maru-a.pula Ilk Iiusl Trustees Report 1st January to 31st December 2024 Registered Charity Number: 313929 Registered Address: 25 Common Mead Avenue Gillingham Dorset SP84NB Trustees: Mr Jeremy Long Mrs Helen Long Mr James Gardener Ms Malebogo Tlhajoane Megan Ellen Sands About the work of the Maru a Pula Trust Founded in Botswana in 1972. Maru-a-Pula School was establlshed as a non- profit trust, built on 50 acres of land donated by the Botswana Government. The founding Head launched the school based on multiracial ideals, with community outreach as a core principle. The school aims to nurture students who are deeply committed to helping their communities, both locally and globally. Maru-a-Pula is a co-educational, independent day and boarding secondary. Around 70% of students are from Botswana, a significant number of whom are on some form of scholarship or bursary. The UK Maru a Pula Trust was registered with the Charities Commission in 1971, one year before the school was opened. In 2012 a new group of trustees were appointed with a focus on raising funds for Maru-a-Pula's Orphan and Vulnerable Children Scholarship Fund. The Maru-a-Pula OVC Scholarship Program was established in 2005 to provide opportunities for local children who have been impacted by the effects of HIV/AIDS and poverty. The OVC Programme now provides full scholarships to orphans and vulnerable children who demonstrate the academic ability but who cannot afford the costs of a Maru-a-Pula education. OVC Scholars come from minimum wage households therefore the OVC Scholarship is comprehensive and provides for all the child's needs. The scholarship covers tuition, boarding, all meals, uniform and clothing, medical expenses, stationery and other living expenses. Students from all over Botswana have been recipients of the OVC Scholarship and alumni of the scholarship have gone on to study at tertiary level around the world. There are currently 26 students on OVC Scholarships at Maru- a-Pula {January 2025). The UK Maru a Pula Trust has a bank account with Barclays. Donations are also made through CAF Bank (charity Aid Foundation) and the charity giving platform wonderful.org Donations through CAF Bank and wonderful.org are paid directly into our Barclays account. Receipts and Payment5 It has been an active year for the UK Map Trust with two successful London based reunions and another year of solid donations. Oiir reiii)lon5 h.Ive beeii ai) eflecllve method of connectln8 with the 8rowlng iietwt)Ik of UK b.i%ed .IlLimnl. We ¢ire Increaslngly attractln8 more recent Map .?liiiiini tc) tliest, eveiits Posslbly dlie to the Increase of Batswana students Ixiiiiiiig to stLidy In the UK biit