While I am in Australia I am working to promote the Young Masters Programme on Sustainable Development - a global web-based learning network for high school students (16-18 years) on education for sustainable development (ESD). It provides unique opportunities for schools, teachers and students to engage in a truly global community on sustainability and climate issues. The programme is totally free, supported by UNESCO and SIDA, and coordinated through Lund University in Sweden. Over 22,000 students have completed the programme in over 100 countries since 1999 when it was established. But now the programme is tapping into the full power of the internet, social networking, e-learning and gaming, and the possibilities are endless! Additionally, the programme is expanding into India and building on its success in China. Exciting times!
So what am I doing in Australia? I have started by contacting the coordinators for the Australian Sustinable Schools Initiative (AuSSI). As I am based in Melbourne, I am focusing on the State of Victoria, and I recently met with the education team at Sustainability Victoria who coordinate AuSSI in Victoria. I have sent off dozens of emails to schools, teacher networks, and education organisations. I will present the programme at the up-coming Toolbox for Environmental Change which is an annual event that attracts over 300 people engaged in ESD in Victoria and Australia. In addition, I am learning a great deal about what already exists in Australia on ESD, such as a great initiative called Cool Australia which provides education resources on ESD, and Kids Teaching Kids which uses local environmental issues as a theme for learning.
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