Equitable education doesn’t obliterate a people’s history

This week we hosted a film screening of In My Blood It Runs as part of our Life Long Learning Series, and storytelling for a better world.

Film Synopsis

Ten-year-old Dujuan is a child-healer, a good hunter and speaks three languages. As he shares his wisdom of history and the complex world around him, we see his spark and intelligence. Yet Dujuan is ‘failing’ in school and facing increasing scrutiny from welfare and the police. 
As he travels perilously close to incarceration, his family fight to give him a strong Arrernte education alongside his western education, lest he becomes another statistic. We walk with him as he grapples with these pressures, shares his truths and somewhere in-between finds space to dream, imagine and hope for his future self. 

Discussion after the film

The film was watched by a wide audience of educators and students and was followed by a lively Q&A. We feel the Q&A was an important and honest discussion about the film itself and the storyline. Although this film is based in Australia, it was recognised that the same story is played out here in the U.K. and indeed across the world on a daily basis. 

If you missed the Q& A you can watch it here:


Feedback from students who have watched the film:


Q: Did the film spark any ideas of how you could advocate for changes to education, youth justice, or anti-racism?

           

“Going on protests and educate other people” - Student, Year 8

           

“Not tell history from one point of view, include all cultures.” - Student, Year 12

           

“Provide more lessons that educate about the original history.” - Student, Year 12

           

“Including histories of native cultures before colonialism” - Student, Year 12

           

“Recognition of all cultures in classrooms in all countries.” - Student, Year 13

           

“By protesting, online social activisms, group work, posters, donate to charities.” - Student, Year 13


“With teaching children what is right could help more to grow a new generation of free minded children.” - Student, Year 8



Get involved, watch the film


We hope this event will be a catalyst for future conversations here in the U.K. and globally. If you would like to watch the film with your students in the autumn term please get in touch by e-mailing admin@stevesinnottfoundation.org.uk


To rent or purchase the film to watch at home with your family: https://inmyblooditruns.com/screenings/#uk


If you are interested in hosting a screening of In My Blood it Runs, or want to show the film in your school, the cost is £50 for a licence for a year. This comes with the teaching resource, including sample lesson plans.


You can get a licence here: togetherfilms.org/shop/imbir-educational-license/


Or email Together films for more information: inmyblooditruns@togetherfilms.org


If you would like to support the work of The Steve Sinnott Foundation in this area you can buy a ‘digital gift’ for someone by clicking the button below:

Buy The Gift Of A Mother Tongue Book


Panel Speakers Biographies


Evadne Bygrave is an educator, life coach and innovator. Inclusion is the driving force behind her enterprising work. Sing a Book CIC engages children in reading through song, capturing the essence of books and infusing them with catchy rhythms. Her musical adaptations include ‘Into The Forest’ and ‘Kate Meets Dido Elizabeth Belle’. Evadne produced and directed the musical, and the sequel ‘Dido Through the looking Glass’ performed by communities under-represented in the theatre. She devised SCIP (School Career Intervention Programme), resining the aspirations and prospects of disadvantaged, underachieving pupils entering secondary school. https://www.singabook.com/


Malcolm Richards is currently a researcher studying race, dialogue and culturally sustaining pedagogies at the University of Exeter in the UK. He researches cultural community asset-based approaches for resource development in rural classrooms. Previously, he worked as a school teacher, senior leader and advisory teacher across the UK. He is a trade union activist, supporting transformation of education institutions for communities which ensure equality for all. He has written extensively about race, equality and cultural sustaining education, in articles, journals and books. He tweets at @malcolmrichards. 


Mandekh Hussein is driven by initiatives grounded in collaboration, sustainability, and ownership. She takes part in efforts centred on equipping individuals and communities with the resources, skills and opportunities to actualize their vision, find new opportunities and widen their horizons. Currently she is a Lecturer at Brunel University (focused on curating skills to deliver sound, sustainable and positively impactful transformation), CEO of Eastside Youth, Strategic consultant, focused on addressing health inequities through co-production and an education and empowerment practitioner, working on the nexus between community transformation and EduTech.


Rebecca Ashdown is currently Campaign Director at Together Films. Together Films is an impact distribution agency, specialising in social impact films. Together Film are currently managing the UK release of In My Blood It Runs. 


This film was shown as part if the Foundations Life Long Learning Series. We have set up this series to share and reciprocate global learning. We having been hosting film screenings that we believe will foster dialogue about the importance of contextual education and the importance of opportunities and education for all children everywhere.


Other films in this series include Emu Runner, I am Belmaya and Madan Sara


Thank you to everyone who contributed, shared learning and enthusiasm for the Life Long Learning Series.


Steve Sinnott • July 27, 2021

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.