The education system I want - Muhammed

MUHAMMED BARROW, NIORO JATABA SANKANDI SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL, THE GAMBIA

My name is Mohammed Barrow. I am a grade 12 Commerce Student. I have some opinions and questions to pose to the education system of my country.


When I was in junior high my dream was to become a medical practitioner. It was like an undeniable dream. I grew to love science and performed well in it. I triumphed in all my internal and external examinations. However, the lame and centralised education system has rendered my dream in ruins.


I personally stand to question and challenge the Ministry of Education for not providing the facilities and teaching staff to have a science curriculum in our school. When I told our principle that I want to study science because my dream is to be a medical doctor, he unreservedly made it clear to me that the school cannot operate a science curriculum, since the ministry has not given any materials and teaching staff to handle this particular subject area. If one wants to do science, he or she must transfer to the urban centres. This was impossible in my case, as family conditions differ and I do not wish to discuss those here.


Unfortunately, this was my fate and I had to succumb to the circumstance and study commerce. Although I am doing well in it, it would have been better if I could have followed my dream.


My demand to the Ministry of Education is for them to decentralise educational developments and privileges across the country. This will enhance our chances of achieving our career goals.


Moreover, I am not the only one in this situation. A close friend of mine wants to be an automobile engineer, and his dream

has also been shattered due to the education system’s one way focus. The current system is very narrow and gives room only for a few career goals. A great number of students are compelled to abandon their dreams and look into other areas.


The system is not relevant to all career goals and this has to change if the government wishes to produce a diverse populace of learned individuals.


There are few that make it through the harsh and unmotivated system, and most end up getting stranded on the journey to self-realisation. For instance, studying a technical field in a technical high school, does not solve the whole problem for a person like my friend. Such students face the problem of furthering their studies, and if they do, it has to be abroad with exorbitant fees, and slim chances of scholarship.


The education system needs to provide diverse areas of studies to accommodate students’ career goals.


This is the ideal education system I want.


MUHAMMED BARROW • August 28, 2023

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.