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