Promoting gender equality and safe learning environments in schools

On a wet and windy day in May in the UK, we battled with the intermittent internet connection to talk to Isata M Kamara, project manager, in a hot and sunny Sierra Leone. Isata has been implementing a new workshop to alleviate Gender Based Violence in schools and to promote gender equality. We wanted to know how the project came about, where the idea came from and the results so far.

During lockdowns, children and students have been at home. Some students have been able to study, but many girls have been forced into early marriage, or have become pregnant. Now, even though lock downs are being lifted, many no longer go to school. The pandemic may have exacerbated the problems, but the challenges that women and girls have in the school environment have always been there.

While the government of Sierra Leone and its development partners have made frantic efforts to combat violence against women and girls with new laws and launching awareness campaigns, much is yet to be done in order to create gender equal and violence-free communities. Many young girls in schools do not find the school environment safe and supportive to allow them to realise their full potential.

Since 2019 Isata and Marie Antoinette, General Secretary of Gambia Teachers Union, have been implementing the Positive Periods Programme initiative teaching women and girls about menstrual health and how to make re-usable sanitary pads, so that girls can stay in school when they have their periods. The training was initially based on health and hygiene, how to take care of themselves, and how to take care of the pads. But as the girls in her workshops talked to Isata about their problems and challenges, she realised that there was more that needed to be done. This is the story she tells about how she developed a second initiative to support girls to stay in education.

ISATA – During the Positive Periods workshops, some of the girls were explaining to me “OK now when you go to a teacher and you are trying to explain yourself to that particular teacher some teachers will tell you ‘I am busy, I am teaching’”. Teachers don’t always have the time or the training to allow them to talk about what is preventing these girls from coming to school, and staying in school. So in turn students don't feel confident to talk to their teachers to explain issues that are affecting them at home and even in the school campus.

This is what some of the girls explained to me, and they appealed to me to offer training to train their teachers on the gender-based violence and equality issues that are affecting them in their schools and community.

So I thought that it was a good idea and it fits with what we are trying to do, we are trying to support them to realise their potential. I discussed this with my team and Marie Antionette deleted and we put some ideas and activities together. We then collaborated with the Sierra Leone Teachers Union (SLTU) to conduct this training on promoting gender equality and safe learning environments in schools across provincial Sierra Leone in the 4 regional headquarters in the provinces.

It was not the first time that I was inviting teachers to a workshop, as soon as they saw that it was the Steve Sinnott Foundation running it they were very happy and willing to come and learn together. We had many topics we wanted to cover but we selected a few topics that we knew we could create useful activities from. We wanted to create a space where everyone felt safe to ask questions and take turns facilitating, so that it would be a fun and interactive session. We also gave them manuals which they can use in their schools.

For some of the topics we had separate discussions for men and women and we also had opportunities for men and women to discuss things together. By inviting both male and female teachers from different schools it was challenging because it got argumentative at times.

It’s two days training and before the end of it, every school had their own action plans that they wanted to implement. They wanted to create clubs, anti - gender based violence clubs, human rights clubs, disseminate information to their colleagues, set up WhatsApp groups for reporting and sharing challenges and so on.

When we carried out follow up visits to schools after the training, we found out that some of the schools have started working on their action plans already. The Steve Sinnott Foundation is ensuring that there is a follow up after each training session. We talk to the participants and visit their school, talk with the heads of the school and with the students. In this way we can support the implementation of the action plans, and offer more training if needed.

From these workshops and the follow ups, the schools have implemented a new system of reporting which they teach the students to use when they face any issues. We have a focus group with the students so we will know how the system is working. According to these students, they do feel comfortable now to talk with some of the guidance teachers and counsellors that we have trained.

I believe if I put in a lot of effort and work, if I develop the full scale of this project to work on these issues in schools across the length and breadth of the country it will be a safer environment for the future generations. We are doing everything it takes to make it work; we call, we visit, we offer handouts for them to use, we get schools to put a questions box up so students can give suggestions on improvements, and what concerns they have.

I think this workshop is a great idea, as it came from the students and teachers themselves. Even now the other regions are asking and recommending that we should extend the Positive Period Programme re-usable sanitary pad workshop to them and to include the primary level of the Gender Equality and Gender Based Violence workshop in it. They really need this opportunity.

Lessons I learned from this workshop - I learnt that if you have a passion for something you have to go the extra mile, and you have to have courage no matter what. You will stand in front of people, and some will not take your idea on board, but some will. So you have to concentrate on those that want to make a change, they will go out and change others. This is what I have learned."

Thank you Isata for your unflinching commitment to improving education in Sierra Leone.

STEM programs in Haiti

By Ann Beatty • February 14, 2026

On 23rd January at the Cima Community School of Hope (ECEC), the first workshop was held with the first group of students as part of the STEM program. This activity marks a promising start to the program's implementation. STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) is crucial for children because it fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity from a young age. It nurtures natural curiosity, helps children understand the modern world, and builds resilience through hands-on experimentation. Additionally, early STEM exposure prepares them for future academic and career success. A total of 20 students participated in this first session. The session focused on a general presentation of the importance of computer programming in today's world. The students were also introduced to the Scratch software interface, an educational tool well-suited for teaching children programming. This initial experience went smoothly and generated considerable interest and strong motivation among the students.

Make This Spring the Season You Secure Your Legacy

By Steve Sinnott • February 14, 2026

At the Steve Sinnott Foundation, we know that planning for the future is one of the most important things you can do for the people and causes you care about. That’s why we’re delighted to offer our staff and volunteers the opportunity to write or update their will this Spring. Whether you’ve been meaning to get started for years, or you simply need to make a few updates, this is the perfect time to take that important step. Join Our Free Will Writing Webinar To help you get started, we’ve partnered with expert estate planners Octopus Legacy , who will be hosting a free webinar(s) covering everything you need to know about writing or updating your will. Staff & Volunteers 12pm, Thursday 5th March Online via Zoom - https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_uvirWft7S12lJUby6oUtnQ#/registration Supporters 12pm, Tuesday 10th March Online via Zoom - https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_xxJNZd6ZQYKMOs-2fNz0Gg#/registration During the session, you’ll learn: Why it’s important to have an up-to-date will What to consider when writing or updating your will The different types of will-writing services available How Lasting Powers of Attorney work and why they matter How to claim your free will this Spring This webinar is designed to make what can feel like a complex process simple, clear and manageable. Why Having a Will Matters Having an up-to-date will ensures your wishes are respected and your loved ones are protected. Without one, the law decides how your estate is distributed and that may not reflect what you would have wanted. A will gives you peace of mind. It allows you to: Provide clarity and security for your family Appoint guardians for children if needed Make specific gifts to individuals or causes Ensure your estate is handled efficiently Updating your will is just as important as writing one. Life changes marriages, children, property purchases, or changes in circumstances can all affect your wishes. Claim Your Free Will This Spring As part of this initiative, eligible staff and volunteers will have the opportunity to claim a free will-writing service. Full details will be shared during the webinar, including how to access this benefit. We encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity. Writing or updating your will is one of the most responsible and caring decisions you can make for yourself and for those you care about. Register Now Spaces are available now, simply register using the link below: Staff & Volunteers - https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_uvirWft7S12lJUby6oUtnQ#/registration Supporters - https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_xxJNZd6ZQYKMOs-2fNz0Gg#/registration We hope you’ll join us on Thursday 5th March and take this positive step towards securing your future.

The Foundation supporting the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

By Kaylem James • February 3, 2026

In my time as an assistant at The Steve Sinnott Foundation (SSF), one of my research tasks was looking into how the Foundation contributed to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). I really believe in the work of the Foundation and I have also been raising funds as I believe that every child must have the right to education. SSF is a UK-based educational charity focused on promoting quality education worldwide. It plays a supportive role in achieving the United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially Goal 4: (Quality Education), but its work contributes to several others as well. Here's how the Foundation supports the SDGs: Goal 4 – Quality education (core focus) The Foundation's main mission is to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all. It supports teachers and educational initiatives in developing countries. It runs programmes like: The Education for All Campaign – advocating for universal access to education. Teacher empowerment projects – providing training and resources to educators in under-resourced countries. Girls' education programmes – encouraging and supporting girls to stay in school and complete their education. Goal 3 – Good health and well-being Through education, particularly health-related programmes, the Foundation contributes to raising awareness about hygiene, nutrition, and mental health. The Foundation has developed a range of webinars to promote health and wellbeing and these can be found on YouTube. Goal 5 – Gender equality The Foundation promotes girls' education, directly addressing barriers that prevent girls from accessing and completing school. It advocates for the rights of women and girls, especially in patriarchal or disadvantaged societies. Goal 8 – Decent work and economic growth By improving access to education and vocational training, the Foundation helps create employment opportunities. Educated individuals have better chances of securing decent work. Goal 10 – Reduced inequalities It supports marginalised groups, including children in rural or conflict-affected areas, contributing to reducing global inequalities in education. Goal 16 – Peace, justice and strong institutions Promotes education as a force for peace and conflict resolution. Supports democratic participation and awareness through educational programmes that foster community engagement. Goal 17 – Partnerships for the goals Collaborates with NGOs, unions, schools, and governments to deliver and advocate for education projects. Builds international partnerships to achieve the SDGs through education. Summary While The Steve Sinnott Foundation's primary focus is on Goal 4, it contributes to many of the SDGs by empowering communities through education, particularly: Gender equality (Goal 5), Health (Goal 3), Economic growth (Goal 8), Reducing inequality (Goal 10), Peace (Goal 16), and Partnerships (Goal 17). The Foundation’s programmes also contribute to the achievement of other SDGs through the power of the provision of education and life-long learning; 1. No Poverty, 2. Zero Hunger, 13. Climate Action. We believe that all of the 17 SDGs are only achievable by ensuring that all children, wherever they are born, deserve the human right of quality education. Over 250 million children are still out of school and the global out-of-school population has reduced by only 1% in nearly ten years, according to the UNESCO Global Education Monitoring Report 2024. There is still much work to do in achieving equitable and quality Education for All.