Care4Calais – caring for each other

Last week our CEO Ann and one of our volunteers Lida had the privilege of visiting Care4Calais; where they delivered essential supplies provided by the women at New Ground Co-housing who raised an incredible £1850.00.

 

 

Care4Calais

 

There are still about 700 refugees living in and around Calais. They are sleeping rough in the worst conditions, not allowed tents for shelter from the elements, and their sleeping bags and possessions are regularly confiscated by the police. Care4Calais is a volunteer run charity operating year round to deliver essential aid and support to refugees living in the UK, Northern France and Belgium.

 

Care4Calais have a regular weekly schedule so that the refugee community know when they are coming to the different sites and what services are provided. Every morning the volunteers choose their jobs for the day.

 

On this visit there were volunteers from Bedfordshire, Ireland, France, Holland, Germany, Italy, USA and Canada. Some are staying for just a few days, and some for several weeks or months. 

 

Jess who has just started a 12 month contract told Ann that she is excited to work for Care4Calais and to make a difference to the refugees lives whilst they are stranded in France. Every day she is amazed by the people’s resilience and generosity despite the circumstances and people not always being kind to them.


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Ann and Lida told us about their visit:


We arrived on Saturday and worked in the warehouse in the morning, sorting clothes and other donations. In the afternoon, we visited refugees to provide the various services.


We were in Rue de Judee for just over 3 hours on Saturday afternoon, delivering tarpaulins and blankets. We then supported the services of English lessons, phone charging, hairdressing, drinks and games. Chess, backgammon and football are very popular. All of the services were popular but especially the phone charging which allows people to stay in touch with their families and friends.


Lida provided interpretation for Care4Calais about an opportunity with the BBC, who would like to interview some of the Afghans for a programme about their journey. She found the Afghan people to be in a dire situation with little water and shelter, and she was happy to be able to interpret for them and the Care4Calais staff.


Meanwhile Ann was on hairdressing duty. This meant setting up the barber shop, arranging the chairs in a circle and giving out equipment. She describes the scene, “there was something very beautiful about watching these young men caring for each other. It was therapeutic for the barber, the client and for me too, to witness the care being reciprocated.”

 

On Sunday Lida cooked lunch for the volunteers and Ann packed up food parcels for the week ahead. It was a physically and emotionally tiring trip but it was worth it to meet so many people and learn about the reality of life there, we learnt a lot on our short visit. 


As Ann and Lida were leaving the site a young man approached them with some blackberries he had picked for them to say thank you, it was such a kind human gesture and one that will stay in their hearts for some time.



We hope we will be able to return for a longer visit later in the year.



Here are some of the things you can do to support Care4Calais. Maybe start a fundraiser in your school.


Steve Sinnott • August 2, 2022

Empowering Student Voices: Young Ambassadors Champion Inclusive Education for All

By Ann Beatty • October 13, 2025
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Seeds of Hope 2025: Young People Planting Peace and Sustainability Around the World

By Ann Beatty • October 3, 2025
The Steve Sinnott Foundation is proud to celebrate the inspirational winners of the 2025 Seeds of Hope for a Better Future competition, a global initiative supported by UNESCO that brings together creativity, community, and a shared commitment to peace and sustainability. This unique project invited schools across the world from nursery and primary through to secondary and high school to explore the values of peace, cultural understanding, and care for the planet. In the face of climate change, young people were asked to tell their stories through art, performance, and digital creativity, highlighting how small seeds of action can grow into powerful movements for hope. The results have been extraordinary. Schools in France, the UK, Gambia, Haiti, and Kenya have been recognised for their outstanding contributions, with projects ranging from community gardens and sculptures to dance performances and illustrated stories. Each winner has shown how young voices and imagination can nurture peace and sustainability in ways that inspire us all. The full Awards Ceremony can be watched linked here: S eeds of Hope For A Better Future Awards Ceremony 2025 Highlights from the Winners Oak View Primary and Nursery School (UK) created Faces of Feeling, a collection of joyful sculptures already exhibited in a local gallery. Judges praised their work as supporting the wellbeing of others and embodying the idea of children as true “Seeds of Hope.” St Joseph’s Senior Secondary School (Gambia) painted Campaign for a Sustainable Banjul , reflecting real-world climate action in their city. The judges described it as “a most deserving and robust winner.” In France , the Jardin d'Enfants des Nations Unies (United Nations Nursery School) won hearts with Wind of Peace , where 5-6 year olds combined drawings, paintings, and tree planting to champion reforestation. Lyng Hall Secondary School, Coventry (UK) collaborated with Henley Green Primary and the UK Literacy Association to produce The Heart Shaped Hole – an innovative and metaphorical take on Seeds of Hope. Earlsdon Primary School, Coventry (UK) impressed with Primary Plot , a project that included gardening with the visually impaired, reflecting inclusivity and sustainability. A remarkable cross-collaboration between 21 schools across West Yorkshire, Essex, and Tower Hamlets (UK) resulted in Lights, Camera, Score , an ambitious combination of animation, music, and storytelling. CIMA Community School of Hope, Haiti shared Konbit - a video of dance and solidarity, inspiring villages to work together for peace and dignity. Daraja Academy, Kenya presented an ambitious and optimistic project integrating sustainability into everyday school life. Celebrating Creativity and Peace This year’s competition was judged by an impressive panel of artists, writers, and cultural leaders including Sir Antony Gormley, Edmund de Waal, Dame Liz Forgan, Hugh Quarshie, and Rathna Ramanathan. Their collective expertise highlighted the quality and depth of the entries, each of which showed how art can be a powerful tool for global understanding and change. The Seeds of Hope initiative is part of UNESCO UK’s Arts and Culture for Peace programme, first launched in 2022. It has grown from earlier collaborations such as the Coventry Young Ambassadors’ Islands of Peace Japanese Garden , opened in 2021 a living reminder that seeds planted in communities can continue to flourish. Highlights from the ceremony can be found here at this playlist Looking Ahead As Ann Beatty, UNESCO ASPnet UK National Coordinator , shared: “The quality of entries was extraordinary. We are delighted at the response to this amazing initiative in collaboration with our international partners.” And in the words of judge Jannette Cheong : “Young people around the world understand well the value of peace and tolerant relationships between cultures. Their creativity is an inspiration to all of us.” At The Steve Sinnott Foundation, we believe that education is the seed from which hope grows. The Seeds of Hope competition is a shining example of how young people through creativity, compassion, and collaboration are already shaping a more peaceful and sustainable future. You can access the full online awards presentation here: Seeds of Hope For A Better Future Awards Ceremony 2025

Teachers Advance in Guidance and Counselling Training in The Gambia

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The journey to strengthen the well-being and success of learners in The Gambia continues with a renewed commitment to guidance and counselling in schools. By August 14th 2025, we have successfully trained 140 educators across 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝟏, 𝟐, 𝟑 & 𝟒 under our Guidance & Counselling Programme. A programme designed to equip educators with the skills to support students’ academic, social, and emotional development. Region 3 Teachers Complete Level 2 Training On Wednesday, 6th August, thirty teachers from Region 3 (North Bank Region) began a three-day Level 2 Guidance and Counselling training at the Christian Council in Kanifing. This programme built on their earlier Level 1 training in Farafenni, with a focus on deepening their capacity to serve as school-based counsellors. The training concluded with a certificate presentation ceremony, recognising the teachers’ commitment and marking an important step in their professional development. These certificates symbolize more than an achievement; they represent each teacher’s readiness to provide psychosocial support, guidance, and mentorship to learners across their schools.