About the Course
SUMMARY:
“You never change things by fighting the existing reality. To change something, build a new model that makes the existing model obsolete.”– R. Buckminster Fuller
We are living in challenging times for our future, but these challenges also present an opportunity to create real, positive change for ourselves and our world. In this international training course, participants will explore various aspects of sustainability and the ecological challenges we face today. We will focus on reflecting on our work and our organizations from an ecological impact perspective and identifying concrete steps to reduce that impact—or even transform it into a positive one. This training course serves as a kickstarter for meaningful change at the local level.
OBJECTIVES:
The main objective of this training course is to foster change toward a more sustainable education field and organizations at the local level. Participants will enrich their technical knowledge of climate change, sustainability, and transition strategies for building more sustainable communities.Our goal is to turn the abstract concept of sustainability into something tangible and actionable. There will also be space to analyze each participant’s specific context and develop strategies and approaches tailored for the future.
METHODOLOGY:
The training course is rooted in the principles of Experiential Learning and Non-Formal Learning, creating a safe yet challenging environment for participants to engage and interact. Each participant's local context and work will be central as we explore the practical aspects of sustainability.The training will include discussions, interactive activities, group and pair work, presentations, case studies, individual activities, and reflection. Participants will work in groups to design their own sustainability plans.Many activities will take place outdoors, leveraging the local environment as a resource for learning.
PROGRAMME DAY-BY-DAY:
DAY 1
The first day is focused on discovering the group and introducing the training course. A key element of a successful training course is understanding the group’s needs and dynamics and the learning space we create together. We will aim to foster a challenging, democratic, and secure learning space. In the second half of the day, we will begin exploring sustainability, its meaning, and general principles.
DAY 2
The second day will focus entirely on sustainability and climate change. We will delve deeply into the different aspects of climate change, including its origins and socio-cultural implications. Using simulation exercises and scientific data, we will examine climate predictions for the next 10, 25, 50, and 100 years. This will lead to a deeper exploration of holistic definitions of sustainability, approaching the topic from diverse viewpoints and dimensions.
DAY 3
The third day takes the exploration of sustainability a step further by emphasizing practical aspects and tools, both on a community scale and a personal level. We will explore sustainability as a driving force for change and use concrete numbers and facts to better understand the challenges and barriers to positive change.
DAY 4
On the fourth day, participants will discover and share good practices. Guest speakers will present how they implement sustainability in their work and organizations. This will serve as a catalyst for brainstorming solutions and rethinking current practices. Participants will also engage in creative exercises designed to encourage out-of-the-box thinking.
DAY 5
The fifth day introduces the Sustainability Plan Challenge. Participants will work in small groups through a full-day simulation exercise to create sustainability plans for their organizations. A variety of steps, resources, and exercises will guide and support them throughout this challenge.
DAY 6
The sixth day concludes the Sustainability Plan Challenge. Participants will present and share their final results. The group will learn from the process and outcomes through feedback, reflection, and discussions. The training will close with a final evaluation and farewell.
Training usually takes place between
a) 8:30 - 13:30, or
b) 9:30 - 13:00 | 14:30-16:00
Followed by after-class activities, that are optional.
* Changes to the program may occur to better address participants' needs.
Your Trainer
Rodrigo Vilarinho
National and international Trainer since 2004, with mixed background and extensive experience working with children, youngsters and adults. Since 2013, belonging to the Pool of Trainers of the Portuguese National Agency for Youth Erasmus+.