SMALEI Digital Academy Kicks Off: Sustainable Practices in Adult Education Institutions
07/11/2024
The SMALEI EU-funded project launched its Digital Academy Lunch Talks with its first session, “Environmental Sustainability of the Institution,” on November 7, 2024. This session, part of a monthly series, delved into how adult learning and education (ALE) institutions can incorporate sustainable and circular practices in their daily operations. With expert speakers from across Europe, including Gustav Fridolin (former Swedish Minister for Education), Eeva Furman (Secretary General of the Finnish Commission on Sustainable Development), and Frédéric Ancion (General Manager at Mundo Lab), the session gathered over 35 participants eager to gain actionable insights into sustainability in education.
Moderated by Charlotte Ede from the European Association for the Education of Adults (EAEA), the session explored practical ways ALE institutions can adopt sustainability. The goal was to emphasize environmental responsibility and set an example for students and staff, aligning with SMALEI’s larger mission of fostering sustainable, inclusive practices in adult education across Europe.
Participants discussed strategies for managing resources responsibly, implementing green procurement practices, and fostering a culture of sustainability within institutions. Charlotte Ede emphasized that these sessions are designed to be interactive, featuring live Q&A segments that allow participants to ask questions, engage with speakers, and gain insights directly relevant to their institutions. She also reminded the participants that the SMALEI EU-funded project has launched several useful resources, such as a workbook, crafted as a guide to assist you and your organisation in integrating sustainability into everyday practices and long-term strategies, available in multiple languages. Interested participants can visit smalei.eu for further information.
The session’s speakers brought diverse experiences in sustainability and education:
- Eeva Furman (Secretary General of the Finnish Commission on Sustainable Development) shared her extensive experience promoting sustainability at the government level in Finland. She highlighted her role in integrating sustainable development within Finnish society, connecting ecological needs with social well-being. Furman emphasized that adult education institutions play a crucial role in encouraging cultural and individual transformation. “In Finland, we track our progress in sustainability actively, ensuring that we don’t lose momentum or stray from our path,” she noted, stressing the importance of both collective action and individual choices in combating climate change.
- Gustav Fridolin (former Swedish Minister for Education) discussed his experience working with Sweden’s adult education ecosystem and how Sweden is making strides in sustainability. He encouraged educators to foster creativity and critical thinking, enabling adults to envision a society driven by sustainable principles. “By engaging teachers and leaders in small steps toward sustainability, we can inspire a broader cultural shift,” Fridolin explained, emphasizing the potential of adult education to address today’s environmental challenges.
- Frédéric Ancion from Mundo Lab (Belgium) provided insights on the challenges of incorporating sustainability in everyday operations within small organizations. Ancion described Mundo Lab’s efforts to create sustainable buildings that are energy-efficient and foster community collaboration. He shared examples of initiatives like circular construction, energy-efficient renovations, and collaborative sustainability projects with tenants and staff. “For us, sustainability goes beyond the building’s structure; it’s about creating spaces where everyone actively participates in and supports sustainable practices,” he explained.
Throughout the discussion, speakers underlined the importance of community involvement and cross-sector collaboration. Fridolin emphasized that adult education should align closely with civil society, bridging the gap between educational goals and community needs. By collaborating with local organizations, ALE institutions can foster a learning environment that extends beyond classrooms, integrating sustainable practices into real-world settings. Ancion added that organizations must avoid becoming “islands” of sustainability and instead aim for regional and international collaboration. He noted the differences in sustainability efforts across regions in Belgium, pointing to Brussels’ international influence and how it requires unique approaches to engage diverse communities effectively.
The panellists discussed the delicate balance between fostering individual responsibility for sustainability and achieving collective institutional goals. Furman spoke about the need for empathetic leadership, especially in adult education, where educators must inspire and connect with students. She highlighted Puistokatu 4, a Finnish centre for science and sustainability, as an example of an environment that fosters hope and action by involving everyone in the green transition. Fridolin, in turn, stressed the need for imagination and future-oriented thinking in adult education. “Sustainability in education is not only about maintaining what we have but re-envisioning a society that respects our planet’s resources,” he said, encouraging adult educators to foster a mindset that supports sustainable societal transformation.
The session concluded with panellists sharing their visions for sustainability in adult education:
- Frederic Ancion hopes that ALE institutions will continue to motivate people toward sustainability through continuous engagement, communication, and action. He envisions centres dedicated to sustainability that bring together people with shared values.
- Gustav Fridolin emphasized the importance of creating educational spaces that inspire students to imagine a society led by sustainable values, different from today’s consumption-driven mindset.
- Eeva Furman highlighted the role of inclusivity, where lifelong learning should be accessible to everyone, supporting individuals in feeling connected to society and the ecosystem.
The SMALEI Digital Academy Talks provided an invaluable forum for these discussions, establishing a foundation for continued exploration of sustainability in ALE institutions. With monthly sessions planned, SMALEI is set to remain a key resource for institutions aiming to contribute to Europe’s green transition through education.
Save the dates for the full series lineup:
- Green Skills of Trainers and Staff
Date: 21 November 2024, 12:00-13:00 CEST
Equip trainers and staff with essential green skills to lead sustainability efforts within ALE settings. - Engagements of Learners
Date: 5 December 2024, 12:00-13:00 CEST
Discover strategies to actively involve learners in environmental initiatives and build a culture of shared responsibility. - Awareness-Raising and Involvement of People
Date: 19 December 2024, 12:00-13:00 CEST
Explore methods to effectively raise awareness and encourage community involvement in sustainability projects. - Partnerships for Sustainability
Date: 9 January 2025, 12:00-13:00 CEST
Learn how to develop strong partnerships that support sustainable practices and amplify institutional impact. - Tips for Successful Campaigning for Sustainability
Date: February 2025 (exact date TBC)
Gain insights on organizing successful sustainability campaigns that engage communities and stakeholders effectively.
