Positive Periods and Prevention of Gender Based Violence Programme in Ghana

This February, the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT) in partnership with the Foundation delivered training for 60 teachers and 60 students in the Volta region. The cohort represented 22 schools. The training was facilitated by Marie Antoinette Corr GS of GTU (Gambia Teachers Union) and Rebecca Aidoo (NAGRAT).

The training was opened by Mama Adom Dakesi IV, queen mother of Gbi Kpoeta Traditional area in Hohoe and here is her speech.

NAGRAT Regional Chair, all dignitaries present, lovely students, Ladies and gentlemen, all protocols observed.

Today, I am reminded of the profound importance of addressing a topic that affects the health and dignity of women and girls worldwide: menstrual hygiene.

Menstrual hygiene is not just a matter of convenience; it is a fundamental aspect of women's health and well-being. It encompasses the practices and products necessary to manage menstruation in a safe and hygienic manner. From using clean and absorbent materials to maintaining proper personal hygiene, menstrual hygiene plays a crucial role in ensuring the health and dignity of women and girls.

Yet, despite its significance, many women and girls face barriers in accessing the necessary resources to manage their menstruation safely. The current surge in the price of sanitary pads has made it increasingly difficult for many to afford these essential products. This is a stark reality that we cannot ignore.

However, amidst these challenges, there is hope. I commend the organizers of this program for their initiative in teaching young girls how to make reusable sanitary pads. This innovative approach not only provides a sustainable solution but also empowers girls with the knowledge and skills to take control of their menstrual health.

But our efforts cannot stop here. We must come together as government, NGOs, and private organizations to ensure that all women and girls have access to affordable and sustainable menstrual hygiene products. Education and access are the cornerstones of progress in this regard, and we must spare no effort in ensuring that they are readily available to those in need.

Moreover, let us not forget the broader implications of poor menstrual hygiene. Beyond the physical health risks, there is also the insidious impact of social stigma and exclusion. In many communities, menstruation is still considered taboo, leading to discrimination and shame for those who menstruate. This must change, and it begins with education and awareness.

In conclusion, let me leave you with this thought: there is no limit to what you can achieve, regardless of your gender or circumstances. To all the young girls listening today, remember that you hold the power to shape your own future. With determination and resilience, you can overcome any obstacle and realize your dreams. As ambassadors let us try to teach your friends and family how to make reusable sanitary pads.

Let us continue to work together in pursuit of a world where menstrual hygiene is no longer a barrier but a basic human right.

Thank you.

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Steve Sinnott Foundation • March 20, 2024

An Education Revolution

By Ann Beatty • April 6, 2025

This week while out and about in Hertfordshire and we visited the British Schools Museum. We discovered the first school opened by Joseph Lancaster, was known as the ‘Poor Childs Friend”, was in 1810. It was his lifelong mission that all children regardless of their circumstances, should benefit from an education. Apparently, Joseph heard a small girl say, “Oh that I could read!” and this inspired him to create a simple education system that eventually would benefit children across the world. Joseph was the tenth son of a poor man himself from South London. His aim was to offer free education for everyone. However, it would be 93 years before the U.K. government finally made education free for all. There are still many countries today where education is still not free to access and it is certainly not compulsory for primary and secondary age pupils. Joseph’s mission really resonates with that of the Foundation, to support access to education for all. We enjoyed our visit and appreciated the tour given by two of the Museum’s volunteers, Angela and Clare. They described some of the challenges faced in the early years of formal education and shared some of the rules that teachers and students had to abide by with us.

Sparks Bristol

By Ann Beatty • April 4, 2025

Sparks Bristol is a collaborative community project initially envisioned by The Global Goals Centre, (GGC) more of which below. A few years ago, GGC took over an empty Marks and Spencer store and that’s how Sparks was born. Sparks is a department store with a difference, co-created by Global Goals Centre and Artspace Lifespace. On the ground floor is a huge range of shops, installations, events and more. Upstairs is a hub for local artists, it offers affordable studios as well as rehearsal and performance space. The Global Goals Centre is a Bristol-based educational charity inspired by the Sustainable Development Goals. (SDGs). GGC believe the SDG’s or Global Goals as they are sometimes known, can be reached, with imaginative solutions and widespread education and engagement. They work with partners to promote creative solutions and deliver ground breaking projects that work towards these ambitious goals. The Steve Sinnott Foundation supported the Global Goals Centre with seed funding when it first started over 5 years ago. This month we went to visit them to see how they are getting on and we were taken aback by the volume of work they have achieved since they started. It is amazing to see how though working together with other local community groups it has grown into the vibrant centre it is today. All of the creative projects they host are linked to the SDGs. They cover topics that tackle poverty, education, climate change, fashion recycling and upcycling, to name a few.

Spring is Here! Looking Ahead!

By Ann Beatty • March 28, 2025

Spring is definitely here, daffodils, blossom and crocuses are all basking in the bright sunshine. There is still a chill in the air in the shade but it's happening and all the seeds that were sown over the last few months are coming to fruition. At the Foundation, we have been planning the year ahead and our Positive Periods and Prevention of Gender Based Violence programmes got underway this weekend in Haiti and Ghana. These projects will have a long-lasting effect on the lives of the women and girls who take part: tackling the root causes of gender-based violence and enabling girls to attend school every day when they have their period, to feel safe at school and know how to take action when they are faced with violence. These are the first of many projects planned for the year ahead as we continue to work towards Education for All children everywhere.