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

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.