Adult education and learning contributes to sustainability on all levels not only through thte provision of skills, knowledge and competences.
Challenges
- Climate change and its consequences.
- Environmental problems such as biodiversity loss, food waste, air pollution, plastic pollution, and soil degradation.
- Achieving and implementing the Sustainable Development Goals.
What adult learning and education can do for environmental sustainability and green transition
ALE contributes to sustainability on all levels, not only through the provision of skills, knowledge, and competences. ALE provides information, debating spaces, and creativity to develop new lifestyles, new projects, and new approaches necessary for the green transition and sustainable development. This includes practical solutions for very specific problems (e.g., recycling and upcycling of materials, urban gardening, and urban beekeeping), but also entering into dialogue with each other and engaging in broader societal debates to better understand the role of all stakeholders and get to the roots of the problems. As the good practice examples demonstrate, ALE can foster innovative ways of living, learning, and working.
Addressing the climate crisis can seem insurmountable in its scope, both at the individual and at the community level. Yet the richness and diversity of examples that adult learners, educators and community organizers have shared with EAEA that a lot of grassroots efforts are already taking place. While the local contexts or personal motivations for action might differ, the values of agency, empathy, and dialogue are visible across the board. Looking at the global Agenda 2030, ALE contributes to the achievement of all 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by building the foundations of change in the social, political, economic, ecological, and cultural spheres.
In each of the 17 goals, at least one target involves learning, training, education, or at the very least, awareness-raising for education. At the same time, adult learning and education; and lifelong learning are not only a transversal goal and method to achieve the SDGs but also a specific goal. According to SDG 4, inclusive and equitable quality education and lifelong learning opportunities need to be ensured for all.
The transition to a green economy requires change across all sectors and occupations, and here vocational education and training (VET) and ALE must play a fundamental role. The importance of that role needs to be recognized by policymakers as they look to channel funding into economic recovery. Whether this means new skills for new jobs, such as renewable energy, or upskilling or reskilling in existing jobs, such as a move to organic farming and waste management, ALE and skills development are fundamental to the future of our industries, our workers, and our economies.
- Jeon, S. (OECD). (2020). Adult education and training for green transitions. In The role of adult education in fostering environmental awareness (pp. 11-16). Vienna.
show lessThe ‘Citizen’s Passport 2030’, a project of the Popular University of Jura in Switzerland, rewards ALE participants with points in four categories: environmental sustainability skills, listening and introspection skills, community-building and social inclusion skills, and physical and mental wellbeing skills. These categories reflect the broader skills needed for sustainability and a green transition. Participants earn points and collect ‘stamps’ on their passports by engaging in ALE classes and by reading selected books from the Bibliobus, a library bus serving villages and remote areas with limited access to public libraries. Annually, the learners who accumulate the most stamps are awarded a prize.
show lessIn the framework of DVV International’s grant program Innovation in Adult Education, the interactive museum Shuqura implemented the project Solar Kitchen or Paraboloidal Sunlight Cooker. This project introduced the use of solar light energy as one of the most efficient natural resources and supported the popularization of eco-friendly solar cooking methods in Georgia. To achieve this, the Shuqura Museum created five solar cookers and distributed them to five ALE centers across Georgia. The project raises awareness about the efficient use of natural resources and provides the local community with an alternative energy source. The ALE centers utilize the solar cookers for community benefits, including culinary classes and public outdoor events. Additionally, all participating centers have established ecological counseling services and are working with local communities to disseminate information on ecological issues, including sustainable building materials and social and environmental development.
show lessASTO (Patras, Greece) creates small groups of 15-20 people who participate in the planning and implementation of various actions. There is no strict division between learners and educators, and all groups are based on peer learning. Each group has specific themes and goals, debates certain subjects, and acts accordingly. The group “We Change It” was established when community members volunteered to clean up the local beach. What began as a small initiative has grown, with more people joining to reclaim ownership of nature. Today, the group comprises around 50 regular members and 200 who participate in the most popular activities. Recent initiatives include building a seed library and revitalizing a public square to make it more green and inclusive.
show lessThe Kırıkhan Community Centre, operated by YUVA (Youths Union for Voluntary Action) from 2013 to 2020, served Syrian refugees and host communities of all age groups as a multi-service provider, offering livelihoods, education, and protection. Although currently closed, the centre promoted sustainability through meat-free Mondays, ecological training programs, composting activities, and a zero waste policy. It also used picnics and cooking workshops to raise awareness about sustainability.
In Brussels, the Elzenhof community centre brings together residents around various activities, many of which are guided by the principle of sustainability. These activities include a repair cafe, classes on cooking from scraps, and an exhibition on climate justice.
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