Give peace a chance - Isatou

ISATOU SEY, KAUR SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL, THE GAMBIA

Many see peace as the absence of war and violence, however, peace is beyond this notion. According to the United Nations (September, 2014) peace is more than just the absence of war. It also requires the need for concerted efforts to achieve the common vision of a life of dignity and wellbeing for all. Peace is key to the development and social wellbeing for all.


We should endeavour to give peace a chance in order to see a swift change. If this is not done, it can lead to negative issues, even in our schools. For example, it can cause loss of confidence and interest in learning, which lead to poor performance in students. A student without peace of mind at home, finds it difficult to stay in school and contribute in class discussions. Such students would be aggressive to both teachers and peers.


Peace needs the highest chance because it’s absence can cause family disintegration and other social vices that retard progress. If families fall apart, triggered by the absence of peace, it can replicate at a national level. A disintegrated country cannot achieve any meaningful development. This can result in political unrest. As enshrined in our National Anthem, “that all may live in unity, freedom, and peace, each day”, these lines should be read and echoed by everyone, to preach peace on a daily basis. One of the reasons why Africans remain poor is the frequent outbursts of wars. In fact, Africa is not poor. We only fail to give peace a chance. We tend to solve every misunderstanding with confrontation.


We can give peace a chance using different platforms. First, The Gambia being a religious country, it is prudent for our religious leaders to preach peace in their congregations. If they do this, peace will forever reign. In addition, the school as an agent of socialisation can talk about peace during assemblies to change the mindsets of students in embracing peace. Furthermore, our politicians and tribal heads must show a high level of comradeship and tolerance in their activities so that their followers will follow suit to give peace a chance.


In conclusion, it is evident that without peace, nothing is possible in life. As a result, we should all endeavour to give peace a chance by making sure that all deterrents to peace are eliminated for meaningful development.

ISATOU SEY • September 11, 2023

Headlines: Inspiration, humour and advice for school leaders - Competition 2025

By Ann Beatty • August 15, 2025
Mike Fleetham of Thinking Classroom has written a book " Headlines: Inspiration, humour and advice for school leaders ". A collection of original ideas, advice from professionals, quotes, and tips to support and inspire all leaders. Perfect for new and established leaders working in education, especially headteachers. "Being a headteacher is like looking both ways before you cross the road, and then getting hit by an aeroplane." To Enter the Competition To win a copy of Headlines please share your inspiring education or life lesson in no more than 600 words. The winning article will also be published in our next edition of Engage. Send your words of inspiration to admin@stevesinnottfoundation.org.uk 📅 Deadline: 5th September 2025⁠ Stuck on Ideas? Here are some questions and prompts to get you started! What’s the one lesson school didn’t teach you, but life did? Think of a moment that changed your path, what happened? What piece of advice has helped you grow the most? When did a challenge turn into an opportunity for you? What story from your life would inspire someone on the other side of the world? What’s the life lesson that unlocked your next chapter? ⁠ Your words could uplift, empower and be seen by many. Let your story inspire the world! 🌍💡⁠ Good luck and we cant wait to read all the entries!

UNESCO ASPnet Schools Coventry

By Ann Beatty • July 8, 2025
This week our CEO Ann and Jude (SSF Ambassador) visited schools in Coventry and heard about the wonderful work that students are doing to foster peace and community connection, as part of Coventry Arts Week. We visited Lyng Hall school in the morning and met with Ms Hagan and four of the schools UNESCO ASPnet ambassadors. They told us all about their recent project. The students took their art and poetry to the 80th Anniversary symposium in Ypres and Dunkirk. They shared with us some of the poetry they had written together with the students on the field trip and some of their own poems too. They also shared their future plans for working with their local primary school on peace and community. We also had the privilege of joining Ms Hagans class where they were looking at Caliban’s tale. Here is one of the students work

A Get Moving Fundraiser - Ann's 60 Miles Walk

By Ann Beatty • June 30, 2025
For my birthday this year I had the honour to walk 60 miles (yes it was a big 0 birthday) over 3 days to support the essential work of the Steve Sinnott Foundation of which I am CEO. Education in its many forms is essential for all of us to thrive and make the most of life's opportunities. The Foundation works to ensure that as many children and adults as possible across the globe can access the human right of education. The plan was to walk with friends and supporters who I hoped would keep me smiling along the way and it felt like a good way to make use of the Foundation’s “Get Moving” campaign. Here's how my Get Moving Fundraiser went on the first day. The 13th June I started my walk in London by walking from Barnet to west Hampstead and visiting my sister at her shop at Tree of Life where I got served a nice iced coffee to keep me going.