Case Study | Education for Sustainable Development in Manitoba
Leading Organization
Manitoba Education and Early Childhood Learning
Location
Manitoba
Overview
In 2004, Manitoba Education and Early Childhood Learning (MEECL) labelled education for sustainable development (ESD) a top priority in its Education for Sustainability Action Plan, setting out a vision of a globally engaged student body that would “contribute to social, environmental, and economic well-being, and an equitable quality of life for all, now and in the future.”
Engagement and Solutions
Manitoba was the first province in Canada to have a sustainable development coordinator in its ministry of education, who is charged with supporting the implementation of ESD practices throughout its schools. The province also led the way in fostering innovative partnerships with not-for-profit organizations, other levels of government and ESD experts to offer its educators a variety of resources and supports so that they could, in turn, work with their students to integrate ESD throughout student life and learning.
Outcomes and Future Vision
MEECL continues to support ESD through a new integrated approach. In 2024, MEECL adopted a new Framework for Learning, embedding multi-faceted, interdependent and interconnected global competencies throughout the curriculum. The competencies are overarching, holistic and connected and establish a foundation on which educators may engage Manitoba learners in working toward a more equitable, compassionate and sustainable world.