Page 14 - Aidlink Financial Statement 2023

Aidlink Financial Statements 2023
DIRECTORS’ REPORT
For the financial year ended 31 December 2023
were reviewed by the board eight times in 2023 (2022: ten times). Aidlink is audited by Woods, Delaney and Partners Limited and financial statements and annual reports
are published online. Financial statements are prepared in line with SORP standards and the Companies Act 2014; the Directors’ Report identifies the principal
risks facing the organisation and mitigation strategies; a disclosure statement on senior management salaries is included. Aidlink remains committed to further strengthening transparency and accountability
in order to maintain trust with the public, donors, and partners.
TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY
Aidlink is satisfied that no incidence of material fraud or gross financial mismanagement has occurred
in respect to Aidlink resources among partners or within activities organised by the Dublin head office. Partners are externally audited by registered in-country auditors; audit reports and management letters are examined by Aidlink senior management and the treasurer in line with our financial policy. It is the current opinion of our partners’ independent auditors that their respective financial statements
give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of each partner. Aidlink also reviews partners’ financial policies and procedures and holds independent discussions with
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partners’ financial managers as part of routine monitoring and evaluation processes. Review of partners other donors’ reports and audits provide further security regarding financial management procedures.
FUNDRAISING
Monitoring fundraising is a chief responsibility of all Directors as they are charged with ensuring
the short-term and long-term viability of the company. Aidlink has formally adopted and adheres to the Charities Regulator’s Guidelines for Charitable Organisations on Fundraising from the Public.
DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME
Strategic oversight of the Development Programme is a key responsibility of all Directors. The Board are responsible for monitoring partner performance, ensuring programme results are on-track and ensuring expenditure is in line with targets and budgets. The Directors also ensure that throughout the life cycle of the Development Programme, outcomes continue to contribute to the organisation’s strategic objectives.
POST BALANCE SHEET EVENTS
In March 2024, Aidlink received communication f rom Irish Aid approving our new proposal for the next five years (a total of €2 million). The project is closely aligned with Aidlink’s strategic pillars as it focuses on some of the
most disadvantaged communities in Kenya, the nomadic pastoralist of Turkana and Masai. Essential needs will be met through education, water and sanitation and school feeding. The project specifically targets women and girls through improved educational outcomes and tackling traditional social norms and barriers including early marriage and FGM.
A significant donation of €100,000 from a private donor allowed us to launch ‘Every Girl in Class’ in May 2024. This project will include new classrooms and one dormitory benefitting four schools and 1,200 children in rural Kenya.
Aidlink has four planned immersion programmes in 2024. In February 2024, 20 students and 3 teachers from Blackrock College attended school and visit projects supported by Aidlink in Kenya. In March 2024,
31 students and 7 teachers from St. Joseph’s Rush travelled to Uganda. In June 2024, 38 students and teachers from Loreto Beufort are scheduled to travel to Kenya and 54 students and teachers from St. Mary’s will be visiting Ghana.
ACCOUNTING RECORDS
The Directors acknowledge their responsibilities under Section 281 to 285 of the Companies Act 2014 to keep adequate accounting records for the company.
In order to comply with the requirements of the Act, appropriate