AKAYA Foundation Charily Number.. 1201432 For the year 31 December 2024 The Trustees conlirm Ihal they have complied with their duty to have due regard to the guidance on the public beneh't published by the Charity Commission. CHARITABLE OBJECTIVES l. To advance the educalion and personal developmenl of young people living in Ghana land such other parts of Africa) and the UK. In particular. but not exclusively through the delivery of school outreach programmes. educational even*s and mentorship. 2. To relieve the poverty of young people living in Ghana land 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 Ihe personal and professional development of the next generation of female leaders by building their conh'dence. cenlering their voices and ensuring they reach their full potential. Our vision is to ensure Ihat all girls thrive and Ihe nexi generalion survives. We are an organisation dedicaled io seeing that girls and young women have ihe confidence lo take ownership of their journeys. in good knowledge and in good he31th. in order to thrive in their own world and that of Ihe next 9enerations'. Therefore. aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goals 3 (Good heallh and Wellbeing). 4 (Quality Education) and 5 {Gender Equality). CHAIRPERSON'S REPORT 2024 has been a delining year in AKAYAS journey of growlh. resilience, and deepened impact. Building on the foundation laid in our launch year. we expanded our programmes. grew our partnerships. and reached more girls and young women Ihan ever before. From school lours and rural health education. lo leadership programmes and menlal health support. we have shown what is possible wher) passion meets purpose. While navigating the complexities of global inequality and the persistent challenges faced by girls in underserved communities. we remained guided by our belief in young women's potent181. This year reminded us that systemic issues like period poverty, mental healih stigma. and education81 inequality require not just commitment. but collaboration and community-led solutions. We are proud to have directly impacted over 4.000 girls through our projects and pro9rammes in 2024. We celebrated stories of resilience. community transformation. and empowered leadership. Despile inevitable challenges such as limited resources. rising programme costs. ar)d the demands of scaling our impact, we have stayed grounded in our mission. Weve reh'ned our systems, strengthened our governance, and continued to build a sustainable foundation for the fulure.
As we look ahead to 2025, we do so with renewed purpose and unwavering hope. Thank you to our donors. partners. volunteers. and community for standing with us. Most of all, thank you to the girls and young women of AKAYA - you are our reason. our rhythm. and our future.
TRUSTEE'S REPORT 2024 has been a year of accelerated growlh and deepened impact for the AKAYA Foundation. Now in our second year of official operations. weve continued to stand lirmly in our mission.. equipping young women and girls with the conh'dence. leadership skills. and holistic support they need to Ihrive. With our community-centred and youth-led approach. we expanded our programmes and deepened our partnerships, reaching more girls across underserved communities. This year. our work spanned across several key initiatives. including the Like Her Project. Ihe Summer Internship Programme. The Aya Inilialive and Project Esi. Together. these projects tackled systemic issues ranging from menstrual health and educational inequality to mental health. leadership development, and poverty alleviation. The Like Her Project In 2024, the Like Her Project scaled significantly. Our school sessions reached 18 schools with targeted menstrual health workshops and health education. We launched a pilot school tour in partnership with Pwc. reaching over 300 girls with sessions on menstrual hygiene. conlidence-building, and goal setting. The project focused nol only on providing reusable and biodegradable sanitary pads. but also fostering conversations around menstrual dignity. reproductive health. and gender equity. The Summer Internship Programme Our second cohort of the AKAYA Summer Internship Programme welcomed a new group of passionate and dynamic female university Studenls. In 2024. the programme introduced a new parlnership wilh Remoleli. providing participanls wilh induslry experience following workshops and menlorship from AKAYA. The programme structure remained a hybrid of in-person and virtual aclivilies. but with increased attention to digltal literacy and tech-enabled work readiness. Interns were placed in roles such as Communications. Administralion. Schools Liaison. and Social Media Managemenl. Key sessions were facilitaled by experts across lields including branding. emotional intelligence. career readiness. linance, and public speaking. As a capslone to their learning, the interns successfully pitched a community project focused on upskillin9 teenage mothers in bead making. digital skills, and the production of reusable menstrual cups.
The Aya Initiative LaLJnched in 2024. the Aya Initiative is AKAYA'S flagship empowerment programme for young women who have faced signilicant life challenges. including gender-based violence. teenage pregnancy. and mental health struggles. In 2024, the programme supported 25 girls. helping them build resilience. conlidence. and leadership. The Aya Initiative included a series of trauma-informed workshops focused on mental wellness. personal growth, and leadership. Each participanl was supported by mentors and a peer network. with access to safe spaces for healing and development. A major feature of the programme was the community project pitch. where participants designed and implemented initiatives tackling issues like climale action. mental health. and body positivity in their local areas. AKAYA awarded h.ve community grants lo help bring these projects to life. Feedback from participants showed transformational shifts in self-worth. vision. and community engagement. For many. the Aya initiative was their lirst experience being iruly seen and supported as future leaders. Project Esi 2.0 In 2024, AKAYA continued its commitment to improvin9 educational infrastructure through Project Esi 2.0, our flagship school renovation initialive. This year. we focused on revitalising a primary school in the Eastern Region of Ghana thal lacked basic classroom infrastructure and more. With the support of community members and volunteers. the project included the building on 3 classrooms, a staff room and the headteachers office. As well as painting of classrooms, provision of new desks, installation of electricity, fans and whiteboards. Beyond physic81 renovation. AKAYA hosted empowerment sessions for the pupils. encouraging them to dream boldly and stay in school. Project Esi 2.0 not only enhanced the learning environment for over 100 students but also reinforced our mission of ensuring every girl and child has a safe and supportive space to learn and thrive.
Challenges and Future Plans 2024 was a transformative year for AKAYA Foundalion. marked by increased programmatic reach and community impact. However. like many grassroots organisations. we encountered challenges that tested our resilience. Securing long-term. unrestricted funding continues to be one of our greatest hurdles. As we grow. the need for consistent operational supporl. staffing capacity. and investment in infrastructure becomes increasingly important. In addition. reaching underserved rural communities remains logistically demanding. requiring greater partnerships and resources to sustain our work al scale. Despite these challenges, we remain focused and optimistic about the future. In 2025. we look forward to deepening our impact through several slralegic inilialives. One key area of growth will be the AKAYA Wellness Initiative. a new programme designed to support the holistic wellbeing of young Black women 8nd girls. Launching in Febrtjary and culminating in a London-based summit. the initiative will offer wellness-focused webinars. mentorship. and leadership development activities. priorilising mental health. emotional inlelligence. and personal empowerment. We are also preparing to launch Project Esi 2.5. aiming to renovate and improve additional school facilities. while using the renovation process as an opportunity to foster community engagement and 8dvocacy for inclusive education. Meanwhile. the Aya Initiative will continue to empower vulnerable young women through trauma-informed leadership training. psychosocial support. and the implementation of grassroots community projects. Our ambitions for 2025 include expanding Ihe Like Her Project to reach more 9irls. advocating for more robust menslrual health education policies. and increasing the distribution of suslainable hygiene kits. We also hope to scale our Summer Internship Programme. Looking ahead. our goal is to build a suslainable. community-driven organisalion that nurlures the polenlial of young women and girls. Wilh Ihe continued support of our parlners. donors. and dedicated team. we believe AKAYA is well-posilioned lo shape a future where all girls can thrive, lead, and make lasting impacl. Conclusion 2024 has been a year of deepened impact. bold expansion. and growing momentum at AKAYA. Through the Like Her Project. Summer Internship Programme, Aya Iniliative. Project Esi 2.0 and more, we have directly reached over 4.000 girls and young women, equipping them with the tools, confidence. and community needed to thrive. From rural classrooms to urban wellness spaces, our work has become a lifeline for those too often left behind. This year has nol only reinforced Ihe urgency of our mission but il has also proven the power of what is possible wher) girls are given Ihe chance to lead. As we prepare for 2025. we do so with vision. purpose. and an unwavering commitment to bjilding a society where all girls can thrive. To our donors. partners. volunteers. and the incredible young women we serve: thank you. You are the heartbeat of AKAYA. Together. we are nol just rewrwling stories. we are raising a generation of resilient. powerful leaders. The journey continues.
FINANCIAL REVIEW We intend to spend 811 funds awarded to the charity responsibility and solely on fullilling our mission. Financial Position Total funds at the end of the year £16.714 Reserves - £lOOO Unrestricted Funds - £lOOO Reserves Policy The AKAYA Foundation maintains a reserve of £IOOO io provide a level of working capital that protects the continuity of our core work. provide a level ol fundir)g for unexpected opportunities and provide cover for risks such as unforeseen expenditure oi unanticipated loss of income. This is also supplemented by our unrestricled funds which also help to bo15ter funds available lor this purpose.
Charity no: 1201432
AKAYA Foundation CIO FOUNDATION
Annual Report and Accounts
For the year 31 December 2024
Prepared by DTT Consultancy Ltd
AKAYA Foundation
| Contents | Page |
|---|---|
| Company Information | 1 |
| Statement of Financial Activities | 2 |
| Balance Sheet | 3 |
| Notes to the Accounts | 4-5 |
AKAYA Foundation
Company Information
Trustees
Mr S Duah Trustee Khadija Owusu Trustee Nadia Ibrahim Trustee
Registered office
12 Fyfield Six Acres Estate London N4 3PJ
Registered number
1201432
Accountants
DTT Consultancy Ltd 36 Daffodil Close Hatfield AL10 9FF
Page 1 of 5
AKAYA Foundation
Statement of Financial Activities
For the year 31 December 2024
| Notes Incoming Resources Grant 5.1 Donations Total incoming resources Resources Expended Services Provision 5.2 Management and administration 5.3 Total resources expended Net incoming/(outgoing) resources Net Movements in Funds Prior year adjustments Fund balances brought forward Fund balances carried forward |
2024 2023 Total Total Funds Funds £ £ 26,400 22,063 15,161 43 |
|---|---|
| 41,561 22,106 |
|
| 18,988 19,586 6,302 1,464 |
|
| 25,290 21,050 |
|
| 16,272 1,056 |
|
| 16,272 1,056 (614) 1,056 |
|
| 16,714 1,056 |
Page 2 of 5
AKAYA Foundation
Balance Sheet as at 31st December 2024
| Notes Current Assets Cash at bank and in hand Total Assets Creditors Amounts falling due within one year 2 Net Current Assets/(Liabilities) Total Assets less Current Liabilities Funds Restricted Fund Unrestricted Total Funds 3 |
2024 Total Funds £ 16,964 16,964 (250) 16,714 |
2023 Total Funds £ 1,056 |
|---|---|---|
| 1,056 | ||
| - 1,056 |
||
| 16,714 | 1,056 | |
| 15,714 1,000 16,714 |
- 1,056 |
|
| 1,056 |
Khadija Owusu
Approved by the board virtually on 2nd June 2025
Page 3 of 5
AKAYA Foundation
Notes to the Accounts
For the year 31 December 2024
1. Accounting Policies
Basis of preparation
The Financial Statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention and in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Accounting Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities (SORP 2005), issued in March 2005, UK Accounting Standards and the Charities Act 2011.
Incoming Resources
Incoming resources represents the value, net of value added tax and discounts, of goods provided to customers and work carried out in respect of services provided to customers.
Resources Expended
Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.
Depreciation
Depreciation has been provided at the following rates in order to write off the assets over their estimated useful lives.
| Plant and machinery Motor vehicles 2. Creditors: amounts failing due within one year Trade creditors 3. Profit and loss account At 1 January 2024 Prior year adjustments At 31 December 2024 Profit for the year Funds At 1 January 2024 Net Incoming Funds At 31 December 2024 |
20% straight line 25% straight line 2024 £ 250 2024 £ 1,056 614 16,714 16,272 2024 2023 1,056 - 16,272 1,056 |
|---|---|
| 16,714 1,056 |
4. Trustees' Remuneration and Benefits
There were no trustees' remuneration or other benefits for the year ended 31 December 2024.
Trustees' Expenses
There were no trustees' expenses paid neither for the year ended 31 December 2024.
Page 4 of 5
AKAYA Foundation
Notes to the accounts - continued
For the year 31 December 2024
| 5 Income and Expenditure Account 5.1 Incoming Resources Grant National Lottery Community Fund GirlDreamer Kwanda Subtotal grant Donations Project ESI Other Income Subtotal donations Total Incoming Resources Outgoing Resources 5.2 Services Provision Project ESI Like Her Project Summer Internship Programme Aya Intiative 5.3 Management and Administration of Charity Rent Office Equipment Travel and subsistence Bank Charges Professional & Legal fees Training Admin /Office Multimedia Printing and Stationery Website |
2024 2023 Total Fund Total Fund £ £ 19,900 2,500 4,000 26,400 12,867 2,294 15,161 |
|---|---|
| 41,561 22,106 |
|
| 11,800 4,933 2,150 105 |
|
| 18,988 19,586 |
|
| 1,678 2,280 1,318 217 400 140 126 62 55 25 |
|
| 6,302 1,464 |
Page 5 of 5
The Akaya Foundation
INDEPENDENT EXAMINNERS REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
I report on the financial statements of The Akaya Foundation for the year ended 31December 2024 which comprise the statement of financial activities, the balance sheet, and the related notes. These financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention and the accounting policies set out therein.
Respective responsibilities of trustees and independent examiner
As the charity's trustees you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts, you consider that the audit requirement of section 43(2) of the Charities Act 1993 (the Act),as amended by s.28 of the Charities Act 2006 does not apply. It is my responsibility to examine accounts under section 43 of the Act, as amended, to follow procedures specified in the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners under section 43(7)(b) of the Act, as amended, whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of independent examiner's statement
Commissioners. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently I do not express an audit opinion on the view given by the accounts.
Independent examiner's statement
In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:
-
(i) which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements:
-
to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act; and requirements
of the Act have not been met; or
- (ii) to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
........................................................... Tunji Ogedengbe 2nd June 2025 36 Daffodil Close Hatfield AL10 9FF