Project
About the Project
The project aims to address the limitations of our globally interconnected economic system, characterized by an international division of labor and resource-intensive production methods. These practices contribute significantly to climate change and the depletion of natural resources. Many individuals remain unaware of the urgent need for a societal shift towards social-ecological transformation. Adult education, leveraging its nationwide and community-based infrastructure, plays a crucial role in facilitating this transformation. It educates on the complexity of global challenges, presents visions for sustainable futures, and empowers individuals to initiate and participate in sustainable activities at local levels.
The overarching goal of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) is to equip people with the values, knowledge, and skills necessary to shape their lives and society sustainably. By fostering competencies that enable independent and collaborative work towards sustainable development, ESD integrates ecological, economic, socio-cultural, and political dimensions. It recognizes the interconnectedness of global, regional, and local structures, advocating for systemic changes.
Another key objective is to sensitize educators to adopt a holistic, systemic approach to teaching sustainability. This involves enhancing their competencies and testing innovative teaching methods. Through workshops and ongoing collaboration among partner institutions, the project aims to develop an interdisciplinary seminar structure. It seeks to expand project outcomes into subsequent educational initiatives, including face-to-face and online curricula.
Target Groups
The project targets educators across various educational institutions: further education centers, adult education centers, universities, schools, and coaching centers. Additionally, it involves department heads, administrators, and policymakers associated with partner institutions. Indirectly, learners of these institutions also benefit from the project’s outcomes. The selection of these target groups is based on the belief that institutional leadership will recognize the importance of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) and actively support project activities and outcomes. Educators participate in workshops to explore innovative methods for raising awareness, developing sustainability skills, and integrating new pedagogical approaches into their teaching practices. The ultimate goal is for educators to embed sustainability themes into their curriculum, engaging learners in meaningful educational experiences.
Motivation
Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), making it a critical component of adult and further education. These educational sectors reach diverse populations eager to expand their knowledge. Adult education institutions are uniquely positioned to engage in socio-political activities, contributing to global sustainability efforts. The project aims to inspire action and contribute to creating sustainable living conditions worldwide. Adult education centers, with their inclusive educational platforms and community structures, provide essential infrastructure for this initiative. Through interdisciplinary and cross-institutional collaboration, the project seeks to inspire educators across various educational settings to embrace ESD.
What are the Organization's Activities in the Field of This Application
The organization operates within the realms of social, cultural, and educational activities both locally and internationally. Since the 2023 earthquake in Turkey, environmental education has become a crucial component of its educational programs, offering courses, lectures, and political education. The organization has extensive experience conducting seminars for students, general learners, and educators. Educators associated with the organization possess deep expertise in didactic and methodological approaches across various educational subjects. Within this project, they aim to share their methodologies, focusing specifically on education for sustainability. By contributing their expertise, the organization enriches the collaborative efforts of partner institutions and contributes to the development of a comprehensive seminar concept on sustainability
Profiles and Age Groups of Learners
The organization serves adult learners spanning diverse age groups, ranging from young adults (18 years and above) to senior adults (between 50 and 70 years). Learners engage in a wide range of educational programs offered by the institution, including language learning, cultural activities, environmental initiatives, and craft courses. Additionally, the organization offers preparatory courses for university education across various disciplines. Learners come from diverse social backgrounds, contributing to a rich educational environment that promotes inclusivity and lifelong learning.
