OpenCharities

This text was generated using OCR and may contain errors. Check the original PDF to see the document submitted to the regulator.

2024-03-31-accounts

ZOMBA ACTION PROJECT (ZAP) 21[th] ANNUAL REPORT 2023-2024

Charity Ref. Nos. NIC104493/ XR64146

Over the last 21 years ZAP has been able, through its local representatives, to reach communities that lack even the most basic essentials for daily life. This distribution of blankets illustrates how your help continues to reach such people.

Zomba Action Project Annual Report 2023-24

Chairman’s Comments 2023/24

Our year 2023/24 unfortunately started sadly with the deaths of Wavell Moore in April and William King in June. Wavell Moore was our Chairman at that time, and under his leadership, we had planned to reinvigorate our relationship with our community and to strengthen our fundraising capacity. William King died suddenly on 6 June. He was a past Chairman of ZAP and a Board member who made three visits to Zomba over twenty years. He is still remembered with fondness by those he had contact with on his visits to Zomba. He encouraged projects that helped villagers access clean drinking water and was a supporter of orphan care projects in the villages around Zomba.

The passing of these two members resulted in the depleted Management Board losing some of its momentum. However, I am happy to report that ZAP subsequently received substantial gifts in memory of Wavell which enabled the Mbilima Community Based Child Care Centre , funded by Hazelbank Church, to be completed. This Centre was opened by members of Hazelbank Church who visited Zomba in August 2023.

The gifts, in William’s memory, have funded a much needed shallow well with pump and twenty female goats for female and elderly headed households in Mtagaluka Village.

In happier circumstances, because of their move to Scotland, we also lost our Chairman , Ken Ford. The long standing support and participation in the Zomba Action Project by both Ken and Rosemary is much appreciated.

2

Zomba Action Project Annual Report 2023-24

Chairman’s Comments 2023/24 continued

The visit to Zomba in August by Alderman Yvonne Boyle, Paul Snelling, Ian and Jude Walker and Lilian Edgar was the first visit since 2019 as COVID disrupted plans for a 2020. 21 and 22 visits. The 2023 visit was intended to renew existing personal relationships and to illustrate to Ian, Jude and Lillian what life was like in the Zomba region of Malawi; also, for them to see the basic needs of the most disadvantaged people in Zomba District. The visit went well with very good support from our

Zomba colleagues.

Subsequently, at our AGM in October, the Hazelbank 3 made a short presentation of their visit. The presentation confirmed their enthusiasm to do more, both through Hazelbank and by encouraging funders from other churches, schools and community groups.

In the past year it was agreed that the Management Board should meet to

consider the “Past, Present and Future” of ZAP ; at Yvonne’s suggestion we met with Paul Hutchinson of Imagined Spaces in November 2023 and January 2024. Under his expert guidance, the Management Board agreed the following:

FUTURE OPTIONS FOR ZAP

Context - there is two years funding available (if no other monies appear) Option On e: tidy up and end ZAP in two years: celebrate its achievements Option Two : devise a plan for growing capacity/new format/new contacts + donors and review this plan after twelve months.

If no significant change has been implemented (or the existing Management Board has further reduced), tidy up and end well at end of Year 2. We are in the process of undertaking Option Two in the current year.

3

Zomba Action Project Annual Report 2023-24

Chairman’s Comments 2023/24 continued

I am glad to report that the continued warm-hearted generosity of individuals, organisations and churches enabled a total of £34,500 to be raised during the past year . The Board agreed a number of life-changing projects enabling £33,704 to be sent to Zomba. These projects ranged from village wells to Likuni Phala for child care centres, from Secondary and Tertiary education scholarships to educational support for children with special needs, from training in making fertiliser/compost to providing help to families whose crops had been destroyed by Cyclone Freddy in March 2023.

You will find details of these projects in this report and I trust that you will continue to be encouraged by the positive outcomes for many people in the Zomba area.

THANKS - To all our donors, individuals, organisations and Churches I offer my sincere thanks on behalf of both the Management Board and more importantly the people in Zomba who will experience real improvement in their lives.

Very many thanks to all my colleagues on the local Management Board for promoting and managing the work of the Charity and for their many years of service for the benefit of the most needy people in Zomba.

Very many thanks also to our colleagues in ZAP-Zomba who have given their service voluntarily for the benefit of the people in the Zomba area. They have monitored our projects and reported on their delivery on our behalf; we are thankful for the excellent Accounts provided by the Honorary Treasurer in Zomba.

The year 2024/25 is proving to be a very challenging one as we cope with falling income, the loss of the container service and as we engage in discussions regarding the future of the Zomba Action Project. Whatever is decided in next year I am certain that we can celebrate ZAP’s contribution to the life and livelihood of the people of Zomba over these past twenty one years.

Terry McMullan Chairman

4

Zomba Action Project Annual Report 2023-24

SUMMARY OF ZOMBA ACTION PROJECT (ZAP) ACCOUNTS

1[ST] APRIL 2023 TO 31[st] MARCH 2024

INCOME SUMMARY
Opening Balance
Current A/c
PROJECTS AND DONATIONS
Fundraising
Donations

Bank Interest
EXPENDITURE SUMMARY
Projects in Zomba Area
Freight Charges Containers
Project Support Costs (ZAP C)
Project Support Costs (ZAP Z)
Closing Balance
Current A/c		 £
4,967.70
29,530.65
31,404.00
2,300.00
1,347,46
4,000.00		 £
40,263.91
34,498.35
88.93
£74,851.19
33,704.00
5,347.46
35,799.73
£74,851.19

5

Zomba Action Project Annual Report 2023-24

ZAP DONATIONS AND FUNDRAISING

----- Start of picture text -----
Year Ended 31 March 2024
PROJECTS/EVENTS £ £
ZAP Gifts 4,967.70
REGULAR DONATIONS
CC&G Councillors & Staff 440.00
NHSCT Staff 30.00
Campbell Memorial 1,200.00
Other regular donations 390.00 2,080.00
DONATIONS THROUGH MEMORIAL GIFTS, GROUPS/SCHOOLS etc.
£100 and over
William King Memorial Gifts 3,471.77
Drumrane Primary School (Memory W King) 286.00
Wavell Moore Memorial Gifts 1,763.57
Mrs P M McMullan Memorial Gifts 744.60
Nia’s Coffee Morning (Cyclone Freddy Support) 1,955.00
Burnside Coronation Event (Cyclone Freddy Support) 485.00
Alderman Yvonne Boyle Birthday Gifts 444.40
George and Karen Wedding Gifts 3,519.17
2 [nd] Dunboe Presbyterian Church Choir 980.00
Eden Primary School 100.00
St Colomba’s Primary School Kilrea 200.00
Kilrea Primary School 383.00 14,332.11
OTHER DONATIONS
General Donations 8,512.89
GIFT AID Refund 4,605.65
TOTAL £ 34,498.35
----- End of picture text -----

6

Zomba Action Project Annual Report 2023-24

ZAP PROJECTS 2023-24

Student Scholarships £
12 Tertiary Student Scholarships 11,110.00
Secondary School pupils:
Campbell Scholarships 325.00
Additional Scholarships 2,184.00 2,509.00
Teachers Packs 125.00
Solar Lights for schools 250.00
3 Batteries for Computers 150.00
EI Cyclone Freddy Response assisting replanting 2,555.00
Tipoliso Community Group Cyclone Freddy support 240.00
Likuni Phala for 3 EI Child Care Centres 660.00
2 Bicycles for Special Needs Education (SNE)Teachers 265.00
Resources for SNE Centres Zomba Rural 250.00
Resources for SNE Centres Zomba City 250.00
Fertiliser /Compost Making Training 1,200.00
Zomba Athletics Academy 1,180.00
Prison Visit Gifts 140.00
Mbilima Child Care Centre (4) 5,500.00
Mtagaluka Village Development 3,600.00
Medicines for Community Based Organisation Groups
850.00
Likuni Phala for Orphan Groups in CBOs 210.00
Children’s Cancer Care Queen Elizabeth Hospital 360.00
31,404.00
Boxes of educational materials, school uniforms,
children’s and baby clothes and blankets, medical
supplies computers, toys etc were sent out by
Container. 2,300.00
TOTAL £33,704.00

7

Zomba Action Project Annual Report 2023-24

POOR HARVEST UPDATE

Cyclone ‘Freddy’ in February 2023 brought devastation to the southern part of Malawi. It flattened crops, flooded large areas of lowlying land and collapsed and damaged homes and infrastructure.

Edgar from EI reported more recently “ The rainy season (Dec 23 to March 24) was late and not good enough for the maize crop to grow well so another year’s harvest is poor. Many families, who rely on their harvest for food, are already going for days without food. The cost of living due to devaluation of our local currency among other factors, has also triggered increases in the cost of purchasing fertiliser, maize and other food products. Most people who live in villages cannot afford to buy them.”

Through Emmanuel International (EI) ZAP was able to assist in the initial crisis response with some supplies of food, clothing and accommodation by releasing funds which were designated for other projects . Thanks mainly to funds raised through Nia’s Coffee Morning at Aghadowey Presbyterian Church, ZAP was able to further assist EI with funding to assist some farmers in two badly affected areas to purchase and plant cassava cuttings and sweet potatoes vines, crops which grow

quickly and can survive during such harsh condition as they require little moisture for their growth and also provide a resource to enable planting for the next season.

POOR HARVESTS HUNGER DEVALUATION

8

Zomba Action Project Annual Report 2023-24

SCHOLARSHIP UPDATE

ZAP donors have supported 15 Secondary and 12 Tertiary Students in this financial year.

Three secondary school scholarship students were selected for University last year. They have obtained loans and are studying but ZAP is still looking for sponsors to support them as well as 3 others selected this year. Any support for scholarships will be welcome.

Boniface, pictured at his graduation at Mzuzu University with a Batchelor of Education Degree. He was supported for 4 years by ZAP following very good MCSE results while attending a poorly resourced rural school. His family was unable to support him. He is now qualified to teach science. He writes , “ Your investment in my education has not only transformed my life but also

empowered me to make a positive impact in my community. Please accept my sincerest gratitude for your kindness, dedication, and commitment to empowering students like me. I hope to pay it forward and make a difference in the lives of others, just as you have made a difference in mine .”

YOUNG ZOMBA ATHLETES were able to compete in National and International competitions with the support of ZAP.

These athletes who compete in cross country, track and longer races can be found training at 6.00 am in the morning. The financial support of ZAP has been vital enabling these athletes to compete as they come from very disadvantaged families.

9

Zomba Action Project Annual Report 2023-24

CONTAINER UPDATE

In last year’s report the challenge of finding a new partner to send items in a container to Zomba was highlighted. The items that ZAP has been sending are very much needed and appreciated. We are glad to report that one part container was able to be sent but currently no arrangements are in place for any further containers; however we are still pursuing options.

Our thanks to all who have supported and provided goods for the container.

SPECIAL NEEDS EDUCATION SUPPORT (SNE)

Teachers in SNE are enthusiastic but poorly resourced. ZAP support with basic resources and bicycles was greatly appreciated.

SOLAR LIGHTS FOR PRIMARY SCHOOLS

Solar lights make it possible to study after 6.00pm when darkness comes

HUNGER RELIEF

The church group in Zomba identifed and distributed 10kgs maize flour, soya pieces, 1 litre bottles of cooking oil and bags of salt to those in greatest need.

10

Zomba Action Project Annual Report 2023-24

CC&G ZAP Board of Management 2023-2024

Chairperson: Mr Ken Ford, Secretary: Mr Paul Snelling, Treasurer: Rev Dr Terry McMullan, Health Committee Representative: Joyce McMullan Co-opted Members: Ms Roisin McCaughan, Cllr. Stephanie Quigley

CC&G Borough Council Representatives: Alderman Y Boyle, Cllrs: M Knight-McQuillan, M A McKillop and H Dallat O’Driscoll

ZOMBA ZAP Board of Management 2023-2024

Co-ordinator/Consultant: Dr Nellie Mbano, Chairman/Consultant: Dr Zondiwe Mbano, Secretary: Mr L K Mteleka: Treasurer: Mr Benjamin Khoswe, Vice-Treasurer: Mr T V Matande; Committee Chairpersons: Church: Mrs M Maluwa Banda, Development: Mrs C Likongwe Education: Mr D M Phiri, Health: Mrs Jean Machinjili Zomba City Council Representative: Mr Busta Chiona Consultant: Mr Maxwell Mjathu Administrator: Ms Ruth Nyirenda

11

Zomba Action Project Annual Report 2023-24

OPPORTUNITIES TO SUPPORT THE WORK of the Zomba Action Project (ZAP) ✓ Make a donation large or small – One off or regular ✓ Support Fundraising Events or organise one ✓ Through ZAP Gifts – identifying how your gift is used ✓ Serve on a Committee and/or assist with promotion activities – web site and general communication ✓ Sponsor scholarships or particular project support ✓ Volunteer to visit Zomba on a team Thank you to those who already support in these ways

If you can make a donation to ZAP please complete:

Name____________

Address___________

Post Code____ E-mail Address___

I enclose a cheque for £ payable to Zomba Action Project (ZAP), and send it to ZAP c/o Cloonavin Building, 66 Portstewart Road, COLERAINE BT52 1EY.

I want to maximise my gift using Gift Aid. I am a UK taxpayer and want ZAP to claim back the tax on all my donations made in this tax year, and in the future until I notify otherwise.

Signature:___________

Date________

Donations can also be made online through Zomba Action Project Facebook page by clicking on the ‘Donate’ button then e-mail: joyce.mcmullan@tiscali.co.uk to let ZAP know of your donation.

For more information or to request a speaker for your organisation contact: Zomba Action Project (ZAP) – Paul Snelling Mob: 07554357704 E-mail: paul.snelling@ramorehead.com or Joyce McMullan Mob: 07803165299 ZAP Facebook: Zomba Action Project Charity reference No. NIC104493/XR64146

12