Fostering Sustainability Through Creative Expression

As educators we need to ask three integral questions.

How can we make sustainability a meaningful and relatable concept for our students?

The first promising step is connection. Beginning with self.

The journey of self-exploration and discovery awakens children to their own set of values and belief system. Understanding what matters to them gives them a strong sense of identity needed to express themselves. The transition from following traditions to leading change requires conversation and the freedom to ask questions.

What change do I wish to see in the world today, and why is it important to me? Why do I feel strongly about this issue, and what personal connection do I have to it? How does this problem affect me emotionally? How will I feel once this issue is addressed or resolved? Exercising a personal connection to the global issues is a promising place to start a child’s sustainability journey.

What strategies can we implement to foster long-term student engagement with sustainability?

From the self, the connection must move outwards.

How do I give voice to my emotions, ideals, and concerns for the planet?

Here, finding the right tools to nurture self-expression is key. Art, theater, creative writing, digital media, public speaking, or independent projects all play a vital role in facilitating our children’s creative expression. And creativity lies at the core of problem-solving.

Art has many forms, stories can be told from infinite points of view, and ideas can be interpreted in unique ways. The learning that comes from being immersed in the creative process provides young people with transformative experiences.

The connection here is of exchange. Understanding and embracing one’s own voice while appreciating the voices of others fosters a sense of support and belonging within a larger community. Creative expression not only gives children purpose but also affirms the value of their voices. Sustainability here becomes a deeply personal and actionable part of their education.

How can we track progress and celebrate the impact of our students' contributions to sustainability?

Students who adopt a sustainable development goal that drives their passion for economic, social and environmental justice thrive in institutions that respect their voices, provide resources to nurture them and create opportunities for them to be heard. Ultimately, sustainability becomes more than just a lesson; it becomes a core part of their identity. An identity that they carry with pride and one that ties them to a larger community or movement.

Impact also comes through reflection. Making time for self-improvement helps students learn from their experiences and make informed decisions about their future on Earth. Reflective practices also help children reassess goals, reconnect with their purpose, and recognize the growth that results from small actions and contributions.

While impact can be quantified through data, the shift in mindset and behaviours is the true indicator of lasting change. By equipping students with the tools to express their passion and valuing their contributions, we empower them to flourish as agents of sustainable change in the world.

By Shama Noman

Voices of Future Generations and Education Development Manager

Emirates Literature Foundation, Dubai