Working Together – Winning Together
Amanda Martin, president of the National Education Union, 2020.
The work of the Steve Sinnott Foundation began in 2009 to build upon
the legacy left behind following Steve’s death in 2008. Now, after 10
years’ experience working in partnership with teachers and educators
worldwide, the Foundation has secured its reputation in its own right.
SSF projects are offering life changing experiences for many people
across the world.
I am so proud of my association with the Foundation and of the fact
that I worked with it from its very early days. When I first met Steve
I was a young teacher. His calm, unifying and strong educational
values really resonated with me. He encouraged and welcomed
ideas and advocated trade unionism alongside the absolute need for
social justice and fairness. However, it wasn’t until I spoke at Steve’s
memorial service that I realised the true impact he had regarding
education and solidarity not just in the UK but across the world.
In its quest to continue work imbued with Steve’s values, the
Foundation has at its heart the ethos of enabling and partnership. It
ensures that while initial support is provided, those involved in the
various projects are not dependent upon the Foundation. The aim
for each project is that it can expand and thrive; that learning and
successes can be shared. Every project involves working together
to develop trust and ownership so that the they are not only fit for
purpose but are sustainable, locally owned, managed and valued.
The Foundation’s key vision is working towards the achievement
of Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG4). It believes that quality
education is the key to achieving all seventeen of the Sustainable
Development Goals. The Foundation’s commitment to gender
equality is something I believe it should be proud of as it sits at the
forefront of all its thinking. The vision that started with Steve has
definitely been built upon and expanded by the Foundation. The work
of SSF has impacted positively on so many lives.
The Positive Periods Project has captured the true power of
collaboration between trade unions and the Foundation. To date
it has enabled girls in The Gambia to be given the opportunity to
change their lives through being able to attend school every school
day throughout the month.
Teachers in The Gambia have shared their learning with Sierra
Leonean teachers and they in turn are sharing learning and training
with colleagues in Uganda and Malawi; educators in Cuba and Haiti
are also involved in sharing this learning. This has not only meant the
completion of one successful project but has, in fitting with Steve’s
philosophy, inspired, encouraged and empowered those involved to
share their success - showing the real meaning of partnership and
working together.
Despite some setbacks the Learning Resource Centres in Haiti and
Nepal have put education at the centre of these communities and
proven that education can make a difference.
All of these projects show the importance of education globally and
the link with international solidarity that the Foundation continues to
achieve.
As I complete my presidential year, I am reminded of the words of
encouragement Steve was always willing to give and I know that
through their work the Foundation continues to inspire that can-do
attitude. Sadly, due to Covid19 there is no National Education Union
(NEU) Annual Conference this year which is a shame because in
writing my own speech I looked at the speech Steve gave when he
was the National Union of Teachers (NUT) President. Words of unity,
passion and solidarity resonated throughout and that’s what would
have resonated in my words too.
“Working together, winning together” is certainly a motto I live by,
because together we can achieve so much more. Whether that be
highlighting and striving to defeat inequality and hardship or actively
involving others in projects that can make a difference and make the
world a fair and equitable place.
Steve was taken too early from those he loved but through its ethos,
aims and hard work the Foundation has ensured that one man’s
solidarity and love has touched, enhanced and improved so many
more lives than he might have ever imagined.
From Engage issue 20.
AMANDA MARTIN • October 6, 2021
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.
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.
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.
