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

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.