On the second day of the workshop and meeting at CIET-NCERT, a state-wise presentation on the Action Plan for SDG 4.7 Policies and Practices in School Education took place. Dr. Ajay Chaurasiya, the nodal officer for this event, facilitated the session, where representatives from various states shared their progress and future strategies for implementing Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4.7, which focuses on education for sustainable development, global citizenship, and promoting cultural diversity.
Dr Ajay Chaurasiya Representing Uttarakhand, a faculty member from SCERT Uttarakhand presented the state's current status and action plan for integrating SDG 4.7 into school education. The presentation highlighted Uttarakhand’s initiatives in promoting sustainability, inclusive education, and socio-emotional learning, with a focus on rural and remote schools.
Practices to Achieve SDG 4.7 in Schools:
Curriculum Integration: Schools need to incorporate content related to sustainable development, global citizenship, and cultural diversity into their curricula. This can be done through subjects like social sciences, environmental studies, and moral education.
Teacher Training: Educators should be provided with training on how to effectively integrate SDG 4.7 themes into their teaching. Professional development programs focused on sustainability and global citizenship can enhance the quality of education.
Community Engagement: Schools should partner with communities to promote sustainability practices, such as waste management, tree planting, and local environmental projects. Community involvement helps students understand the real-world applications of what they learn in school.
Collaborative Projects: Cross-cultural and cross-national collaborations between schools can foster global citizenship by allowing students to interact with peers from different parts of the world, share ideas, and work together on projects aimed at achieving global sustainability goals.
Use of Technology: ICT (Information and Communication Technology) can play a significant role in achieving SDG 4.7 by providing students with access to global learning platforms, tools for collaborative learning, and resources on sustainable development and global issues.
By implementing these policies and practices, schools can help students develop the necessary skills, knowledge, and values to contribute to a more just, peaceful, and sustainable world, aligning education with the broader aims of sustainable development.
There is a pressing need to implement specific actions in the education sector for promoting Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) and Global Citizenship. These initiatives should be integrated into the curriculum through dedicated chapters that explore the conceptual framework of ESD and Global Citizenship.
The curriculum should cover sub-themes such as human rights, peace and non-violence, gender equality, and diversity, ensuring these critical areas are emphasized. Additionally, it is essential to introduce training programs for teachers, from the primary to secondary levels, to effectively deliver these concepts.
In terms of assessment, schools should adopt methods like project-based learning, hands-on practice, and focus group discussions (FGDs) for students at all levels. The assessment strategies should also include competency-based evaluation and peer assessment to foster a more holistic understanding and application of ESD and Global Citizenship principles.