‘Learning for Sustainability (LfS) is an approach to life and learning which enables learners, educators, schools and their wider communities to build a fair, sustainable and equitable society. An effective whole school and community approach to LfS weaves together global citizenship, sustainable development, education and outdoor learning to create coherent, rewarding and transformative learning experiences.’ (Education Scotland, 2024)
Since 2022, SYP has worked closely with the Scottish Government Learning for Sustainability team to ensure young people are meaningfully involved in their work. In 2022, we carried out a consultation workshop to inform the Learning for Sustainability Action Plan 2023-2030, and our Learning for Sustainability Youth Leadership Group was established in 2023.
This year, the Learning for Sustainability Youth Leadership Group is carrying out focus groups with young people across Scotland, to gather their views to inform the Scottish Government’s Learning for Sustainability Advisory Group. Young people who take part in focus groups will be able to meaningfully express their views and ideas about Education Reform and promotion of Learning for Sustainability. The findings from these focus groups will support the Scottish Government to develop policies and resources which address young people’s views on Learning for Sustainability.
A member of the Learning for Sustainability Youth Leadership Group, told us about their experience of the project:
“I actually do feel differently about LfS since becoming a youth leader. I’ve learnt loads about it since joining the youth leadership group and have become much more passionate about LfS as a result. However, in all honesty, this has given me a sense of frustration too. Because I now care more I also find it frustrating that there is still a mountain to climb to reach the 2030 vision. That being said, I am excited to be part of the solution to help climb that mountain.”
If you have any questions about our Learning for Sustainability project, or if you work with a group of young people who would like to take part in a focus group, please contact our Participation and Programmes team at engagement@syp.org.uk.
