M E S S E H L E O N E T R U S T

Image above : participants and mentors from the Wave Alliance Sierra Leone surf therapy /Aberdeen Beach/Moseray Fadika Trust Foundation supported by Messeh Leone Trust/Waves for Change. Contact Us AYV House, 3 Wesley Street, Tower Hill. Freetown, Sierra Leone. W: messehleone.org E: [email protected] E: [email protected] T: + 232 76712338 Contents

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President's Statement 1

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Who We Are 2

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Approach and Strategy 4

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Results and Impacts 5

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Governance and Risk Management 25

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Our plans for the year ahead 37

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Independent Auditor's Report: Financial Statement 41

...... I was a child during the brutal war in Sierra Leone. Growing up in the midst of conflict, I witnessed unimaginable abuse of children and gross violations of human rights. The civil war in Sierra Leone had a terrible impact on me. The horrors I witnessed filled me with despair. But despite the shock of the war, I never lost hope. As I grew up, I started on a journey of recovery. At age 14, I entered in to the world of public service. I am determined to make the world a better place Through access to safe spaces, caring and to protect other people from the mentors, and a provision of weekly Surf atrocities I experienced as a child. Therapy sessions, the programme gives

young people the skills to cope with stress, The Messeh Leone Trust is the result of regulate behaviour, build healing almost two decades of extensive research relationships, and make positive life choices. and active local and global field work in The Alliance is coordinated by Messeh Leone building peace, fighting extreme poverty, Trust with assistance provided by Waves for supporting health, education, promoting Change, an international award winning Non- human rights and accountability for Profit that has pioneered the use of surfing sustainable development. We believe that as a health intervention. every person deserves a chance to succeed, everyone has a responsibility to take action, These are the real stories of the Messeh and we all do better when we work together. Leone Trust. We hope you find them as powerful as we do – and that they will This annual report tells the stories of our inspire you to keep moving into the future work and some of the people who have with an open hand, a listening ear, a caring inspired us the most over the last year, attitude and a loving heart for humanity. including the musicians and players in Sierra We’re so proud of and thankful for our Leone who are helping to bring divided partners who are at the centre of supporting communities together through music and our work and will be critical in the long-term sport; the asylum seekers and refugees in the efforts. We have always believed in and United Kingdom who are using their relied on the power of partnerships in traumatic stories to raise awareness in the everything we do at the Messeh Leone Trust. hope of providing a more comprehensive and Together with our partners, we have a long informative reflection of their situation; and track record of addressing complex and the young people who are part of the Wave pressing challenges. Thank you for your Alliance in Sierra Leone, which is a coalition belief in and support of the Trust’s mission to of youth-lead and community -based bring people together to build a peaceful, organisations that have successfully healthier, and better world for everyone. introduced evidence-based Surf Therapy programmes to beach communities across Freetown, Sierra Leone. The programme provides a child-friendly mental health service to at-risk young people living in unstable communities who are often exposed to social, economic and environmental challenges. President

0 1 | A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 9 WHO WE ARE We’re a humanitarian organisation that empowers young people, women and communities to overcome poverty, conflict and injustice.

Founded in 2005, the Messeh Leone Trust (MLT) is a registered non-profit organisation headquartered in Sierra Leone, with networks across the world.

MLT gives young people, women and their communities the power to build a healthy, peaceful and better world, and bring communities closer together to take collective action for positive change.

MLT is part of the Wave Alliance in Sierra Leone , which is a coalition of youth- lead and community -based organisations that have successfully introduced evidence-based Surf Therapy programmes to six beach communities across Freetown, Sierra Leone. The alliance is coordinated by MLT with assistance provided by Waves for Change, an international award winning Non-Profit that has pioneered the use of surfing as a health intervention. Monitoring and Evaluation support is provided by Edinburgh Napier University.

0 2 | A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 9 OUR VISION AND MISSION

Our VISION is to see a Healthy, Peaceful and Better World for everyone.

We are dedicated to our MISSION of giving young people, women and local communities the power to build a healthy, peaceful and better world.

W E W O R K T O S E E K T H E C O M M I T M E N T F R O M A L L P E O P L E A N D N A T I O N S T O E N D O R R E D U C E V I O L E N T W A R S A N D T O A D D R E S S G L O B A L C H A L L E N G E S I N C L U D I N G E X T R E M E P O V E R T Y , C O R R U P T I O N , E N V I R O N M E N T A L D E G R A D A T I O N , A N D G R A V E H U M A N R I G H T S V I O L A T I O N S , I N S U P P O R T O F T H E P R O M I S E O F A G L O B A L P E A C E P A C T .

0 3 | A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 9 Our Strategy

The issues identified are complex, interlinked and are not exhaustive of current and emerging threats to the world. The impacts play out differently in different contexts and therefore have varying implications for local, national and international levels of response. MLT maintains that sustainable development can only be achieved in this world through collective action to address global challenges, including extreme poverty, education, health, corruption, environmental degradation, structural violence and grave human rights violations. Our Approach

MLT seeks to engage and build an entourage of people, communities and institutions to enter into a pact (agreement), with a commitment to deliver a project as part of their journey and help grow a diverse and durable global movement for collective action. Members who commit to supporting the MLT are identified as: MLT ambassadors. MLT acts as a strategic partner, in helping people and local communities mobilise the ideas, people and resources needed to deliver, and to grow a diverse and durable constituency for collective action. The issues championed by MLT are at the heart of the Sustainable Development Goals, seeking to build initiatives across sectors to solve problems at scale, and engage influencers and citizens who seek action. Partnership and the power of smart and strategic collaboration is our DNA. Everyone has a part to play, everyone’s voice should be heard, and everyone has a stake. The mission and vision of MLT are guided by the purposes and principles contained in the United Nations Charter and Noble Peace Prize.

0 4 | A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 9 Results and Impacts Wave Alliance Sierra Leone

MLT is part of the Wave Alliance in Sierra Leone , which is a coalition of youth-lead and community -based organisations that have successfully introduced evidence-based Surf Therapy programmes to six beach communities across Freetown, Sierra Leone.

The alliance is coordinated by MLT with additional technical assistance provided by Waves for Change, an international award winning Non-Profit that has pioneered the use of surfing as a health intervention. Monitoring and Evaluation support is provided by Edinburgh Napier University.

The Wave Alliance provides a child-friendly mental health service to at- risk youth living in unstable communities who are often exposed to social, economic and environmental challenges. Through access to safe spaces, caring mentors, and a provision of weekly Surf Therapy sessions, the Alliance gives children skills to cope with stress, regulate behaviour, build healing relationships, and make positive life choice

0 5 | A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 9 Wave Alliance Sierra Leone

What have we achieved so far?

We supported five local partner organisations in Sierra Leone who have participated in a 2-week workshop with Waves for Change in Cape Town, South Africa from the 28th September – 12th October 2019. They have completed training and vetting process in Cape Town. The workshop was funded by Comic Relief and the Swedish Postcode Lotto through Waves for Change.

This helped them design surf therapy programme that aligns with the needs of their community as well as best practice and evidence globally. The Alliance provides the training, equipment and mentoring needed for passionate individuals to introduce locally- owned evidence-based surf therapy to their home communities.

Image above : participants from Wave Alliance Sierra Leone surf therapy training in Cape Town, South Africa supported by Messeh Leone Trust/Waves for Change.

0 6 | A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 9 Images above : participants from Wave Alliance Sierra Leone surf therapy training in Cape Town, South Africa supported by Messeh Leone Trust/Waves for Change.

0 7 | A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 9 Wave Alliance Sierra Leone

Since 2019, we have been working with this amazing group of very dedicated and passionate young people in Lumley/Aberdeen and along the Freetown peninsula communities/ beaches.

As a result of 18 months of successful piloting in 2019, Surf Therapy now exists at six beaches across the Freetown Area .

Weekly Surf Therapy sessions are delivered by cohorts of resident youth mentors, recruited and trained by the five community based organisations with the assistance of Waves for Change. Operations and funding are coordinated by the Messeh Leone Trust with additional training, curriculum and project evaluation offered by Waves for Change and Edinburgh Napier University.

Image above : participants, mentors, community leaders part of the Wave Alliance in Sierra Leone at a surf therapy worksop at the National Tourist Board supported by Messeh Leone Trust/Waves for Change/government

0 8 | A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 9 Wave Alliance Sierra Leone

All five of of our Wave Alliance partners in Sierra Leone have completed a full surf therapy pilot programme and written their first surf therapy evaluation reports! You can read these reports, and find out more about the Wave Alliance initiative to support global access to locally-run surf therapy programmes, here: https://bit.ly/31g7Zi2

A review of the project found that it has had the biggest impact on the at risk young people and those who would have been exposed to social, economic and environmental challenges in targeted communities.

‘’My favorite thing about the surf therapy is the fun, the games. I like the take 5 breathe in and breathe out. I have learned how to surf. I have learned how to care for each other. Our coaches taught us a lot. Whenever we are in the beach, I always felt happy, joyful and also relaxed’’ - surf therapy participant in Sierra Leone!

“I am teacher and also part of the surf therapy programme as a coach, through this initiative, I have been able to have knowledge on how to deal with children in schools. They now trust me and can share their feelings with me. I feel this is a very good initiative.” -Coach and Teacher

“My child was a so weak and hardly active and was not happy. My child did not have time to go to school but after the introduction of this surf club, now he can spend his leisure time playing with his friends, teach them school songs that they will sing before the beginning of the session. I can see positive changes with my child.’’ -Parent/mentor/community leader

0 9 | A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 9 Wave Alliance Sierra Leone

‘’I'm very happy to be part of the surf therapy project. I was not so attentive in class before I joined this programme but since joining this programme, I’m doing better in school now because our coordinators/mentors have been good to us and helping us a lot. They are teaching us some moral lessons apart from the surfing itself.’’ -Surf Therapy Participant

Image above : participants from United Sierra Leone/Wave Alliance Sierra Leone Surf therapy session in Sussex Beach supported by Messeh Leone Trust/Waves for Change.

1 0 | A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 9 Wave Alliance Sierra Leone

The National Tourist Board, the Ministry of Toursim and Cultural Affairs, the Ministry of Social Welfare, Gender and Children's Affairs, and the Ministry of Finance have been very supportive to the Wave Alliance. The Sierra Leone government provided custom duty waiver to clear surf boards from the port.

Local Government, impressed by the results of the initial pilots, has contributed free storage and premises and the communities have provided parcels of land to establish safe spaces to host the surf therapy programme at each beach allowing local projects to scale further in 2021 and 2022.

There is interest from the government to contribute financial support if projects can be consolidated.

''On behalf of the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs and the National Tourist Board of Sierra Leone, I wish to thank the Moseray Fadika Trust Foundation, Messeh Leone, Waves for Change, Wave Alliance Sierra Leone and all the organisations/communities/individuals who are part of this initiative. From the activities I have personally witnessed and the reports submitted; I have learnt that, this programme is creating a safe space where young people and members of the community can come together to play, relax, express themselves and learn skills to deal with the challenges they face in their respective communities. This surf therapy programme is helping to build a more United Sierra Leone, create stability, peace and social cohesion in society and help prevent young people from being exposed to inappropriate activities (crime, drug abuse, negative behaviours etc.). We will continue to collaborate to support this initiative to grow to higher height.’’

-Umaru Woody - Planning and Development Manager, National Tourist Board of Sierra Leone.

1 1 | A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 9 Wave Alliance Sierra Leone

Implementing partners:

United Sierra Leone is a peace building and community development initiative supported by a number of institutions and individuals in Sierra Leone and in the diaspora. USL promotes ‘Wanword’, a local Krio word for ‘coming together’. USL works with communities and individuals including activists, journalists, artists and sports men and women.

Job Opportunities for Youth (JOY) was established with funding received from the UNHABITAT Youth Fund. JOY works with trained mentors and life coaches who believe in boosting people’s aspirations, confidence, self-belief and motivation.

The Moseray Fadika Trust Foundation (MFTF) is a non-profit organisation focused on eradicating poverty, creating jobs, improving health, education and legacy work, founded by Ambassador Moseray Fadika. MFTF delivers charitable works with state and non-state actors to help poor people and their communities work their way out of poverty and promote the development of Sierra Leone.

Young Leaders of Sierra Leone (YLSL) is one of the oldest youth- led organisations established in post-war Sierra Leone. The organisation was formed by a group of young leaders from across the country, and launched by the then President of Sierra Leone, Dr Ahmed Tejan Kabbah. YSL supports young people to have a voice in society on all matters affecting young people.

Pipul Pikin Charitable Foundation is a local krio dialect for: ‘Someone’s child’. The Pipul Pikin Foundation is a non-profit based in Freetown. The organisation creates a movement for people and institutions who want to help give children a better start to life.

1 2 | A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 9 Wave Alliance Sierra Leone

Technical Partners:

Waves for Change is a multi-award winning mental health organisation. Based in South Africa, W4C has spent 10 years working with youth mentors, at-risk youth, international universities and mental health professionals to design evidence-based programmes that fuse the rush of surfing with evidence- based mind-body therapy. Waves for Change has successfully grown it’s programmes to reach over 2,000 children weekly in South Africa, and works with a network of over 30 international NGO’s to launch sustainable, locally owned Surf Therapy programmes. Waves for Change is providing technical assistance for youth mentor recruitment, training and curriculum to ensure quality programme delivery.

Jamie Marshall - PHD - Edinburgh Napier: Jamie is completing the first PHD to investigate the health benefits of surfing on at-risk demographics. His work has taken him to several countries around the world (Including Liberia) where he has worked with local populations to establish the impact of surfing on health issues such as depression, anxiety and PTSD. He is working with partners to ensure validated research methods are used to track programme impacts which can be shared with the government and written up for publication.

Images above : participants from Wave Alliance Sierra Leone surf therapy training in Cape Town, South Africa supported by Messeh Leone Trust/Waves for Change.

1 3 | A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 9 Results and Impacts

‘’Contributing to National Cohesion and Reconciliation Efforts in Sierra Leone’’

For decades, political parties have used their influence and ethnic affiliations to incite tensions and violence among supporters. The Sierra Leone election in 2018 was no different. Sierra Leone continues to experience tribal and political tensions and divisions.

Sierra Leoneans live side by side in peace most of the time despite real underlying grievances, which are triggered during elections and times of political tension. The MLT's United Sierra Leone Post-Elections Project using music and sport to promote reconciliation and national cohesion was the first of its kind and credit must be given to those who advocated so strongly for such a project where communities were for the first time given the opportunity to discuss on and engage stakeholders in their communities, in such a unique manner.

1 4 | A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 9 What have we achieved so far?

The United Sierra Leone project was first supported by the European Union, ECOWAS, Africa Union, Government of Sierra Leone, Messeh Leone Trust, AMNet, AYV Media, Independent Radio Network, and Leone Entertainment. The project started in 2018, and has been running since.

Music and sport were used as a tool to promote national cohesion and reconciliation by taking musicians and sport men and women to different regions to introduce them to new platform in an effort to create a better understanding of peace and tolerance in the communities in the aftermath of the elections. The United Sierra Leone Festival and football events were first held in communities affected by the post-elections violence and tensions, especially in Port Loko, Kambia, Bo and Kailahun, and in 2019 the programme had expanded to other parts of the country.

The Festival was held under the theme “We Are Better Together”, which was also the main theme for the consultative meetings with community leaders and football events. The United Sierra Leone Peace Festival was designed to create a space for artists to work with communities on issues of community interest in support of the national cohesion and reconciliation process. Part of the strategy was to use music as a tool to disseminate peace messages and bring together diverse interest groups to identify a common goal and action plan

Theme song

During the music festival and community engagement, the artists produced a theme song and album featuring all the leading artists in the country. The album was shared to the communities during the tours. The album was first launched at Bintumani Hotel in Freetown by the First Lady of the Republic of Sierra Leone Mrs Fatima Bio.

1 5 | A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 9 Impact

The artists played an active role in resolving post-election violence and promoting reconciliation and national cohesion. This was the result of the presence of leading musicians including strong female artists, as well as their previous experiences in promoting peace messages—not only in the capital city Freetown, but also around the country. These precedents prepared the ground for artists’ interventions in the process to resolve conflicts that erupted after contested presidential elections in 2018.

A reconciliation between two longstanding rival hip hop musical leaders Kao Denero and LAJ provided an opportunity for reconciliation. It was a welcome development for many Sierra Leoneans who have grown accustomed to a bitter cycle of violence between the two. It is important to note that LAJ declared his support for the opposition APC while Kao declared support for the NGC and later SLPP which won the elections. So it was inspiring to see both musicians who had supported rival parties coming together to promote reconciliation

Images above : local and national musicians at the Peace Festival including LAJ, Kao Denero, Star Zee and legendary Steady Bongo supported by Messeh Leone Trust

1 6 | A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 9 Media and community engagement

Media and community engagement was key. Before the festivals, the United Sierra Leone Project team conducted radio discussion programs to prepare the minds of the community about the themes and what was expected from. Local DJs moderated the programs. Jingles and TV adverts were also developed and disseminated. Members of AMNet were also on radio engaging the community and promoting the message of national cohesion anD reconciliation.

1 7 | A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 9 Sport for peace and development

By providing structured assistance which is sufficiently flexible to local circumstances, MLT engaged the Commonwealth and Government of Sierra Leone to develop a national Sport for Development and Peace (SDP) strategy and action plan, to contribute to the overall development goals of the country.

Using the framework provided by the Commonwealth SDP Guidelines 1, MLT worked alongside government and local non-governmental partners, including identified youth bodies, to use sport for peace and development.

Sport was part of the activities for ’Contributing to National Cohesion and Reconciliation Efforts in Sierra Leone’’. Football matches were organised in communities affected by violence, which resulted in:

Increased recognition of sport as a tool for peace and development by the Government of Sierra Leone and local communities.

Improved co-ordination of SDP activity within Sierra Leone.

Increase in SDP programmes (or scale of existing programmes) clearly linked to MLT's strategic plan

Images above : Sport for Peace players at a community football event

1 8 | A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 9 Sustainable Development: Toursim Mission

Tourism is arguably the largest industry in the world today, and one which continues to grow at an enviable rate. Sierra Leone possesses substantial tourism resources, but it is still recovering from a civil war that destroyed the tourism sector. The Ebola outbreak and decline in global iron ore prices caused a significant contraction of economic activity in all areas. Tourism is a major sector that can rescue the country’s economy, and has the potential to transform the image of Sierra Leone, but only if given the attention it requires. It also has the potential to support young people and local beach communties where MLT opeartes.

1 9 | A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 9 What have we achieved so far?

MLT coordinated serval meetings with top government officials including the Vice President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Dr Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, the Minister of Toursim and Cultural Affairs, the National Tourist Board and the Africa Young Voices (AYV), with a view to provide a a platform to drive investor led debate, discussion, and partnerships.

MLT supported a delegation that attended a number of toursim missions abroad which culminated in increased attention for Sierra Leone. MLT and AYV also provided media support to the Tourism Minister, Dr Memunatu Pratt and her delegation to toursim programmes in Canada, France, Spain, and the World Travel Market London, where every year, thousands of travel professionals gather at London ExCel’s Custom House to exhibit their destinations, tourism products and services.

Over 51,000 attendees at World Travel Market London have an interest in the global travel trade. Both visitors and exhibitors represent a wide variety of companies and sectors operating in the travel industry.

Image above right: MLT's President Messeh Leone and Sierra Leone Tourism Minister, Dr Memunatu Pratt on AYV tv at the World Travel Market London

2 0 | A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 9 Idris Elba visits Sierra Leone

These global tourism missions have attracted a number of investors and visitors to Sierra Leone including Idris Elba. He is a globally renowned film actor, producer, musician, and humanitarian who is said to have long intended to support the development aspirations of Sierra Leoneans, and help transform his father’s homeland of Sierra Leone. Idris Elba visited Sierra Leone in 2019 and is now a Brand Ambassador for SierraLeone. MLT provided inputs to Elba's visit to sierra Leone.

2 1 | A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 9 Supporting the Commonwealth: What have we achieved so far?

Commonwealth Youth Council:

In addition to supporting the establishment of the Commonwealth Youth Council (CYC), MLT continues to provide ongoing support to the the work of the organisation. The CYC is a coalition of national youth councils and other youth-led civil society and private sector bodies from across the 52 member countries of the Commonwealth. Her Majesty, The Queen of England and 52 Heads of government from across the world have endorsed and are supporting the CYC.

Commonwealth Africa Initiative:

MLT is a strategic partner to the Commonwealth Africa Initiative , and provides ongoing support to its annual Commonwealth Africa Summit in London. The Commonwealth Africa Initiative is Pan Commonwealth platform with a mandate to promote the interest of the African bloc of the Commonwealth of Nations as well as the interests of Commonwealth in Africa. The initiative champions sustainable development, economic prosperity, security and good governance across Commonwealth countries in Africa.

Refugees and asylum seekers:

Through MLT's network in the UK, the organisation has coordinated the contribution of refused asylum seekers at global platforms including at the Commonwealth Africa Initiative. MLT worked alongside law students from Warwick University on the Right to Be Project. The team conducted extensive research and interviews of refused asylum seekers and organisations working to support them in the hope of providing a more comprehensive and informative reflection of their situation.

A short film highlighting the plight of refugees and refused asylum seekers was screened at the Commonwealth Africa Summit. This project has helped establish the first network in the UK led and managed by refused asylum seekers to engage and to speak to their issues. This platform gives them greater visibility and legitimacy and recognition of their right to be protected.

2 2 | A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 9 Investing in youth business and scholarships: What have we achieved so far?

The Limelight Project is supported by the Messeh Leone Trust and AYV. This project aims to help young people start and grow businesses, and create employment for their communities. In 2019, MLT supported two new youth businesses:

Salone Messenger Magazine is a platform for young people driven by the dire need to tell Sierra Leonean stories and raise awareness on socio, political and economic issues. The Magazine has now employed seven young people and has established a a positive brand for advertisers and companies in the country. More information about the Salone Messenger can be found at: https://salonemessengers.com.

2 3 | A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 9 Empasco Innovation Hub identified the gap in the social impact investment sector and developed a hub capable of solving the problem including short-term and long-term goals for taking the product to market.

MLT supported a diverse international team of 5 young talented students from Cambridge University, Oxford University, Kings College, Warwick University and Harvard University who are greatly involved in information technology, innovation, NGOs and business, with the aim of creating the first social impact collaboration matchmaking platform. The team has also set up a virtual hub , and working with young people from across the world to develop concept and pitch to investors. The Warwick University Enterprise Fund provided start-up funding to Empasco.

More information about Empasco can be found at: https://www.empasco.com

MLT Scholarship programme:

MLT continues to offer its annual Scholarship Programme for students based in in Sierra Leone. The programme was initiated as a result of the generosity of MLT's co-founder Messeh Leone and is now supported by other individual donors. The programme is unique and since its foundation in 2005, over 150 scholars have benefited from the scholarship and many have gone on to pursue successful careers. 11 students received support from MLT in 2019. Our scholars receive financial, pastoral and careers support, as well as the opportunity to visit workplaces and take part in social and cultural events within a community of supportive and ambitious peers. It is the wish of the donors that the programme should prioritise help for students from poor backgrounds with high achieving grades.

2 4 | A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 9 Governance and Risk Management

The institutional structure of MLT continues to be set up as follows:

The Supervisory Board otherwise known as the board of trustees, which provides overall strategic supervision and advice. It also approves the annual budget and the annual accounts of the past year.

The Executive Team, which is responsible for the execution of the strategy and daily management.

The Programmatic Steering Team, which advises the Supervisory Board and the Executive Board on issues of substance matters.

The Committee of Honorary Patrons and strategic partners, which renders assistance to the organisation in more general terms

The composition of each of these organs is based on a careful balance to ensure participation of the various stakeholders relevant for MLT and to reflect its programme ambitions: private - public sector, international - national level, academics - practitioners, various communties, and various relevant disciplines.

2 5 | A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 9 Leadership

MLT is committed to maintaining a high standard of corporate governance. Members are drawn from diverse, national and international backgrounds and bring a broad range of relevant experience and skills to MLT discussions.

We not only develop our own projects, our global team of experts develops and advises on effective programmes, focused partnerships, research, project work and services for others. Our team includes a diverse group of experts with experience from diverse backgrounds, including practitioners and academics with PhDs in specific areas. We can help you develop a project related idea, execute an already well-developed plan, improve or expand an existing program, or identify a new solution. We also work with local communities and partners in developing holistic cross-sector strategies for effectively engaging state and non-state actors.

Board members are elected by other trustees for a maximum total term of eight years. All Trustees attend an induction programme to familiarise themselves with their statutory responsibilities, their role within the organisation, the governance framework and MLT’s objectives.

Performance of MLT both collectively and as individual members is periodically assessed. There are clear distinctions between the roles of the Board and the Strategic Management Team to which day to day management is delegated.

Matters such as policy and strategic plans are prepared by the Strategic Management Team for consideration and approval by the Board.

The Board members are required to identify and review the strategic, operational, regulatory, people, political and environmental risks to which MLT is exposed; and to assess the likelihood of such risks and the possible level of impact they would have.

MLT updated its risk management framework during 2019; identifying risks, prioritising them and setting out mitigation approaches and accountabilities for the highest priority items.

Each organ is led by a dedicated team leader who responsible for the smooth operation of the respective organs in the organisation.

2 6 | A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 9 Melron Nicol Wilson ESQ

Board co-chair - MLT Supervisory Board otherwise known as the board of trustees, which provides overall strategic supervision and advice. It also approves the annual budget and the annual accounts of the past year.

Melron Nicol-Wilson is a Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court of Sierra Leone, and Founder and Managing Partner of Nicol-Wilson and Co (Malaika Chambers). Nicol- Wilson holds two specialised Master's Degrees in Law. He holds a Master's Degree in Law (LL.M) from the University of Nottingham in the United Kingdom; a Master's Degree in Law (LL.M) from the University of Pretoria in South Africa; A Diploma from the University of Lund in Sweden; a Bachelors Degree in Law with Honours (LL.B (Hons) and a Barrister-at-Law Degree ( BL) from the Sierra Leone Law School.

Since becoming a lawyer in 1998, he has worked in several distinguished capacities including Ombudsman of the Republic of Sierra Leone, from May 2017 to September 2018; Defence Counsel and Case Manager at the internationalised Special Court for Sierra Leone, from May 2003 to October 2007 and from July 2011 to September 2012; Lecturer in Law at the University of Sierra Leone, from 2003 to 2010; as well as Legal Adviser to Sierra Leone's Anti-Corruption Commission; Founder and Director of the Lawyers Centre for Legal Assistance in Sierra Leone, the first Legal Aid Body in the Country; and Lecturer in Public Law at the Polytechnic of Namibia in Southern Africa. Nicol-Wilson has provided legal services for several companies, Governmental Departments, non-Governmental organisations and individuals, and has undertaken consultancies for several United Nations agencies, including the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, the British Council in Sierra Leone and a host of other bodies.

He is the author of a number of Handbooks and Articles in several Law Journals, including the 2007 African Human Rights Law Journal, and the 2001 and the 2002 Australian International Law Journals. He is a former Teaching Fellow at the Human Rights Institute at Columbia Law School in the United States and a winner of the 2007 African Human Rights Lawyer Award from the University of Pretoria in South Africa. Nicol-Wilson now engages in the work of the Global Peace PACT with a strong focus on all aspects of education and advocacy, in the areas of conflict prevention, reducing extreme poverty, addressing climate change, and promoting human rights and accountability.

2 7 | A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 9 Messeh Leone President - Head of MLT Executive Board, which is responsible for the execution of the strategy and daily management.

Mr Messeh Leone founded the Messeh Leone Trust, following almost 20 years of extensive research and active local and global field work in building peace, fighting extreme poverty, advancing education, health and promoting human rights and accountability. Messeh was a child during the brutal war in Sierra Leone. Growing up in in the midst of conflict, Messeh witnessed unimaginable abuse of children and gross violations of human rights. The horrors he witnessed during the civil war had a terrible impact on him. But despite the shock of the war, Messeh never lost hope. He started on a journey of recovery, studying and working for a better future. At age 14, Messeh entered in to the world of activism and public service. He was elected President of the Children’s Forum Network/Children’s Parliament – a child-led democratic organisation – and served as chair for children’s inputs to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the United Nations backed Special Court for Sierra Leone. With support from the British Council and a benefactor at the United Nations, Messeh later moved to the United Kingdom to pursue his childhood dream of becoming a lawyer.

He successfully completed his Bachelor of law degree with honours (LLB) from the University of Warwick and then pursued his Bar Practice Training Course (BPTC) and Masters in law (LLM for barristers) at BPP Law School in London. Messeh was chosen by his Inns of Court (Lincoln’s Inn) as a leader among his peers. He also won the University of Warwick Law School MSP scholarship, awarded to a high achieving law student. Messeh has devoted his time in working for or contributing to a number of international organisations, including the Commonwealth, the United Nations and the European Union.

This work has led him to travel to a number of countries, contributing to the planning and implementation of local and global projects in commonwealth countries, including in Africa, Asia, Europe, the Pacific, the Caribbean and the Americas. Messeh was the recipient of the Commonwealth's International Award for Dynamic Youth Leadership and Service. His work has been recognised by Her Majesty The Queen of England and other world leaders.Messeh has made a lifetime commitment to work for peace and prosperity of a world without violent wars and extreme poverty. He is determined to help make the world a better place and to protect other people from atrocities he experienced as a child. He believes passionately that conflicts can be prevented. Extreme poverty can be reduced. Climate Change can be addressed. Human rights abuses can be stopped. State and non-state actors must be held accountable

2 8 | A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 9 Saudamini Siegrist PhD

Head of MLT Programmatic Steering Team, which advises the Supervisory Board and the Executive Board on issues of substance matters.

Saudamini lives in New York City, where she served as Senior Adviser for Child Protection in Emergencies at UNICEF from 2012-2017. She previously served as Child Protection Specialist at the UNICEF Innocenti Research Center and as Chief of Child Protection for UNICEF in Palestine. She also worked in the Humanitarian Policy Unit of Emergency Operations at UNICEF on issues related to children and armed conflict, international criminal justice, and monitoring and reporting of grave violations against children. Saudamini was the lead writer for the Children’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission Report for Sierra Leone; the UNICEF publication Birth Registration and Armed Conflict; and the publication Children and Truth Commissions, co-authored by UNICEF and the International Center for Transitional Justice (ICTJ).

She co-edited the book, Children and Transitional Justice: Truth-Telling, Accountability and Reconciliation, published by the Human Rights Program at Harvard Law School, and contributed to The Impact of War on Children, authored by Graça Machel. Saudamini currently works as a consultant on Child Protection in emergencies. She holds a Doctorate from New York University and a Master’s degree from Columbia University.Saudamini is also a poet and playwright. Her work has appeared in numerous publications and she has received three nominations for the Pushcart Prize. Her play, "I Am Antigone", was presented as a showcase in the Theater for the New City Dream Up Festival and in the Culture Project "Prologue to Progress" in September 2017.

2 9 | A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 9 Artur Safayan

Board Co-chair and Head of MLT Committee of Honorary Patrons, strategic partners and Finance, which renders assistance to the organisation in more general terms.

Artur Safaryan is the co-founder and director at Empasco, a technology advocacy group operating worldwide, working with international organisations and governments on advancing technology innovation in emerging markets. Artur holds LLB Law from Warwick University and MSc Innovation Management from Imperial College London. Mr Safaryan’s current focus is on creation of legally binding smart contracts with Mattereum.

3 0 | A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 9 Asia Williams

Head of MLT Enabling Environment and Joint Committee , which is to identify and review the strategic, operational, regulatory, people, political and environmental risks to which MLT is exposed; and to assess the likelihood of such risks and the possible level of impact they would have.

Asia studied at the London School of Economics and Political Science - LSE, and leads on MLT's Enabling Environmental Programme. Asia is also the Blue Economy Consultant for the Branson Centre of Entrepreneurship, Caribbean, supporting Blue Economy entrepreneurs to grow their businesses, access training and opportunities to scale sustainably.Focused on Sustainable Infrastructure development in the UK, Asia worked on affordable housing and public transport programmes; delivering mixed use regeneration schemes with HousingAssociations, ensuring effective community engagement and BREEAM sustainability compliance. Asia has significant Programme management experience from working with Central Government and theEnvironment Agency to support their flood risk programme across the UK and ensure that finances were brought forward for flood defence schemes identified as needed in future based on climate change modelling. She has also worked to ensure Sustainable Urban Drainage principles were integrated into new schemes coming forward and advise developers on flood risk mitigation.

She also took this knowledge toJamaica where she supported UN-Habitat on a flood risk scheme in Montego Bay. Asia has largely worked with Local and Central Government clients, developers and Housing Associations to manage risks,communications and engagement and large capital projects, as well as working abroad with international institutions. She is also a Commonwealth Youth Climate Change Network (CYCN) member who engages in training for young people on climate change and raising awareness. She recently represented CYCN at COP25 and COP24 negotiations, hosting an intergenerational climate dialogue. She has also worked with the Climate Change Division of Jamaica’s Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation to improveCommunications and Outreach activities with Civil Society Organisations, schools in the region and thePrivate Sector as part of Green Climate Fund initiatives. She was also part of a campaign in partnership with the Planning Institute of Jamaica to use cultural music and community ambassadors to spread the climate action, mitigation and adaptation message across Jamaica. This was done through hostingCommunity Climate Change concerts with local artists after training local artists on climate change and the impact it is having on Jamaica.

3 1 | A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 9 Partners and Networks

Messeh Leone's work is made possible with the support of the following institutions

3 2 | A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 9 Risk Management

The following are priority risks which have clear mitigation strategies and are formally reviewed annually.

Foreign currency volatility:

MLT is exposed to exchange rate risk. Most of our income is denominated in Sterling, USA and Euro from patrons and partners abroad, whilst most of our charitable expenditure takes place in Sierra Leone. When Sierra Leone currency depreciates in value against the US Dollar, Euro and Sterling then our ability to maintain funding of programmes is affected. During 2019 more active approaches to treasury management were introduced including the use of local partners with funds in country who provide better exchange rates and often advance agreed payments at stable rates.

Road Safety and security:

MLT operates in a country where the political and social circumstances make the personal security of staff, volunteers and beneficiaries a major potential concern. The safety and security of our people is an imperative and in 2019 we continued to develop our travel and security policies as well as enhancing our crisis management capabilities and infrastructure.

Quality of programmes:

MLT works with partner organisations to deliver programmes. Ensuring adequate quality assurance, safety and clinical governance is in place with our partners is important. In 2019 our policy framework continued to be developed to ensure that partners chosen are appropriate, programme design principles are consistently applied, the partner organisation is supported and the relationship with MLT is properly managed.

3 3 | A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 9 Demonstrating impact:

In order that MLT maximises the use of its resources to assist beneficiaries, the organisation needs to demonstrate that its resources are being used as effectively as possible. In 2019 continued progress has been made in monitoring outcomes through the organisational app reporting. For example, the surf therapy programme is being monitored via a dedicated app, where coordinators report weekly activities and attendance.

On impact we have focused on developing relevant case studies as well as some specific research projects.

Implementing our monitoring and evaluation framework in 2020 will take us a further step forward in what is a complex area.

The Board is satisfied that systems are in place to monitor, manage and where appropriate mitigate MLT’s exposure to the major risks.

3 4 | A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 9 Our commitment to safeguarding and gender equality

MLT is committed to creating an environment where all people who come into contact with us have an expectation of protection from harm. We have a culture of zero tolerance and extensive policies and protocols.

In line with United Nations, EU, Africa Union, Commonwealth principles, we recognise that gender equality and women’s empowerment are essential components of human development and basic human rights. The advancement of women’s rights and the education of girls are critical preconditions for effective and sustainable development in place to safeguard children and communities against exploitation and abuse of any kind (including sexual).

Allegations of exploitation or abuse would lead to an immediate investigation and the staff member, volunteer and beneficiary could be suspended, have their employment/engagement with us terminated or be prosecuted depending on the outcome of the investigation.

Our Board includes a designated safeguarding and gender equality officer who scrutinises and ensures improvements to the annual review of our safeguarding policy and processes. Our Board committee structure ensures oversight of safeguarding concerns and incidents and the full Board monitors regulatory reporting to the relevant authorities and donors.

All trustees, staff, contractors, consultants , volunteers and partners undertake our safer recruitment process before working with us and annually agree to uphold our behaviour protocols within the safeguarding policy.

3 5 | A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 9 Our commitment to safeguarding and gender equality

Mandatory training is delivered to ensure everyone understands their personal responsibility to report any concerns or suspicions. We have safeguarding focal point people in all teams to advise and encourage the culture of safeguarding.

Anyone travelling abroad or to local communities with us undertakes a safeguarding assessment with our designated safeguarding manager, to ensure they understand how to safeguard themselves and know their responsibilities to others.

We have undertaken a review of our whistleblowing policy and developed tools to enable easy reporting, through several channels to a third party, of any concerns.

The Board annually reviews our safeguarding procedures to drive forward improvements, which emphasise prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse, ensuring survivors are protected and that perpetrators are brought to justice.

We have engaged and contributed within the national and global safeguarding arenas, meeting the exacting safeguarding standards required by donors and collaborating to embed the Core Humanitarian Standard in all areas of delivery to beneficiaries. We are working more closely with strategic partners to implement the mechanisms that better enable the communities we are associated with to report and respond to safeguarding issues.

We are committed to creating and developing an environment where safeguarding ourselves and others is embraced, implemented and positively protects the world’s most vulnerable children and adults.

3 6 | A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 9 OUR PLANS FOR THE YEAR AHEAD

We’re determined to follow our mission of giving young people, women and local communities the power to build a healthy, peaceful and better society and bring communities closer together to take collective action for positive change.

To do this, we must continue to strive to be the effective organisation we seek to be, dedicated, fearlessly embracing change. While we continue to operate in a tough climate, we have made steady progress over the last year and look forward to 2020 from a position of strength, having put in place some strong structures and launched bold initiatives. These are the priorities we will focus on over the next year, knowing that our collective efforts backed by our partners and markers can do immeasurably more than we ask or imagine.

Inspiring more people to join us

Growing our base of committed supporters is crucial if we are to bring hope to more of the most vulnerable people and communities we serve. We know the next 12 months’ will be challenging due to external economic pressures and because we have launched new programmes – which, while a cause for celebration, is also a time when we need more sponsors on board. We’ve set ambitious targets for recruiting new supporters. We’ll continue to stay focused and raise awareness of our cause among key audiences, through building greater trust in our brand and increasing the level of engagement with partners and stakeholders.

Generating more unrestricted income

Unrestricted income – money we can choose how to spend – is vital if we’re to invest in new ideas and pursue opportunities that arise. We will invest in growing income from new sources, driving innovation around our business model with a specific focus on creating new streams of unrestricted income and developing new partnerships to support our core fundraising work.

3 7 | A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 9 Becoming a thriving organisation

We will make the changes in our organisation that are necessary to achieve our goals and bring life in all its fullness to the most vulnerable people we serve. We will embrace the opportunities coming from local and global partnership and developments in the external environment, while absorbing the shocks that a volatile, uncertain world throws at us.

This will require strong and cohesive leadership and the deepening of core capabilities specifically in marketing, philanthropy, grants and contracts, and commercial acumen.

We will continue to work on the issues we passionate about including:

Fighting Poverty

Developing regions are most affected by wars in 21st CenturyPoverty is more than the lack of income and resources to ensure a sustainable livelihood. Poverty prevents growth and crushes life potential. Children are especially vulnerable to the terrible impacts of poverty. Its manifestations include hunger and malnutrition; limited access to jobs, education, health and other basic services; social discrimination; structural violence and exclusion, as well as a lack of participation in decision-making.

Global economies are bent on a scramble for resources, involving both internal and foreign forces, and contributing to the root cause of most conflicts. MLT requires us to rethink and retool our economic and social policies and systems aimed at eradicating poverty, which will eventually help to end war in the developing regions.

3 8 | A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 9 Demanding Accountability

War and extreme poverty mostly impact countries that lack effective structures for accountability. The world is witnessing the recurrence, longevity and diffusion of conflict and transnational crime, the incidence and severity of disasters, a degradation of the environment, depletion of natural resources, and volatility in societies previously characterised as stable, including the proliferation of financial crises, autocratic rule and various forms of inequality. These trends are interconnected. The threats of international crime and corruption, exploitation of vulnerable populations, violence against children, human trafficking and sexual violence must be addressed in order to promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development. Respect for human rights depends on access to justice for all and the building of effective, accountable institutions at all levels.

Concerted, community-based action is needed to address the root causes of crisis and to prevent brewing tensions from escalating into full-blown conflict. Transitional justice mechanisms are critical to restore confidence in the rule of law and build peace. MLT requires us to support the reform of legal systems and to put in place more efficient and transparent regulations that will strengthen independent national human rights, justice and accountability institutions around the world.

Tackling Climate

Climate Change increases the risk of war and poverty. Climate change is now affecting every country on every continent. It is disrupting national and global economies and affecting lives; costing people, communities and countries dearly today and even more tomorrow. Sea levels are rising, the glacial footprint is decreasing and weather events are becoming more extreme as greenhouse gas emissions are now at their highest levels in history. The race for limited resources at the expense of harming the environment is a recipe for future conflict, and ever increasing numbers of climate refugees. Without action, the world’s average surface temperature is likely to surpass 3 degrees centigrade in this century. The poorest and most vulnerable people are most affected and least able to protect themselves. MLT requires us to pursue a range of immediate and long-term measures that will reduce emissions and increase adaptation and innovation to keep the promise of the Paris Agreement.

3 9 | A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 9 Advancing Ethical Technology

Technology can serve as both an instrument of peace and a weapon of warTechnology is central to nearly every major challenge and opportunity the world faces today, be it for security, energy, livelihood, communication, transport, infrastructure, climate change, food production, education or healthcare. Technology is at the nexus of poverty and conflict, compounding both the opportunities and the risks, becoming either an instrument of inclusion and positive social change, or a potential source of exclusion, exploitation and conflict. A new outlook on arms control and nuclear disarmament, and a restructuring of the economy of war, is critical to creating a world without wars. There is a need to focus on the macroeconomic implications of technology change, as well as technological applications for specific development challenges. Peace building, fighting poverty and advancing education and health cannot happen without dynamic intervention of science and technology.

MLT requires us to invest in technology that can help prevent war and assist people in working their way out of poverty, and also requires more focus on regulatory frameworks and innovative technology models to shift from an economy of war to an economy of peace.

4 0 | A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 9 Independent Auditor's Report Financial Statement

See attached/below

4 1 | A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 9