Sustainability as a mission
Lotte Blesgraaf entered education a year ago with a lot of energy. She was determined to put sustainability on the map. But that didn't come without barriers. Education has its own pace, and not everyone was eager to take on yet another task.
She was steadfast. She managed to link sustainability to existing school activities, such as open days, and through clever ways she got into conversations with different departments. The SustainaBul MBO questionnaire proved a handy tool to get her foot in the door faster.
From resistance to change
Colleagues started enthusiastically but dropped out due to lack of time or plans got stuck in bureaucratic processes.
Change evokes resistance. Making education more sustainable is no exception. What can you do as a sustainability coordinator to bring about sustainability in your school? The following actions have helped Lotte:
- Connect sustainability to what is already happening. Link sustainability to existing activities, that way it becomes a part of.
- Engage students actively. Not just through the student council, but by having them participate in concrete solutions.
- Use tools. The SustainaBul MBO questionnaire helps spark conversations with departments.
- Find allies. Find colleagues who share the same passion and work together for change.
With small steps, successes were achieved. Meanwhile, Talland College is working with a sustainability program based on the Whole School Approach. This includes the appointment of several coordinators, teachers finding each other for inspiration and guest lectures, among other things.
Next steps on the route
During the meeting, in addition to shared challenges, opportunities were discussed. For example, the focus for Talland College in the coming year is on further embedding sustainability in part by appointing sustainability ambassadors, setting up a facilitator pool that serves as an inspiration spot for teachers and organizing more hackathons.
Recognition and new perspectives
After Lotte's introduction, the participants divided into subgroups for an intervision. Using a case study from practice, the question of how you as a coordinator or teacher can make room for sustainability in your own work was considered. What do you see when you look at your role differently? What opportunities arise?
We engaged in a conversation about which colleagues or "buddies" can support you in the conversation about sustainability. In addition, creativity emerged to make responsibility lighter, creating more space and energy for sustainable initiatives.
The peer review not only offered recognition, but also gave new perspectives on how to take steps together. This ties in with the joint conclusion in which a clear message emerged: Focus on what is already working and don't forget to celebrate your successes.
Do you also want to make an impact?
Are you working in MBO and want to contribute to sustainability within your school? Join the knowledge network of SustainaBul MBO! Get in touch via sustainabulmbo@lerenvoormorgen.org or visit our website.
