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Our 2020 Annual General Meeting and Networking event was held online for the first time on 12^th January 2021. More than 150 members gathered to explore the theme Building Forward Better: The role of Learning for Sustainability – What role does Learning for Sustainability play in making the world a better place, and how can we make this a reality?

From supporting a just and green recovery to tackling race, poverty, climate and environmental inequalities, our network and members achieved an impressive amount in 2020. The event provided an opportunity to hear those stories, and inspire members to start their own as we all work together towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

LfS Scotland’s Chairperson, Rehema White, and Director Pete Higgins set out the global and national context and shared LfS Scotland’s activities in 2020. You can read more in the 2020 LfS Scotland Annual Report. Small group conversations gave members a chance to discuss ideas for connecting and collaborating with others in 2021, and promoting Learning for Sustainability to decision makers.

Inspiring Members’ Stories were shared by:

• Out to Play – Emily Reid, EcoDrama
• Discursive learning for sustainable development thinking – Ishani Erasmus, The Scottish Parliament
• Developing Carbon Literacy – Chris Litwiniuk, Sustainability Innovation and Engagement Manager University of Edinburgh
• Building Learning for Sustainability into Curriculum – Jane Jackson and Yvonne McBlain, Falkirk Children’s Services curriculum support officers
• Does environmental citizen science in schools provide opportunities for pupils to engage in ecological citizenship? – Claire Ramjam University of Stirling
• A new interactive resource: The Outdoor Learning Map Andrew Bagnall, City of Edinburgh Council’s Outdoor Learning Team

There was a choice of two from four interactive workshops:

• Learning for a better future through community action – Cara Walkden, Bridge of Don Academy/Aberdeen for a Fairer World and  David Somervell, Convenor, Transition Edinburgh
• Storytelling as a key to nature connection, environmental appreciation and regeneration – Jane Mather, freelance storyteller
• Stepping outside together – learning outside your door – Natalie White, Highland Council and Penny Martin, Outdoor Learning Adviser, Nature Scot
• Inspiring Learning for a Fairer Future – Start the Change Project (Highland One World) – Catriona Willis, Ben Sparham and Rachel Avery   

We were challenged by our wonderful  keynote speaker Professor Arjen Wals, Professor of Transformative Learning for Socio-Ecological Sustainability at Wageningen University, The Netherlands and UNESCO Chair of Social Learning and Sustainable Development. ‘T-learning in Times of Transition Towards a Sustainable World’ presented an ultimately hopeful perspective on the role of new forms of learning and more ecological approaches of education in overcoming global systemic dysfunction – outlining some principles, perspectives and sharing international practice.

Rehema wrapped up the day by encouraging reflection, and ‘Dreaming Forward’ to a better future through learning for sustainability.

Thanks to all our presenters and participants for helping to make the event both enjoyable and energising.

Please click on the links below for session recordings and workshop presentations

Recordings

AGM Introduction and Overview of Learning for Sustainability in 2020

LfS Scotland Members’ Story Share -1-

LfS Scotland Members’ Story Share -2-

Prof Arjen Wals: T Learning in Times of Transition towards a Sustainable World

Workshop Presentations (pdfs)

Stepping outside together – learning outside your door

Storytelling as a key to nature connection, environmental appreciation and regeneration

Learning for a better future through community action 

Inspiring Learning for a Fairer Future

To find out more about the work of LfS Scotland, participate in one of the collaborative working groups (Task Groups) or suggest something you’d like to get involved in then please do get in touch.