Learning for Sustainability

Weaving together global citizenship, sustainable development education and outdoor learning to create rewarding and transformative learning experiences that support young people’s development and understanding of the world around them.  

LfS is an entitlement for all learners within the  Curriculum for Excellence  and both the  UN Sustainable Development Goals  and  UNCRC  are central to Scotland’s national vision. 

The youth work sector has  a key role to play in achieving Scotland’s  2030  vision  for  LfS in educational settings and is already massively contributing through youth work projects  that support:   

At YouthLink Scotland we are committed to the role that Learning for Sustainability has in both our current and future practice as a youth work sector. You can find the current projects that we are supporting, resources on LfS and opportunities on how to get involved below.

Learning for Sustainability Resources

Access our bank of resources exploring topics from climate justice to green employability and eco anxiety, to inspire you to engage your youth groups in learning for sustainability activities and opportunities.
One of the Scotland's Young People's Forest prototypes illustrating what the future site might look like
Scotland's Young People's Forest
Meet our panel of of young people aged 11 – 25 with a vision to create the first forest in Scotland that is co-designed, led and governed by young people.
Group of people on a stage having a discussion, in front of a large projection which titled 'Bright Lights: Scottish Youth Climate Initiatives'.
The Climate and Nature Emergencies
Learn about projects which help youth workers to inform and mobilise young people to play their part in responding to the climate and nature emergencies.
Outdoor Learning
Learn more about the impact of outdoor learning and find reports and case studies that highlight the opportunities for achievement and attainment.
A word cloud describing what learning for sustainability means
Learning for Sustainability Scotland and YouthLink Scotland
This partnership programme of online participatory workshops has been delivered building on the impetus provided by the Covid-19 pandemic and the hosting of COP26 in Glasgow.
A youth worker stands beside two young people, smiling for a photo
Learning for Sustainability Partners Forum
An online learning for sustainability forum to bring together youth work practitioners, the third sector, educators and anyone interested in learning more about LfS.
Woman giving a presentation in front of a screen with lots of visual information on it
Training for the Youth Work Sector
We have delivered bespoke training for the youth work sector on topics including 'The Climate and Nature Emergencies and Youth Work.' Please get in touch if you would like to discuss training opportunities.
Two young people receive an award on stage, either side of two award hosts.
YouthLink Scotland Sustainability Policy
YouthLink Scotland is committed to improving its contribution to Scotland achieving its climate change goals and reaching net zero. Through our properties and actions as an organisation and as individual members of staff, we will make our best efforts to minimise our carbon footprint and promote environmental responsibility.
Natural Leaders
Natural Leaders is a pilot project that offers enhanced support to young people as they transition from primary to secondary school. Working with youth workers and local natural heritage partners, young people are building stronger connections with nature and making decisions about the action they will take to protect and enhance their local green spaces.

Get in touch

If you have any questions about our LfS projects or want to find out more, get in touch with Liz who oversees our Learning for Sustainability work.