In June, a training course for students focusing on the concept of Futures Literacy (FL) was created at Alfa-college as part of the piloting activities of the European Vet Schools Doing Green project. This initiative aims to promote a deeper understanding among students of how and why we use the future to prepare ourselves, thereby enhancing their ability to interact with the complexity and novelty of contemporary society.
Futures Literacy is a crucial competency that empowers individuals to envision and create sustainable solutions. It involves the capacity to anticipate changes, imagine different futures, and devise strategies that can lead to desirable outcomes. This skill is increasingly recognized as essential in the modern world, where rapid technological advancements and environmental challenges demand innovative thinking and long-term planning.
The concept of Futures Literacy is integral to the Internal Development Goals (IDGs), specifically under the category of Long-Term Orientation and Vision. By cultivating this skill, students are encouraged to adopt a forward-thinking mindset, enabling them to tackle environmental issues proactively and creatively. The training course at Alfa-college was meticulously organized by Dutch educators who had previously participated in Staff Weeks in Bilbao, Spain, hosted by partner institution Centro San Viator, and in Helsinki, Finland, conducted by Live – Säätiö Sr and Ammattiopisto Luovi Oy.
This diverse collaboration underscores the transnational nature of the European Vet Schools Doing Green project, bringing together expertise and perspectives from across the continent. To enhance the learning experience, the course utilized Legos as a teaching tool. This creative approach helped students better grasp complex concepts related to Futures Literacy by engaging them in hands-on activities.
By constructing models and scenarios with Legos, students were able to visualize and better understand the potential impacts of their decisions on future sustainability. The course aimed to equip students with the tools and knowledge necessary to understand and address green issues. By integrating Futures Literacy into their curriculum, Alfa-college seeks to foster a generation of students who are not only aware of environmental challenges but also capable of devising and implementing sustainable solutions.
We’re excited to see the next steps of the project and how our research and assignments will come to life. After the summer holiday, we’ll be back to continue our journey. Meanwhile you can have a look at the green practices our VET centers are using in our YouTube playlist! We’re all about building a more sustainable future by putting good practices and eco-friendly projects into our vocational education and training.
Vet Schools Doing Green project is a collaborative effort involving several institutions from different countries. In addition to the Netherlands, Spain, and Finland, the project includes contributions from ENAC Ente Nazionale Canossiano Ets in Verona, Italy, and Kuressaare Ametikool in Lääne-Eesti, Estonia. This international partnership highlights the shared commitment to promoting environmental awareness and sustainable practices in vocational education and training (VET) schools across Europe.
