Mary Sinnott - Founding Director
At present, in our strange and difficult circumstances, one thing we find ourselves with more of is time on our hands. Covid-19 has ‘allowed’ us time for reflection. We, or at least, I am thinking about how, pre Covid-19, I used to spend my days. I am also focussing my attention on what matters most to me in life. Many people will undoubtedly be doing the same and at the top of their lists will be family and friends, as they are on mine. After that the lists may well vary greatly.
Being retired from teaching now, much of my time is usually spent with my family or friends. I also devote some of my week to working on Foundation matters. The Foundation is indeed close to my heart, being founded to continue Steve’s work and build upon his legacy in international development following his sudden death twelve years ago. Steve believed that people working together could bring about change for the benefit of others, and this is what he strived for. Hope and optimism were the driving forces in his life and he held a passionate belief in the power of education to liberate; he viewed education as a fundamental human right. The Foundation seeks to bring likeminded people together to realise these ideals.
In the last few months the distribution of the time I spend with my family and friends has become a little skewed. I am finding isolation and social distancing means I have more time to give to working alongside (virtually speaking of course), Ann, our CEO on Foundation issues. It is a pleasure and a privilege for me, that we are involved in working in partnership with teachers and educators across the globe to help deliver projects that progress the achievement of SDG4 (Sustainable Development Goal 4) – ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all. We always work closely with our partners, both here in the UK and in country, to ensure our approach is based on our belief that all the communities we work with already have experience, skills and wisdom. The Foundation respects and works with the local contextual and cultural knowledge of those seeking support. Our approach is never prescriptive or ‘top down’ we work in partnership to facilitate growth and development. We believe our approach will further the realisation of Steve’s passion for:
• every child having access to education
• people having a better understanding of the world around them
• the building of resourceful communities to alleviate poverty.
Our aim therefore, is to develop projects that are fit for purpose, locally owned and managed as well as being replicable and sustainable.
I have always been aware of how significant a role education has had in my life. Indeed, one of my proudest moments was when I vindicated Steve’s belief in me by becoming a teacher. Education opens minds and doors of opportunity, it fosters peace and justice, it promotes fairness and equality and also tolerance and understanding. In reflecting upon what is important in life, education is key. I can only echo the words of Hugh Gaitskill used by Steve that, ‘there are clearly a few things that we can fight, fight and fight again to achieve.’ All of us at the Foundation believe that quality education for all the world’s children must be one.
The Steve Sinnott Foundation • November 17, 2020
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.
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.
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.
