Thank You

In the first few days of 2022

We have been taking a moment to reflect on all that we have achieved this past year, all the generous connections that we have made, the things that we have done together, big and small, that have made a difference in this world.


2021 has been another challenging year for education access and provision. Wherever you find yourself in the world there are different challenges. We have been working alongside some amazing educators to ensure that learning continues for children wherever they are and whatever their circumstances, across the globe.


Working in Cuba and Haiti brings different challenges in the provision of education than our work in The Gambia and Sierra Leone or Nepal and Cambodia, but we are all connected. 


Working with grassroots partners has enabled us to stretch our resources further than ever before and we have been heartened by the generosity and community spirit of our supporters.

 

At the Foundation we have had the honour of working with so many of you and we know that despite the daily demands of life and the current ongoing uncertainty, you have been continuously supporting our work to provide Education for All children everywhere. Your generosity and passion helped to transform the lives of thousands of people across the world last year. 


So, we invite you to take a moment to celebrate you. 

 

The many people who contributed to the Haiti Solar Appeal and our project work in Cuba, Haiti, The Gambia, Sierra Leone and the U.K.


Everyone who purchased our Charity Gifts and attended the Life Long Learning Webinars and film screenings and contributed to developing and delivering all the projects throughout 2022. 


A special thank you to some of our fabulous fundraisers:

Funda walked the Three peaks, Lucy walked and cycled virtually from John O Groats to Lands End, Tola and Josie raised vital funds through their Facebook birthday fundraisers.  Our partner school in Prague held monthly film nights and Zohreh who made recycled celebration cards for sale. And to end the year on a high, some of our volunteers and ambassadors stood out in the freezing cold at the Barnet Christmas Fayre and raised funds selling cakes (supplied by Creative Cravings) and cheer in December.


We also owe special thanks to all the educators and the people who work in the background giving generously of their time and energy; the trainers, webinar hosts, storytellers, artists, designers, proof readers and connectors!


The many educators and teacher unions, that we work in partnership with globally, and last but not least our funders who believe in the work we do.

It’s simple really, we are all connected in the purpose of providing Education for All.

Thank you to each and every one of you, for your support and solidarity as without your continued support none of this work would have been possible.


We are looking forward to the year ahead full of opportunity and possibility – alongside strengthening our current projects we are embracing new partnerships, new projects and new ideas and we hope you will join us.

Steve Sinnott • January 18, 2022

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.