The Co-Director at Global Goals Centre and Sparks Bristol, the sustainability hub in Broadmead, has been honoured by UWE this week. Jenny Foster was awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Education in recognition of her contribution in the fields of international development, sustainability and social justice, her commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals and contribution to the development of climate and sustainable education through the leadership of Global Goals Centre.

Dr Verity Jones, Associate Professor in Education at the University of the West of England, explains why Jenny has been chosen to receive this honour

“Jenny has spent over 30 years championing international development, sustainability, and social justice – not just in boardrooms or policy papers, but in real spaces, with real people. She’s the visionary behind the educational charity Global Goals Centre and  Sparks Bristol. Her projects give voice to marginalised communities and challenge us to rethink how we live, work, and care for each other and our planet.”

In her acceptance speech, Jenny praised the nursing and social care students who received their degrees at the ceremony, saying they are examples of hope, compassion, and commitment to making the world better – a complete antidote to the media stories of hatred and gloom that dominate. She encouraged them to keep being flag bearers for kindness, fairness and positivity as they head out into the next stage of their lives. 

The ceremony, at Bristol Beacon, is one of 6 this week where over 3,000 students graduate. 

Jenny is a founder of Global Goals Centre education charity, recent winner of the Okayama Global Sustainable Development Education award. She was also one of the creators of Sparks Bristol, the groundbreaking sustainability, creative education hub in the old M&S building in Broadmead, with partner charity Artspace Lifespace.