5 The school I want to learn in - Rakey

RAKEY DRAMMEH, ST JOSEPH’S SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL, BANJUL, THE GAMBIA

I believe everybody should have a good start in life. Having a good education is a great path to success and schools tend to provide us with that.


But before hitting the nail on the head, I would like to give the definition of a school and it’s importance in our lives. ‘A school is an educational institution designed to provide learning spaces and learning environments for the teaching of students under the direction of teachers. Schools help us with the education that provides stability in our lives and also shows us the importance of hard work, and at the same time helps us to grow and develop. For school actually means ‘sincerity, capability, honesty, orderliness and learning’.


Firstly, the school I want to learn in is a school that will promote the talent of people for financial success. I want a school that not only focuses on academic achievements but also promotes the talents of people who will help both the person, the society, and the world at large, so that they can be self-employed even if they are without jobs.


Secondly, I want a school that will eliminate all discrimination and bullying. Discrimination occurs when a person treats members of a certain class unfairly because of their membership in those groups. This discrimination, when it occurs in a school, can cause students to have negative attitudes about school, and have lower academic motivation and performance. It can also lead to dropping out of high school. In the case of bullying, it can cause the student to be traumatised. He/she will lack self-esteem. It can result in depression, lower academic achievements and even suicide.


Thirdly, I want a school that has good and qualified teachers. If a school has qualified teachers, student performance will be outstanding. Teachers are the back bone of our nation, fostering creativity and building skillful individuals. A good teacher in a classroom is one of the most important resources you can provide for us students.


In addition, I want to learn in a school that moulds peaceful and just people for the future. Why is peace necessary to live in a just and free society? Just and inclusive societies are necessary to achieve the sustainable development goals (SDGs). People everywhere need to be free of fear from all forms of violence and feel safe as they go about their lives, regardless of ethnicity, faith or sexual orientation.


Furthermore, I would like to learn in an institution that is able to promote good health and wellbeing. Health problems seem to arise out of nowhere these days. Health is more important than wealth. You can buy things, but with fragile health, days are no longer sunny. A school that can promote and protect my health, and the health of those around me, can help us make well informed choices, and enlighten us on practising personal and environmental hygiene, and vaccinating us, so that we can be free from sickness.


In conclusion, in today’s world, with the hustle and bustle of city life, schools will be wonderful places to learn and grow if the qualities mentioned above are put into practice. Our journey through education is enriched by blending in play, fun and nature.

RAKEY DRAMMEH • August 7, 2023

UNESCO ASPnet UK schools on the theme of peace was presented to Pope Leo XIV at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris

By Ann Beatty • September 25, 2026
A moment to be proud of and a reminder of why young people’s voices matter. Today, artwork created by students from UNESCO ASPnet UK schools on the theme of peace was presented to Pope Leo XIV at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, alongside artwork from young people in other countries. What an amazing opportunity for our students to have their creativity, ideas and hopes represented on an international stage. For me, this is what UNESCO ASPnet is about: creating opportunities for young people to connect across cultures, express themselves creatively, learn from one another and imagine a better future together. The power of young people’s creativity: their voices being part of an international conversation about education, peace, culture and our shared future. UNESCO’s programme for Pope Leo XIV’s visit specifically focused on education, artistic creation, AI, information integrity and peace. The work was part of a mural that brings together 80 original creations marking UNESCO’s 80th anniversary, produced as part of the "International Youth for Peace" competition organized by France TV and UNESCO.

Change Starts with a Will: Leave a Legacy That Helps Transform Education

September 7, 2026
Most of us want to leave the world a little better than we found it. Whether that's through the people we love, the values we pass on, or the causes we care about, we all hope our legacy will make a difference. One of the simplest ways to do that is by writing a will. This autumn, we are proud to be taking part in the Change Starts with a Will campaign, allowing our supporters to write or update their will free of charge through our trusted partner, Octopus Legacy. Why writing a will matters Writing a will isn't just about deciding who inherits your possessions. It's about making sure your wishes are respected and providing peace of mind for the people you care about. Having a will means you can: Protect the people you love. Make important decisions about your estate. Reduce uncertainty for your family. Leave a lasting gift to a cause that reflects your values. Many people put off writing a will, believing it's something to think about later in life. In reality, it's one of the most important documents you'll ever create. A legacy that supports education Steve Sinnott dedicated his life to championing education as a fundamental human right. His belief was simple but powerful: every child deserves the opportunity to learn, and every teacher deserves the support they need to inspire future generations. Today, we continue that mission by working with partners across the world to improve access to quality education, strengthen teaching and support communities where education can change lives. When you choose to leave a gift in your will to The Steve Sinnott Foundation, you're helping ensure that this work can continue for years to come. After taking care of family and friends, even a small gift could help provide learning opportunities, strengthen education systems and create brighter futures for generations to come. A gift that lasts beyond a lifetime Legacy gifts play an important role in helping charities plan for the future. Your support could help us continue investing in sustainable education projects, supporting teachers and ensuring more children have access to the education they deserve. It's a powerful way to ensure your values live on long into the future. Write your will for free As part of our Autumn 2026 campaign, we're offering supporters the opportunity to write or update their will free of charge through Octopus Legacy. There is no obligation to leave a gift to The Steve Sinnott Foundation, but we hope you'll consider remembering us after you've taken care of those closest to you. Together, we can continue Steve Sinnott's vision of a world where education changes lives. Find out more If you've been thinking about writing your will, there's never been a better time. Our free will service is available until 31 October 2026 , making it easy to protect the people you love while considering the lasting impact your legacy could have on education worldwide.  https://octopuslegacy.com/online-will?channel=partner Change starts with a will. And together, we can help create a future where education is accessible to everyone.

What happens when creativity, young people, education and community come together?

By Ann Beatty • August 25, 2026
Seeds of Hope are everywhere! “I wasn't quite sure what to expect when I arrived at Stage at the Lake…” But it was special to meet all of the Calderdale team in person, who had brought this four-day event together so successfully. Sometimes an event stays with you long after the final performance has finished. My visit to Stage at the Lake at the beautiful Shibden Hall in Calderdale was one of those occasions. As UNESCO ASPnet UK Coordinator, I was delighted to be invited as a guest, but what I experienced was much more than simply attending an event. Here, in the grounds of a house steeped in history, the past, present and future seemed to meet. The English Chamber Orchestra filled the setting with music, Northern Ballet brought movement and storytelling to life, and throughout there was a wonderful sense of creativity, community and possibility. And then there were the parklets; a unique gardening festival at Shibden Park celebrating community, creativity and the power of nature to bring people together. At its heart was a specially commissioned trail of ten micro show gardens, designed and built by community groups from across Calderdale. It was wonderful to see spaces where ideas, conversations and creativity were flourishing and connecting through Seeds of Hope. I cannot wait to see them transported to their ‘forever homes’. Standing there, I found myself thinking about what we mean when we talk about education, culture and hope.