Semiliki Trust Annual Report 2024 – 2025
Dr Olivier (Rt), Director, with Dr David, Aru medical coordinator (centre) in lab, Mahagi Hospital.
Semiliki Trust continued to flourish in 2024 – 25, impacting the work of our partners in north eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The total income of £127,264, up 50% on the year before, was used provided regular support for seven medical coordination teams, three nursing colleges, university studies for nine students, support for an orphanage, a school for orphans, tailoring and other livelihood projects, and church growth – an incredible array and diversity of activities supported by Semiliki’s relatively modest inputs. Running costs in the UK are paid out-of-pocket by the Semiliki team, so all the money raised was spent on projects in the DRC (except for bank charges on transfers totalling £405 in the UK), and Semiliki continues to be one of the best value-for-money charities . Our total expenditure in 2024 – 25 was £104,879, with a healthy balance in the bank of unrestricted funds.
Activities in 2024 – 2025
Medical Coordination
We support seven medical teams based along 1,500 km of northeast Democratic Republic of Congo (bordering South Sudan, Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi), who show incredible bravery working in this most dangerous part of DRC where over one hundred armed militia groups are active. We send tranches of $1000 to each team three times a year. They use this according to their priorities, buying medicines, small items of equipment, spare parts for vehicles and motorbikes. We send additional funds for purchase of larger items, and it is the coordination teams that oversee the larger building projects (see below).
Map showing principal sites of our partner projects. The places circled are where the medical coordinations are based as well as some of the main hospitals. From each of these centres there is a network of 5 to 15 health centres and hospitals.
Beni medical coordination used funds to build a wall to protect the Kasabinyole Hospital site, and bought a laptop. We also sent money for essential food and soap for peoples displaced when their villages were attacked and burned, who found refuge in Beni, North Kivu and at Bushusha, Idjwi Island, and displaced from Goma to Bukavu, also in South Kivu.
We increased support to the national coordination team to allow them to increase travel and supervisory activities, doing on site control of accounts, promote better quality diagnosis and treatment and care for patients.
Amongst many other essential needs, Aru coordination bought chairs for Mahagi Hospital.
Construction and equipping hospitals and health centres
Dr Moïse (Lt) in new operating block at Masiki Hospital, Butembo. Semiliki contributed $10,000 to the project. The operating block is above the diagnostic block.
Nearly completed maternity at St Matthieu Hospital
This year Semiliki supported construction of a maternity block at St Mathieu, Bukavu, an operating block at Masiki, Butembo, a laboratory in Kamango along with rehab of the op theatre struck by lightning and a lightning conductor, rehabilitation of Aru Cité operating block and construction of an intensive care unit, and a new admin block for Aru Nursing University. The maternity at Cirunga health centre was renovated.
Dr Antoinette inside room blackened by lightning attack at Kamango Hospital. Semiliki has financed a new lightning conductor, and rehab (Rt).
Construction of new lab for Kamango Hospital. Biochemistry machine purchased with ST money
Bukiringi Hospital bought a solar system for the rehabilitated outpatients facility.
Renovation of maternity and Ekanga health centre, Aru coordination.
New intensive care block, Aru Cité Hospital
New outpatients unit, and rehabilitation at Kindia Health Centre
Nursing Universities
We support three nursing universities in Aru, Butembo and Bukavu.
Student study grants
We sent study grants for nine students, 3 doing medicine, 4 nursing, 1 biochemistry, 1 anaesthetics and one doing a masters in accountancy, and a further 4 students at Boga nursing college.
Dr Denise, Director of St Matthieu Hospital, Bukavu is also doing her specialisation at Panzi hospital in surgery – many of the techniques learnt there she is hoping to bring to St Matthieu.
Compassion Family Centre, Butembo
The Compassion Family Centre supports children orphaned by conflict. Our transfers of $1,500 three times a year are used to buy food, including formula milk for babies, for medical care of children, washing soap, firewood, support for education and much more. Semiliki is supporting Compassion’s programme of adoption with wider family members or local families and to provide skills for young adults to set up independent livelihoods. Because many of the orphans experienced such extreme trauma when their parents were killed, they will still need time at the centre to recuperate and get nutritionally and physically healthy before they are ready to move to adoption homes (when these can be found).
Mbambu and Kasereka going out to find family members of the children for repatriation with the wider family ,and talking to an aunt of one of the children after a muddy ride. The motorbike was financed by Semiliki
At Compassion’s car workshop where adults and older children learn valuable mechanics skill. This car will be completely rehabilitated … these guys are geniuses!
Orphans and vulnerable women in Goma
Our support helps give a cooked meal to vulnerable 366 children twice a week at the school in Goma and pays for small incentives to the nurse, nutritionist and cook.
Rehab of the nutrition centre at Goma orphan school, supported by Semiiki
Church growth
In Aru, Rév Etsegeri used funds to repair a motorbike, to equip the Christian education office and print materials, and payed for transport for a training conference up in Kumuru for Christian teachers. Rév Nzua trained many pastors in sharing the Christian message at a conference in Goma, and organised Christian outreach visits with a choir to villages in the Zaki and Kaliko.
Cathedral choir ‘Visionaires’ in concert.
Mini market set up in enclosure of Aru Cité Hospital
£EfftiLiti TlUSr- Annual Financial report for Trustees 31 March 2025 NB FS kn 202&24 iii txackets 1. NB These are final accwnts bbr SenN'li Tn&, r8J chty nurthr 1138989. At nM(knhJht on 31[25 all assets to Semiliki Trust CIO. rK). 12393. 2. Tal income for 2024-25 at £127.264 was substsnts'ally up the ye¥1£75,214). thanks manty to g)rre very gefErS indiwthjal dcmatsC$. Regular standirNJ order5 came to £22.4471£21.3351 , gereral kn¢ted giwrKJ was £79.1081£13.L)J3). exFecied L]x recLiim is £20.187. Restncted giving totsiled £5.344. 1£33,7921" thts was fcff Goma {£4740) 3. T(rtal prDFd eJure ¥Yas £1 C4,879 (£58 8201 . Ofthis £17.2691£15.4391 vras restrict&J, cl £11.925 {£8,075} V•Ent to the neav Buka¥u Matemty £4,7 1£3,324) to (kn. Lknrestn'd&J ex[1bJre to (r re¢w&r Fart[r5 wqeds was £87.610 (£43.381). 4. We paMJ ¢Xrt £4051£449) in bank ¢har9es la nnthty fee Ll £5 a nvjth t4LS £6 ts mmg overseas pawts pkns £17 paTh). 5. The totsl pahl wi UK as expwBes ww by TrLtstees aThJ sutwier5 was. orKe again, £0. As evw, every pnd to Semilthi Trst went to oNErseas woiects a)art Trom unavoidable bank charges. 6. The eThl of year balance in ts bk is £55,2171£47,3641. crfvthith Th)re is $trIcted ft Pfryects . A £20.187 is )tsapate(J fr<Yn HMRC. 7. Folk)vfflg wr normal pattn, V sent of IeY in )1. Awust aTrJ tcember to Jr regular partners. The Ik of the £ sent is kn dical co(Kdinatl¢ in AN, Buterrt)o, Bukavu, BcJa. Beni Kamango ds, Natnal ccK)rdnatK)n team. 8. We also surryJrt&19 iTrSvKYua stlS sluthes in nJiune. Nrsng. arKI anesthesiol¢)Jy 9. For a tstsiled accLxmt c all the pyriects $wrted ease see the c(yxth'natoffs relxrt As ever, Semilik] Trust Is shthmng a ljg impact for a small charity 10.TnWtsfe were made threcuy lo Aru. fr&)rth Kivu, (&)ma, S(NJth IQWJ. Beni and K2marff)J de5 and Dr G1K¥nI. the National cocfdlna1 LK%ed in Beni. Dr GmI) pass8J fLmds to dese as 11 as MCrtOnng aTrJ ccthinatirvJ all our ¥Ik ¥Mth health centre5. The Invas cl (ma aTrJ Bukavu (Sujth vu) by M23 fcKces n JUary 2025 bMII ffean * wll IEed lo allemative rtsjles for pass. furhys lo Ifxxe eas. Peler Pearscn Trewer 14 Juty 2025.
£EfftiLiti TlUSr- èar End 31 March 2tr25 Total Totsl yle 31.3.2025 yje 31 3.2D24 22.447 22,447 81,452 21.335 4e.7 79.108 2D.348 Ad 121.g02 127,246 75.214 itwe 87.010 17.2 104.879 59.820 Bank ¢ S97 Surp5 of wer 33.887 -11.925 21,962 15,8 Bala1 at 1 Ayl 2024 Surplus In Peno 53,442 21,962 37.fj30 15.8C6 33.887 -11.925 Balancp at 31 2024 -11.5 75,404 53.442 SemAI(i Trust Bn¢ Slet 31 M1 31.32025 31.3..2024 Cash Debtor5. HMRC 55217 20,187 75,404 47.385 8.078 53.442 11,925 Blwce fty general 75,404 41.517 Semb1iki Trust rwjed 31 March 2025 Balan B&ance 31.32025 01.04.2024 red whe 4,740 4.740 11.Q25 Bukavu Ma*rnrty 11.025 11,925 17.2
£EfftiLiti TlUSr- Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of the Semiliki Trust I report to the irustees on my examingtion ol the fin8ncial sl8temgnts otth8 semi11. Tru81 for the yepr gnded 31 M8rch 2025. Responsibiltties and Basis of Report As the ch&rity'S irustees, you 8r8 responsible loi the preparation ofthe accounts In 8ccordance wrth the requir•nènts of cii8rities Act 2011 l°Ihe Act"}. I ¢8rrled my gxgrnination in 8ecord8nce wrth th8 Generni Dlr•crlon$8fven by thè Charity Commission under section 145 ofthe Act. My wminion was carried oul in ccordance WTih Ihe applicable Directions 8nd Involved a rbwiew of the accountlng tocordy kept Dy tne cnailty, an(J a cornp8rison of Ihe accounts presented wrth those iecoros. tt alyo included eongideration ot any unusu81 Iterns ty dlsclosure$ in the accounts. 8ncl seeking expl8n8ts.ons trom you 08 trusiees C(cerning such mattgfs. My rol8 IS to state v4h¢ther81ry mBtgri&1 matters carne to myattentlon causing m¢ to that in any m8teii81 respgci: accounting r8eorfsv•tre not k¢pi In 8ccoc0gnce %41th sect¢on 130 01 tha A¢t; or rhg gcGounts ¢Jo not accoid wllh thoso records; or the accounts do not C¢ynpIy Ihe applicaixe requlremems concemingtho Irn •nd cornent ol ficcountg set out in the CharitTres IA¢¢ounts and Reports) Rggulation5 2008 orhorthan 8ny QUIrement th91 the accounts a'true and toir" vlewvthlch13 a mgtteT coll3bdwed a$ part ot an Indgpendant ex8min8tlon. Independenl Examiner's Ststement In connecilon wlth my 8xam1n1On. no mfflier he8 come to rrty atienticffj: 1. which gives me raa50nabie c8usè 10 believe that in ony m8teri81 iespect tho requlremont5 to keep 8¢¢ountlng C(dS in accordance wrth sectn 130 of the Act ana to prepare aceounis Ythich accord wilh the accwntin8 r(NI1$ a1 crynplywith the requirements of theAct have not Deen mgt., or 2. to which. in my opinion, Btteniion should tsg drm In order to engble o proper und¢rstsnding otthe accefits io be rea¢haO. &mon siIBidon ACA, Indepenaont E¥amlner. 68 H8mHDugh1818nd, Shepperton, TW17 9LP 26 January 2026
Introduction to Semiliki
Semiliki Trust supports entrepreneurial projects in the Democratic Republic of Congo, including a network of over 70 health Centres and hospitals, an orphanage, a tailoring skills project for victims of violence, three graduate nurse training colleges and church growth. Eight to ten students are supported in higher studies each year. The Trust provides resources to local leaders and social entrepreneurs who have initiated projects that build the capabilities of local people and allow them to transform their lives.
The Trust channels resources to the people in the most efficient and cost-effective way. We do not run any projects but support our Congolese partners in their inspirational work. The majority of our resources come from individual gifts (and gift-aid) from you, our supporters. We are incredibly thankful to you for your generosity and to see how the small gifts we give seem to be multiplied via our partners projects. We also receive money from trust funds and church congregations.
Structure, Governance and Management
Semiliki Trust was established in 2010. Semilik’s seven trustees are responsible for maintaining the direction, integrity, probity and prudence of the Trust. They meet twice a year, chaired by Jonathan Saunders who has overall responsibility for ensuring that the trustees fulfil their functions and the trust runs smoothly. The trustees have responsibility for management, administration and governance as well as ensuring that activities are consistent with the overall objectives of the trust. They ensure there is financial accountability and that accounts are audited to required standards. Trustees ensure compliance with charity law and regularly review safeguarding and privacy in trustee meetings. Trustees : Jonathan Saunders (Chair), Peter Pearson (Treasurer), Katherine Goodacre, Robert Wendover, Lucy Saunders, Ruth Lockley, Sam Pearson
The Trustees are supported by an Advisory Board who provide professional expertise and advice to the Trustees. Principle members of this board are Nigel Pearson (health adviser), Tim Goodacre (surgical adviser), Simon Cockerill (web-based communication manager).. Whilst members of the advisory board regularly attend meetings, they contribute through informal communication with Trustees and other board members, generating ideas and following through activities that benefit the growth of the Trust. Trustees and advisers make ad hoc visits to projects in Congo at their own expense, providing further oversight. The accounts are scrutinised annually by an Independent Examiner, Simon Sheldon.
Charitable objectives
Semiliki Trust is a charity established to:
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Relieve sickness and human suffering and to promote health
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Prevent and relieve poverty
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Advance religion and promote reconciliation
Public benefit statement: The trustees of Semiliki Trust continue to have due regard for public benefit at all times in the exercise of their duties.
All our annual reports can be found, along with the annual financial reports and the Independent Examiners Report on the Charity Commission website. htps://register-ofcharites.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-search/-/charity-details/4050457
©2010–2026 Semiliki Trust. As of April 2025, a Charitable Incorporated Organisation,
CIO Registered Charity No. 1206399 The Courtyard, Higher Lovelynch, Milverton, Somerset, TA4 1NP Photo credit : Semiliki partners, Nigel Peason
www.semiliki-trust.org.uk