UNESCO seizes an opportunity for change in education

Julie Saito is International Coordinator for UNESCO’s Associated Schools Project Network (ASPnet) which connects more than 11,500 schools in 182 countries on the themes of peace, intercultural dialogue, sustainable development and quality education. She talks about the chance for change offered by COVID-19. 

The pandemic has given us all an opportunity to think about more than one paradox in education. It has exposed the fragility of our education systems but demonstrated their capacity to adapt almost overnight to ensure learning continuity. It has been heavily reliant on technology for remote learning but highlighted the paramount role of teachers in supporting their students academically and emotionally. Above all, it has shown the extent of our interdependence, the impact of inequalities, and the value that education holds for individuals and society.



If we are to build back more resilience, education has to transform, with inclusion and sustainability as primary concerns. Education for Sustainable Development is already at the heart of ASPnet’s activities based on Sustainable Development Goal 4, and, in particular, Target 4.7 which aims to ‘ensure all learners acquire knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including among others through education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles, human rights, gender equality, promotion of a culture of peace and non-violence, global citizenship, and appreciation of cultural diversity and of culture’s contribution to sustainable development’. Each word here carries weight. Our work is to bring those words to life and action in all of our activities, communication and collaboration with our network of teachers, students and partners. And what is their meaning in the current context of the global pandemic the world has faced for the past 9 months that has affected 1.5 billion students in 190 countries? What role does education play in recovering from this crisis and how must it transform to meet everyone’s learning needs?


After drawing global attention to school closures and their impact, UNESCO launched the Global Education Coalition in March, a platform for collaboration and exchange to support learning continuity, bringing together more than 150 partners from the UN family, civil society, academia and the private sector. Within this context, ASPnet has adapted its activities along the main axes of Global Citizenship Education, Education for Sustainable Development and Intercultural Learning, developing new ways to strengthen communication and collaboration among all our members. A global webinar in May provided the opportunity for over 600 teachers, students and parents of ASPnet from over 80 countries to share their experiences of learning and living in confinement. Anne-Fleur Lurvink, an English teacher in the Netherlands, summed up the chance for change offered by the pandemic: “I believe this [crisis] is an opportunity to think big, to be brave and to really make some bold decisions, when it comes to how we organize our education and learning’


We also launched “the Change Initiative” that brings together teacher training Institutions aiming to effectively support teacher educators and teachers, through a series of online activities. What is clear is that there can be no back to normal in education. Many governments are planning the future along more hybrid and blended lines. The foremost challenge is to get all children back into school, prioritize the most marginalized, address learning losses and harness technology as a force for inclusion. Across all these dimensions, teachers must be consulted, supported with professional development opportunities and their health and well-being ensured.


Fundamentally, the new normal in education must contribute to the emergence of a more equitable and sustainable growth model. Our education systems must help children and youth to become catalysts for positive change. They must be trusted and heard. Now is the time to embed socio-emotional skills in the curriculum, together with critical skills to assess information, combat intolerance develop a shared responsibility for our common humanity and planet – in short education that wires learners to champion peace. Capitalizing on innovations and lessons learned over the past months, the time is ripe to reimagine education so that it becomes everyone’s right and leaves no one behind. 

Julie Saito • January 4, 2021

STEM programs in Haiti

By Ann Beatty • February 14, 2026
On 23rd January at the Cima Community School of Hope (ECEC), the first workshop was held with the first group of students as part of the STEM program. This activity marks a promising start to the program's implementation. STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) is crucial for children because it fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity from a young age. It nurtures natural curiosity, helps children understand the modern world, and builds resilience through hands-on experimentation. Additionally, early STEM exposure prepares them for future academic and career success. A total of 20 students participated in this first session. The session focused on a general presentation of the importance of computer programming in today's world. The students were also introduced to the Scratch software interface, an educational tool well-suited for teaching children programming. This initial experience went smoothly and generated considerable interest and strong motivation among the students.

Make This Spring the Season You Secure Your Legacy

By Steve Sinnott • February 14, 2026
At the Steve Sinnott Foundation, we know that planning for the future is one of the most important things you can do for the people and causes you care about. That’s why we’re delighted to offer our staff and volunteers the opportunity to write or update their will this Spring. Whether you’ve been meaning to get started for years, or you simply need to make a few updates, this is the perfect time to take that important step. Join Our Free Will Writing Webinar To help you get started, we’ve partnered with expert estate planners Octopus Legacy , who will be hosting a free webinar(s) covering everything you need to know about writing or updating your will. Staff & Volunteers 12pm, Thursday 5th March Online via Zoom - https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_uvirWft7S12lJUby6oUtnQ#/registration Supporters 12pm, Tuesday 10th March Online via Zoom - https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_xxJNZd6ZQYKMOs-2fNz0Gg#/registration During the session, you’ll learn: Why it’s important to have an up-to-date will What to consider when writing or updating your will The different types of will-writing services available How Lasting Powers of Attorney work and why they matter How to claim your free will this Spring This webinar is designed to make what can feel like a complex process simple, clear and manageable. Why Having a Will Matters Having an up-to-date will ensures your wishes are respected and your loved ones are protected. Without one, the law decides how your estate is distributed and that may not reflect what you would have wanted. A will gives you peace of mind. It allows you to: Provide clarity and security for your family Appoint guardians for children if needed Make specific gifts to individuals or causes Ensure your estate is handled efficiently Updating your will is just as important as writing one. Life changes marriages, children, property purchases, or changes in circumstances can all affect your wishes. Claim Your Free Will This Spring As part of this initiative, eligible staff and volunteers will have the opportunity to claim a free will-writing service. Full details will be shared during the webinar, including how to access this benefit. We encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity. Writing or updating your will is one of the most responsible and caring decisions you can make for yourself and for those you care about. Register Now Spaces are available now, simply register using the link below: Staff & Volunteers - https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_uvirWft7S12lJUby6oUtnQ#/registration Supporters - https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_xxJNZd6ZQYKMOs-2fNz0Gg#/registration We hope you’ll join us on Thursday 5th March and take this positive step towards securing your future.

The Foundation supporting the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

By Kaylem James • February 3, 2026
In my time as an assistant at The Steve Sinnott Foundation (SSF), one of my research tasks was looking into how the Foundation contributed to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). I really believe in the work of the Foundation and I have also been raising funds as I believe that every child must have the right to education. SSF is a UK-based educational charity focused on promoting quality education worldwide. It plays a supportive role in achieving the United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially Goal 4: (Quality Education), but its work contributes to several others as well. Here's how the Foundation supports the SDGs: Goal 4 – Quality education (core focus) The Foundation's main mission is to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all. It supports teachers and educational initiatives in developing countries. It runs programmes like: The Education for All Campaign – advocating for universal access to education. Teacher empowerment projects – providing training and resources to educators in under-resourced countries. Girls' education programmes – encouraging and supporting girls to stay in school and complete their education. Goal 3 – Good health and well-being Through education, particularly health-related programmes, the Foundation contributes to raising awareness about hygiene, nutrition, and mental health. The Foundation has developed a range of webinars to promote health and wellbeing and these can be found on YouTube. Goal 5 – Gender equality The Foundation promotes girls' education, directly addressing barriers that prevent girls from accessing and completing school. It advocates for the rights of women and girls, especially in patriarchal or disadvantaged societies. Goal 8 – Decent work and economic growth By improving access to education and vocational training, the Foundation helps create employment opportunities. Educated individuals have better chances of securing decent work. Goal 10 – Reduced inequalities It supports marginalised groups, including children in rural or conflict-affected areas, contributing to reducing global inequalities in education. Goal 16 – Peace, justice and strong institutions Promotes education as a force for peace and conflict resolution. Supports democratic participation and awareness through educational programmes that foster community engagement. Goal 17 – Partnerships for the goals Collaborates with NGOs, unions, schools, and governments to deliver and advocate for education projects. Builds international partnerships to achieve the SDGs through education. Summary While The Steve Sinnott Foundation's primary focus is on Goal 4, it contributes to many of the SDGs by empowering communities through education, particularly: Gender equality (Goal 5), Health (Goal 3), Economic growth (Goal 8), Reducing inequality (Goal 10), Peace (Goal 16), and Partnerships (Goal 17).  The Foundation’s programmes also contribute to the achievement of other SDGs through the power of the provision of education and life-long learning; 1. No Poverty, 2. Zero Hunger, 13. Climate Action. We believe that all of the 17 SDGs are only achievable by ensuring that all children, wherever they are born, deserve the human right of quality education. Over 250 million children are still out of school and the global out-of-school population has reduced by only 1% in nearly ten years, according to the UNESCO Global Education Monitoring Report 2024. There is still much work to do in achieving equitable and quality Education for All.