AKAYA Foundation
Charity Number: 120432
For the year 31 December 2023
The Trustees have complied with their duty to have due regard to the guidance on the public benefit published by the Charity Commission.
CHARITABLE OBJECTIVES
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To advance the education and personal development of young people living in Ghana (and such other parts of Africa) and the UK. In particular, but not exclusively through the delivery of school outreach programmes, educational events and mentorship.
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To relieve the poverty of young people living in Ghana (and such other parts of Africa) and the UK. In particular, but not limited to the provision or assistance of healthcare projects and educational materials.
OUR VISION AND MISSION
Our mission is focusing on the personal and professional development of the next generation of female leaders by building their confidence, centering their voices and ensuring they reach their full potential. Our vision is to ensure that all girls thrive and the next generation survives.
We are an organisation dedicated to seeing that girls and young women have the confidence to take ownership of their journeys’ in good knowledge and in good health , in order to thrive in their own world and that of the next generations’. Therefore, aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goals 3 (Good health and Wellbeing), 4 (Quality Education) and 5 (Gender Equality).
CHAIRPERSON’S REPORT
2023 has been a groundbreaking year at AKAYA. With it being the year we officially launched, the impact has thus far has been phenomenal. This year has definitely birthed immense growth, Despite facing a few challenges of being a newly incorporated charity, we successfully showcased ourselves to the world and began to lay the groundwork for long-term impact through our programmes.
The world around us continues to present unprecedented trials. From the deep-rooted systemic gender inequalities to the broader societal challenges that women face in many Black communities, it has become more evident that our work is crucial. The struggles faced by the young women we serve remind us of the long journey still ahead.
However, these very challenges have only strengthened our resolve. The year has shown us that our efforts are needed now more than ever. We have learned that empowering the next generation of female leaders is not just a vision but an urgent necessity. We must continue to create spaces where young women can thrive, overcome barriers, and lead with confidence.
We end the year grateful for where we stand and hopeful that we can continue to impact many more lives. We couldn’t have done this without the phenomenal support of our donors, partners, volunteers and the inspiring young women we serve - Thank You!
TRUSTEE’S REPORT
2023 was a significant year for AKAYA Foundation, marking the formal launch of our work as a dedicated organization empowering girls and young women. Our mission centres around equipping young women with the confidence, leadership skills, and support necessary to reach their full potential. Despite the challenges we faced in our first year, AKAYA’s programs laid a strong foundation for future growth and impact.
Throughout the year, our efforts focused on four major initiatives: the Like Her Project, the Summer Internship Programme, The AfriGirl Conference and our contributions to Project Esi. These projects have allowed us to reach young women, tackling issues such as menstrual health, leadership development, and education.
The Like Her Project
The Like Her Project is one of AKAYA’s most impactful initiatives and was a major focus in 2023. The project addresses the challenges young girls face regarding menstrual health and hygiene. Many girls in these communities miss school due to a lack of access to sanitary products, and others are forced to engage in unsafe practices to obtain them. The Like Her Project directly addresses this issue by providing reusable and biodegradable sanitary pads alongside menstrual health education.
In 2023, the project reached approximately 1,000 girls. Through workshops, we educated girls on menstrual hygiene, sexual health, and self-confidence, and provided a safe space for them to discuss their experiences. The girls also participated in sessions on public speaking and personal empowerment, aiming to boost their communication skills and self-esteem.
The Summer Internship Programme
In 2023, we launched the first iteration of the Summer Internship Programme, a 2.5-month initiative aimed at developing the personal and professional skills of female university students. The program provided mentorship, training, and coaching to help participants build leadership skills, emotional intelligence, and employability. Expert speakers from various fields shared their insights with the interns, covering topics such as leadership development, public speaking, and creating social impact.
This programme was designed to be more than just an internship; it was a transformative experience where young women worked together to pitch social action projects. These projects were not only an opportunity for them to give back to their communities but also a practical application of the leadership and problem-solving skills they developed throughout the program.
Feedback from the interns was overwhelmingly positive. Participants highlighted the confidence they gained and the sense of belonging to a network of like-minded women. Many of them credited the program with preparing them for their professional journeys and giving them the tools to navigate their academic and career paths with newfound clarity and purpose.
The AfriGirl Conference
The AfriGirl Conference, held in October 2023, brought together 1,000 school girls and young women to celebrate the International Day of the Girl Child. This event was a landmark moment for AKAYA, as it provided a platform for girls to engage with speakers and workshops that inspired them to become leaders in their communities.
The conference featured a series of keynote speeches from influential figures in the fields of education, leadership, and technology. Workshops focused on a wide range of topics, including STEM education, creativity, digital literacy, and self-empowerment. The event was designed to fuel the ambitions of the young attendees and equip them with the knowledge to take control of their futures.
The impact of the AfriGirl Conference went beyond the event itself, as many attendees shared their reflections on how the experience inspired them to pursue their dreams with more confidence. We are proud of the connections and conversations this event fostered, and it will remain a cornerstone of our annual programming.
Project Esi
Project Esi is an annual school development and renovation initiative, and AKAYA was proud to contribute to this important cause in December 2023. This year, our efforts focused on The Stages Academy, a school that provides education to children from low-income families who cannot afford school fees.
AKAYA’s support helped with critical infrastructure upgrades, including re-doing the school’s foundation and pillars to ensure the safety of the students. We also contributed to partitioning classrooms and providing essential furnishings such as tables, chairs, and educational supplies. Our involvement in Project Esi reflects our commitment to creating safe and conducive learning environments for the next generation of leaders.
Challenges and Future Plans
While 2023 was a year of significant achievement for AKAYA, we also faced challenges typical of a new organization. One of our primary obstacles was securing sustained funding to expand our programs and reach more communities. We are grateful for the support from our partners and donors, whose contributions made our first year possible, but there is much more to be done.
Looking ahead to 2024, we plan to expand the Like Her Project to more areas in need and work closely with government bodies to push for menstrual health policy reform. Additionally, we will continue to develop our Summer Internship Programme and launch the Aya Initiative, ensuring that these initiatives reach more girls and provide even greater impact. We also hope to collaborate with more organisations to strengthen our programs and increase our reach.
Conclusion
In our inaugural year, AKAYA has laid a solid foundation for future growth and impact. The Like Her Project, Summer Internship Programme, AfriGirl Conference, and Project Esi have touched the lives of over 2,000 young women and girls. We are incredibly proud of what we have achieved in 2023 and are excited for the opportunities that lie ahead.
As we move forward, we remain committed to empowering Black women and girls to become confident, self-sufficient leaders. We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has supported us thus far—our volunteers, partners, donors, and the incredible young women who inspire us every day.
Together, we are shaping the future of the next generation of female leaders.
FINANCIAL REVIEW
We intend to spend all funds awarded to the charity responsibility and solely on fulfilling our mission.
Financial Position
Total funds at the end of the year £1056
Reserves - £1000 Unrestricted Funds - £56
Reserves Policy
The AKAYA Foundation maintains a reserve of £1000 to provide a level of working capital that protects the continuity of our core work, provide a level of funding for unexpected opportunities and provide cover for risks such as unforeseen expenditure or unanticipated loss of income. This is also supplemented by our unrestricted funds which also help to bolster funds available for this purpose.
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
Governing Document - Constitution
The AKAYA Foundation is constituted as a CIO Foundation.
Registered Number - 120432
Recruitment and Appointment of Trustees
Dr Khadija Owusu, Mr Sammy Duah and Dr Nadia Ibrahim were appointed on the formation of the charity and form the current board of trustees.
We have the intention to expand the board of trustees by recruiting for trustees in specific roles based on organisational needs identified.
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS
The AKAYA Foundation
Registered Charity Number - 120432
Principal Address
12 Fyfield Six Acres Estate
London N4 3PJ
Trustees
Dr K Owusu Mr S Duah Dr N Ibrahim
Charity No: 120432
AKAYA Foundation
CIO Foundation
Annual Report and Accounts
For the year 21 December 2021
STATEMENT OF RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS
For the 12 month period 21st December 2022 to 21st December 2023
| Receipts | Receipts | Payments | Payments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Donations | 22063 | Expenses for fundraising activities | 139 |
| Bank Interest | 43 | Payments relating directly to charitable activities |
19585.80 |
| Bank Charges | 124 | ||
| Telephone and internet | 191.20 | ||
| Printing, postage, stationary and computer supplies |
1010 | ||
| Total | 22106 | Total | 21050 |
STATEMENT OF BALANCES
Cash and bank balances at the start of the year = £0
Cash and bank balances at the end of the year = £1056
DECLARATION
The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above.
Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees:
Trustee - Dr Khadija Owusu
19/10/24