The free online course Sustainability from the Start
Join us in making a difference!
Sustainability from the Start is a collaboration between Kristianstad University, OMEP Europe, and edChild. It has been co-funded by the European Union.
The course is available in multiple languages, catering to diverse global audiences and curricula.
By taking this course you will strengthen your knowledge about sustainability and Sustainable Development, and your ability to teach it with young Children.
Upon completion, you will receive a certificate and you will be able to celebrate your Children's achievements with a diploma.
The course is available via the free app ECE Academy.
“There is still time for us to avoid the worst outcomes. There is still hope, but not if we continue as we are today.”
- Greta Thunberg, Swedish environmental activist (The Climate book, 2022)
Course content
The course consists of eight engaging modules exploring various dimensions of Sustainable Development, where you will benefit from the knowledge of pioneering researchers in the field of education for sustainable development for early childhood education. In each module you will immerse in engaging activities crafted for educators and Children.
A Short Summary of the eight modules of the Course:
In module 1, the Children and you will tackle the very concept of Sustainable Development and develop a preliminary understanding of what sustainability means. One Australian girl came up with the following brilliant explanation: “It means saving the world for later!” This knowledge is then applied in explorative activities with Children.
Module 2 deepens your knowledge in the environmental dimension of Sustainable Development. You will develop understanding and awareness of relationships in Nature, gain insights into Sustainable Development complexity, and recognise the consequences of human behaviour. This knowledge is then applied in explorative activities with Children.
Module 3 aims at deepening your knowledge within the social dimension of Sustainable Development. You will develop understanding and insights into the interconnectedness of social issues, gaining a deeper appreciation of the complexity of Sustainable Development. This knowledge is then applied in explorative activities with Children.
Module 4 deepens your knowledge of the economic dimension of Sustainable Development. You will develop understanding of economic issues and their impact on the environment and society, appreciate Sustainable Development complexity, and raise awareness of consumerism consequences on the planet and living species. This knowledge is then applied in explorative activities with Children.
In module 5, the Children and you will explore the significance of adopting a holistic and integrated approach in education and sustainability initiatives. This knowledge is then applied in explorative activities with Children.
Module 6 emphasises building connections to the neighbourhood, and the global community. We highlight that effective sustainability efforts begin locally but may lead to global action. This knowledge is then applied in explorative activities with Children.
In module 7, the Children and you will be encourage to networking beyond your local surroundings, reaching out to European and international partners to collaborate and share ideas with others. This knowledge is then applied in explorative activities with Children.
Module 8 underscores the political dimension of Sustainable Development, stressing the need to empower individuals and communities to take action and foster change, underscoring the urgency of the next decade for halting global warming. This knowledge is applied in explorative activities with Children, and then you have completed this course!
