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Learning for Sustainability

Weaving together global citizenship, sustainable development education and outdoor learning to create rewarding and transformative learning experiences that support young people’s development and understanding of the world around them.  

LfS is an entitlement for all learners within the  Curriculum for Excellence  and both the  UN Sustainable Development Goals  and  UNCRC  are central to Scotland’s national vision. 

The youth work sector has  a key role to play in achieving Scotland’s  2030  vision  for  LfS in educational settings and is already massively contributing through youth work projects  that support:   

At YouthLink Scotland we are committed to the role that Learning for Sustainability has in both our current and future practice as a youth work sector. You can find the current projects that we are supporting, resources on LfS and opportunities on how to get involved below.

Learning for Sustainability Resources

Access our bank of resources exploring topics from climate justice to green employability and eco anxiety, to inspire you to engage your youth groups in learning for sustainability activities and opportunities.
One of the Scotland's Young People's Forest prototypes illustrating what the future site might look like
Scotland's Young People's Forest
Scotland’s Young People’s Forest Panel is a panel of of young people aged 11 – 25 with a vision to create the first forest in Scotland that is co-designed, led and governed by young people. The mission is to create and regenerate native Scottish forests, which are accessible to all, to help combat the current climate emergency, promoting and connecting education, wildlife, and well-being.  
Group of people on a stage having a discussion, in front of a large projection which titled 'Bright Lights: Scottish Youth Climate Initiatives'.
The Climate and Nature Emergencies
Learn about projects which help youth workers to inform and mobilise young people to play their part in responding to the climate and nature emergencies.
Outdoor Learning
Scottish outdoor learning providers are well-practiced at building partnerships with schools and working with them to design and deliver effective learning experiences that support young people’s health, wellbeing and attainment. Learn more about the impact including reports and case studies that highlight the opportunities for achievement and attainment offered through outdoor learning experiences.
A word cloud describing what learning for sustainability means
Learning for Sustainability Scotland and YouthLink Scotland
This partnership programme of online participatory workshops has been delivered building on the impetus provided by the COVID-19 pandemic and the hosting of COP26 in Glasgow. Our ‘Connecting Youth Work and Learning for Sustainability’ initiative received an ‘Acknowledged Flagship Project’ award for Innovative Projects on Education for Sustainable Development.
A youth worker stands beside two young people, smiling for a photo
Learning for Sustainability Partners Forum
YouthLink Scotland and Education Scotland run an online learning for sustainability partners forum to bring together youth work practitioners, the third sector, educators and anyone interested in learning more about LfS. This space provides attendees with the opportunity to network, share resources, ideas and activity, as well as collaborate with others and between sectors. Contact Naomi Dixon for more details.

Get in touch

If you have any questions about our LfS projects or want to find out more, get in touch with Naomi who oversees our Learning for Sustainability work.