Reflecting on 2023

As we embark on a new year it can be difficult to forget the numerous ill effects of the year past.

 

2023 was indeed a time of much sorrow and anguish. Across the globe, we have suffered many natural disasters with the year-end bringing flooding, hurricanes and wildfires which serve as a reminder of the true power of nature and that we can, and must, act to limit the climate crisis. Humankind too have added to the canvas of disaster in 2023, waging wars with tragic and unimaginable consequences. Wars that continue to wreak havoc across the world; take innocent lives without prejudice; pit governments against governments; nations against nations and, importantly, erode and work to destroy and eliminate care, tolerance, understanding and common humanity for our fellow men and women. The worldwide recession has worked to compound the grief and anguish felt by many because of a lack of political honesty from world leaders at times and, more urgently, the inability to feed and look after their families properly. 

 

This synopsis of 2023 has seen angst and mental health problems grow both in relation to societal and personal issues. Worldwide malaise has far-reaching effects. However, we should not forget to observe that good too has had a role in the life of 2023. Climate change is being taken more seriously; there have been some welcome medical breakthroughs in treating diseases such as Cancer and Alzheimer's; more countries broke down barriers around sexuality and gender and the rise of renewable energy is gathering pace.

 

We at the Steve Sinnott Foundation hold fast to the belief held by our eponym that working together we can win or achieve together. Education is paramount to enable us all to make informed decisions and choices, to allow for meaningful dialogue and to foster finding solutions to the problems we face. Quality education should be available for all not just the few to ensure equity and justice prevails worldwide. Let us work together to dispel disparity in education as we move into 2024 and build upon the work the Foundation has carried out with our partners across the globe so far.

 

Steve Sinnott once said:

 

There are some things that should never be left to chance in life and striving to achieve quality education for all of the world's children is one.

 

In 2024 this holds truer than ever. 

 

Mary Sinnott

Founder Trustee

Steve Sinnott • January 22, 2024

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.