## KWEST – KENYA WATAMU EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT TRUST ANNUAL REPORT 06/04/2024 – 05/04/2025 CHARITY NUMBER 1197987 ## TABLE OF CONTENTS - Trustees - Our Aims and Objectives - Focus of Charitable Activities - Ensuring Our Work Delivers Our Aims - How Our Activities Deliver Public Benefit - Local Demographics and Educational Challenges - School Facilities and Access to Resources - Educational Reform and Literacy Needs - Who Used and Benefited from Our Services - KWEST Library Service - Responding to Challenges - Schools Literacy Outreach Programme - Environmental Conservation - Meeting Growing Demand for Library Services - Engaging Volunteers and Raising Awareness - Strengthening Community Links and Increasing Support - Financial Needs - Staffing and Transport Costs - Major Donation Received - Trustee Visits and Oversight ## TRUSTEES The Kenya Watamu Educational Support Trust (KWEST) is overseen by a dedicated board of trustees. The current trustees are: - Lesley Churm – Chief Executive Officer and Founder - Christopher Churm - Dawn Kay ## OUR AIMS AND OBJECTIVES Our main aim is to advance educational development by providing access to essential learning resources. This is achieved through the establishment and ongoing support of libraries, learning centres, and local schools by offering a free library, reading books, and ongoing literacy support. KWEST is established to serve the public of Watamu, Kenya, with a central focus on advancing the education of children who face social and economic challenges. In line with our Charitable Incorporated Organisation Constitution, supervised by our board of trustees, our primary objective is to promote and enhance educational opportunities for disadvantaged children in the community. ## FOCUS OF CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES 1. All KWEST initiatives are designed to deliver literacy support, directly contributing to our charitable aims and ensuring a meaningful public benefit. Our activities are carefully targeted to reach those children most in need, focusing our resources and efforts on improving literacy outcomes and educational opportunities for our target populations. 2. All funds raised are directed exclusively towards supporting KWEST’s activities in Watamu, Kenya. No salaries or expense reimbursements are provided to anyone based in the UK, ensuring that every donation benefits the projects on the ground. 3. We are deeply grateful to all our volunteers, whose financial contributions, support and expertise play a crucial role in sustaining and growing KWEST’s work and impact in the community. The following sections of this report detail the main activities undertaken by KWEST and the specific groups we aim to support. ## ENSURING OUR WORK DELIVERS OUR AIMS This review encompasses our activities from 6 April 2024 to 5 April 2025, assessing our achievements, key undertakings, and the benefits provided to the children we support. It confirms that our aims, objectives, and activities remain aligned with our charitable purposes. Trustees have consulted the Charity Commission’s general guidance on public benefit and have carefully considered how all planned activities contribute to our defined aims and objectives. ## **HOW OUR ACTIVITIES DELIVER PUBLIC BENEFIT** ## LOCAL DEMOGRAPHICS AND EDUCATIONAL CHALLENGES In 2020, there were about 19 million children under the age of 18, an estimated 53% of Kenya’s population; with an annual growth rate of 2.2%. Watamu, a coastal town, mirrors this trend with a high child population and over thirty schools. The main employment sectors are tourism and retail, and many residents have a daily income of only £23, highlighting significant economic hardship. Adult literacy is low, and many parents have not completed education beyond primary school. English, the third language for many, is used for all examinations except Swahili, placing children at a disadvantage in academic attainment and future opportunities. ## SCHOOL FACILITIES AND ACCESS TO RESOURCES Watamu’s government primary schools are often oversubscribed and attended by children from the poorest families. Despite being government-funded, parents still face educational costs. Schools frequently lack adequate facilities, with shortages of chairs, tables, books, pens, paper, and reading materials. It is common for a single teacher to manage up to eighty children in one classroom. Private schools exist, but quality and resources depend on parental means. Across both government and private schools, access to reading materials and structured literacy support is limited or absent. Children often learn by rote, with little emphasis on comprehension, which adversely affects broader learning. ## EDUCATIONAL REFORM AND LITERACY NEEDS Kenya is transitioning to a Competency-based Curriculum featuring seven core competencies: Communication and Collaboration, Critical Thinking and Problem Solving, Creativity and Imagination, Digital Literacy, Learning to Learn, and Self-efficacy. All require reading, comprehension, evaluation, and creative abilities. Schools in Watamu lack the resources, delivery time and literacy levels needed to deliver these programmes and cultivate these skills. The UK National Literacy Trust emphasizes the necessity, significance, and advantages of reading. These include fostering empathy, building self-confidence, stimulating imagination, broadening perspectives, and supporting comprehensive learning. These are equally if not more applicable to Watamu, Kenya. There was and is a need for Community libraries to help schools deliver successful outcomes for all the children in this region of Kenya, building individual school libraries is beyond most budgets thus KWEST was formed.to help redress the inequalities and lack of books and literacy resources. K•nya Watamu Educational Support Trust ## WHO USED AND BENEFITED FROM OUR SERVICES ## KWEST LIBRARY SERVICE 1. KWEST's core objectives include supporting children's education by improving literacy, thereby improving educational and economic outcomes in Watamu. These aims are achieved by providing a free library and a schools outreach programme giving thousands of children access to reading books and ongoing literacy support. 2. Having relocated from our first library site at Richlands, Watamu, KWEST successfully established a permanent library within the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) compound at Temple Point, Watamu. This facility rapidly became an essential hub for children from both Watamu and Timboni. It is located within a secure, gated compound staffed continuously by KWS officers. Books are stored in two converted donated shipping containers, complemented by a covered area for reading and activities. Additional larger covered and shaded outdoor areas are used during school holidays, along with an adjoining open space for games. 3. The library's inaugural collection was generously contributed by trustees and further enhanced by several thousand high-quality reading books shipped from the United Kingdom in June 2022 and May 2023. Many of these books were donated by UK schools updating their phonics programmes. Najpac, the shipping provider, ensured reliable door-to-door delivery and managed documentation at a preferential rate; KWEST expressed considerable satisfaction with the quality of their service. While UK book collections continued throughout 2024-2025, the board determined that additional shipments would not occur until sufficient funds were secured to offset associated costs. Raising these funds is identified as a priority for 2025-2026. 4. Children visiting the library benefit from an extensive selection of fiction and non-fiction materials suitable for all age groups and abilities. The library serves a wide demographic, welcoming children and grouping them according to age and reading proficiency upon arrival. It is not uncommon for a child of 13 to have a lower reading ability of a 9-year-old. Library monitors facilitate book distribution and maintain a focused, respectful environment during reading sessions, while trained team of reading assistants provide further tailored support as needed. Programmed activities are designed to foster both educational development and enjoyment, emphasizing learning through exploration, discussion, and interactive methods. Participants engage with literature through retelling, dramatization, and targeted exercises in spelling and grammar. KWEST supplements these activities by providing word games, phonics resources, writing materials, and art supplies to cultivate a stimulating and supportive learning atmosphere. 5. We saw an increase in regular attenders of up to 60 children attended each Saturday morning, with many others joining on an ad hoc basis. To support accessibility, free transport was provided for children living further away, while those from Dongokundo could walk to the library. Transport is a substantial expense but is essential. Attendance barriers remained for some children where parents rely on children for household chores. 6. During school holidays, the library operates Monday to Saturday, opening from 08:30 to 12:00. The consistent popularity of the library during school breaks highlights the community’s interest in and need for sustained access to books and reading support. This trend was particularly notable over the nine-week summer break, from late October through mid-December, when daily attendance regularly surpassed 100 children. Such growth reflects both the increasing utilisation of the library and its important role within the community. 7. The children represent a diverse range of schools and local communities and would not typically interact outside of the library setting. As participation increased, the team encountered challenges related to parental distrust and social biases among children from various backgrounds. In response, the staff prioritized fostering understanding of the advantages and values of collaboration, mutual respect, attentive listening, cooperation, and support among participants. Parents and teachers have noticed improved behaviour in the children, who now set positive examples and stand out in school. 8. Many regular attendees have also shown the benefits of frequent library visits through marked improvement in their academic performance. Positive teacher assessments highlight increased confidence in speaking, reading, and writing, while exam results further demonstrate the positive impact of regular attendance. These outcomes emphasise the important role the library plays in supporting children's educational progress and overall development. 9. In October 2024, significant progress was made in enhancing our delivery. The CEO secured the support of two experienced primary and SEN teachers from the United Kingdom, who served as volunteers and trainers during the Kenyan summer school holiday. Over a sevenweek period, these two educators collaborated closely with the KWEST library team, concentrating on strengthening our literacy programs by introducing established UK literacy practices and innovative pedagogical techniques. They placed particular emphasis on learning through play and performance to foster an engaging educational environment. The CEO observed a notable and immediate improvement in the confidence of our team of reading assistants, who effectively incorporated these approaches into their daily interactions with students. ## RESPONDING TO CHALLENGES 1. In January 2024, new operational restrictions implemented by the then KWS Head Warden affected our capacity to deliver comprehensive library services. Previously, our collaboration with KWS at Watamu had been highly productive, as the library was established as a joint initiative. We temporarily relocated the library to Watamu Primary School, an existing partner, which—despite some initial disruption—enhanced the library’s visibility and increased participation from children in Timboni and Gede. Plans were considered for developing a permanent facility on this site; however, such an undertaking required substantial financial investment. Our intentions shifted when we received an invitation to return to KWS, accompanied by new assurances from the recently appointed, experienced Head Warden. This transition has proven to be extremely positive. Notably, these developments underscored the adaptability and resourcefulness demonstrated by our team in Kenya, who managed the situation with commendable professionalism and a constructive outlook. 2. The ongoing issue of insufficient shelving and storage has been exacerbated by recent service interruptions, which delayed progress on addressing the matter. We plan to pursue external funding to complete this project before the end of the 2024-2025 financial year. ## SCHOOLS LITERACY OUTREACH PROGRAMME 1. The outreach programme is maintained by a core team of four staff members, all of whom began as volunteers and now work on a flexible, part-time basis, allowing them to balance professional and personal responsibilities. On Saturdays, only three members are able to operate although this is often balanced with local volunteers. 2. During the reporting period, KWEST established a comprehensive Schools Literacy Outreach Programme, attending 13 schools weekly across Watamu and surrounding areas. This initiative enabled more than 3,000 children every week, to access a broad range of reading books and receive direct literacy support, complementing KWEST’s library services and extending KWEST’s impact in the community. 3. The success of the library and Schools Literacy Outreach Programme has led to a waiting list of schools eager to join/access KWEST’s services, underscoring the urgent need for literacy support. Expanding capacity is essential and requires recruiting and training additional staff. By strengthening the team, KWEST aims to extend services to more schools and ensure more children benefit from available resources. ## CONSERVATION 1. KWEST actively collaborates with local organisations, including Kenya Wildlife Service, Bahari Hai, Local Ocean Conservation, and Snake Farm, to jointly educate children about the importance of protecting the environment in and around Watamu and the Watamu Marine Park. These partnerships provide children with valuable knowledge about conservation and the significance of preserving their natural surroundings. 2. During summer club, children participated in a conservation education day organised by Bahari Hai, performing poems and plays they had written themselves, showcasing their understanding and enthusiasm for environmental protection. 3. Partner organisations have provided overwhelmingly positive feedback and support for KWEST's objectives. These encouraging responses have strengthened KWEST’s commitment to environmental education, with plans to further develop these collaborative links in the next financial year. ## MEETING GROWING DEMAND FOR LIBRARY SERVICES 1. With rising attendance and popularity, additional support became necessary. In January 2025, a current volunteer joined the team permanently, enabled by a major donation received in June 2024. This addition will help ensure the continued growth and success of KWEST’s library and outreach initiatives. 2. We have previously assisted schools outside our area by providing books and training to help them set up libraries. In November 2024, Jacaranda community, a deprived area north of Watamu, requested support to establish a community library and supply books for four local schools. In March 2025, the CEO met with leaders, visited schools, demonstrated our reading methods, and reviewed the proposed library site. The community’s need was clear, and we agreed to provide resources upon confirmation of suitable premises. Full outcomes will be detailed in the 2024-25 report, but so far the initiative has been successful. ## ENGAGING VOLUNTEERS AND RAISING AWARENESS 1. KWEST has effectively engaged volunteers from the United Kingdom, who have become integral to both fundraising and awareness-raising activities. The direct contributions of these volunteers have significantly strengthened the charity’s outreach, enabling KWEST to maintain and expand its financial sustainability, achievements and development. Their efforts have had a marked positive impact on the organisation’s ability to support literacy programmes throughout Watamu and the surrounding areas. 2. The organisation continues to prioritise the recruitment of passionate and committed UK volunteers. By involving individuals who are genuinely invested in KWEST’s mission, the charity aims to build upon previous achievements and secure ongoing support for its initiatives in Watamu. 3. At the KWEST library we have introduced a volunteer scheme amongst our past attendees who have moved onto High School. During school holidays they return to help with reading and act as positive role models for the younger children. We provide training and references for the volunteers, 4. During the current financial period, KWEST acknowledges its reliance on personal donations to supplement its funding base. Moving forward, the organisation is proactively seeking alternative sources of income to bolster financial stability in the coming financial year. 5. One dedicated volunteer organised a curry evening and embarked on a gruelling personal cycling challenge. These efforts successfully raised over £1,000 in donations, demonstrating the significant impact that individual commitment can have on KWEST’s fundraising capacity. ## STRENGTHENING COMMUNITY LINKS AND INCREASING SUPPORT 1. Throughout the year, KWEST placed a strong emphasis on cultivating and deepening partnerships with key local organisations, including primary schools, Scout groups, and Guiding organisations. Presentations were delivered to these groups, highlighting the disparities in educational and life opportunities faced by children in Kenya. These informative talks were met with positive feedback and played a pivotal role in generating donations of books and supporting fundraising initiatives. 2. KWEST’s involvement in various community events, facilitated by UK volunteers, has been instrumental in raising awareness and encouraging public support. These events have included local carnivals, coffee mornings, Christmas fayres, and country shows, offering valuable opportunities to engage with the wider community and promote KWEST’s work. 3. Further presentations delivered in local schools have enhanced public awareness of KWEST’s activities. These engagements have resulted in additional donations of books and funds, which are essential for sustaining the charity’s literacy support and outreach programmes. ## **FINANCIAL NEEDS** ## STAFFING AND TRANSPORT COSTS 1. Staffing and transport represent the most significant expenses for our operations. These costs are vital to ensure the effective running of both the library and our outreach activities. 2. By providing free transport, a) a greater number of children have been able to attend, b) it allows our team the means and flexibility to move between 13 schools spread across the region. 3. Without these essential services, our ability to serve the community and extend our support to those in need would be greatly diminished. 4. Juice and fruit are provided to children at the end of library sessions on Saturdays and during holidays. The Watamu branch of East African Womens League now makes a small contribution to offset part of this expense, but it does not meet the full expenditure. 5. Other costs include essential stationary for the library, cleaning products. 6. At present the library has sufficient chairs and tables but due to the increased numbers additional tables will be required in the near future. We intend to pursue funding options as we have previously received funding for chairs and tables from Rotary International. ## MAJOR DONATION RECEIVED The main goal for 2024-2025 was to strengthen KWEST’s achievements by increasing financial resources to ensure long-term sustainability. This was accomplished through a substantial donation of £10,000 from an individual who learned about KWEST’s work through mutual contacts in Watamu. Both the donor and CEO undertook comprehensive due diligence to verify the legitimacy and impact of the donation. Initially intended for distribution over five years, the donor chose to make a single payment after witnessing the immediate impact. The donation was made without Gift Aid for KWEST. In the next financial year we are looking to engage with businesses and individuals in and connected with Watamu to provide increased local financial and organisational support. We also aim to engage further with businesses and individuals worldwide. ## TRUSTEE VISITS AND OVERSIGHT Trustees maintain regular communication with each other and with individuals in Watamu, enabling swift decision-making. Two trustees visit the projects three times a year at their own expense to support the literacy team, monitor progress, meet local supporters, and visit schools and the library. Lesley Churm K•nya Watamu Educational Support Trust CEO, KWEST |**KWEST**|**KWEST**|**KWEST**|**No (if any)**| |---|---|---|---| |**Receipts andpayments accounts**|||| |**For the period**
**from**|06/04/2024
Period start date|**To**|05/04/2025
Period end date| |**Section A Receipts and payments**|**Section A Receipts and payments**|**Section A Receipts and payments**|||||| |---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| |**A1 Receipts**|**Unrestricted**
**funds**
**to the nearest £**||**Restricted funds**
**to the nearest £**||**Endowment**
**funds**
**to the nearest £**||**Total funds**
**to the nearest £**
**1,462**
**17,658**
**1,271**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**20,391**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**20,391**
**133**
**2,986**
**6,902**
**692**
**93**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**10,806**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**10,806**
**9,586**
**-**
**-**
**9,586**| |
OpeningBalance|**962**||**500**||**-**||**1,462**| |Donations|**17,658**||||**-**||**17,658**| |Gift Aid|**-**||**1,271**||**-**||**1,271**| ||**-**||**-**||**-**||**-**| ||**-**||**-**||**-**||**-**| ||**-**||**-**||**-**||**-**| ||**-**||**-**||**-**||**-**| ||**-**||**-**||**-**||**-**| |**_Sub total_**_(Gross income for AR)_|**18,620**||**1,771**||**-**||**20,391**| ||||||||| |**A2 Asset and investment sales,**
**(see table).**|||||||| ||**-**||||||| ||**-**||||||| |**_Sub total_**|**-**||||||| |**_Total receipts_**
**A3 Payments**|||||||| |
Bank Charges|**133**||**-**||**-**||**133**| |LibraryExpenses inc Transport|**2,986**||**-**||**-**||**2,986**| |Wages(Kenya staff)|**6,902**||**-**||**-**||**6,902**| |printingstationary& Fundraisingexpenses|**692**||**-**||**-**||**692**| |Insurance|**93**||**-**||**-**||**93**| ||**-**||**-**||**-**||**-**| ||**-**||**-**||**-**||**-**| ||**-**||**-**||**-**||**-**| ||**-**||**-**||**-**||**-**| |**_Sub total_ **|**10,806**||**-**||**-**||**10,806**| ||||||||| |**A4 Asset and investment**
**purchases, (see table)**|||||||| ||**-**||||||| ||**-**||||||| |**_Sub total_ **|**-**||||||| |**_Total payments_**
**_Net of receipts/(payments)_**
**A5 Transfers between funds**
**A6 Cash funds last year end**
**_Cash funds this year end_**|||||||| ||**7,814**||||||**9,586**| ||**-**||||||**-**| ||**-**||||||**-**| ||**7,814**||||||**9,586**| CCXX R1 accounts (SS) 22/01/2026 1 ## **Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period** |**Categories**
**B1 Cash funds**
**B2 Other monetary assets**
**B4 Assets retained for the**
**charity’s own use**
**B5 Liabilities**
**B3 Investment assets**|**Details**
**Details**
**Details**
**Details**
**_Total cash funds_**
(agree balances with receipts and payments account(s))
**Details**|**Unrestricted**
**funds**
**to nearest £**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
Agreement Error
**Unrestricted**
**funds**
**to nearest £**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**Fund to which asset**
**belongs**
**Fund to which asset**
**belongs**
**Fund to which**
**liability relates**|**Restricted funds**
**to nearest £**| |---|---|---|---| ||||**-**| ||||**-**| ||||**-**| ||||**-**| ||||Agreement Error| ||||**Restricted funds**
**to nearest £**| ||||**-**| ||||**-**| ||||**-**| ||||**-**| ||||**-**| ||||**-**| ||||**Cost (optional)**| ||||**-**| ||||**-**| ||||**-**| ||||**-**| ||||**-**| ||||**Cost (optional)**| ||||**-**| ||||**-**| ||||**-**| ||||**-**| ||||**-**| ||||**-**| ||||**-**| ||||**-**| ||||**-**| ||||**Amount due**
**(optional)**| ||||**-**| ||||**-**| ||||**-**| ||||**-**| ||||**-**| Signed by one or two trustees on behalf of all the trustees ## Signature Print Name Lesley Churm CCXX R2 accounts (SS) 22/01/2026 2 **----- Start of picture text -----**
CC16a
**----- End of picture text -----**
## **Last year** **to the nearest £ - - - - - - - - -** **-** **-** **-** CCXX R3 accounts (SS) 22/01/2026 3 **----- Start of picture text -----**
Endowment
funds
to nearest £
**----- End of picture text -----**
OK **Endowment funds to nearest £** **-** **Current value (optional) - - - - -** **Current value (optional) - - - - - - - - -** **When due (optional)** Date of approval CCXX R4 accounts (SS) 22/01/2026 4