As part of Erasmus+ program  Rita Mikalauskienė, headmistress of President Valdas Adamkus Gymnasium, Andželika Uysaler- Deputy  at President Valdas Adamkus Gymnasium participated in a professional training course entitled “3 paths towards teaching sustainability” in Pula, Croatia, on 29th July-3rd August, 2024. The training was organized by Babilon Academy and it focused on fundamentals of sustainability education, education of SDGs and non-formal education approaches for teaching sustainability. The main trainers of the course were László Molnár and  Dr. Nagy Gabriella whose expertise includes SDGs, forestry pedagogy, sustainability actions and potentials. The course "3 Paths Towards Teaching Sustainability," organized by Babilon Academy and held in Pula, Croatia, provided a comprehensive framework for integrating sustainability into secondary school education. To begin, participants were introduced to the basics of sustainability education, emphasizing its importance in developing the knowledge, skills, values, and attitudes necessary to tackle complex environmental, social, and economic issues. Key elements of sustainability education, including experiential learning, interdisciplinary approaches, ethical and value-based education, and collaboration, were presented. Additionally, the course covered the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in detail, with a particular emphasis on non-formal activities to demonstrate the impact of both individual and collective actions on the environment. Participants noted that the training provided significant personal and professional growth in the field of sustainability. Specifically, attendees from President Valdas Adamkus Gymnasium highlighted that the case studies and examples of successful sustainability education programs and local initiatives were particularly engaging and mentioned they would incorporate several of these ideas into their work.
The theoretical part of the course was complemented by numerous practical segments where participants gained new skills, competencies, and knowledge through various trainings and workshops. Trainers introduced non-formal education methods specifically designed for teaching sustainability, showcasing interactive games, outdoor activities, (we visited the forest and there a number of different activities were implemented) and experiential learning exercises. These methods will be applied in participants' teaching practices at their respective schools. Participants also engaged in role-play and simulation activities to tackle real-world sustainability challenges, adding a unique and relevant dimension to the training. Additionally, participants from President Valdas Adamkus Gymnasium collaborated in lesson planning sessions focused on incorporating non-formal sustainability techniques. With guidance from the course educators, they developed sustainable development plans and curricular materials that will be implemented and tested in their schools.
According to the participants from President Valdas Adamkus Gymnasium, the course significantly contributed to their professional and personal development. They deepened their understanding of SDGs, sustainability and how it could be successfully integrated within the lessons. Additionally, they learned new technologies, methods, and techniques for teaching sustainability. The course also enhanced their language skills, intercultural competence, and other professional skills pertinent to their roles. On a personal level, the educators noted that adapting to new environments and stepping out of their comfort zones during the training fostered resilience and empowered them to pursue further goals. They anticipate that these benefits will lead to new opportunities for personal, academic, and professional growth in the future.