First analyzes and results within the GenZ4GreenDeal project

A brief analysis and visualization of the status quo regarding the education of generation Z on sustainable development

You can see the latest project newsletter HERE.

LINKgroup is a partner in the "GenZ4GD" project, whose goal is to develop a training and capacity-building program for young people so that they can actively participate in the development of their local communities and environment. Through an online course and podcasts, the project should encourage them to think more actively about sustainable development, environmental protection and other "green", that is, environmental topics.

As part of the first project results, the partners mapped and classified projects that deal with sustainable development topics in the partner countries (Serbia, Romania, Croatia, Bulgaria, Spain, Cyprus and Malta). A geographic database was also prepared using the software used to manage the Geographical Information System (GIS).

The outcome of the mapping revealed a broad but fragmented landscape of educational subjects – eight topics were distributed between 1% and 6%.

Regarding the technical means used, there is a slight preference for web platforms – 18%, and conventional printed manuals – 12%, while other components of education such as assessment tools and certificates are rarely used, indicating the need for additional training to encourage adoption the entire spectrum of educational instruments.

More than half of the projects were implemented by non-governmental organizations – 58%, followed by public institutions – 10%, which can be interpreted as a result of the need for a wide range of educational topics. The preferred target groups are the general public – 49% and local communities – 22%, while a significant share is found in schools – 28%, thanks to the traditionally established institutional framework. Despite this, progress has been noted when it comes to the online learning environment and the ability to market training resources through online learning.

While many projects are claimed to be implemented at the national level – 38% or at the transnational level – 21%, only a limited number are implemented at the organizational level – 6%. This distribution indicates the need to support informal learning in the workplace. However, as is well known, most projects provide learning opportunities within an individual organization.

According to research within the Platform "Sustainable Development for All" implemented by the organization Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, in Serbia, 70.3% of young people are not at all familiar with the UN Agenda 2030. Only every twentieth young person (4.9%) is of the opinion that he/she is fully familiar with the UN Agenda 2030.

A third of young people (33.6%) say that they are not at all familiar with Sustainable development goals. Only 13% of young people believe that they are fully aware of the Sustainable development goals.

Almost 2/3 of young people do not know any domestic or international institution or organization working on the realization of Sustainable development goals. Only 14% of them answered the opposite.

In order to visually present the conclusions from the collected data, the partners created an infographic. This type of presentation was chosen because it suits Generation Z, their preferences and ways of learning.

There are still differences between the educational landscapes of the participating countries, which are partly caused by geographical characteristics: e.g. Malta is an island country, while Serbia is a landlocked country. This geographical situation is reflected in the choice of topics and target groups.

The data analysis is part of the input for designing educational material and podcasts intended for generation Z, related to environmental protection, which is planned for the next phase of the project. The collected best practices will serve as case studies in online courses.

Through the project, young people will learn how to advocate for the positive changes they see the need for. They will acquire competencies for positive action on the development and sustainability of communities through the support of NGOs, schools and communities.

You can see the latest project newsletter HERE.

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