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
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.
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.
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.
