Intergenerational Learning Communities towards environmental sustainability (ILCES)

In a rapidly changing world facing numerous sustainability challenges, integrating Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) within intergenerational learning frameworks offers a transformative approach to fostering sustainable practices and values across all age groups. This article explores the strategies, benefits, and practical examples of implementing ESD in intergenerational learning environments, which were collected within the project ILCES. 

The Synergy of ESD and Intergenerational Learning

Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) aims to equip learners with the knowledge, skills, values, and attitudes necessary to address complex sustainability challenges. It promotes a holistic, interdisciplinary approach, encouraging critical thinking, problem-solving, and active participation.

Intergenerational Learning involves the reciprocal exchange of knowledge, skills, and experiences between different generations, fostering mutual understanding, respect, and collaboration. It emphasizes lifelong learning and the transmission of cultural and practical wisdom.

Combining ESD with intergenerational learning leverages the strengths of both approaches to create an inclusive, comprehensive learning experience that transcends age boundaries.

What strategies can be used to combine ESD with intergenerational learning? 

One of the strategies can be e.g. so called Community-Based Projects:

• Community Gardens: Establishing community gardens where individuals of all ages can collaborate to grow food sustainably. Older adults can share traditional gardening techniques, while younger participants can introduce innovative methods and technologies. See some examples from the video “Grow something! Ron Finley at TEDxMidwest”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l6VBV00ZREc
• Environmental Clean-Ups: Organizing community clean-up events where different generations work together to improve their local environment. This promotes a sense of shared responsibility and immediate, visible results of sustainable actions.

Also Storytelling and Oral Histories can be used:

• Cultural Heritage Programs: Older adults can share stories of past environmental practices, conservation efforts, and sustainable living. These narratives provide historical context and inspire younger generations to value and continue sustainable traditions.
• Sustainability Narratives: Creating platforms for older generations to recount their experiences with environmental changes and sustainability efforts over time, enriching younger learners' understanding of long-term impacts and solutions.

Mentorship and Peer Learning are also good strategies to strength both approaches:

• Green Mentorship Programs: Pairing younger individuals with older mentors who have expertise in sustainable practices such as organic farming, renewable energy, or conservation. This facilitates knowledge transfer and fosters intergenerational bonds. Those activities can be done between members of the family, e.g.  grandparents with grandchildren. Check some exercises of the ILCES platform: https://ilces.eu/learn-platform/
• Technology Training: Younger participants can teach older adults how to use digital tools for sustainability, such as energy monitoring apps or online platforms for environmental advocacy. This empowers all generations to participate actively in sustainable development.

Workshops and Training Sessions:

• Intergenerational Workshops: Conducting workshops on various sustainability topics, including recycling, water conservation, and sustainable cooking. These sessions encourage active participation, dialogue, and shared learning experiences.
• Hands-On Training: Offering practical training sessions where participants can engage in activities like building rainwater harvesting systems or creating composting units, learning both from instructors and each other. Some inspirations for the workshops can be found on the project website https://ilces.eu/  including a learning platform https://ilces.eu/learn-platform/.

Inclusive Policy Development:

• Participatory Governance: Involving community members of all ages in local sustainability planning and decision-making processes. This ensures that diverse perspectives are considered and that policies are inclusive and representative.
• Youth and Elder Councils: Establishing councils that include both youth and elder representatives to discuss and develop sustainability initiatives, fostering intergenerational dialogue and collaboration.

Those strategies give various benefits for local communities, involved organisations and policy makers. By learning from different generations, participants gain a comprehensive understanding of sustainability issues, encompassing both traditional wisdom and modern innovations. Intergenerational learning fosters stronger community bonds, bridging generational gaps and promoting mutual respect and understanding. Also, the lifelong learning encourages continuous learning and adaptation, essential for addressing the dynamic nature of sustainability challenges. The intergenerational learning creates empowered communities where all members, regardless of age, contribute to and benefit from sustainable development initiatives.

Conclusion

Implementing Education for Sustainable Development within intergenerational learning frameworks offers a powerful, inclusive approach to fostering sustainable practices and values across communities. By leveraging the unique strengths and perspectives of different generations, we can create rich, dynamic learning environments that empower individuals of all ages to contribute to a sustainable future. Through community projects, storytelling, mentorship, and inclusive policy development, we can build resilient, cohesive communities equipped to tackle the sustainability challenges of today and tomorrow. Those and more approaches can be found on the website of the project https://ilces.eu/ including learning platform https://ilces.eu/learn-platform/. The project ILCES is cofinanced within the programme Erasmus + and carried out by Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies (coordinating organisation) www.lbtu.lv, CESIE www.cesie.org, Redial Partnership CLG www.redialpartnership.org, DIOPTER OTVORENO UCILISTE www.diopter.hr, Volkshochschule im Landkreis Cham e.V. www.vhs-cham.de