A story of perseverance - I Am Belmaya

If you want to understand just why education is important for girls, and how hard it is for so many to get what is often taken for granted in some countries, then watch this film. "I Am Belmaya" by Sue Carpenter, will be released later this year in October. 

After our recent private screening we received really positive feedback and so many questions. We also had requests to see the film from people who missed it so Sue, the director, agreed to do an extra screening on the 22nd April for us with a live Q&A to answer questions. You can organise your own community screening too, there are details on the film's website. 


It is a rare opportunity to step into someone’s life. To witness their struggles, to connect with them and understand the reality of their situation.

 

Too often we read about the facts. We know how much further we need to go to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. But still, it is not always very real to us. It’s just information, and that makes it harder to take action and do something about it.

 

When we get the opportunity to travel with someone through their experience, we get an insight into what it actually means, and how it feels to be deprived of an education.

 

Belmaya is an inspiration. She is a fighter. She succeeds against the odds, and that encourages us all. This isn’t just a film about the importance of education for girls. It is a film about the human spirit. The desire to make a difference in the world, to lead others and show them what is possible.

 

To achieve education for all, we need determination. Belmaya illustrates what it takes, hers is a story of perseverance.


Our Chief Executive Ann Beatty shared the following message:


"A huge thank you to everyone who supported this partnership and watched I Am Belmaya. It was such a privilege to work with Sue and share this beautiful film that shows the importance of girls' education. It was so heart-warming to see Belmaya's dreams for her own daughter's future, seeing Belmaya's courage and confidence gives me hope for all girls' futures. I am certain many of us will be talking about this beautiful film for a long time."

 

The funds raised will go to our Positive Periods Campaign, to enable girls to manage their periods with dignity and pride and most importantly attend school. You are helping to make a change.

 

Belmaya’s own two short films can be seen here.

 

Educate Our Daughters (07:23)

 

Rowing Against the Flow (03:46)

 

If you’re wondering what else you can do to help the film and/or Belmaya, here are some ideas and links. If you’d like to host a watch party for your circle, Sue Carpenter would be very happy to facilitate that and can do a live Q&A on Zoom - just get in touch. 

 

If you are on social media, please do Like or Follow the film at @iambelmaya. Having a large following helps with potential international sales, and helps them reach a wide audience.

 

The film goes on general release on 11th October, the International Day of the Girl Child. You can offer your support at that time to help the film reach a wider audience.


Here is some of the feedback from people who watched the film at our last screening:

 

“Thank you for giving us the opportunity to see this inspirational film and gaining insight into the Nepali way of life.”

 

“Thank you for raising awareness of the struggle for girls' education and the desire to find out more.” 

 

“This film is so close to my own story, thank you for sharing Belmaya's determination and perseverance to achieve her dream.”

 

“This film made me so emotional and tears of joy at the end.”

 

“I loved the film so many good things about it. To see Belmaya over a number of years growing in confidence, in the sense of herself was beautiful.”


Thank you, we hope you enjoyed the film too. Please tell us what was most memorable from the film in the comments below.

Steve Sinnott • April 15, 2021

STEM programs in Haiti

By Ann Beatty • February 14, 2026
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.

Make This Spring the Season You Secure Your Legacy

By Steve Sinnott • February 14, 2026
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.

The Foundation supporting the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

By Kaylem James • February 3, 2026
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.