Before I begin this report, I feel that I must mention the huge loss of our secretary and trustee, Roger Drew. He has been a great supporter of ACE and also a sponsor of 2 students. His opinions on ACE matters were wise and thoughtful and he helped ACE to become successful. He is greatly missed and our thoughts are always with his wife, Bette.

Once again I start my report by saying that this year has been our most successful year ever, which is amazing in the present economic climate. We have raised £58,946.55.

This was raised through events, collections and donations from individuals, local schools and other community organisations. Also, large donations were received from the publishing company, Reed Elsevier, and from the Alan and Nesta Ferguson Trust.

We have also been supported this year by Valerie Humphries in Scarborough, who has held various charity fundraising events in aid of ACE. There have also been donations from schools in other parts of the country.

Our Open Gardens Day in Newmill still proves to be our biggest fundraiser with so many people putting so much time into making this a success. Many people donate their time and effort to make the various fundraising initiatives successful. It is these people who enable ACE to be so successful and I will be forever grateful to them.

It has meant that we have been able to -

In late September we brought 2 Ugandan educationalists to the UK to look at school/classroom management and organisation. They were here for 3 weeks and were based at St Hilary Primary School, where they learned much from everyone there. They then visited schools and organisations who support ACE to tell them, first hand, how ACE work affects the lives of children in Uganda. They returned to Kisoro to hold workshops for teachers and to follow this with regular school visits.

Our sponsorship scheme has increased dramatically this year, which enables 29 students to attend Kisoro Vision Secondary School, a private boarding school. We selected pupils who achieved grade 1 or 2 in their primary school leaving exams and who were too poor to go to secondary school. They receive regular visits from David Epidu, ACE representative in Uganda, and he collects letters for their sponsors. Dennis, our oldest student, has been given the responsibility of collecting the students' shopping and distributing it. He also holds meetings with the ACE students in order for them to discuss any problems which they may have and report them to David or me. Juliet is now at secretarial school in Kabale, but is still being supported by her sponsors and visited by David. My thanks go to ACE trustee, Janet Pye, who organises this side of the charity and also to Dan Munyambabazi, the director of Vision School, for keeping in close contact about the ACE students.

In February 2011, Luke Pye, who had visited Uganda with us the previous year, returned for 3 months voluntary work. He repaired equipment and taught English. He was followed in August by another volunteer, Eden Quayle. He did a survey of the schools which included making a list of repair work which was needed to be done by us and what could be done by the communities. Both visits were much appreciated by all at ACE and by the schools.

Vic Peake and I were joined by Val Humphries for our visit to the schools in September. We had a very positive visit, helped a lot by Eden's reports the previous month. The ACE schools are moving forward and improving teaching standards to match the improved educational facilities. Vision School is proud to have ACE students.

William Balibutsa, the school inspector who oversees our schools, has continued to be supportive and efficient. He works even harder after his UK visit. He answers any educational queries I have, as well as arranging transport for David when he visits. He has been a huge asset to our team and I am very grateful for his continued support of ACE schools.

David Epidu, our representative in Uganda, continues to work tirelessly for ACE. His workload has increased this year as he now has more secondary school students to deal with. He oversees estimates and payments, and he checks the quality of work for us, liaising closely with the school heads and local communities, as well as the building contractors and local school inspector. He visits our sponsored students each term, buys them their school equipment, and talks to their teachers about their school life. He keeps immaculate records which are sent back to the UK along with his reports. He is a very important member of our team.

Many thanks to the other ACE trustees -

Bette Drew, who is our treasurer, and does an excellent job. The huge amount of her time, her patience and hard work are much appreciated.

Joy Kell, our minutes secretary, who always supports our events and helps with collections.

Janet Pye, who runs our Student Sponsorship Scheme.

Phil Budden, who runs our website and 200 Club.

Victor Peake, for all of his support in whatever we do.

 

Angela Peake

Chairman of ACE Trustees

September 2011