support pillar is designed to cater to the emotional needs of these children, many of whom come from rural communities where economic and social challenges can negatively impact mental wellbeing. Our mental health programme aims to raise awareness of mental health issues and provide timely information on how they can affect an individual’s emotional, psychological, and social wellbeing. Over the past year, we have held regular sessions with students from six different schools. During these sessions, we have discussed a range of topics, including understanding mental health, identifying potential causes of mental health problems, recognising the signs and effects of mental health issues, and different types of mental disorders such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Additionally, we have provided guidance on when and how to seek help. Our programme has been wellreceived by both students and teachers. This year, we reached out to a total of 1127 students. Extensive one-to-one counselling was offered to six students and three of these students were referred to further expert assistance.

Children and youth

Dare To Be Different: Empowering youth through life lessons: Our program, Dare To Be Different (DTBD), successfully reached a total of 3313 students. Our main objective is to equip youth with timely information that will help them make informed decisions. Our mission is to raise awareness and provide accurate information to help students make informed choices about alcohol and substance abuse, sexual health and other important issues. Through engagement of life lessons, we are able to deliver a curriculum that is both impactful and empowering. The main focus in 2023 was:

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Sethule Orphans’ Trust (UK) Registered with the Charity Commission No. 1196786

Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 December 2023

This year, the programme made a significant impact by reaching out to a total of 2,221 pupils.

Reject and Expose All Child Trauma (REACT): The REACT programme is designed to educate pupils on the myths and facts surrounding child abuse. The teaching methods used in the programme are captivating, making it easier for students to understand the issue. One of the teaching methods used is a drama that highlights the myths and facts about child abuse. This approach helps students to distinguish between what is real and what is not when it comes to child abuse. Additionally, the REACT song ‘touchy touchy’ has been an effective tool in creating awareness among students. The song is catchy and has a fun beat that students can sing along to. It reinforces the message that no one has the right to touch them inappropriately. Another teaching method used in the REACT programme is the ‘my network’ drawing. This method helps students to understand the reporting procedures for child abuse. It is a visual representation of the people and organisations that they can turn to if they suspect that someone is being abused. This method has been effective in empowering students to take action and report any suspected cases of child abuse. By educating students on the myths and facts surrounding child abuse, we are creating a culture that values the safety and wellbeing of children. This is a crucial step in preventing child abuse and ensuring that children are safe.

ATTIC Youth Camp

In August, we hosted a week’s youth camp which accommodated 120 teenagers and 43 adults. The youth displayed an impressive level of enthusiasm and energy throughout the week-long camp, and we are proud to have provided them with an opportunity to learn and grow. The teams competed against each other in various activities, including sports, arts and educational stations. The participants particularly enjoyed the educational stations, which are interactive and encourage them to be positive agents in their communities. The camp was a great opportunity for the teenagers to learn new skills, make new friends and build self-confidence.

Orphan care

Birth certificates and birth registration: Birth certificates are crucial documents that provide proof of a person’s identity and citizenship. They are essential for accessing basic services such as education, healthcare, and social welfare. However, many children in Zimbabwe do not have birth certificates due to various factors such as poverty, lack of awareness, and inadequate documentation. The Sethule Birth Certificate team partnered with the District Mobile Registration Unit to mobilise parents and guardians whose children needed birth certificates. Before the arrival of Mobile Registration, the Sethule Birth Certificate team worked tirelessly to raise awareness on the importance of birth certificates and the required documentation for birth registration. The team met with community leaders in different villages to discuss measures that could be taken to prevent the emergence of new cases of children without birth certificates. In addition to the partnership with Mobile Registration, the Sethule Birth Certificate team conducted three workshops in two villages to educate parents and guardians on the processes of birth registration, the documents required, and the safekeeping of national documents. The workshops reached out to 205 people. The team also worked closely with community leaders to identify families who needed support in obtaining birth certificates for their children. This approach helped to ensure that no child was left behind, and all families had equal access to the birth registration process. However, during the national electoral period, the political climate made it impossible for us to visit the villages and hence we could not easily reach out to the communities. Nevertheless, we continued to work closely with community leaders to ensure that our future work was not hindered. At the end of October 2023, the restrictions were lifted and our team was able to resume the birth certificates quest in full. We hope to continue working closely with Mobile Registration and community leaders to ensure that all children have access to birth registration services. In 2023, the partnership with Mobile Registration enabled the team to obtain 258 birth certificates.

Food supplements: Our programme aims to address nutritional deficiencies that can hinder the physical and cognitive development of children, particularly in Matopo and Umguza Districts. Throughout the year,

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Sethule Orphans’ Trust (UK) Registered with the Charity Commission No. 1196786

Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 December 2023

we provided essential support to 45 families who needed it most. The families received monthly food hampers. These hampers are carefully designed to meet the nutritional needs of families. They consisted of the basic necessities such as maize meal, beans and soap.

Women’s health

The issue of menstrual hygiene has been a significant concern, especially in poor rural communities. Limited resources, social stigma, and lack of access to proper sanitary products are some of the reasons why menstrual hygiene is a challenge. In response to this issue, sanitary pad drives have been organised. The programme not only provides women and girls with sanitary pads but also raises awareness about menstrual health. Through the Sethule Skills centre, girls are taught how to sew/make reusable pads. A total of 440 reusable and disposable sanitary pads were distributed during the drive.

Livelihood and self-help

Gradual substitution of monthly food packs: We have been working hard to find sustainable solutions that can empower families to become self-sufficient. We have been providing monthly supplemental food packs to families in need for a long time. However, we have realised that this approach is not sustainable in the long run. We believe that teaching families to grow their own vegetables and rear their own chickens would be a better alternative. Farming is a vital source of income and livelihood for many families in rural areas, and we hope to help them succeed by providing them with the necessary knowledge and resources.

Integrating chickens and vegetable farming: Recently, we established an experimental site near the Sethule Office. Our primary goal was to experiment and establish easier, effective, and sustainable ways of farming that can be easily adopted by villagers in rural communities. Integrating chickens and vegetable farming has proven to be a sustainable and effective method of farming. Chickens not only provide eggs and meat but also produce manure that can be used to fertilize vegetable gardens. By combining these two farming practices, families can achieve greater yields and financial stability. We have also noticed that this approach not only benefits individual families but also contributes to the overall growth and development of rural communities. When families are able to produce their own food, they become less reliant on external sources of support. This, in turn, frees up resources that can be used for other projects that benefit the community as a whole. We have been inviting villagers to come and learn from us, copy and improve on our methods in order to succeed with their own farming projects. Our gardener John has been accepted to train at an Integrated Agricultural Institute. The training will equip him with the necessary skills and knowledge to guide the villagers through Integrated Farming.

Infrastructure development

Major infrastructural developments were made during 2023.

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Sethule Orphans’ Trust (UK) Registered with the Charity Commission No. 1196786

Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 December 2023

Achievements against objectives set

Throughout year 2023, we made significant strides in achieving Sethule goals. Our efforts have been geared towards improving the lives of disadvantaged communities in Zimbabwe. We have made remarkable progress in various areas, including education, sports, and food security.

Performance of fundraising activities against objectives set

Following a decrease in 2022, associated with the change of banking arrangements, fundraising income returned to a level comparable to that achieved in 2021.

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Sethule Orphans’ Trust (UK) Registered with the Charity Commission No. 1196786

Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 December 2023

TRUSTEES

Trustees were selected as people who had an intimate knowledge of the workings of the charity, had visited the places in Zimbabwe where it worked, and whose character and standing were upright and honourable.

FINANCIAL REVIEW

Income for the year was £38,991 and operating expenditure was £1,730, an operating increase of £37,261. Funds available at the end of the year were £76,794.

No investments have been made.

The principal risks to the Zimbabwe charity are inflationary pressures and spiralling costs in Zimbabwe.

RESERVES POLICY

Reserves are maintained for at least 3 months’ full functioning of the charity.

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

The charity is constituted under the constitution dated 18 August June 2021.

Policies and procedures adopted for the induction and training of trustees

Meetings of the Trust board are governed by the Trust’s constitution. Regular meetings discuss policies and projects, as well as fundraising exercises, and the website. A board meeting adopts and approves the annual accounts for external auditing. The charity is managed by its Board of Trustees, and there are no paid employees, officers or ‘significant volunteers’.

Relationship with any related parties

While liaisons and good relations are kept with both the Zimbabwe Government Ministries of Health and Education, as well as with the Office of the Registrar General, no financial contracts or transactions are with any other body, nor any financial inducements considered.

Activities delivered by an associated charity having very similar Charitable Objectives

Those activities promoted by the Zimbabwe Trust, in particular its running costs, and implementation of programmes not currently supported from UK, are supported by the Swiss Friends of Sethule Trust.

Hope for the future

Being now registered as a Public Voluntary Organisation, the Zimbabwe-based entity will be able to serve more vulnerable children in poor rural communities. The hope for 2024 and beyond is:

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Sethule Orphans’ Trust (UK) Registered with the Charity Commission No. 1196786

Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 December 2023

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS

Charity Name Sethule Orphans’ Trust (UK)

Other Name the Charity Uses Sethule Trust

Registered Charity Number 1196786

Registered Office

18 Saltspring Drive Royal Wootton Bassett Wiltshire SN4 7SD (from August 2020)

Trustees

Trustees
Trustee name Office (if any) Dates acted if
not for whole
**year **		 Name of person/body entitled
to appoint trustee (if any)
Simon Ashmore Chair
NicolaLyndon Bull Treasurer
AntoinetteAshmore
Stephanie Johnson SafeguardingTrustee
BernardMoyo
AmyHicks
FiorellaAshman
BongiSibanda

Independent Examiner Malcolm W Rogers, ACIE 24a Friars Walk, Tring, Herts, HP23 4AY.

Approved by order of the board of trustees on …………………………. and signed on its behalf by:

…………………………… (Mrs Nicola L Bull)

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SETHULE ORPHANS' TRUST (UK)

ACCOUNTS

for the

FINANCIAL YEAR

ending

31st DECEMBER 2023

Notes
RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS - see Note (1)
Receipts
Normal Operational Receipts
Donations
34,547
Stewardship
582
Gift Aid
3,749
Bank interest
112
Total Normal Op Receipts
38,991
Extraordinary Items
(2)
Transfer ownership of NWB A/C to SO'T (UK)
Transfer Benefits of Debtors to SO'T (UK)
Total Extraordinary Receipts
0
TOTAL RECEIPTS
38,991
Payments
Charitable activities:
Grants Paid
Student support funding
540
Student support funding (via Swz)
100
Support to Zim organisation
167
Medical Care
Total Charitable Activities
(3)
806
Support costs:
ICT Equipment
Website fees
265
Water, gas and electricity
0
FY 2023		 FY 2023 FY 2022
24,326
8,407
23
32,756
54,934
353
55,286
88,042
25,047
9,695
3,738
38,480
2,050
173
0
Legal Fees
(2)
3,930
Account examination fees
450
450
Air Fares
3,113
Sundries
139
Banking fees
208
20
Total Support Costs
924
Total Operational Payments
1,730
Extraordinary Items
(2)
Transfer Liabilities of Creditors to SO'T (UK)
154
Total Extraordinary Payments
0
TOTAL PAYMENTS
1,730
SURPLUS/(DEFICIT)
arising from NORMAL OPERATIONS
37,261
-15,599
arising from EXTRAORDINARY ITEMS
0
55,132
TOTAL SURPLUS/(DEFICIT)
37,261
TOTAL NET ASSETS
76,794
FUNDS SUMMARY
ALL SO'T (UK) FUNDS ARE UNRESTRICTED
FY 2023
Net Assets as at last Year End
39,533
Surplus/(Deficit) - Operational
37,261
Surplus/(Deficit) - Extraordinary
0
Net Assets as at this year end
76,794
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
Bank Balance - NatWest Bank
Bank Balance CAF Bank
76,794
76,794
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS		 Legal Fees
(2)
3,930
Account examination fees
450
450
Air Fares
3,113
Sundries
139
Banking fees
208
20
Total Support Costs
924
Total Operational Payments
1,730
Extraordinary Items
(2)
Transfer Liabilities of Creditors to SO'T (UK)
154
Total Extraordinary Payments
0
TOTAL PAYMENTS
1,730
SURPLUS/(DEFICIT)
arising from NORMAL OPERATIONS
37,261
-15,599
arising from EXTRAORDINARY ITEMS
0
55,132
TOTAL SURPLUS/(DEFICIT)
37,261
TOTAL NET ASSETS
76,794
FUNDS SUMMARY
ALL SO'T (UK) FUNDS ARE UNRESTRICTED
FY 2023
Net Assets as at last Year End
39,533
Surplus/(Deficit) - Operational
37,261
Surplus/(Deficit) - Extraordinary
0
Net Assets as at this year end
76,794
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
Bank Balance - NatWest Bank
Bank Balance CAF Bank
76,794
76,794
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS		 Legal Fees
(2)
3,930
Account examination fees
450
450
Air Fares
3,113
Sundries
139
Banking fees
208
20
Total Support Costs
924
Total Operational Payments
1,730
Extraordinary Items
(2)
Transfer Liabilities of Creditors to SO'T (UK)
154
Total Extraordinary Payments
0
TOTAL PAYMENTS
1,730
SURPLUS/(DEFICIT)
arising from NORMAL OPERATIONS
37,261
-15,599
arising from EXTRAORDINARY ITEMS
0
55,132
TOTAL SURPLUS/(DEFICIT)
37,261
TOTAL NET ASSETS
76,794
FUNDS SUMMARY
ALL SO'T (UK) FUNDS ARE UNRESTRICTED
FY 2023
Net Assets as at last Year End
39,533
Surplus/(Deficit) - Operational
37,261
Surplus/(Deficit) - Extraordinary
0
Net Assets as at this year end
76,794
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
Bank Balance - NatWest Bank
Bank Balance CAF Bank
76,794
76,794
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS
9,875
48,355
154
48,509
39,533
39,533
FY 2023 FY 2022
39,533
37,261
0
76,794
76,794
76,794
0
-15,599
55,132
39,533
143
39,390
39,533

1 These accounts have been prepared on the Receipts and Payments basis.

Independent •Mamlnerfs reportto the trwtee5 of SEfHULE ORPHANS. TIiUST {UK) I report tothe charitynJstees on myexamination of •ecountsof the ao forthe Y￿rended 31st Oecèmber, 2023. Responslbllltles and of teport As the tharity truste¢s of the CIO you ar• f•sponsible fort￿ preparation of ac£ounts in accordanc• with th• requirements of Charities Act 2011 {%he ACVI. l rnport in r•sp•ct of my examination of the ao's attr￿ts urried out ur¥Jer sertion 145 of the Act. In ¢arrylng out my examin3tlon I have followed all applkabl• Dirnctions 8N•n by the Charity Commlsslon under section 1451SXbl of 2011 ACL Independent ex•mknorf$ st•tement. m•tthrol<oDcern Idenwlied I hove complèted my examlnation. I confirni th•t no mat•rial rnatte￿ hav• comè to my atterbtlon In eonmctlon with the •xamination 8lvlr4 m• uus• to b•li•ve t￿t In any materfal re5P•tt'. accountlng records were not kèpt as r•quif•d ￿ se￿10￿ 130 of the Art.. ¢r th• accounts do not Jccord wlth thosè rntOTds. I confirrn that th•r• ar• no oth•r matt•rs to which youratt•ntlon shoukl b• df•wn to •n•bl• • prop•r understandini of thg accounts to bè r••ched. Slgned.. Narn•.' Mal¢olrn W Reers R•levant pro￿$S1on￿l qualificatlonlsl . AaE Addrtss: 24a, Frlars Walk, Tri￿ Hertfordshbre. HP23 4AY Dato.. 17hoctober. 2024