CHANGE Trust Annual Report 2014 Suite 1 Branton Court Ndemi Lane off Ngong Road PO box 51713 00100 GPO Nairobi, Kenya T: +254 20 5213886 DD: +254732777702 E:
[email protected] www.africachildrightscenter.org
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Foreword CHANGE Trust is another year older! CHANGE Trust was this year affected by change itself. Change in the political leadership and Constitutional dispensation in our host country. We embrace this changes with more knowledge. Planning and strategy are easier now than during transition when things can be unclear. With this in mind, the management has embarked on a strategic planning process that will result in a three year programming scheme. Our first project was successful and closed in June of 2013. Classmates for peace was a timebound project and exceeded our expectations in meeting objectives. This was because of the level of participation especially by children in community mobilizations. Turkana was a thrilling and learning experience as we got large turnouts for communal activities. The energy generated across all the project sites was very encouraging. We embarked on a new program under ACCHR that works with Charitable Children’s Instutions in getting children back to family settings as soon as possible. This program required special registration with the Department of Children’s Services in Kenya. Because of political changes in the country, this registration, in spite of our efforts was not complete as at year end. CHANGE Trust remains a place of hope and intentional leadership, and that’s our promise! Trustees: George Kogolla : James Keeru : Muteru Njama.
Muteru Njama
CONTENTS Foreword
1
Introduction to CHANGE Trust
2
Programs of CHANGE Trust
3
1.
AFRICA CENTRE FOR CHILDREN’S HUMAN RIGHTS (ACCHR)
3
2.
STARTING WITH AFRICAN YOUTH (SWAY)
3
3.
EDUCATION
3
Activities of 2013
3 5
In brief
5
Results
5
Financial report
6
Organization Development
7
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Introduction to CHANGE Trust OBJECTIVES 1.
2.
3.
Enhance education a. Support policies that enhance access to education in the countries of membership b. Empower teachers and trainers to continually provide higher standards of education c. Increase access to learning materials for learners in public education systems in Africa Children’s rights a. Support the reform of legislation to ensure conformity with the new constitutional dispensation in Africa and international treaties on children’s rights. b. Supporting family-centred child development including alternative family care for children separated from their birth parents. Youth Enterprise Development - Starting With African Youth (SWAY) a. Promote legislative reform to address barriers to youth enterprise and facilitate the effective contribution of young people to national and regional development. b. Inculcate futuristic planning and thinking among youth aimed at developing sustainable triple-bottom line enterprises.
MISSION –reduce the vulnerability of the African youngster to restraints created by poor governance, laws or policies. Vision – Young people in Africa have access and knowledge of good governance in practice and in legislature CHANGE – has three key strategies for all its programs: 1. Policy advocacy 2. Community based empowerment 3. Networking
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Programs of CHANGE Trust 1. AFRICA CENTRE FOR CHILDREN’S HUMAN RIGHTS (ACCHR)
The Africa Centre for Children’s Human Rights aims at protecting the human rights of every child in Africa by enhancement of child centered laws and policies. This is done through: 1. 2. 3. 4.
Provision of child centred materials and a knowledge hub for children’s human rights Analysis of constitutions; and their dynamics to child protection laws, policies and practices Facilitation of dialogue and training for child protection practitioners and policy makers Promotion of model best practises in child protection
The Centre is housed at THE PLACE OF CHANGE in Nairobi Kenya. This facility documents the progress in legislative reform in Africa such as constitution development, Children’s laws, and national bodies for management of children affairs, national budgets and their impact on children, government and civil society activities that are on a national scale that affect children.
2. STARTING WITH AFRICAN YOUTH (SWAY) The main objective of SWAY is to reduce the vulnerability and mobility of young people by provision of solutions and knowledge within their communities. It is envisioned that by bringing opportunities and knowledge to community level, the young people will be less curious and more productive with a will to develop their own communities. Specific objectives of SWAY a. Promote legislative reform to address barriers to youth enterprise and facilitate the effective contribution of young people to national and regional development. b. Inculcate futuristic planning and thinking among youth aimed at developing sustainable triple-bottom line enterprises.
3. EDUCATION The Education program aims to dignify teachers in informal community schools through provision of up to date teaching materials for teachers, technical continuous professional education for teachers and peer support mechanisms on life skills. Objectives: a. b. c.
Support policies that enhance access to education in the countries of membership Empower teachers and trainers to continually provide higher standards of education Increase access to learning materials for learners in public education systems in Africa
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Activities of 2013 1.1 The Classmates for Peace Project The Classmates Project was an undertaking by The CHANGE Trust to create peace hubs in pre-select communities known for their diversity of cultures and therefore historically considered volatile during the electoral periods. The children in schools, were used persuade their parents and community to think about the effects of peaceful transition on the stability and development of children.
1.2 Objectives I.
Reduce the likelihood of election related violence during the national elections in Kenya in 2012/2013 by empowering children to advocate tolerance and peace
II. Protect the rights of children in all activities relating to elections in Kenya by shielding schools and community centres from election campaigns III. Inform, educate and influence caregivers through civic education specific to national elections in a new constitutional dispensation in Kenya. Activities: 1.
Training of school management and teachers
2.
Mobilization of parents and local children’s officers
3.
Creation of community and school based activity trainers’ manuals
4.
Distribution of trainers’ manuals and agreement on code of conduct
The height of activities came in at the beginning of 2013 leading to the Kenyan national elections. Several meetings were held in the schools, and in community centers and religious centers. Children were involved in tshirt campaigns, community meetings and schools getting together in Ngando and Kawangware. In Lodwar, there was a one-week religious festival leading to the week of national prayers and elections in February 2013. There were overnight youth prayer meetings, hyped-up in-school dance fiestas and food shows. These bring the community members together in a neutral setting because schools have the entire diversity of tribe and clan members, and political party affiliations by parents are all blended in. The discussion opportunities were excellent! We saw thousands of people coming together to discuss and pray for peace, and make specific calls to work for peace in their communities. The project closed in April 2013 when the schools opened after the swearing in of a new President. Future proposed activities are in civic education and enhancement of schools facilities to embrace proposed new technology teaching tools.
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In brief 520 children from the communities of Ngando, Kibera and Lodwar assigned to be peace ambassadors. 18 schools from Ngando, 8 in Kibera and 3 in Lodwar.
9.0
520 children
9.0
8.1
8.0
7.2 6.4 810 leaders and parents
6.4
5.0 3.5
9047 community members
4.0
4.2
4.7
Apr to Jun Jul to Sep Oct to Dec Jan to April
Results
NGANDO
KIBERA
LODWAR2
The table below shows the effects of the peace ambassadors’ work in their schools and communities by numbers of people reached. Ngando
Kibera
Lodwar
NUMBER OF CHILDREN
197
183
140
COMMUNITY LEADERS
57
31
69
PARENTS & TEACHERS
400
198
115
ACTIVE COMMUNITY
3000
Reach
1827
4220
From the figures above, the project’s participation grew by a hundredfold in half a year. This shows the ripple effect that children can have and affirms the project design! The community leaders got involved, the teachers and parents from neighboring schools came in large numbers. We must thank the religious leaders for owning the project in all three communities. It is because of their efforts; provision of facilities, mobilization of political candidates, organizing and endorsing meetings, that the project numbers grew. The community members saw the forums as opportunities to come together and express their fears. When the project started in 2012, all three communities reported genuine fears. There had been undertones and street corner discussions that divided communities along tribe and clan lines. The religious leaders brought this out, participated in civic education and led interreligious prayer meetings in a large scale. Meeting venues provided cross-cultural entertainment that were very attractive. Even with delayed election results and post-election rumors, the communities remained stable. The project closed with pride events, and left a very adhesive feel in the communities. The project staff, teachers and children were celebrated…June 2014.
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Financial report The Chart shows income and expenditure in details as per activity (figures in KES 0,000). This is a reflection of general decline in activities to zero in November/ December. The 180,000 (18) expenditure is basic operations expenditure towards year-end. The project funds and partnerships show in-kind participation by schools and religious bodies in provisions and facilities.
18
6 5.2 4 QTR 1
BALANCE SHEET
2013
2012
Kshs.
Kshs.
ASSETS
372,278 337,637 37,437 26,206 363,843
Current Assets Cash at bank Cash in hand
TOTAL ASSETS Fund Trust fund Current Liabilities Audit & Accounting fees Deficit
TOTAL FUND & LIABILITIES
QTR 3
QTR 4
ACTIVITY INCOME
PROJECT FUNDS
PARTNERSHIPS
EXPENDITURE
THE CHANGE TRUST STATEMENT OF CASH FLOW FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2013
AS AT 31ST DECEMBER 2013
Non-Current Assets Property, Plant & Equipment Crockery and cutlery
QTR 2
409,715
90,000 22,500 112,500
3,688 76,750 80,438
476,343
490,153
894,980 894,980
1,090,125 1,090,125
50,000
40,000
(341,533)
(639,972)
(291,533)
(599,972)
603,447
490,153
2013 Kshs.
2012 Kshs.
(341,533)
(639,972)
108,826
118,315
CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES Net (Deficit)/Surplus before tax Adjustments for:Depreciation on Property, Plant & Equipment Operating (Deficit)/Surplus before working capital changes Increase / (Decrease) in current liabilities Cash Flow (used in) Operating Activities INVESTING ACTIVITIES
(232,707) 50,000
40,000
(182,707)
(481,657)
Property, Plant & Equipment
(446,463)
(490,593)
cutlery
(26,206)
(37,437)
Net cash flow Generated from/(used in) investing activities FINANCING ACTIVITIES Trust fund Net cash flow (used in) financing activities (Decrease) In Cash and Cash Equivalents
(472,669)
894,980
1,090,125
894,980
1,090,125
239,604
80,438
At start of year (Decrease) In Cash and Cash Equivalents
-
-
239,604
80,438
At end of year
239,604
80,438
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Organization Development Major Steps in 2013
Strategic Planning Closure of Peace Project
Project location pictures.
Family program advocacy, sponsorship, placement
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The PLACE OF CHANGE continued to attract most income for operations, with a 50% increase in turnover. However, expenses also significantly increased as the Kenyan economy registered a slight slump and inflation peaked mid year. November and December recorded almost no income yet the recurrent expenditures of rent, maintenance and payroll remained. The decline in income was a result of scheduled change in revenue activites; from meeting and consultations to placement of children. Child placement did not happen as the regulatory authority was inactive between September and December 2013. The other major project; ‘Classmates’, closed in June 2013. The project was well funded locally, and facilitities from the churches and mosque offered a critical balance in expenditure. Bulk text messaging for the month while the country waited for final results of the presidential elections proved an effective project tool. In all the organization still reported a deficit, but there was a 90% increase in residual income compared to 2012. This was in spite of the complete lull in activities in the last quarter of 2013.
Concluding Remarks This has been a year of learning and amazement. The learning has been through some hard teachings and observations; being a recipient of power play and unnecessary politicization of legal systems. The transition to a new government system coincided with our application to undertake placement of children in families in the Kenyan system. The transition process caused a time lapse of four months. Our organization strategy has been delayed. In hindsight, this should not have surprised us. We were amazed at the power of children and youth to mobilize resources, and the energy when communities come together, forgetting their differences of birth and nature. The ‘Classmates’ project completely blew us away; it exceeded our expectations of community mobilization, togetherness and the numbers. We went out with the mindset of teachers, but were humbled by what the children had to offer in their communities. We ended up learning much more than we could ever have taught. In the end, we are proud of our projects, our staff and as founding members, we are affirmed in our objectives and strategy. We look to enhanced partnerships, greater reach in the community and firming our print among the African youth, especially in laws and policies that serve youth.
