Durham-Lesotho LINK
Charity number
Annual Return 2020
The global Coronavirus pandemic made 2020 a hugely challenging and difficult year for the Durham-Lesotho LINK: its crippling effects in Lesotho were exacerbated by political instability, civil unrest, corruption, severe drought, food poverty and a lack of proper support and reliable information. When SA closed its borders, Lesotho was shut off and isolated 44 deaths/vaccination programme ?)
Only our February meeting went ahead as planned; all subsequent meetings were held virtually and focused mainly on finances, L LINK’s core business/projects, L LINK staffing issues & 5-year plan/succession planning (preparations for substantive detailed discussions/in-person meeting when able)
Future very uncertain but surviving financially + business and core projects, particularly Chrisrian education, going ahead when restrictions allow
LESOTHO LINK - in Feb: 50% hospitality staff gone (wages); advised against wedding site but alternative (good income source); diabetes & hypertension workshops/first aid at MCEC till March; Rock UK visit (CHH camps, internet + team-building challenge but no notable activity otherwise); LINK continues to collaborate with other NGOs/organisations to id eligible young offenders, mentally/physically disabled to enrol on programmes (CHH supported by Rock UK and UK schools) developing links/relationship with SSM - with generous donation for lay ministers = potential source of regular future funding for High Accommodate demand for Christian education (focus = evangelism & discipleship) - APBA courses appreciated by lay ministers & clergy alike (clear need to expand); train and equip more church members for ministry and make more disciples - always enjoyed good publicity, esp radio; no less than 9 different courses/training sessions; support young discipleship trainees on their journey with Christa; cash-strapped diocese (clergy working unpaid); Bp Mark’s visit cancelled lack of support
In May (+ JM): no day time activity at M; night watchmen; painful losses re staff (reorganise/redeploy); working from home; precarious financial position tho paying less wages; JM on track to greater managerial independence but still needs support (hopes D LINK will retain RB/MB in some capacity but option 2 = new EO also acceptable; JM to visit UK & trustees to visit L to support training (evangelism,preaching, church admin/management, C leadership,youth and children’s ministry, church ministry, health education); feels on track re KPA’s otherwise but having to fire fight/progress severely disrupted - key programmes established and continue to be developed; dealing with pandemic as best they can (starting from sound financial position; many trainers trained; JM - isolation - Zoom meetings with management boa r d - very difficult to make serious/major decisions (formal Board training postponed); need to be better engaged/accountable for decisions/involved/invested (exploring feasibility of working representative on Board)
In Sept (+ JM): in survival mode with JM terminating all contracts - rehiring 7 key staff on half wages to keep LINK ticking over (some work/bookings); staff redeployed & new staff where needed - max use of skills/productivity; thankfully, improved financial management meant they were in a position to cover all due severance pay; potential for L LINK to provide online C E raining (upgrade
LINK/attract more business) - investigating/exploring online CE teaching - interactive/multimedia coaching (how best D LINK can assist - Lindisfarne college/trial clergy training day); ended year in better financial position than expected but realise may not survive pandemic
MCEC: potential to become officially recognised school/college + agricultural centre recognised but no funds; CHH on hold but funds used to support 121 families in surrounding villages providing food parcels, essential items food, instruction and training re keeping safe; new poultry project set up and orphaned, marginalised, disadvantaged children involved in agricultural activities; 60 places at vocational school mainly unemployed - 200 applicants turned away (bricklaying/sewing/cookery/carpentry); huge potential to set up college (offering standardised 1-2/3 yr courses/recognised qualifications; health clinic closed but JM hopes to pilot ‘Youth Health Corner’ with resident experienced/skilled staff offering help/counselling - serving needs of young people from local area - in consultation to ensure effective/successful & make best use of resources Mpho (mentor/advocate/support worker) lives in community; interacts with/observes CHH & advises LINK how best to help them (holistic approach)
Make a difference positive/impact Health training - ongoing; challenge to keep trainers’ skills/difficult to maintain training; extend programme/update info/higher level/; EB to introduce more subjects/devise manuals/help train more trainers; HoD supported but political instability = zero involvement despite promises - maintain pressure; make accessible to all (pay/unable to pay); working with tare mache to translate programmes including Coronavirus DVD; EB to use HE DVDs as outreach in UK; LINK to id new issues/people with nec skills to develop/deliver courses (presentation/ideas) & train trainers
Planning went ahead but JM + Martin’s visit in May cancelled
Episcopal elections April/enthronement August (Bp elect to visit deanery in July ) attended by Bp; postponed; churches closed; JM Whatsapp groups/sermons to stay connected with parishioners;
Paul + DL LINK rep cancelled; Lambeth Conference cancelled November EO visits cancelled
DURHAM LINK: able to send extra £10k (£30k) to cover building programme (lack of funding meant initial building programme behind schedule - new 4 room unit would bring in much needed revenue) + core projects - agreed able to use if nec to maintain/pay LINK staff wages; finances down on 2019 but remain healthy (able to use surplus to set 2021 budget) telling the story - ongoing (how to develop/make interactive which can be added to + supported by timeline/essential work only) - not nec a success story; little or no progress/developments; website update - on hold; Cathedral display/noticeboard; health education programme; L LINK financial and virtual emotional support vital
EO’s confirmed retirement in May 2022 and need to scale down commitments/involvement (responsibilities) - work ongoing re evaluation of current EO role/ job description/salary review/trustees group - ongoing; trustees to decide future possible shape/direction of charity to accommodate changes by summer 2021 (succession planning - ongoing); trustees agreed to review governing document (Deed of Trust) when appropriate; all agreed GDPR training advisable (officer?); evaluate
Our final meeting of the year ended with a prayer session for both dioceses - for LD/DL LINK ministry and work to lift the most disadvantaged and marginalised children out of poverty, giving them a better start in life & bring about lasting and positive change (LINK staff do not have requisite skills but help them recover/readjust back into society (referred to appropriate welfare - cementing a lasting, mutually beneficial diocesan equal partnership - JM work towards greater fellowship/stronger partnership; continue in objective of making L LINK God-centred place which transforms lives (instil into every aspect/make all activities God-centred/opportunities for spiritual growth (vision and mission); shared commitment encouragement, fellowship/friendship; so much uncertainty; LINK a ‘Christian beacon’ and JM a ‘point of light’; many challenges ahead (drought/pandemic/new Bp); essential partnership
Unrestrlcted Funds 2020 Restrlcted Funds 2019 Receipts Donations Churches Individuals Public Organisations Just Giving/My Donate Gift Aid Diocese of Durham Bank Inte$t 1.926.06 3,035. 1.2(XJ.CM) 1,926.06 6,103.13 li,i(XJ.(K) 5037.41 23S55.74 8925.IX) 62.35 1819.00 23700.00 6.47 3,068.13 9,900.00 815.1X) 25,1YJO.(X) 3.47 375.00 1,190.CK) 25,IXJO.(KJ 3.47 Total Recelpts 31,979.53 13,343.13 45,322.66 63105.97 Payments Trdnsfers to Lesotho 28,5. I2.5.00 41,CW.Ixs 36903.83 Transfer to Church of Resurrection from 2019 4CQ.00 Transfer Thare Machi from 2018 accounts 1300.(X) Exec. Officers, travel to Lesotho Travel from Le50tho Exec. Officers, Fees Administrntion Bank Charges Sundry Payments Total Payments 1,998.63 1,500.00 8,589.00 355.50 140.00 92.25 41.175.38 1.998.63 1.500.00 8.589.00 355.50 140.00 92.25 12,900.00 54J)75.38 2880.97 126m.(Jl 199.43 180.(Kt 907.CN) 54971.23 Surplus / Loss 9,195.85 443.13 8,752.72 8134.74
Bank Balances at 31st Dernber 2020 CAFCash Account CAF Gold Account 18,688.64 4,323.60 Totsl Bank Balances Z3,012.24 Fund Balances at 31st December 2020 Unrestricted Funds 21.337.24 Restrlrted Funds Totsl 1,675.00 23,012.24 Notes £IK) paid in April for subsequently cancelled flight from Lesotho was deducted from the regular transfer in June. Gift aid note Gift aid is still to be claimed on donations from November to December 2020. Slgned Trustee Hon Examiner 20loxl Zoxi Date Date