In response to pressing environmental challenges and the current climate crisis, the Erasmus+ project NOW SEE has emerged as an innovative learning platform dedicated to equipping women with the skills to become leaders in Sustainable Environmental (SE) Entrepreneurship. The resulting learning program not only supports women learners, but also provides significant benefits to adult educators who play a crucial role in fostering participants' growth and success in the green sector. Through dynamic and experiential learning opportunities, NOW SEE is a powerful pathway for meaningful change. 

The NOW SEE learning model and innovative educational resources offer a unique set of benefits. 

For women learners, the program’s design of workshops and digital resources, allowed them to access valuable insights into the world of sustainable environmental (SE) entrepreneurship. Through interactive readings, successful stories and innovative solutions, women were inspired and realized their potential to contribute to sustainable development. The workshops and self-paced NOOCs encouraged over 200 women from Spain, Poland, Lithuania, Cyprus, and Romania to discover their potential in SE entrepreneurship, to manage their learning journey and feel empowered. 

The learning environment, through the face-to-face or online learning sessions, created a strong sense of community as the women were able to share ideas, build networks and form relevant partnerships that continued beyond the program with many working on joint activities and projects, developing their business ideas and seeking for funding to further develop their initiatives. The follow-up workshop provided the perfect space to share business ideas and plan for the future. 

The NOW SEE program also serves as a powerful tool for adult educators, helping them to expand their competencies and enhance their facilitating skills in SE entrepreneurship. Adult educators were inspired by the commitment, creative ideas and enthusiasm of their women learners. This interaction allowed them to see the practical impact of eco-friendly businesses and fostered a shared commitment to promoting sustainable solutions. They gained valuable experience in designing engaging sessions, especially when working with diverse groups of women from different disadvantaged backgrounds. In addition, the opportunity to witness firsthand learners’ growth reinforced the importance of attracting more participants to the program. Throughout the facilitation process educators refined their strategies for promoting learning programs, adapting them to capture the interest of potential learners and acquiring tools for effective program promotion. 

7 Key Success Factors of the NOW SEE Learning Pathway

Several core elements have contributed to the success of NOW SEE’s innovative learning pathway:

1. Inspiring Learning Materials: Workshops with real-life examples allowed women to envision how their ideas could become reality in the SE sector.
2. Microlearning through NOOCs: Video-based NOOCs enabled self-paced learning, allowing participants to progress independently and build confidence as they achieved goals in manageable steps.
3. Self-Reflection and Self-Evaluation: Reflection tools and self-assessment opportunities provided clarity and direction, helping learners identify areas for growth and focus on specific skills.
4. Sense of Community and Belonging: Workshops and group sessions fostered a network where women could share insights, collaborate, and support each other in achieving their goals.
5. Flexibility and Accessibility: The blended design of the program made it accessible to a wider range of participants, while flexible scheduling allowed learners to engage according to their availability and preferred pace.
6. Inspiration and Motivation through Peer Interaction: Participants were motivated by each other’s work and discovered synergies and new perspectives on sustainability and entrepreneurship, leading many to pursue new ideas and sustainable initiatives.
7. A practical guide for adult educators: Adult educators were provided with a comprehensive, practical guide to support each stage of the learning pathway. This resource empowered them to effectively facilitate the pathway, tailor their approaches to meet the needs of diverse learners, and enhance their ability to foster inclusive, impactful educational experiences.

The NOW SEE project learning pathway has not only stimulated personal and professional growth but has also strengthened a sense of community and cooperation among participants. With the knowledge and resources gained, NOW SEE participants are now better equipped to drive positive change in their communities and advocate for a greener future.

For more details and access to resources, visit the e-learning platform directly for the project website: https://now-see.erasmus.site/. 

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