Introduction

In an era defined by pressing global challenges such as climate change, resource depletion, and social inequality, Leadership for Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) has become an indispensable competency for educators committed to preparing students to build a more just, peaceful, and sustainable world. ESD is not merely about teaching environmental facts; it is a transformative approach to learning that empowers learners with the knowledge, skills, values, and attitudes needed to address these complex global issues. Effective leaders in this domain integrate sustainability principles across curriculum, pedagogy, and school operations, fostering critical thinking, systems thinking, and a sense of responsibility for present and future generations. Without visionary leadership in ESD, educational institutions risk producing graduates unprepared to navigate complex global challenges and unable to contribute meaningfully to sustainable solutions. This essential training course focuses on equipping educational professionals with the expertise to master Leadership for Education for Sustainable Development (ESD).

This intensive training course is meticulously designed to empower school principals, curriculum developers, environmental education coordinators, subject leaders, and aspiring educational leaders with the theoretical understanding and practical tools necessary to integrate and champion Education for Sustainable Development initiatives within their school settings. Participants will gain a deep understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), explore various pedagogical approaches for ESD, learn strategies for whole-school sustainability, and acquire techniques for fostering student agency and action. The course will delve into topics such as eco-schools initiatives, green infrastructure, community partnerships for sustainability, interdisciplinary approaches, citizen science projects, ethical leadership for sustainability, and measuring the impact of ESD programs. By mastering the principles and methodologies of Leadership for Education for Sustainable Development (ESD), participants will be prepared to transform their institutions into models of sustainability, empower learners to become change agents, and contribute significantly to a more sustainable future for all.

Duration: 5 Days

Target Audience

• School Principals and Vice Principals
• Curriculum Developers and Coordinators
• Environmental Education Specialists
• Subject Leaders (especially Science, Geography, Social Studies)
• Teachers at all levels interested in sustainability
• Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) Coordinators
• School Board Members
• Community Engagement Officers in Schools
• Aspiring Educational Leaders
• Non-profit and NGO representatives focused on sustainability education

Objectives

• Understand the core concepts of sustainable development and Education for Sustainable Development (ESD).
• Learn about the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and their relevance to education.
• Acquire strategies for integrating sustainability principles across curriculum and pedagogy.
• Comprehend techniques for leading whole-school approaches to sustainability.
• Explore methodologies for fostering student agency and action for sustainable development.
• Understand the importance of community partnerships and global collaboration for ESD.
• Gain insights into measuring the impact of ESD initiatives and promoting continuous improvement.
• Develop a personal action plan for championing ESD within their educational institution.

Course Content

Module 1: Foundations of Sustainable Development and ESD

• Defining sustainable development: environmental, social, and economic dimensions.
• Introduction to the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• Understanding the role of education as a key enabler for achieving the SDGs.
• The evolution and principles of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD).
• Ethical responsibilities of educational leaders in promoting sustainability.

Module 2: Integrating ESD into Curriculum and Learning

• Moving from environmental education to holistic ESD across subjects.
• Identifying opportunities to embed sustainability concepts in existing curriculum.
• Developing interdisciplinary projects and themes focused on the SDGs.
• Pedagogical approaches for ESD: inquiry-based, problem-based, experiential learning.
• Fostering critical thinking, systems thinking, and future-oriented learning.

Module 3: Leading Whole-School Approaches to Sustainability

• Developing a school-wide vision and policy for sustainability.
• Implementing eco-schools initiatives and green certifications.
• Sustainable school infrastructure and resource management (energy, water, waste).
• Promoting sustainable procurement and consumption practices within the school.
• Engaging all staff, students, and parents in the school's sustainability journey.

Module 4: Fostering Student Agency and Action for Sustainability

• Empowering students to become active agents of change.
• Designing student-led projects and initiatives related to sustainability challenges.
• Developing leadership skills for advocacy and community engagement among students.
• Promoting critical consciousness and understanding of justice issues related to sustainability.
• Celebrating student achievements in sustainability.

Module 5: Community Partnerships and Global Collaboration for ESD

• Building partnerships with local environmental organizations, businesses, and community groups.
• Engaging students in local sustainability initiatives and citizen science projects.
• Connecting with global networks and initiatives for ESD.
• Facilitating international collaboration on sustainability projects.
• Leveraging community expertise and resources for sustainability education.

Module 6: Measuring Impact and Continuous Improvement in ESD

• Developing indicators for measuring the effectiveness of ESD programs.
• Collecting data on environmental impact, student learning, and behavior change.
• Tools for assessing sustainability literacy and competency.
• Reporting on ESD progress to internal and external stakeholders.
• Using evaluation results for adaptive management and program refinement.

Module 7: Ethical Leadership for Sustainability

• Leading with integrity and commitment to sustainable values.
• Navigating trade-offs and complex decisions related to sustainability.
• Inspiring and motivating staff and students towards sustainable practices.
• Addressing resistance to change and promoting a shared vision for sustainability.
• The role of the leader as a sustainability role model.

Module 8: The Future of ESD and Strategic Planning

• Emerging trends in sustainable development and their implications for education.
• Integrating ESD into long-term strategic planning for the institution.
• Exploring funding opportunities for sustainability initiatives.
• Building a resilient and future-ready educational institution through ESD.
• Developing a personal action plan for leading ESD in their context.

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 7 working days before commencement of the training