Bridging Futures: #BeMedigitalinclusion and Sustainable Education for All

In an era where technology and sustainability intersect, the concept of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) emerges as a beacon of hope, guiding us towards a future where environmental, social, and economic well-being are in harmony. ESD empowers learners with the knowledge, skills, and values necessary to forge a sustainable world. It prompts us to ponder: how can we ensure sustainable futures for all, guarantee equitable access to education, and overcome barriers to quality learning? The path to sustainable futures is paved by initiatives like the global #BeMedigitalinclusion program, a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation.


Through 12 weeks of mentoring, industry leaders unite with young global majority women and girls from marginalised communities, illuminating the importance of inclusivity in education. This program not only equips participants with valuable digital skills but also fosters a sense of empowerment and belonging. Looking ahead, the upcoming #BeMedigitalinclusion sustainable tech event for young people on 11 October 2024 in London promises to further the discourse on digital accessibility. This event aims to showcase the transformative impact of technology on education, emphasising how digital tools can democratise learning and open doors to opportunities previously out of reach.


My recent book, “She DISRUPTS: A Black Woman’s Journey in STEM & AI Industries,” delves into the critical role of education in shaping a sustainable future. Drawing from personal experiences, it underscores the urgency of starting with education to dismantle systemic barriers and promote gender and racial equity. The narrative is a clarion call to acknowledge the untapped potential within marginalised groups and the indispensable contributions they can make towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG4). Quality education, as we define it, transcends traditional metrics; it is inclusive, equitable, and adaptive to the needs of a diverse learner base. However, obstacles such as inadequate resources, socio-economic disparities, and cultural biases persist, hindering our collective journey towards educational excellence. Overcoming these challenges requires a concerted effort from governments, educational institutions, and communities to reimagine and reform the educational landscape.


The global connectivity facilitated by digital platforms presents unparalleled opportunities for cross-cultural collaboration and learning. By leveraging technology, we can create a more interconnected world where knowledge and best practices are shared freely, paving the way for innovative solutions to emerge. In conclusion, the journey towards a sustainable future is intertwined with our commitment to inclusive and quality education. Through initiatives like the #BeMedigitalinclusion program and events that spotlight sustainable technologies, we are forging a path where everyone has the opportunity to contribute to and benefit from a sustainable world. “She DISRUPTS” serves as a reminder that education is the foundation upon which we will build a more equitable, resilient, and sustainable future. Let us embrace the changes necessary to ensure that this vision becomes a reality for all.


Biography

Paulette is leading the #BeMedigitailinclusion program to raise one million global majority women and girls’ aspirations in STEM | AI | Web 3 related careers by 2030. She is the author of She DISRUPTS, a black woman’s journey in STEM and AI industries. She is a judge for Women in Electronics UK and Global Caribbean Awards - category Best in Technology and Innovation.

BY PAULETTE WATSON • June 3, 2024

Empowering Student Voices: Young Ambassadors Champion Inclusive Education for All

By Ann Beatty • October 13, 2025
In our continued commitment to ensuring quality and inclusive education for every child, we’ve taken our advocacy to a new level by empowering the next generation to lead the conversation. In partnership with The Gambia Teachers Union, we recently convened the Foundation’s Young Ambassadors for a vibrant day of engagement dedicated to promoting the right to education for all. The event brought together passionate students from selected senior secondary schools across Region One, including St. John’s School for the Deaf, to explore what it truly means to make education inclusive, equitable, and accessible to every learner. 

Seeds of Hope 2025: Young People Planting Peace and Sustainability Around the World

By Ann Beatty • October 3, 2025
The Steve Sinnott Foundation is proud to celebrate the inspirational winners of the 2025 Seeds of Hope for a Better Future competition, a global initiative supported by UNESCO that brings together creativity, community, and a shared commitment to peace and sustainability. This unique project invited schools across the world from nursery and primary through to secondary and high school to explore the values of peace, cultural understanding, and care for the planet. In the face of climate change, young people were asked to tell their stories through art, performance, and digital creativity, highlighting how small seeds of action can grow into powerful movements for hope. The results have been extraordinary. Schools in France, the UK, Gambia, Haiti, and Kenya have been recognised for their outstanding contributions, with projects ranging from community gardens and sculptures to dance performances and illustrated stories. Each winner has shown how young voices and imagination can nurture peace and sustainability in ways that inspire us all. The full Awards Ceremony can be watched linked here: S eeds of Hope For A Better Future Awards Ceremony 2025 Highlights from the Winners Oak View Primary and Nursery School (UK) created Faces of Feeling, a collection of joyful sculptures already exhibited in a local gallery. Judges praised their work as supporting the wellbeing of others and embodying the idea of children as true “Seeds of Hope.” St Joseph’s Senior Secondary School (Gambia) painted Campaign for a Sustainable Banjul , reflecting real-world climate action in their city. The judges described it as “a most deserving and robust winner.” In France , the Jardin d'Enfants des Nations Unies (United Nations Nursery School) won hearts with Wind of Peace , where 5-6 year olds combined drawings, paintings, and tree planting to champion reforestation. Lyng Hall Secondary School, Coventry (UK) collaborated with Henley Green Primary and the UK Literacy Association to produce The Heart Shaped Hole – an innovative and metaphorical take on Seeds of Hope. Earlsdon Primary School, Coventry (UK) impressed with Primary Plot , a project that included gardening with the visually impaired, reflecting inclusivity and sustainability. A remarkable cross-collaboration between 21 schools across West Yorkshire, Essex, and Tower Hamlets (UK) resulted in Lights, Camera, Score , an ambitious combination of animation, music, and storytelling. CIMA Community School of Hope, Haiti shared Konbit - a video of dance and solidarity, inspiring villages to work together for peace and dignity. Daraja Academy, Kenya presented an ambitious and optimistic project integrating sustainability into everyday school life. Celebrating Creativity and Peace This year’s competition was judged by an impressive panel of artists, writers, and cultural leaders including Sir Antony Gormley, Edmund de Waal, Dame Liz Forgan, Hugh Quarshie, and Rathna Ramanathan. Their collective expertise highlighted the quality and depth of the entries, each of which showed how art can be a powerful tool for global understanding and change. The Seeds of Hope initiative is part of UNESCO UK’s Arts and Culture for Peace programme, first launched in 2022. It has grown from earlier collaborations such as the Coventry Young Ambassadors’ Islands of Peace Japanese Garden , opened in 2021 a living reminder that seeds planted in communities can continue to flourish. Highlights from the ceremony can be found here at this playlist Looking Ahead As Ann Beatty, UNESCO ASPnet UK National Coordinator , shared: “The quality of entries was extraordinary. We are delighted at the response to this amazing initiative in collaboration with our international partners.” And in the words of judge Jannette Cheong : “Young people around the world understand well the value of peace and tolerant relationships between cultures. Their creativity is an inspiration to all of us.” At The Steve Sinnott Foundation, we believe that education is the seed from which hope grows. The Seeds of Hope competition is a shining example of how young people through creativity, compassion, and collaboration are already shaping a more peaceful and sustainable future. You can access the full online awards presentation here: Seeds of Hope For A Better Future Awards Ceremony 2025

Teachers Advance in Guidance and Counselling Training in The Gambia

By Ann Beatty • August 18, 2025
The journey to strengthen the well-being and success of learners in The Gambia continues with a renewed commitment to guidance and counselling in schools. By August 14th 2025, we have successfully trained 140 educators across 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝟏, 𝟐, 𝟑 & 𝟒 under our Guidance & Counselling Programme. A programme designed to equip educators with the skills to support students’ academic, social, and emotional development. Region 3 Teachers Complete Level 2 Training On Wednesday, 6th August, thirty teachers from Region 3 (North Bank Region) began a three-day Level 2 Guidance and Counselling training at the Christian Council in Kanifing. This programme built on their earlier Level 1 training in Farafenni, with a focus on deepening their capacity to serve as school-based counsellors. The training concluded with a certificate presentation ceremony, recognising the teachers’ commitment and marking an important step in their professional development. These certificates symbolize more than an achievement; they represent each teacher’s readiness to provide psychosocial support, guidance, and mentorship to learners across their schools.