Kenyatta University, Kenya

Engaging students in enhancing achievement of Education for Sustainable Development and Sustainable Development Goals

Hosted by Kenyatta University, RCE (Regional Centre of Excellence) Greater Nairobi has been creating awareness on sustainable development and conducting Sulitest among students and staff in a move that is aimed at enhancing achievement of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). ‘Sulitest’ is a sustainability literacy test. Sustainability literacy is the knowledge, skills and mindsets that allow individuals to become deeply committed to building a sustainable future and that help them to make informed and effective decisions to build sustainable communities locally and globally. The idea of Sulitest emerged in 2012, in Rio during the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development.

Over 100 students have done the international core module awareness test. The project has been scaled up through actions in creating SDG awareness and tree growing within the institution and in primary and secondary schools. Trees are for nutritional well-being of the students as per SDG 2, environmental restoration and conservation in achieving SDG 15, and combating effects of climate change, SDG 13. The project has involved various stakeholders as per SDG 17 on partnerships.

Top 3 Learnings

1. Investing in ESD for the youths is investing in the present and future of sustainable development locally and globally.
2. Long-term sustainability starts with a well-informed mindset.
3. Informed students become the most effective and powerful change agents for sustainability.