Promoting Sustainable Development Through Service Learning in an International Virtual Exchange Program
摘要
This chapter explores the transformative role of education in fostering sustainable development through cross-national virtual exchange programs between university students in the U.S. and sub-Saharan Africa. Following the United Nations Decade on Education for Sustainable Development (2005–2014) and the subsequent Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Target 4.7, which emphasizes education for sustainable lifestyles and global citizenship, the program aimed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to address pressing environmental challenges (United Nations 2021). The initiative involved collaboration with community groups to explore local solutions to global issues such as climate change, human displacement, and environmental health crises. Students engaged in service learning, applying their academic knowledge to real-world contexts while developing critical skills in data collection, analysis, and advocacy. The program not only enhanced student understanding of community needs but also fostered reciprocal relationships with local stakeholders, thereby empowering both students and community members. Through a multidisciplinary approach, participants learned to navigate the complexities of sustainability by exploring the intersection of local cultures and global challenges. Ultimately, the initiative aimed to create a multigenerational and multisectoral community of sustainability advocates, facilitating meaningful exchanges that highlighted the emotional and cultural dimensions of environmental issues. The chapter concludes that such educational experiences are vital for nurturing future leaders equipped to promote sustainable development and social justice, emphasizing the need for continued innovation in educational practices to address global crises.