The Coöperatie Leren voor Morgen consists of a group of collaborating organizations. As a network we are committed to learning for sustainable development: within and outside of education and from toddler to professional.
Our goal is to embed sustainability in the DNA of education. We do this using an integrated approach: The Whole School Approach. As a framework for the content of sustainable development, we use the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This broad approach means that in addition to, for example, environmental aspects, we also look at the social side of sustainability (equality and inclusiveness). We are also the national coordinator for the Alliance on SDG4.
We connect teachers, schools and organizations that want to move forward with sustainable development in education. We do this through our networks, meetings, events and projects. The implementation of various projects is done in cooperation with our members, who have both feet firmly on the ground.
Learning for Tomorrow exists to learn together for an agile and livable world of today and tomorrow that offers perspective for all.
In an ever faster changing world, we see Learning for Tomorrow as the dynamic, broad network that wants to shape sustainability in education inside and outside schools with urgency.
We work together from our shared core values to develop innovative solutions that drive systemic change for sustainable development in education.
We focus on formal and non-formal education in the Netherlands. In terms of content, sustainable development is about achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Want to know what we are doing to achieve this mission? Then read our Annual Report 2022.
Sustainable education empowers learners to have knowledge and awareness of sustainability, to feel a sense of commitment, and to act sustainably in a sustainable society. The education system is nurturing to this end: it ensures that learners find education challenging, meaningful and fun, and that it is relevant and fun for teachers to teach in light of the challenges of the 21st century. Thus, we aim for a different education, rather than integrating sustainability into the current education system. An education in which the voice of the future is heard: Learning for Sustainable Development (LvDO).
We quote Arjen Wals: "Sustainability in education does not mean one more book on the already full shelf. In fact, sustainability should be a catalyst of educational innovation that leads to good education and enables students to live happily within responsible ecological, economic, ethical and social boundaries. The task is to create a school climate in which sustainability is in the genes, that is; in which sustainability is the 'default' (normal value) rather than unsustainability, as is often the case today."
From mission and ambition to impact: We believe that educational institutions can make the transition to different education if they focus on the SDGs in terms of content and apply the Whole School Approach (WSA) in terms of approach. The WSA is an integrated approach to sustainable education, consisting of six components. For each WSA component, we have determined the impact we want to realize:
Vision
Schools have formulated their own vision of learning for a sustainable society and are applying the WSA to flesh out that vision.
Surrounding
Schools are part of regional networks with all kinds of players and are closely connected to sustainable development in society.
Professionalization
Schools are expert at LvDO, self-learning, and making purposeful decisions about how to move forward.
Didactics
Teachers structurally apply the pedagogical didactic principles of LvDO in lessons, projects, internships and other school activities.
Curriculum
Schools are leveraging a cross-curricular curriculum to integrate all aspects of sustainable development into their teaching (the SDGs).
Operations
Schools have sustainable business practices that structurally support learning for sustainable development and have been established with all stakeholders.
The Cooperative is a non-profit organization. Any net proceeds flow back to the projects and activities serving the mission and resulting objectives of the Cooperative, which are determined annually. In addition, a reserve is built up from net proceeds to provide financial stability for the Cooperative.
The Cooperative does not provide financial support for products and services that members (may) sell for profit or otherwise. Results, knowledge and experience of projects that are and have been carried out under the Cooperative's banner must be shareable with all members so that we can learn from them as a community. As a cooperative, Learning for Tomorrow cannot be granted official ANBI status; however, the Cooperative wants to operate in the spirit of ANBI recognition.
Learning for Tomorrow works towards an agile and livable world of today and tomorrow. Where we bring parties together and support learning for sustainable development, we ourselves cannot be left behind. In everything we do from the team in our Utrecht office, sustainable development comes first. In our purchasing, in our mobility and in our employment. Because it's nice to work for an impactful organization that is not only concerned with how education can become more future-proof, but is also making its own contribution!
Procurement
The most sustainable purchasing is no purchasing. What we do buy is mostly second-hand. All the furniture in our office comes from the thrift store, marketplace or our colleagues' household goods. Our computer hardware is also second-hand (refurbished). Whenever we buy new products or services (e.g. catering), we opt for sustainable alternatives as much as possible and for suppliers who themselves operate responsibly. Organic, vegetarian or vegan and with a responsible chain.
Mobility
Even in travel, the most sustainable trip is no trip at all. That's why - like so many people since 2020 - we work a lot in hybrid mode. When we do go out, we prefer to take public transport. All our employees use an NS business card.
Being a good employer
As far as we are concerned, good employment also belongs in a liveable world with prospects for everyone. We are working towards an inclusive organization and our personnel policy includes plenty of room for personal and sustainable development. And our team outings are usually in nature!
The Coöperatie Leren voor Morgen unites various parties that are committed to sustainability in education. The Coöperatie Leren voor Morgen receives financial support from the Dutch Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality under the programme DuurzaamDoor.