Let’s preserve our world - Musa

MUSA BANJA, KAUR SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL

The world we are living in should be well taken care of by all in order to live in peace and harmony. This can only be done if we put all our hands on deck and protect and preserve the world. The world is like a human; it should be nurtured the way we nurture our sons and daughters to be good citizens of tomorrow.


Climate change is causing a lot of havoc across the globe and this can be dangerous to mankind. Still, people find it difficult to distinguish between climate change and global warming. The two are different. Climate change refers to the shifts in things like precipitation, wind patterns, and temperatures over a period, while global warming is the rising average temperatures of the planet. The most threatening between the two is climate change which should receive greater attention from all of us.


Every leader from every nook and cranny of the globe should put climate change at the top of his or her agenda in order to preserve the world for generations yet unborn. Only in this way, could we have a safer place for our grandchildren to enjoy the fruits of our labour. Therefore, a concerted effort is needed to curb the menace for a better world.


The causes of climate change rely heavily on human activity, and is detrimental to man himself. Man keeps on deforesting the land without replacement. This could haunt him in the near future. The cutting down of trees for roofing, charcoal, fencing, and many other things, may cost us our lives or the lives of the generations yet to come. The burning of fossil fuels for electricity, and bush burning, are other activities man should avoid if he wants a better future for his children. If not, the future of the world is doomed and we may not have answers for children should they ask us questions tomorrow.


The negative effects that climate change can bring to us, if not averted, are enormous. It is responsible for the extreme weather conditions that we are experiencing right now in most parts of the globe. Other negative effects may include economic hardship, poor health, conditions and low level of food productivity across the globe.


Measures should be taken to address this unfortunate situation, and to have a world that is safe for all. We should start thinking about how to purchase renewable energy supplies in our homes to minimise, or even stop, the way climate change is hitting the world.


If not, it can cause a lot of negative impacts in our school systems. For example, in The Gambia children are eager to go to school because of the school feeding programme. If we allow climate change to hit the world, it will adversely affect our school roll, thereby causing many school dropouts.


In a nutshell, climate change should be everybody’s business, in order to carve out a better future for all.

MUSA BANJA • September 4, 2023

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.