Under the most tumultuous of times
I completed a four-year law degree and, as many before me have done, started a new chapter... or at least tried to. On the 24th July 2020 I officially graduated from the University of Nottingham from the comfort of my parents living room via MS Teams. It wasn’t the most celebratory or self-indulgent ending to what was an extraordinary period of my life but, we are living in extraordinary times. Starting as a fundraising assistant at the Foundation, however, has granted me a huge opportunity to tip toe myself into this new world.
A few years ago, I heard about the Foundation and its work and had been captivated by the stories relayed by Ann Beatty from her travels to Sierra Leone. There was clearly an unfaltering commitment by those involved to the Foundation’s mission of achieving universal access to education and the achievement of gender equality. Reflecting on my degree award and my education journey I became aware of the privilege of the education I had been able to receive and equally, acutely aware of how far that privilege is not widely shared. It was in the knowledge of the Foundation’s sincerity and determination in their mandate that I was keen to undertake this new project and hopefully be of some help.
In order to support the longevity and success of the projects being carried out globally, the Foundation relies on the support of its generous supporters and external partners. I had previously undertaken community projects and volunteered for charities, but I had never been tasked with developing a new scheme of fundraising before. I’ll admit the task was daunting, however, I can gladly say after some months that I have learnt a lot. Attempting to encourage a group of solicitors to undertake ‘pro-bono work’ and donate the usual fee, or, at least a percentage of it, to the Foundation was always going to be a task.
However, there is nothing that can’t be achieved with an inspiring email, a conversation and the right partner. Luckily for me the Foundation has undertaken so many impressive projects, that it was easy to connect with people over shared values. In particular, the Foundation’s commitment to sustainability was a key element of discussions. The importance of designing long-term solutions that utilise local resources and engage with a variety of stakeholders is an important factor to many.
Following the uncertainty and upheaval caused by the pandemic, I have been able to see the importance of fundraising and I began to look forward to the future of the Foundation and how the Foundation might be supported beyond the work I am able to do. It was on this line of inquiry that I discovered the importance of legacy donations in supporting non-for-profit organisations. Legacy income derives from gifts left in wills and the Foundation has, to date, received two generous legacies which have already been reinvested into their projects.
Recently, as a growing number of people are focusing on settling their affairs, there has been an increase in will writing, allowing many to contemplate what is important to them and how they want to be remembered. Although, these thoughts and their impact can often be uncomfortable, it is in these times that the bigger picture can also be seen. A goodwill gesture made now has the ability to affect the future; if this is something you have never given thought to please consider thinking about it now. A gift, large or small made to the Foundation, may mean the difference to a child or children around the world in having access to education and in turn to achieving their best potential.
BY MAYA DABO – FUNDRAISING ASSISTANT
BY MAYA DABO • April 23, 2021
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!
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
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.
