Charity Commission No: 100329
ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[st] AUGUST 2022
FRIENDS OF AFRICA ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST AUGUST 2022 CHARITY INFORMATION
| Board of Trustees | |
|---|---|
| Ciaran McShane | |
| Shannon Heffron | |
| Aoife Heaney | |
| Grainne Kelly | |
| Martin Lynch | |
| Emer McGirr | |
| Claire McGinn | |
| Chair | Ciaran McShane |
| Secretary | Shannon Heffron |
| Registered Office | Accidental Theatre Company |
| 12-13 Shaftesbury Square | |
| Belfast | |
| County Antrim | |
| BT2 7DB | |
| Principal Bankers | Danske Bank |
| PO Box 183 | |
| Donegall Square West | |
| Belfast | |
| BT1 6JS | |
| Charity Commission Number | 100329 |
FRIENDS OF AFRICA ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST AUGUST 2022 CONTENTS
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Trustees’ Annual Report | 1 |
| Independent Examiner’s Report | 3 |
| Statement of Receipts and Payments | 4 |
| Statement of Assets and Liabilities | 5 |
FRIENDS OF AFRICA TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[st] AUGUST 2022
The Trustees’ present their report for the year ended 31[st] August 2022.
Objective and Activities
The objectives of Friends of Africa are:
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Educate the beneficiaries (beneficiaries refers to young people in Africa and Ireland) in any charitable way, but in particular by creating opportunities for young people in Ireland to take part in voluntary work in Africa on projects that will benefit young people in Africa;
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To assist the beneficiaries to help develop their physical, mental, and spiritual capacities so that they may develop to full maturity as individuals;
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To provide assistance to our beneficiaries so that their conditions of life may be improved and by developing qualities in our beneficiaries through service to the community in Africa;
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To promote racial harmony between young people in Ireland and Africa by promoting awareness of diverse issues, spirituality, and culture;
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To assist in the advancement of community development programmes for people living in Africa, which will enhance their future opportunities and conditions of life; and
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To support the means of voluntary work and financial assistance to various charitable projects for the prevention or relief of poverty, the advancement of education, and the preservation and protection of health in Africa.
Trustees
The following Trustees served during the year ended 31[st] August 2022:
-
Ciaran McShane
-
Shannon Heffron
-
Aoife Heaney
-
Grainne Kelly
-
Martin Lynch
-
Emer McGirr
-
Claire McGinn
Achievements and Performance
Reflecting on the achievements and performance of Friends of Africa in this reporting year, we have successfully delivered numerous events and fundraising activities. Our membership has continued to grow and develop, with members getting involved in all aspects of the charity.
The International Volunteer Programme was on hold for another year however we helped our partners in the LULU Project, SELL Ghana, Tanga House, Tsholofelo and Hapani with various grants which supported development projects in line with our vision and mission.
An evaluation on our partners in South Africa, Tsholofelo and Tanzania (Lulu and Tanga house) was completed by two Board Members and our Development Officer. This was to evaluate how donations had been allocated, used during covid and how we could assist our partners to prosper. An assessment for opportunities, for volunteers to return was also completed. As a result, it was agreed the volunteer programme would return in 2023 with a new approach.
The membership is continuously learning and developing, some members completed their Level 2 Youth Work Training. First Wednesday Learning sessions were organised to highlight the complex issues which our young people deal with. External facilitators provided workshops and educated our membership. In giving back to our membership, FOA hosted a Wellbeing weekend and a member’s weekend; we were fortunate enough to have one of our partners from Tanga House in Tanzania address the membership.
The 7’7 Challenge completed in the Mournes was a great achievement, completed by members as part of the Annual Fundraiser. Other events which our membership completed was the Belfast Marathon relay and bake sales. We also continued to support new arrivals by preparing welcome packs which include essential
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FRIENDS OF AFRICA TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[st] AUGUST 2022
items for parents with babies and small children which are distributed based on need from the Children’s Hospital in the Royal.
Friends of Africa submitted several Institutional grant applications to which the Big Lotto was successful, securing a grant worth £9,900 allowed us to facilitate a Summer Scheme. Dungiven Parish and Maghera Third world shop also granted us a total £5,000.
The board continues to meet regularly and deal with all the legal and statutory requirements for charities.
The Trustees of Friends of Africa have complied with their duty to have due regard to the commission’s public benefit guidance when exercising any powers or duties to which the guidance is relevant.
Financial Review
Reserves are at a level to meet the working capital requirements of the charity.
Neither during the year nor at the balance sheet date, was any fund in deficit.
Structure, Governance, and Management
The charity is governed by its constitution.
Trustees are appointed as required, and in accordance with the constitution.
Responsibilities of the Trustees
The Trustees are responsible for maintaining proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with applicable legislation. The Trustees are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
Approved by the Trustees on 21[st] June 2023 and signed on their behalf by:
Shannon Heffron
Secretary
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FRIENDS OF AFRICA INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES ON THE UNAUDITED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
I report on the accounts of Friends of Africa for the year ended 31[st] August 2022, which are set out on pages 4 to 5.
Respective responsibilities of charity trustees and examiner
As the charity trustees you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008.
It is my responsibility to:
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examine the accounts under section 65 of the Charities Act;
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follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland under section 65(9)(b) of the Charities Act; and
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state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of independent examiner’s report
I have examined your charity accounts as required under section 65 of the Charities Act and our examination was carried out in accordance with the general Directions given by the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland under section 65(9)(b) of the Charities Act.
My examination included a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also included consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as charity trustees concerning any such matters.
My role is to state whether any material matters have come to our attention giving us cause to believe:
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That accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 63 of the Charities Act;
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That the accounts do not accord with those accounting records;
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That the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of the Charities Act; and
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That there is further information needed for a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Independent examiner’s qualified statement
I have completed my examination and have no concerns in respect of the matters (1) to (4) listed above and, in connection with following the Directions of the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland, I have found no matters that require drawing to your attention.
I can confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of The Institute of Chartered Accountants in Ireland, which is one of the listed bodies.
Richard Whan FCA
Chartered Accountant
Date: 21[st] June 2023
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FRIENDS OF AFRICA STATEMENT OF RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[st] AUGUST 2022
----- Start of picture text -----
Total Total
Unrestricted Restricted Funds Funds
Note Funds Funds 2022 2021
£ £ £ £
Income and endowments
from:
Donations and legacies 15,696 - 15,696 3,983
Charitable activities - 13,855 13,855 8,243
Other trading activities 9,101 - 9,101 7,733
Investments 37 - 37 197
Total 24,834 13,855 38,689 20,156
Expenditure on:
Raising funds 3,699 - 3,699 2,638
Charitable activities 1 52,835 13,855 66,690 43,185
Total 56,534 13,855 70,389 45,823
Net income / -
(31,700) (31,700) (25,668)
(expenditure)
Transfers between funds - - - -
Net movements in funds (31,700) - (31,700) (25,668)
Reconciliation of funds
Total funds brought -
153,678 153,678 179,346
forward
Total funds carried
-
121,978 121,978 153,678
forward
----- End of picture text -----
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FRIENDS OF AFRICA STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[st] AUGUST 2022
| 31st August 2022 | 31st August 2021 | |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| Bank and cash balances | ||
| Danske bank current | 118,850 | 150,537 |
| BOI volunteer account | 2,457 | 2,469 |
| AIB account | 671 | 672 |
| Total | 121,978 | 153,678 |
Approved by the trustees on 21[st] June 2023 and signed on their behalf by:
Ciaran McShane Shannon Heffron Chair Secretary
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FRIENDS OF AFRICA NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[st] AUGUST 2022
Note 1 – Expenditure on charitable activities
| Direct costs Direct expenditure on projects Costs in support of charitable activities Staff costs Insurance Website costs Telephone and internet Training Rent Audit and accountancy fees Software Printing, postage, stationery Bank fees General expenses Total expenditure on charitable activities |
Unrestricted Funds 2022 Restricted Funds 2022 Total Funds 2022 Total Funds 2021 £ £ £ £ 20,620 13,855 34,475 12,246 |
|---|---|
| 20,620 13,855 34,475 12,246 |
|
| Unrestricted Funds 2022 Restricted Funds 2022 Total Funds 2022 Total Funds 2021 £ £ £ £ 24,459 - 24,459 22,950 1,357 - 1,357 900 15 - 15 675 438 - 438 102 - - - 418 2,290 - 2,290 1,945 2,154 - 2,154 714 433 - 433 180 769 - 769 - 286 - 286 2,835 14 - 14 220 |
|
| 32,215 - 32,215 30,939 |
|
| 52,835 13,855 66,690 43,185 |
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