S.A.F.E. Manual

S.A.F.E.: Sustainable Approach to the Environment in Adult Education.

In 2009, Daniel Goleman introduced the concept of so-called ecological intelligence or ecological literacy, the essence of which lies in the ability to understand the impact of our actions on the environment. The concept highlights understanding the relationship between organisms and their ecosystems, the relationship between people and nature.

Educational centers, lecturers, and other actors involved in adult education are the cornerstones of educating adults for a sustainable lifestyle and fulfilling the sustainable development goals covered by Agenda 2030 (UN). It is precisely among these actors that we perceive a significant need for development in the area of ecological intelligence.

6 educational organizations from Slovakia, Latvia, Sweden, Lithuania, Estonia, and the Netherlands are responding to the identified need by creating the S.A.F.E. Manual: Sustainable Approach to the Environment in Adult Education.

The S.A.F.E. Manual is focused on developing the competencies of employees working in adult education who guide adults towards sustainability in a broader sense:

– towards environmental protection,
– towards climate change prevention,
– towards reduced consumption,
– towards a zero-waste lifestyle,
– towards a healthy lifestyle, reflecting aspects of both physical and mental health, and
– towards active citizenship.

The Manual is divided into 7 sections:
Introduction to the methodology used, basic principles of andragogy and Malcolm Knowles' concept;
Sustainable Consumption; Zero Waste Living; Sustainable Transport and Efficient Energy Use;
Sustainable and Inclusive Economic Growth; Competencies for a Healthy Lifestyle and Gender Equality.

The following structure was maintained in each section:

Philosophy: definition of the concept and its scope, socio-economic and ecological dimension, key elements of the concept,
Policies: legal norms valid at regional, national, European, and international levels,
Partnerships: cooperation between educational institutions,
Examples of activities: examples of linking the curriculum with education for sustainable development goals

The manual is the output of strategic partnership in adult education no. 2019-1-LT01-KA204-060634.

The project is financially supported by the Erasmus+ program. The European Commission's support for the production of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of the contents, which reflect the views only of the authors. The Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.