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2023-12-31-accounts

Trustees’ Annual Report for the period

From 25 August 2022 (registration) to 31 December 2023

Charity name: Kanaama Interactive Community Support (KICS)

Charity registration number: 1200172

Objectives and Activities

Objectives and Activities
SORP
reference
Summary of the purposes of the
charity as set out in its governing
document		 Para 1.17 To promote the benefit of the public in Kashare Sub-County in Mbarara District, Southwest Uganda by:
(A)
The advancement of education and training.
(B)
The relief of poverty, sickness and distress.
(C)
The promotion of good health.
Summary of the main activities in
relation to those purposes for the
public benefit, in particular, the
activities, projects or services
identified in the accounts.		 Para
1.17
and 1.19		 KICS funds its local partner KICS Uganda to carry out projects related to the above objectives, namely:
•
Microcredit service (small loans)
•
Education and welfare for orphans and vulnerable children
•
Women’s literacy
•
Training in English language teaching
•
Agricultural training
•
Building rain-fed domestic water tanks and toilets
•
Renovating school latrines
•
Menstrual hygiene education
•
Capacitybuildingof localpartner,KICS Uganda
Statement confirming whether
the trustees have had regard to
the guidance issued by the
Charity Commission on public
benefit		 Para 1.18 In planning our activities, KICS trustees have given careful consideration to the Charity Commission’s
general guidance on public benefit.

Additional information (optional)

You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:

SORP
reference
Policy on grant making Para
1.38		 The charity makes grants solely to KICS Uganda, which implements the projects. KICS is the main source
of income for KICS Uganda (98% excluding revenue from microcredit). An annual budget is agreed by KICS,
and transfers are made only on receipt of accounts. In January 2023, a revised Memorandum of
Understanding was signed between KICS and KICS Uganda which sets out the roles and responsibilities of
each organisation.
Policy on social investment
including
program
related
investment		 Para
1.38		 n/a
Contribution
made
by
volunteers		 Para
1.38		 KICS does not have paid staff. All functions of the charity in the UK are carried out by unpaid trustees or
volunteers. The secretary to the board prepares agendas, writes minutes, organises the AGM and liaises
with private donors. The trustee/director (unpaid) is the main point of contact with KICS Uganda, providing
programme support to the Uganda-based programme manager employed by KICS Uganda. She also
manages the relationships with charitable trusts including funding applications. She prepares financial
reports for trustees and manages all transactions with the bank. In 2023, the secretary edited donor
communications, the website and social media. Another trustee worked with the director and KICS Uganda’s
programme manager on projects and strategy. Trustees are involved in fundraising, project development
and communications as well as providing a full review of projects, in addition to their statutory roles and
responsibilities.
Other n/a

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Achievements and Performance

SORP reference Summary of Para Introduction 1.20 the main In 2023, Kanaama Interactive Community Support (KICS) focused on its core mission of alleviating poverty and improving achievements health and education in Kashare Sub-County, SW Uganda through its local partner, KICS Uganda. The Education and of the charity, Welfare project (RONCO) was implemented for three terms. The English Language Scheme and the Menstrual Health identifying the Education project picked up again in term 3, having paused to wait for funds to be raised. The microcredit project focused difference the on measuring the impact of its loans on developing clients’ businesses and reducing loan usage for other purposes. More charity’s work village savings and loan groups were set up, contributing to improving their wellbeing and livelihoods. We added 120 has made to advanced learners to the 746 women who had been taught or who were currently being taught to read and write and the functional numeracy. We continued with livelihood training for these groups. The agriculture project continued to change circumstances mindsets and improve the farming skills of subsistence farmers. Fourteen rainwater-fed water tanks and 10 domestic WCs of its were constructed for the poorest households. beneficiaries and any wider We estimate that 921 women and children benefited directly in KICS projects in 2023, plus the teachers who were trained. benefits to This section outlines the projects undertaken by KICS in 2023 and their achievements. All transactions, loans etc in Uganda society as a take place in local currency (Ugandan Shillings or UGX). Approximate sterling equivalents are shown at an exchange rate of whole. £1 = UGX 4,400. KICS focuses its work in Kashare Sub-County in Mbarara district (SW Uganda). Our founders originally based their activities around Kanaama, a village in Kashare. The report generally refers to the work funded by the UK charity, KICS, and implemented by KICS Uganda as KICS’ work. In some places in the text the UK charity is referred to as KICS UK, for clarity. Kanaama Interactive Microcredit Project (KIMC) Now in its 14[th] year, the goal is to facilitate transformational development and alleviate poverty by providing financial services to promote micro-enterprise development for women.

KICS Uganda runs a small microcredit enterprise providing 200+ loans a year between UGX 300,000 to UGX 800,000 (£70£180) to low-income women in Kashare. The loan product is for 12 months, charged at a simple interest rate of 24 percent, with monthly repayments. There are no penalties for late payment apart from non-issue of further loans. Loans are issued in groups of five who are jointly responsible for repayments. In 2023, all loans were repaid using the mobile money method. KIMC is run on a cost recovery basis, with the interest and loan fees collected paying for the salaries of the staff working on the programme (the Portfolio Officer and the Projects Officer) and for the audit. KICS Uganda receives a grant from KICS

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UK to pay for supervisory staff costs including the Programme Manager and the Finance and Administration Officer and office costs.

The KIMC project has registered a total number of 1,369 clients since 2010. By the end of December 2023, UGX 652M (£170,000) had been disbursed in 2,589 loans. KICS Uganda is working hard to show that this is an impactful project for the women of Kashare. It has established key indicators of performance and has new processes in place to track the impact loans are having on women’s lives.

Client selection, loan appraisal & disbursement

In 2023, after an application process following established procedures, 210 clients (43 new and 167 repeat clients) received loans in eight issues. This was less than the 240 loans in six issues disbursed in 2022. However, total capital disbursed amounting to UGX 91.5M was comparable to that utilised in 2022 due to larger loans being disbursed. The average in 2023 was UGX 435,700 compared to UGX 380,400 in 2022.

KIMC clients have self-reported the transformation in their livelihoods resulting from their loans. The focus in 2023 was loans for businesses – new or existing. Again, the focus was on repeat clients to enable them to use successive loans to transform their lives.

This year we focused on reducing the number of clients who asked for loans for non-commercial use such as paying medical bills, school fees or paying off other debts. While using loans for ‘income smoothing’ is a widespread practice, we decided that KICS’ limited funds should be used to develop businesses in order to generate income for clients. This means we have to follow clients closely and there is the opportunity, maybe the duty to provide support to clients.

There was a debate as to whether women of the lowest economic status can make the best use of loans given the pressures on their household budgets.

2023 loans Economic status level Economic status level Economic status level
Loan order Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 4 Level 5
Loan 1 13 17 9 2 2
Loan 2 7 22 16 9 1
Loan 3 1 20 27 6 0
Loan 4 1 7 14 5 0
Loan 5 0 5 12 9 1
Loan 6 0 0 0 2 2

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In general, the lowest economic status women tend to be first loan recipients.

During the year, the focus moved to repeat clients at slightly higher income levels (still poor by most measures). Overall, 44% of loan recipients were on levels 1 or 2, where women do not own land and households are under food stress.

The table below shows that trading businesses accounted for 69% during 2023 compared to 47% in 2022. Usually, these businesses include retail shops in trading centres, tea shops, bars, tailoring and sale of ready-made food, second-hand clothes and so forth. Agriculture trade (buying and selling produce in local markets) also attracted a large number of clients. We recorded a few clients who did not use their loans according to their business plans, but this was lower than in 2022 (2% compared with 35%) and where the businesses did not survive (we are looking to support businesses which last for 6 months or more).

or more). or more).
Category No. of clients Percentage
New businesses started 34 16%
Businesses boosted 112 53%
Growingcrops 59 28%
Non-commercial
use		 Medication 3 2%
School fees 2
Total 210 100%
Collapsed businesses 4 2%

Source: 2023 KIMC disbursement sheets

Impact of loans and livelihood improvement (effectiveness)

In 2023, we provided loans to 175 repeat clients from all disbursements. The wellbeing survey is administered at the beginning of each loan to find out their economic level. Comparing surveys prior to loans in 2023 with previous survey results, 78% of the clients had moved up a level since the last survey. 85% of these (self) recorded an increase in their individual incomes during the ongoing loan period, and 30% registered an income increment above the 50% mark.

It is very encouraging to note this. Such clients can now afford more than one meal a day (if they were previously on levels 1 or 2) and, for example, buy household necessities easily, afford medical bills, and buy a piece of land (after 3-4 loan cycles) compared to the vulnerable situation they were in before acquiring the loans. We are pleased to recognise that KIMC loans serve as a conduit for increasing incomes which eventually lead to improved livelihoods in the long run. Some examples of client testimonies are captured below:

NS (cycle 2) could not contain her excitement while she shared her story with the Portfolio Officer during periodic loan monitoring. “Before I joined KIMC project I was just a housewife who did nothing but beg my husband for everything I desired. I used my first loan together with my husband to boost our struggling video library. After seven months, I was able to start up

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a grocery stall selling tomatoes, onions, greens and avocados with UGX 150,000 profits I got from the video library. Not long after that, I took out another loan of UGX 300,000 and, together with our savings from our two businesses of UGX 200,000, used it to start a haircutting business.” With so much delight she narrated how they used their business proceeds to buy themselves a half plot of land and still sustain their businesses. “ Without the loans I got from KICS, I don’t think we would have this land.” KJ (cycle 3) from Nchune narrated how her KICS loan had opened her eyes to doing business in Mbarara city. “ I used to weave baskets from a young age but had never looked at it as a great business as rewards from it were small until a friend encouraged me to take a loan and start buying and selling baskets as well as weaving them. I used my first loan of UGX 200,000 in 2021 to buy baskets of different sizes. That’s when I realised that I had been blindfolded all along. I took them to Mbarara Central market and came back with none. I remember that day I made a profit of UGX 100,000 from the baskets. I reinvested all the money back into the business and started selling the baskets to not only the people I supplied in the Central market but also in Rwebikona and Kijungu markets. I kept on reinvesting the money into the business and reached a point of making a profit of UGX 300,000 per round. I usually do two rounds in a month. I have used the proceeds from the business to take care of my children and grandchildren, paying school fees and all other needs and still do business as usual. I have stopped weaving myself as my two daughters-in-law do the weaving now. Thank you Kanaama for agreeing to give me that (unsecured) loan which changed my life .” Portfolio Report (efficiency)

2023 was a somewhat easier year in that inflation which spiked in 2022 continued to fall during 2023. Capital available: At the start of the year, the capital was UGX 62.2M (£14,130). In December KICS Uganda made the decision to add UGX 9M (£2,045) from the surplus which it had built up over several years. Capital utilisation: The monthly average for capital out on loan was 79% in 2023, down slightly from 2022. A high percentage is good, as it means the asset (the capital) is being well used. However, the quality of loans must be maintained, or else the capital is at risk from defaults. Repayments: Collections are uneven through the year. Some clients will withhold payments during economically difficult months when there are agricultural inputs to be purchased or school fees to be paid. UGX 76.8M was collected, the majority by mobile money transfers, which means that field staff can use their time to support clients (and chase up defaulters) rather than collecting cash. It is also safer for staff who do not therefore need to transport cash. Arrears: On average each month, UGX 50M was out on loan which included an average of UGX 3.6M of arrears. On average 41% of clients had arrears. Most clients (or their group members) eventually pay up and our default rate is very low. But while we wait for them to do so, the capital is not earning interest (we do not charge compound interest) and there is a risk of default.

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Portfolio at risk: If a client fails to make one payment, the rest of the outstanding loan is at risk. On average 27% of the capital out on loan was at risk in this way.

Research

A consultant was engaged to investigate loan use and how KIMC could better help the low-income women of Kashare build better businesses - in particular, whether women with the lowest incomes were well served by the programme. The consultant interviewed clients, reviewed project documents and made a number of recommendations which are being reviewed for possible inclusion.

Assurance

An audit for the year 2022 was conducted by Julius K & Company, in accordance with international standards on Auditing and guidelines issued by the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Uganda. The main aim for this audit was to obtain reasonable assurance that the financial statements are free from material misstatements, assess the effectiveness of the internal control environment at KICS and evaluate loan performance over the year. Recommendations from the audit were acted upon during 2023.

Regulation

The process of securing a tier 4 microcredit licence (under UMRA) is ongoing: KICS Uganda registered the project as a separate profit-making subsidiary company of KICS UG with Uganda Registration Services Bureau. The certificate of registration was issued on 1 March 2023. The remit of the memorandum of association has five objects:

The remaining part in the registration process is the acquisition of an operational licence which is renewed annually once issued to allow KIMC to operate as a licensed legal entity. This process will be completed in 2024.

KICS Uganda is an independent organisation from KICS UK, but we wish the regulator and supporters to be aware of this important development resulting from our investment.

Conclusion

Once again, KICS has provided an affordable alternative to the complicated and largely inaccessible loans available in microfinance institutions. This year, there was again an increase in repeat clients receiving loans compared to 2022 and 2021. Thirty-four new businesses were started in line with its goal to facilitate transformational development and alleviate poverty through promoting micro-enterprises.

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Village Savings and Loans (VSLA)

Village saving and loan associations (VSLAs) are self-managed savings groups that provide people with a safe place to save their money, access small loans and obtain emergency grants. VSLAs enable communities to form their own sustainable saving circles built on mutual trust which can transform lives. VSLA helps the members involved to focus on saving to acquire some assets, improve their homes, pay school fees, grow crops etc. The members have the right to borrow loans and repay in the agreed period with an interest agreed upon by the members. VSLA groups are simple to manage and can be seen as a first step for people to reach a more formal level of financial services.

By December 2023, KICS had established 20 groups with over 600 members: two groups under RONCO, two groups under the Covid relief project, and 16 groups under WELL (literacy) – eight in Rubindi and eight groups in Kashare. Groups, which have on average 30 members, undertake a 4-day training course The cost of setting up falls to the ‘mother’ project, but there are ongoing costs of supporting the groups even beyond the initial projects’ lifecycle which will need to be budgeted in due course.

The results are impressive. Members undertake to save at least UGX 1,000 – UGX 3,000 per week which is collected at weekly meetings. After a period, members can apply for loans at an interest rate which members set. There is a welfare fund which members can apply for (without interest) for emergencies. At the end of the year comes the ‘share out’ when members retrieve their savings plus any interest earned.

The average amount the 12 groups saved by the time they shared in 2023, was £1,300 and they earned on average £350 from interest charged on loans (per group). The other eight groups were still in their first year. Group members are enthusiastic about being part of the group, with their ability to save and having a source of small loans. Of course, they are delighted when they receive back more than they saved.

Education and Welfare for Orphans and Vulnerable Children (RONCO)

This project was started by KICS in 2013 in response to findings of an unserved population of orphans and vulnerable children in Kashare Sub-County. In 2023, RONCO has achieved another successful year of implementation enhancing the lives of some of the poorest children in the area.

During this reporting year, 42 primary school children, four secondary and three students in technical schools were supported, six children having dropped out since the end of 2022 due to migration of their caregivers etc. The number of children supported this year was lower than over previous years due to budget uncertainties. However, all children achieved good results except three and caregivers and school administration were supportive and collaborated well with all aspects of the project.

The goal of RONCO for this past year was to maintain and improve the welfare and life prospects for the most vulnerable and excluded children through the following outcomes:

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The activities implemented over the year included:

Regular attendance of the children, good nutrition and health status throughout the year was recorded.

KPIs:

KPIs:
Indicator 2023 Actual 2022
Actual
Number ofprimaryschool children(number of new children) 42 48
Number of secondary school children (number of new
children)		 4 4
Number of technical school children (number of new
children)		 3 3
Number of caregivers in VSLA groups 29 current/
22past		 n/a
Number of PrimaryLeavingExam(PLA) passes 4 12
Number of dropouts 6 5
Number of SaturdayCentre sessions 22 24
Number of children with disabilities 5 4

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Paying school fees allowed regular school attendance for children whose caregivers could not afford to pay school fees prior to joining this project and were therefore shut out of primary education. Even the poorest children must pay school ‘fees’ (a government sanctioned levy of £6.50 per term), making it difficult for many children to attend. The money collected goes to pay for the teachers of the pre-school classes and to provide better working conditions for the teachers.

Distribution of scholastic materials had a big impact on keeping the children in school as schools have no resources to provide essential exercise books, pencils etc. This promoted regular attendance of the pupils and students hence school attendance remained good throughout the year.

Better nutrition as one of the outcomes was achieved with no cases of malnutrition reported after analysis of the Body Mass Index assessment. The meals children get in their homes are often not as nutritious as those provided at the Saturday Centre and combined with lunch and breakfast paid for by the project on school days, the children remained healthy with 87% recording they were well-nourished. It was found that 13% were overweight and 6% of the children were borderline. Good nutrition gives an opportunity to the children to concentrate better on their studies. This is reflected in the end-of-year results with most of the children progressing to the next classes except for three children who were advised to repeat the year.

“It’s good we get those meals from school and thanks to KICS for paying for them. With the Saturday Centre, we experience a variation in diet, and this is vital for us in terms of growth and development. This has greatly reduced the number of times we fall sick at school hence devoting more time to our studies” , Penelope in primary 5 reported.

Hygiene materials were also distributed, and children received toothpaste and soap for their overall health. These materials were complimentary to over half the children from families benefitting from a KICS-funded home rain-water collection tank project with a third of the children benefitting from WCs built with KICS funding.

Saturday Centre Activities . There were 22 sessions in 2023. The number of sessions was about the same as 2022.

Revision sessions at the Saturday Centre offered the children an opportunity to improve their academic performance. As well as the teacher’s help, pupils helped one another to revise, and this has played a pivotal role in improving the performance of the pupils since learning together assisted them. Revision sessions employed interactive methods and comprehension activities such as debates, quizzes, poems, and dialogues were carried out to enhance their English speaking.

“We had so many revision sessions, and by God’s Grace, some of the questions we did in these sessions at the Saturday Centre were questions that appeared in the final exams, and it was easier for me to answer them. If it wasn’t for such revision, I wouldn’t have got grade 2 in PLE”, reported AJ.

Skills trainings and revision sessions held at the Saturday Centre played a positive role. On sewing skills, pupils were taught how to do the garment measurements, cutting and fixing cut pieces into a finished product. This had a great impact on the lives of the pupils because, even if they drop out at primary at level seven, they can profit from these skills to earn a

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living. Also referring to the government programme on Skilling Uganda, those who decide to take the direction of technical studies will already have some skills.

Through guidance and counselling sessions at the Saturday Centre , children were able to develop hope and clear career path focus. Counselling sessions demonstrated how they can navigate through life challenges and achieve their dreams/goals. The focus was encouraging children to put emphasis and concentration on their studies. The issue of distractors was also discussed including issues such as early marriages, early pregnancies, and engagement in early sexual behaviours. The issue of discipline was reiterated as a bonus for living a successful life.

School and home monitoring visits were held throughout the year to provide any needed support. The KICS UG board members also visited caregivers and children at the Saturday Centre, observed the sewing skills lessons, and received presentations about the impact of the project from RONCO children and their caregivers. Board members and staff also used this opportunity to give caregivers information about the new proposed project design and review process. This gave an opportunity to the caregivers to plan early on for their children especially for post primary school planning.

Caregivers Activities – Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLA’s) and Communal Farming: VSLA’s are informal financial institutions that help communities save and borrow, as well as providing a forum where members can exchange news and information. VSLA’s help households pool their savings (sometimes saving for the first time) to access loans for emergencies, necessities, and invest in agriculture and small-scale businesses. Three years ago, KICS organised and trained caregivers on the VSLA methodology; caregivers embraced the idea and began to save money. This is playing a vital role in the growth and development of caregivers because they pool and borrow money to pay school fees for the children who are not catered for under the RONCO project. 29 current and 22 past caregivers are part of the 56 current members of the RONCO VSLA groups.

“ We had little knowledge of how to create capital. Most of us did not get a chance to go to school and many of us would grow old without the knowledge of starting a business. But with the knowledge I acquired while taking on VSLA training and the information we always share after our VSLA meetings, I have been able to start up my small business and this business is doing well. I have been able to buy a plot of land with the profits.” BV, RONCO project participant, reported.

Through collective agriculture farming and production conducted outside of the project , RONCO caregivers amassed funds from the sale of their crops. They mobilised the funds amongst themselves, hired land, purchased seeds and planted them. For 2023, they planted beans and maize for two consecutive seasons. We are happy to see them farming as a business.

“ This initiative has taught us a lot as caregivers, not always to be on the receiving end but rather work for our livelihoods. We learn a lot including new agronomic practices, e.g., the use of compost manure, high quality seeds etc. [through KICS’ agricultural training], which means that we have moved from one meal a day to two. As if that is not enough, under this

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initiative, now we are able to do farming as a business and this has helped me to get money to save in the VSLA which is helping me pay school fees for my children who are not RONCO beneficiaries” . NB reported.

Academic Outcomes

Primary School : Four children sat for their final primary leaving exams (PLEs) in November 2023. One child who has been in RONCO for 5 years excelled with the top grade 1 while three others also did very well and got grade 2, after being with RONCO for 2-6 years. These children made full use of the opportunity to study whilst in RONCO. Most of the other RONCO children still at primary will progress to the next grade in 2024, except for three who did not manage to pass the year and must repeat. It should be emphasised that children with a range of abilities are selected for the programme and some of these children have quite severe learning challenges.

Secondary School students’ under RONCO: Four children are supported at this level. Three attend Nombe secondary school and one the Tropical secondary school. All of them passed their exams and were promoted to the next classes. Two of the students achieved moderate results but unfortunately did not manage to get bursaries for next year. One student had improved results from the previous year’s performance, but still remains a little behind while another student who was one year into his A levels received fair passes in his exams.

There are 3 Technical school students through RONCO attending the Kakiika Technical Institute. They were all promoted into their final course year. They all sat and passed the end of second year, the Uganda Business and Technical Examination Board (UBTEB). In this past year, RONCO achieved the planned outcomes : having regular attendance of children across all schools and at the centre, registering good nutrition and a good health status of the children. Children seem happier, healthier and more socially integrated than when they first joined the project. The academic performance was good.

Since the beginning of the project in 2013, 177 children have either participated or are participating and, of those who left (117), 65 (just over half) left primary school with a PLE certificate. We greatly thank the trustees of the Brian Murtagh Charitable Trust and the Educational and General Charitable Trust for their support, our loyal regular supporters and those who supported our Christmas appeals.

Women’s Empowerment through Learning Literacy and Livelihoods (WELL2)

This literacy and empowerment project for women in Kashare has been operating since 2015 with the aim of achieving basic literacy using REFLECT methodology to empower women to participate in all aspects of their lives in their local communities. Activities

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Cohort 5

Basic literacy and livelihood training, Rubindi – started January 2021 but interrupted by Covid; finished April 2023. Final 13 REFLECT sessions (January-March 2023) for 146 learners led by the facilitators supported by the Adult Literacy Educator. End assessment for Cohort 5 learners in April 2023, completion of group livelihood activities and a celebration event held on 8 June. VSLA group continues to operate.

Cohort 6

Basic literacy and livelihood training, Rubindi – started May 2022; due to finish April 2024. 49 literacy for 120 learners (January to December 2023). Full course is 85 sessions. Assessment of learners at the end of year 1 in June 2023. Facilitators’ 3-day training phase 2 17-19 July and procurement and distribution of learning and instructional materials.

Eight-day intensive livelihood trainings for facilitators from 19-21 July. Livelihood baseline survey of learners in Kashare to establish the readiness and perception of learners towards participation in the steps/stages of development under the livelihood class. Eleven livelihood groups established. Introduction to the Parish Development Model (PDM) scheme (Government of Uganda).

Four VSLA groups set up. A celebration event will take place in April 2024.

Advanced Class 1

Advanced literacy and livelihood training, Kashare started May 2023 and finished February 2024. Follow up to pilot advanced group run in 2020-21.

Engagement meeting with key stakeholders at LC I (village) and LC III (Kashare Sub-County) levels to present the new WELL2 project design. Although the target was 120, 106 advanced class learners recruited from the previous WELL Cohorts in Kashare who had reached levels 3 or 4 of KICS’ literacy scale. Four literacy facilitators and three livelihood facilitators who had taught previous cohorts were recruited. As they had been trained before by KICS, they did not receive additional training. Procurement and distribution of learning and instructional materials for literacy. Forty-three advanced literacy and numeracy sessions in Kashare held from May 2023 to February 2024.

Eight-day intensive livelihood trainings for four advanced livelihood facilitators 10-14 July. A baseline survey of learners’ livelihoods took place in Kashare. Thirty livelihood sessions (on different days to literacy classes) held from late July 2023 to February 2024.

In early December, an assessment of submitted business plans for nine livelihood groups from Kashare and awarding of six grants. Initial monitoring visits took place a few weeks later. Introduction to the Parish Development Model (PDM) scheme (Government of Uganda).

Four VSLA groups were set up. A celebration event will take place in April 2024.

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Impact of project Evidence of achievement
•New businesses deliver income, but only a
few are sustainable (Cohort 5).
•20 clients received KICS loans.
•95 learners from Cohort 6 and the advanced
classes used their training to access Parish
Development
Model
(government
small
business) funds.
•15% of learners from advanced and Cohort 6
classes have acquired leadership positions at
schools, parish levels and at the village
levels.
•Many learners give testimonies about the
impact of the courses on their position at
home (see below).
•146 women (target 120) graduated from
Cohort 5 (81% had been surveyed as very
poor); 116 women (target 120) completed
year 1 from Cohort 6. 108 women (target 120)
were registered in the advanced class.
•Cohort 5 literacy outcomes – 65% attain level
4 (top) of KICS literacy scale; 27% attained
level 3 and 8% level 2.
•Cohort 6 literacy outcomes after year 1: 88%
are at level 3 or above; 12% are at level 2.
•Over 50% of Advanced class literary
achieved higher than level 5.
Project intervention logic Indicators ofprogress Evidence of achievement
Goal
Empowered
women
fully
participating in all aspects of
domestic and economic life		 Evidence amongst learners of:
•Development
of
new
small
businesses
•Accessing of microcredit loans and
other financing.
•A greater voice in the community
•Greater decision-making power in
their households		 •New businesses deliver income, but only a
few are sustainable (Cohort 5).
•20 clients received KICS loans.
•95 learners from Cohort 6 and the advanced
classes used their training to access Parish
Development
Model
(government
small
business) funds.
•15% of learners from advanced and Cohort 6
classes have acquired leadership positions at
schools, parish levels and at the village
levels.
•Many learners give testimonies about the
impact of the courses on their position at
home (see below).
Objectives
•To achieve basic literacy for
240 previously illiterate very
poor
women
in
Rubindi
(Cohorts 5 & 6)
•To empower 120 women
through
four
advanced
literacy classes in Kashare.
•To increase women’s income
generation skills and improve
their
community
and
economic outlook		 •
Number of women recruited and no.
who finish the course.
Literacy
•
Cohort 5 literacy target outcomes at
graduation: 50% of the basic
learners attain the maximum level 4
of literacy scale; 25% to level 3;
25% to level 2
•
Cohort 6 literacy target outcomes
after year 1: 50% of learners attain
level 3 or above of the literacy
scale; 40% level 2.
•
Learning targets for Advanced
learners 90% of learners attain level
5 byend of learning period.		 •146 women (target 120) graduated from
Cohort 5 (81% had been surveyed as very
poor); 116 women (target 120) completed
year 1 from Cohort 6. 108 women (target 120)
were registered in the advanced class.
•Cohort 5 literacy outcomes – 65% attain level
4 (top) of KICS literacy scale; 27% attained
level 3 and 8% level 2.
•Cohort 6 literacy outcomes after year 1: 88%
are at level 3 or above; 12% are at level 2.
•Over 50% of Advanced class literary
achieved higher than level 5.

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VSLA & microcredit
•
8 new VSLA groups set up; all
groups run smoothly; default level
20%; 90% re-register for second
year.
Livelihoods
•
Cohort 5 businesses - 50% still
running 6 months after activities
finish.
•
Cohort
6
livelihood
training
complete: high level of attendance
and
skills
uptake,
businesses
formed; income recorded. Access
to
Parish
Development
Model
(PDM) funding.
•
Advanced 1 livelihood
training
complete: high level of attendance
and
skills
uptake,
businesses
formed; income recorded. Grants
from KICS. Access to Parish
Development
Model
(PDM)
funding.
•
50 women in Kashare access first
KIMC loans within 6 months.		 •8 new VSLA groups (cohort 6 and adv class)
set up and still in first year. Existing WELL
VSLA groups run smoothly. Cohort 4 groups
(4) are on cycle 3 maintaining high numbers
of members and savings. One group reduced
share. Cohort 5 have completed cycle 1 – one
group with poor membership but others
saving very well.
•Cohort 5 formed 13 business groups with
variety of purposes. Initial round of sales
yielded £350. But only a few have continued,
mainly craft based.
•Cohort 6 training completed. 11 business
groups formed. 56 learners accessed PDM.
•Advanced 1 class training completed. 9
business groups formed. Six groups received
a grant from the project and 39 learners
accessed PDM.
•20 accessed loans – 8 new clients and 12
existing clients.

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learnt how to read and write through this programme. I am very pleased that I can now attend meetings with a lot of confidence”. KJ, Mubanda class

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Conclusion

WELL2, with its dual literacy and livelihood improvement objectives, is proving to be transformative for poor and illiterate women who for so long had been left behind by the educational and social inequalities which exist in African societies. The benefits that relate to self-worth, confidence and participation in decision-making are not easy to quantify and yet real outcomes have been observed through these interventions.

A big thank you to The Lef-Pillon Charitable Trust for supporting this programme.

Agriculture

2023 saw the start of the two-year Agriculture Project. The goal is increased productivity and incomes among smallholder farmers through Farmer Led Agribusiness Platforms . The objectives are:

  1. Increase productivity and incomes of 100 poor farmers through improved farming practices. 2. Establish Farmer-led Agribusiness Platforms (FLAPs) for marketing crops.

  2. Increase crop diversity and awareness of climate change.

Objective 1: Increase productivity and incomes through improved farming practices

The project's performance in enhancing productivity and incomes among the targeted farmers showcases gradual, promising results despite challenges. The productivity results across the two seasons of 2023 provides valuable insights into the impact of improved farming techniques. Carrots, onions, and millet productivity showed improvement, especially in the August season due to better weather conditions and adoption of improved agronomic practices. For instance, the increase in basins

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harvested per individual for carrots and onions during the August season compared to the February season indicates the effectiveness of interventions like timely planting and post-harvest management. Additionally, the significant rise in finger millet production demonstrates the positive influence of adopting good agronomic practices and utilising high-quality seeds.

Moreover, the correlation between the training on farming as a business and increased yields and incomes highlights the importance of imparting comprehensive knowledge to farmers. Testimonies from beneficiaries underscore the tangible benefits derived from the project, such as improved crop management practices leading to higher yields and enhanced economic prospects. The farmers sold most of their crops, particularly carrots and onions, achieving the target of moving beneficiaries away from farming for subsistence only. However, challenges such as weather variability and slow rates of the adoption of new ideas highlight the need for continuous support and adaptation strategies to ensure sustained progress.

Objective 2: Establish FLAPs for marketing crops

The establishment of FLAPS represents a crucial step towards empowering farmers with collective marketing strategies and enhancing their bargaining power. The formation of these platforms has facilitated knowledge dissemination, peer learning, and collective decision-making, contributing to improved cohesion and engagement among members. Despite initial challenges such as poor attendance and coordination issues, the FLAPS have gradually evolved into effective mechanisms for promoting crop aggregation, market access, and group savings. By consolidating resources and negotiating collectively, farmers secured better prices and reduced transaction costs, thereby increasing their profitability. Five FLAPs were established with 86 farmers, though 14 members dropped out during the year.

The role of Parish Agribusiness Trainers (PATs) within the FLAPS emerges as pivotal in providing on-farm training and facilitating the adoption of best practices. Their contribution to enhancing crop diversification, promoting aggregation centres, and fostering market linkages underscores the significance of their role in achieving project objectives. The success stories of FLAP members engaging in collective savings and market negotiations reflect the transformative potential of communitydriven initiatives when supported by adequate resources and guidance.

Despite their significant benefits, the aggregation centres faced challenges related to funding, logistics, and governance. Limited financial resources sometimes hindered infrastructure development and operational expenses, while transportation constraints and supply chain inefficiencies posed logistical hurdles. Furthermore, ensuring the sustainability of the centres required addressing governance issues and fostering collaboration among stakeholders. Overcoming these challenges is crucial for maximising the impact of aggregation centres on rural development and sustaining their role as catalysts for economic growth in the project area.

Objective 3: Improve crop diversity and awareness of climate change

The project's emphasis on crop diversity and climate change awareness reflects a proactive approach towards building resilience and sustainability in agricultural practices, amid unpredictable weather. By promoting intercropping, crop rotation, and soil conservation techniques, farmers in the project have embraced diversified farming systems tailored to their small

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land holdings. This shift towards integrated farming not only enhances resource efficiency but also mitigates risks associated with climate variability and soil degradation. The persistence of traditional farming methods and cultural norms posed barriers to change, requiring targeted awareness campaigns and capacity-building efforts to facilitate behavioural shifts.

Moreover, the collaboration with external stakeholders and exposure visits has enriched farmers' understanding of climate change dynamics and facilitated the adoption of innovative solutions. The introduction of bio-digesters as an alternative energy source and conservation training sessions underscores the project's holistic approach towards addressing environmental challenges. Testimonies from beneficiaries affirm the positive impact of improved practices on their livelihoods, highlighting the value of climate-smart agriculture in building adaptive capacity and enhancing agricultural productivity.

Awareness of Climate Change: Training sessions and partnerships raised awareness of climate change issues and encouraged adoption of resilient farming practices like soil conservation and seed selection.

Conclusion

Overall, the project is progressing well towards its goal, with gradual positive impacts on farmers' mindset, practices, and incomes. Continued support and strategic adjustments will be necessary to sustain and enhance these positive outcomes in the future, crucially preparing for market fluctuations and other challenges that may arise externally. From the project team, there needs to be an improvement in baseline data collection and monitoring of farmers’ adoption of improved practices. This is essential for effective evaluation and adjustment.

KICS thanks the private donors who provided funding for this project.

English Language Scheme (ELS)

English language proficiency is the gateway to academic success and future opportunities in the Ugandan education system. In the final three years at primary school in Uganda, children study in English and take their leaving exams in English. This puts rural children, whose parents speak very limited English, watch little English-language TV and have no access to the internet, at a great disadvantage. They must learn as much English at school as possible to pass the exam and complete primary school. All subsequent education is in English.

With the overall goal of the project to improve primary school completion rates, the objective is to improve teaching standards by promoting interactive techniques and introduce interesting ways to learn English in two Kashare primary schools through teacher training and special activities.

Activities were focused on term 3 as there was a delay in securing funding. The activities will continue in 2024, so only part of the planned programme is presented here.

Activities were carried out in term 3 (from September to December 2023) in the two primary schools where similar activities took place in 2022: St Mary’s Rweibaare and Rwamukondo Primary School. Key activities, focusing on teachers of primary

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5 & 6, were a two-day interactive workshop training for teachers delivered by the programme manager and the expert trainer which included how to change mindsets, practical lesson planning on how to develop and deliver interactive teaching lessons and the development of instructional materials in delivering lessons, English proficiency improvement activities (two sessions per school) and a teachers’ visit to a primary school in Mbarara where they saw lessons in progress and received a motivational talk from the head teacher. After the workshop and as a result of the school visit, the teachers held an action meeting (all the teachers attended) to share key observations, lessons learnt and draw up an appropriate action plan. They were highly motivated to change their practice when they realised that they had the same qualifications as the teachers in Mbarara and had attended the same teaching colleges, so why were they not having the same results? The English proficiency activities focused on helping children pronounce English words correctly through building their confidence in word building using puzzles and other exercises in class. Poems were also taught to develop fluency and confidence in speaking in English. In a simple survey, children reported that they used English more and were more confident in speaking English since the activities had started. The term concluded with an inter-school debate and spelling bee competition where six local schools participated. The competition was hotly contended, and a great time was had by all. More activities will be carried out in the two schools in 2024. Our thanks to our loyal individual donors for their continued support. During 2023 KICS Uganda has extended the design of the project so that all schools can benefit from the training, through the conduit of teacher mentors based in each of Kashare’s 16 primary schools, over two years. Funding has been secured from three charitable trusts and the Sub-County wide training will be rolled out in 2024.

Water for Sanitation and Health (WASH)

KICS continued constructing WASH facilities in 2023, thanks to the generosity of two charitable trusts. Fourteen households were selected using the approved KICS WASH criteria, ten receiving tanks and WCs and four receiving just tanks. There are also plans to refurbish private changing spaces and latrines in six schools that took part in the KICS Menstrual Hygiene Management Project – but these activities have been pushed to 2024.

During the year, fourteen 7,000 litre domestic tanks were constructed. All the tanks had been filled and were in use by the end of December 2023. Ten one-stand domestic latrines were also built with an additional room for bathing. These permanent and well-built facilities have a curtain wall in front and lockable doors to ensure a high level of privacy. These facilities serve 50 primary beneficiaries and another 100 indirect beneficiaries from neighbouring households who are sharing the facilities.

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Engagement meetings were held with all participants to establish agreement to the building processes and to build ownership of the infrastructure. Baseline and end line surveys were undertaken for water accessibility and hygiene practices. A joint WHO/UNICEF monitoring tool was used, while sensitisation with all participants was carried out to discuss the importance of good hygiene practices. Installing tippy taps from locally available materials using the Community Led Total Sanitation (CLTS) approach was also discussed. WASH sensitisation and awareness information materials were printed and posted in strategic school spaces. Direct procurement of materials was carried out by the Finance and Administration Officer through trusted suppliers. Delivery of materials to beneficiaries’ homes was thereafter done by the staff; there were no difficulties at this time with roads because the heavy rains had not yet come. After the delivery of materials, beneficiaries were happy and Jalia Namara said, “ I can’t wait for the first drop of water from my own tank”. Several supervision and monitoring visits were held. The Programme Manager made continuous site supervision and monitoring visits during the construction process to establish the progress of works, interacted with the engineer about the quality of works and effective use of construction materials. A baseline and endline data collection exercise was held in order to establish information critical for determining impact changes resulting from the intervention. The beneficiaries have saved more than an hour a day which they used to collect water. They can now use that time for more productive work. In addition the water is clean and can be shared with neighbouring households for many months of the year. It was also encouraging to see improved hand washing behaviour and hygiene resulting from accessibility to the tanks. Before, none of the four households had hand washing facilities. It only became possible after the construction of the tanks. P: “I still don’t believe that I can get clean water at any time I want so easily. My husband commented the other day that I am now always clean because I bathe twice a day. My children are the happiest because they now wear clean uniforms throughout the week. Washing utensils, clothes and even bathing is much easier and quicker than before”. N was very emotional about her struggle with fetching water from a distance: “ I can’t even tell you my struggle carrying a 20litre container (20 kg) for more than an hour from the pond. At my age, my back is not strong enough, so I would keep making stops along the way to rest a bit. It would take me 1hr and 30 minutes to get only 20 litres of water which was never enough for us on a day we wanted to wash clothes. So, now you see how this tank has really saved me from all this struggle for water. I’m a happier grand mum now, it takes me less than a minute to get water from my house, I no longer even use or lift those big containers”.

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(In the UK we use on average 140 litres of water per person per day. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), between 50 and 100 litres of water per person per day are needed to ensure that most basic needs are met, and few health concerns arise.) This project is a small contribution to the attainment of Sustainable Development Goal no.6 for ensuring availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.

For this project we are very grateful for the support of The Drinking Fountain Association and the Christadelphian Meal-aDay Fund UK.

Menstrual Health Management (MHM)

Menstruation is a key challenge for girls in rural and poor communities where culture and resultant practices cause stigma keeping them out of school for a week each month. Conversations about periods hardly happen at home and girls are left with no guidance or information on how to manage them. Schools have also been reluctant to have these conversations with the girls and have allowed stigmatisation as many boys shame, embarrass, and exclude menstruating girls from school activities.

In 2022 we found that 90% of girls missed school during their periods and understood very little about what was happening to their bodies, and that teachers were unequipped to provide information to the girls. Activities did not start until term 3 as there was a delay in funding, but it was a very busy term.

The aim of the project is to increase attendance of 210 menstruating girls in rural primary schools in Kashare Sub-County, SW Uganda. Menstrual hygiene training courses and the distribution of menstrual kits were held in six public primary schools in Kashare: Nombe, Nchune, Rugarura, Kyenshama, Mirongo and Kitongore. The Projects Coordinator held engagement meetings with head teachers of the benefiting schools and popularised the approach of the project. The head teachers gave permission for the training to go ahead and added the MHM training sessions to their school timetables. The Projects Coordinator carried out pre training and post training knowledge, attitude and practice surveys to ensure that the training was being understood and acted upon.

The procurement of menstrual kits was done by the Finance and Administration Officer. The kits consisted of a bar of soap, a towel, two reusable sanitary pads and two pairs of pants. The pads, Afripads Uganda Company, are certified as hygienic and reusable that last for 12 months. The pads can be homemade, but for this project we wanted to be sure the pads were safe for everyone.

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Twenty-four MHM training sessions were held in the six schools (four per school):

A standard questionnaire known as ‘Tools for Assessing Menstrual Hygiene Management in Schools’ developed by UNICEF and modified by KICS to fit into context was used. This tool assesses knowledge about menstruation, personal experiences and attitudes and behaviours (practices) during menstruation. This data was collected before the start of the first training session. Then shortly before the end of term 3 towards the end of November, the Projects Coordinator visited all the schools again and collected post training data. The table below illustrates a summary of results from the KAP surveys which compared the situation before the training and after the training in all the benefiting schools.

Before MHM training Percentage After MHM training Percentage
Women and girls menstruate
because they are sick		 59% Women and girls menstruate
because it is natural		 98%
Didn’t know what to do during
menstruation		 89% Accessed MHM information
from KICS for the first time
ever		 97%
Used pieces of cloth to manage
periods		 90% Used reusable pads from
KICS to manage periods		 100%
Girls
go
home
immediately
menstruation
starts
while
at
school and come back after
completion		 72% Started
attending
school
regularly even during their
menstruation periods		 100%
Treated
differently
in
their
periods (stigmatised)		 80% Treated differently in their
periods (stigmatised)		 15%
Didn’t know when their periods
were coming		 89% Are now aware when their
periods are coming		 94%

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“Before attending KICS training, I used not to attend school during my period. I would be afraid of staining my uniform and would fall sick for 3-4 days. But after the training I realised that menstruation is natural, healthy and a normal thing for girls. Now I attend school every day and hope to improve my grades”.

“Before attending MHM sessions, I used to be afraid of being near boys or sitting near others in class, because I would feel ashamed, and I would be afraid of staining my uniform, but now am able to attend school regularly, sit near boys because I feel confident and protected”.

In 2024, improved WC facilities will be completed at these schools.

Conclusion

Menstruation and hygiene are underrated issues which pose a great difficulty in rural schools. They largely contribute to poor academic performance and school dropout in the long run if there are no remedies or interventions in place. KICS’ MHM training and distribution of sanitary kits is a step in the right direction.

We are grateful to The Coles-Medlock Foundation, the supporters of a Crowdfunder campaign and the private donor for their generous support of this project.

Partnership and KICS Office

KICS UK worked closely with KICS Uganda board and staff members on their strategic plans. In an uncertain funding environment, it is difficult to make plans, despite the high levels of funds raised in 2023. KICS Uganda finalised their strategic plan in 2024.

Annual Meeting 21 May 2023

This was held at the Waterloo Action Centre in their sunny Mezzanine room. As required, KICS trustees were voted in for the final months of the operation of the association (no. 1132288). Trustees presented to supporters in the room and online our 2022 Annual Report and accounts, and our plans for 2023 and beyond. The new CIO was introduced. Finally, we were delighted to welcome Tim Monger from sister charity Amigos Worldwide who gave a very interesting presentation about his charity’s agriculture project in Uganda. He invited KICS to visit their training centre near Kampala, which staff did a few months later.

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Financial Review

Review of the charity’s Para 1.21 financial position at the end of the period

Introduction

During 2023, KICS completed its transition to a CIO (see above), having registered the CIO in August 2022. KICS the CIO is required to report to the Charity Commission from 25 August 2022 to December 2023. The association reported all KICS activities and finances to December 2022. For some months of 2023, KICS ran two bank accounts, one in the name of the old association, one in the name of the CIO. As the association officially merged with the CIO, and as the Charity Commission did not require the association to report after December 2022, it was decided by the trustees to present all 2023 income and expenditure as coming under the CIO. In this way, no income and expenditure has been unreported.

Brought forward from 2022 and reserves

The opening balance on 1 January 2023 was £39,326, made up of £7,048 unrestricted reserves, £22,766 other unrestricted funds and £9,422 restricted or project funding.

Income

Total income during 2023 was £78,981, £32,042 more than in the previous year (£46,939). This comprised £67,334 restricted (project) funds and £11,647 unrestricted funds. Of the total, £52,804 was from charitable trusts, £1,500 from companies, £24,533 from individual donors, £59 from noncontributory retail schemes and £65 from bank interest.

Charitable Trusts

Grants were gratefully received from the following trusts and foundations (with the project they supported in brackets):

supported in brackets):
Christadelphian Meal-a-Day Fund UK (WASH) £15,795
The Coles-Medlock Foundation £3,000
The Drinking Fountain Association (WASH) £2,000
Educational and General Charitable Trust £5,000
The Lef-Pillon Charitable Trust (WELL)
 £12,838
The Souter Charitable Trust (WELL) £3,000
Gilchrist Educational Trust (ELS)
 £1,171
The Waterloo Foundation (ELS)
 £10,000
Total £52,804

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Companies

There were two donations from companies to which a supporter had provided speaking services.

Individual donors including campaigns and fundraisers

Most of our individual or private donors are friends and family of our founders, or past and current trustees. They support us through regular donations or answer our requests when we launch a campaign or ask for support for a specific activity. Their support allows us to show charitable trusts and companies that we have a broad base of public support.

In 2023 individual (sometimes called private donors) donated a total of £24,553 of which £10,524 was restricted funding for projects and £14,029 was unrestricted funding. We received five donations of over £1,000. We launched two public appeals this year on the JustGiving platform: Agriculture and the 2023 Christmas Appeal for RONCO. We undertook a Crowdfunding campaign (on the Crowdfunder platform) for Menstrual Health Education. There were also some donations from the 2022 Christmas Appeal for RONCO. Fiona Bristow walked 50km (the Itchen Way) in a day which also raised funds for agriculture via a fundraiser page attached to the main agriculture campaign. Together these campaigns raised £6,398 (a little more than 2022).

Expenditure

Total expenditure in 2023 was £64,084, including £60,926 which was transferred (granted) to Uganda. This was £7,055 more than the previous year, reflecting the uptick in activities, although some were started later as funding became available. Transfers were made quarterly.

Expenditure includes staff salaries and office costs which were allocated to the various projects in proportion to the manpower required. Salaries paid by KICS totalled £19,000 and the KICS Uganda Office cost £3,319 in 2023.

These are the amounts transferred to Uganda for the following projects.

Microcredit – operations
 £2,951
Education & Welfare (RONCO)
 £9,620
Agriculture
 £10,660
Student sponsorship £2,189
Women's Literacy & Livelihoods (WELL) £12,405
English Language Scheme
 £1,568
In-service Teacher Training £666
Waterprojects(WASH)
 £14,822

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Menstrual Hygiene Education £3,054
Strategic Review (Uganda)
 £2,338
Partnership with KICS Uganda
 £652
UK Administration & bank charges
 £1,191
Legal costs of incorporation £1,968
Total £64,084

In 2023, 95% of expenditure was on projects in Uganda. UK costs were again higher this year due to the legal costs of incorporation in addition to membership of network organisation Bond, insurance, fundraising platform membership, IT costs and money transfer charges. See our 2023 Summary of Financial Activity for comparisons with previous years.

Closing balances

KICS ended 2023 with £54,132 carried forward, made up of £7,089 unrestricted reserves, £25,479 in other unrestricted funds and £21,564 in restricted or project funding. Restricted funds included a balance of donations for RONCO, agriculture, ELS, ITT, WASH and Menstrual Health Education. Other funds ended the year at zero, as per our policy to use unrestricted funds to fund any deficits in restricted funding at the end of the year. Some unrestricted funds carried forward are essential to the smooth funding of projects as funds are spent in the same year that they are raised, which is described more fully in our reserves policy.

A huge thank you to all our donors for their support.

Financial plan for 2024

In line with our change in strategy (see above), we will finish our current WASH and menstrual health education projects and we don’t have plans to continue fundraising for those activities. We will continue to support the microcredit project with funds to cover the salaries of senior staff and shared office costs, but also seek funding for client training. Our education and welfare project, previously known as RONCO, has been renamed the Pre and Primary education project (PEP) as we will primarily focus on pre-primary and primary education. We will recruit new children for ‘full’ support so that we have 60 children in the programme again and extend the project on a pilot basis to provide breakfast for a further 200 children, who would otherwise be hungry at school.

The agriculture project will finish its two-year programme with 100 farmers, and during the year we will assess how to continue in 2025. As the current funding for the literacy and livelihood project

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comes to an end, we will apply for further funding to complete new cohorts of beginners and
advanced learners, the latter with business training.
We have secured funding for 2024 and 2025 for the roll out of our Sub-County wide in-service
teacher training project (ITT) thanks to the Gilchrist Educational Trust, The Waterloo Foundation
and the Allan and Nesta Ferguson Charitable Settlement.
We have plans to send one of our trustees, Fiona Bristow, to Uganda in 2024 or early 2025 to
provide oversight and technical help.
New trustees are skilled in communications, and we plan to upgrade the website and be more active
on social media, in order to recruit more supporters.
Our fundraising plan continues to be a mix of applications to charitable trusts and private donations
either through regular donations or through campaigns and personal fundraisers. Our target to fund
the projects above and to maintain our unrestricted reserve is £62,000. Additional funds would allow
us to reach more people in need.
Para 1.22 Until 29 August 2023, unrestricted reserves were held in a separate account accruing negligible
interest but accessible at all times. That account was closed, and funds were transferred to our main
account.
We annually approve a reserves policy which emphasises not only the need for unrestricted
reserves for use in emergencies but also our use and reliance on the unrestricted funds which we
use to underwrite some projects until restricted funds are raised.
In April 2023 we set up a new bank account for the CIO with the Co-operative Bank, into which all
KICS funds were eventually transferred. At present we do not hold a separate unrestricted reserve.
Amount of reserve held Para 1.22 On 31 December 2023, we held £32,658 of unrestricted funds (after project funds in deficit – those
which had not attracted sufficient restricted funding - had been zeroed).
Reasons for holding zero
reserves		 Para 1.22 n/a
Details of fund materially in
deficit		 Para 1.24 No funds were in deficit at the end of the year. Unrestricted funds are allocated so that all funds end
the year on zero or above.
Explanation
of
any
uncertainties
about
the		 Para 1.23 n/a

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charity continuing as a going concern

Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:

The
charity’s
principal
sources of funds (including
any fundraising)		 Para 1.47 Sources of income in 2023 were as follows:
Individuals incl. Gift Aid
£24,553
Trusts
£52,804
Companies
£1,500
Non-contributory
£58
Interest
£65
Total
£78,981
Includes fundraising events run by individuals to raise money for KICS
Investment
policy
and
objectives
including
any
social
investment
policy
adopted		 Para 1.46 n/a
A description of the principal
risks facing the charity		 Para 1.46 The charity depends on volunteers to carry out the administrative, fundraising and technical support
functions, which can be time consuming. Trustees are looking for ways to spread the load and
eventually to institute a paid role.
Other The terms of reference for a strategic review were agreed with KICS Uganda and the review took
place in March 2023. KICS and KICS Uganda undertook detailed discussions about each project to
understand better how they could be improved. Microcredit proved to be in a complicated situation,
with the need to run an efficient system which generates revenue balanced against the
developmental aim of the project to effectively support women to set up and run businesses which
provide them with income. An additional consultancy was funded to look at the microcredit
programme within the strategic review.
KICS drew up and agreed its own ‘Road Map’ setting out broad aims for the future. It sets out our
aim to focus on some activities, e.g. education and livelihoods, but to stop funding activities like
water and sanitation and menstrual health education. It is extremely hard to do many varied activities
well. To do activities on a larger scale, greater technical expertise is needed toprovide the evidence

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of impact etc. We simply do not have the skills and resources to provide this in all the areas we work in.

Structure, Governance and Management

Description of charity’s trusts: n/a
Type of governing document
(trust deed, royal charter)		 Para 1.25 Charitable Incorporated Organisation
How
is
the
charity
constituted?
(e.g
unincorporated
association, CIO)		 Para 1.25 Charitable Incorporated Organisation KICS registered a CIO in August 2022 with the same name
and objects as the previous association. Charity number 1200172. The legal transfer agreement
was signed in October 2022 which transferred all assets from the association to the CIO. In March
2023 the CIO opened a bank account with the Co-operative Bank. On 29 November the association
(1132288) merged with the CIO and closed. Information about the past activities of the association
can be accessed through the CIO entry on the Charity Commission website.
Trustee selection methods
including
details
of
any
constitutional provisions e.g.,
election to post or name of
any person or body entitled to
appoint one or more trustees		 Para 1.25 KICS advertises for new trustees among its networks and on volunteer websites. Potential new
trustees are interviewed and invited to attend a meeting. All trustees are consulted before an offer
is made.
After serving a three-month probationary period, new trustees are entered on the Charity
Commission’s website.

Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:

Policies and procedures Para 1.51 adopted for the induction and training of trustees The charity’s organisational Para 1.51 KICS is a member of Bond (network of international development organisations in the UK) and is structure and any wider active in the Small International Development Charities Network. network with which the charity works

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Relationship with any related
parties		 Para 1.51 KICS signed a new Memorandum of Understanding with KICS Uganda in 2023 specifying more
clearly the areas of cooperation.
Other During 2023 we remained without a chair, due to difficulties in recruitment. However, in late 2023 a
highly suitable candidate was identified, and they will take up their position in 2024.

Reference and Administrative details

Charity name Kanaama Interactive Community Support
Other name the charity uses KICS
Registered charity number 1200172
Charity’s principal address 17 Victoria Mews, London SW18 3PY

Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity (CIO)

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13		 Trustee name Office (if any) Dates acted if not for whole
year		 Name of person (or body) entitled
to appoint trustee (if any)
Madeleine Joubert Chair Until November 2022
Anna McKane Secretary
John Watson Treasurer
Fiona Bristow Director
Laura Milillo
Carol Sherman
JennyEaston From June 2023

2023 Kanaama Interactive Community Support (reg charity no. 1200172) TAR

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14 15 16 17 18 19

– Corporate trustees names of the directors at the date the report was approved

Director name

Name of trustees holding title to property belonging to the charity

Trustee name Dates acted if not for whole year

2023 Kanaama Interactive Community Support (reg charity no. 1200172) TAR

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2023 Kanaama Interactive Community Support {reg charity no. 1200172} TAR Page 33

Funds held as custodian trustees on behalf of others

Description of the assets held n/a in this capacity

Name and objects of the n/a charity on whose behalf the assets are held and how these fall within the custodian charity’s objects Details of arrangements for n/a safe custody and segregation of such assets from the charity’s own assets

Additional information (optional)

Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information)

Type of Name Address adviser

Name of chief executive or names of senior staff members (Optional information)

Fiona Bristow

2023 Kanaama Interactive Community Support (reg charity no. 1200172) TAR

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Exemptions from disclosure

Reason for non-disclosure of key personnel details

Other optional information

2023 Kanaama Interactive Community Support (reg charity no. 1200172) TAR

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Declarations

The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above.

Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees

----- Start of picture text -----
Signature(s)
Fiona Bristow
Full name(s) [John Watson ]
Position (eg Secretary, Treasurer Trustee
Chair, etc)
Date
25 June 2024
----- End of picture text -----

2023 Kanaama Interactive Community Support (reg charity no. 1200172) TAR

Page 36

KANAAMA INTERACTIVE COMMUNITY SUPPORT (Charity no. 1200172) INTERACTIVE COMMUNITY SUPPORT (Charity no. 1200172) INTERACTIVE COMMUNITY SUPPORT (Charity no. 1200172)
SUMMARY OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITY
31-Dec-23
Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Total funds 2023 Total funds 2022
£ £ £ £
Balance Brought Forward 29,814.31 9,421.68 39,235.99 49,326.37
Income
Microcredit - operations 2,596.09 355.00 2,951.09 3,225.71
RONCO 8,129.52 8,129.52 6,596.08
Agriculture 4,759.04 4,759.04 3,000.00
Agriculture for 2023 6,000.00
Other activities 49.21 1,975.00 2,024.21 615.75
WELL 15,863.00 15,863.00 5,932.04
English Language Scheme 4,073.55 4,073.55 2,014.69
ELS - TWF 10,000.00 10,000.00 -
Financial Training fund - - 161.23
Water projects 99.85 17,795.00 17,894.85 12,115.00
Menstrual Hygiene Ed 4,383.43 4,383.43 1,139.00
Partnership 651.49 - 651.49 873.36
Strategic Review 2,337.87 - 2,337.87 -
Administration 1,055.01 - 1,055.01 973.17
Kashare visit - - - 1,773.00
Legal costs 1,968.00 - 1,968.00 2,232.00
Bank transfer charges 135.80 - 135.80 133.20
Covid Fund - - 219.45
Unrestricted (incl. interest) 2,753.87 - 2,753.87 - 64.50
Total incoming resources 11,647.19 67,333.54 78,980.73 46,939.18
Expenditure
Microcredit - operations 2,596.09 355.00 2,951.09 3,225.71
RONCO 9,620.58 9,620.58 15,092.29
Agriculture/innovation 10,660.09 10,660.09 2,402.80
Other Activities 49.21 2,140.05 2,189.26 1,463.72
WELL 12,405.61 12,405.61 7,608.44
English Language Scheme 1,567.88 1,567.88 5,581.88
ELS - TWF 665.90 665.90 -
Financial Training Fund - - 396.65
Water projects 99.85 14,722.02 14,821.87 12,115.00
Menstrual Hygiene 3,053.98 3,053.98 2,938.89
Partnership 651.49 - 651.49 873.36
Strategic Review 2,337.87 - 2,337.87 -
Administration 1,055.01 - 1,055.01 973.17
Kashare visit - - 1,773.00
Legal costs 1,968.00 - 1,968.00 2,232.00
Bank Charges 135.80 - 135.80 133.20
Covid Fund - - 219.45
Unrestricted (salaries and office) - - -
Total resources expended 8,893.32 55,191.11 64,084.43 57,029.56
Net incoming/ (outgoing) 2,753.87 12,142.43 14,896.30 - 10,090.38
Balance Carried Forward 32,568.18 21,564.11 54,132.29 39,235.99
BALANCE SHEET Unrestricted Restricted Balance at
31/12/2023		 Balance at
31/12/2022
Bank balances:
Current 25,479.12 21,564.11 47,043.23 32,187.94
Savings 7,089.06 - 7,089.06 7,048.05
Total 32,568.18 21,564.11 54,132.29 39,235.99
Funds summary at 31 Dec 2023 Unrestricted Restricted Balance at
31/12/2023		 Balance at
31/12/2022
Microcredit - operations - - -
RONCO 947.74 947.74 438.80
RONCO for 2022 & 2023 - - 2,000.00
Agriculture 696.15 696.15 597.20
Agriculture for 2023 - - 6,000.00
Other Activities - - 165.05
WELL 3,457.39 3,457.39 -
English Language Scheme 2,505.67 2,505.67 -
ELS - TWF 9,334.10 9,334.10 -
Financial Training Fund - - -
Water Projects 3,119.35 3,119.35 46.37
Menstrual Hygiene 1,503.71 1,503.71 174.26
Partnership - - -
Strategic Review - - -
UK Administration - - -
Kashare visit - - -
Legal costs - - -
Bank Charges - - -
Covid Fund - - -
Unrestricted(incl. reserve) 32,568.18 - 32,568.18 29,814.31
Total 32,568.18 21,564.11 54,132.29 39,235.99

Independent examiner's report on the accounts

Report to the trustees Charity Name KANAAMA INTERACTIVE COMMUNITY SUPPORT On accounts for the year 2023 Charity no 1200172 ended (if any) Set out on pages 1-143

(remember to include the page numbers of additional sheets)

I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above 31 / 12 / 2023 .

Responsibilities and As the charity's trustees, you are responsible for the preparation of the basis of report accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 .

I report in respect of my examination of the 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 I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have examiner's statement 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 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.

Signed: Date: 23/03/2024 Name: Jack Lawlor-Anderson Relevant professional qualification(s) or body (if any): Address: 123 Liner House, 16 Admiralty Avenue, London E16 2SJ

1

Oct 2018

IER

Section B Disclosure

Only complete if the examiner needs to highlight material matters of concern (see CC32, Independent examination of charity accounts: directions and guidance for examiners).

Give here brief details of any items that the examiner wishes to disclose .

Pages 1-143 are those of the included in the following documents provided by KICS:

Excel KICS UK Accounts: 1 - 124 PDF Accounts: 125 143

Noted that they switch bank accounts in the financial year with all transfers complete and the closure of the HSBC account

Formally charity number 1132288 after moving to a Charitable Incorporated Organisation

2

Oct 2018

IER

KANAAMA INTERACTIVE COMMUNITY SUPPORT (Charity no. 1200172) INTERACTIVE COMMUNITY SUPPORT (Charity no. 1200172) INTERACTIVE COMMUNITY SUPPORT (Charity no. 1200172)
SUMMARY OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITY
31-Dec-23
Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Total funds 2023 Total funds 2022
£ £ £ £
Balance Brought Forward 29,814.31 9,421.68 39,235.99 49,326.37
Income
Microcredit - operations 2,596.09 355.00 2,951.09 3,225.71
RONCO 8,129.52 8,129.52 6,596.08
Agriculture 4,759.04 4,759.04 3,000.00
Agriculture for 2023 6,000.00
Other activities 49.21 1,975.00 2,024.21 615.75
WELL 15,863.00 15,863.00 5,932.04
English Language Scheme 4,073.55 4,073.55 2,014.69
ELS - TWF 10,000.00 10,000.00 -
Financial Training fund - - 161.23
Water projects 99.85 17,795.00 17,894.85 12,115.00
Menstrual Hygiene Ed 4,383.43 4,383.43 1,139.00
Partnership 651.49 - 651.49 873.36
Strategic Review 2,337.87 - 2,337.87 -
Administration 1,055.01 - 1,055.01 973.17
Kashare visit - - - 1,773.00
Legal costs 1,968.00 - 1,968.00 2,232.00
Bank transfer charges 135.80 - 135.80 133.20
Covid Fund - - 219.45
Unrestricted (incl. interest) 2,753.87 - 2,753.87 - 64.50
Total incoming resources 11,647.19 67,333.54 78,980.73 46,939.18
Expenditure
Microcredit - operations 2,596.09 355.00 2,951.09 3,225.71
RONCO 9,620.58 9,620.58 15,092.29
Agriculture/innovation 10,660.09 10,660.09 2,402.80
Other Activities 49.21 2,140.05 2,189.26 1,463.72
WELL 12,405.61 12,405.61 7,608.44
English Language Scheme 1,567.88 1,567.88 5,581.88
ELS - TWF 665.90 665.90 -
Financial Training Fund - - 396.65
Water projects 99.85 14,722.02 14,821.87 12,115.00
Menstrual Hygiene 3,053.98 3,053.98 2,938.89
Partnership 651.49 - 651.49 873.36
Strategic Review 2,337.87 - 2,337.87 -
Administration 1,055.01 - 1,055.01 973.17
Kashare visit - - 1,773.00
Legal costs 1,968.00 - 1,968.00 2,232.00
Bank Charges 135.80 - 135.80 133.20
Covid Fund - - 219.45
Unrestricted (salaries and office) - - -
Total resources expended 8,893.32 55,191.11 64,084.43 57,029.56
Net incoming/ (outgoing) 2,753.87 12,142.43 14,896.30 - 10,090.38
Balance Carried Forward 32,568.18 21,564.11 54,132.29 39,235.99
BALANCE SHEET Unrestricted Restricted Balance at
31/12/2023		 Balance at
31/12/2022
Bank balances:
Current 25,479.12 21,564.11 47,043.23 32,187.94
Savings 7,089.06 - 7,089.06 7,048.05
Total 32,568.18 21,564.11 54,132.29 39,235.99
Funds summary at 31 Dec 2023 Unrestricted Restricted Balance at
31/12/2023		 Balance at
31/12/2022
Microcredit - operations - - -
RONCO 947.74 947.74 438.80
RONCO for 2022 & 2023 - - 2,000.00
Agriculture 696.15 696.15 597.20
Agriculture for 2023 - - 6,000.00
Other Activities - - 165.05
WELL 3,457.39 3,457.39 -
English Language Scheme 2,505.67 2,505.67 -
ELS - TWF 9,334.10 9,334.10 -
Financial Training Fund - - -
Water Projects 3,119.35 3,119.35 46.37
Menstrual Hygiene 1,503.71 1,503.71 174.26
Partnership - - -
Strategic Review - - -
UK Administration - - -
Kashare visit - - -
Legal costs - - -
Bank Charges - - -
Covid Fund - - -
Unrestricted(incl. reserve) 32,568.18 - 32,568.18 29,814.31
Total 32,568.18 21,564.11 54,132.29 39,235.99