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

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.