Our Vision

Colorful illustration of the Earth divided into four quadrants representing different environments: land, water, cracked earth, and a brain with roots, with a ribbon across the center reading 'ESIP'. The outer circle contains the phrases 'Planning the Seed' at the top and 'To Knowledge' at the bottom, with vines on the sides.
A group of diverse young people smiling outdoors near a large nest made of twigs and branches, surrounded by trees on a sunny day.

The Education for Sustainable Living Program envisions a world where individuals, governments, companies, corporations, educational institutions, and other organizations operate with sustainable practices, and appreciate the ways in which we are all interconnected. We see the present as a time of great action and change towards a planet where environmental cost and social costs are taken into consideration with financial bottom lines.

Four women standing in front of a large screen displaying a Mario Kart race result with top three winners highlighted, holding boxes and a helmet.

Sustainability

Ensuring a high quality of life for future generations requires respect for all living things, awareness of limited resources, and the integration of social, economic, and environmental practices, with education playing a key role in promoting sustainability.

Book cover of 'Pedagogy of the Oppressed' by Paulo Freire, featuring a pencil with a wooden tail, tied with rope.
A person stands in front of a classroom blackboard giving a presentation. A large projection screen displays a slide titled 'Syllabus Overview,' with sections on course information, assignments, facilitator outreach, and grading breakdown. The classroom has a wooden podium, a pink armchair, a long table, and a periodic table poster on the wall.

Horizontal Learning

This structure is a primary focus in our created courses and organization. It refers to dismantling power dynamics seen in academia. We implement this structure into our org by embracing student agency, having discussion-based classes, and using a non-hierarchical system.

Three young girls standing outdoors on a wooden deck, holding a pink banner that reads 'Education for Sustainable Living Program' with a logo of a tree and globe, and a website link.

Facilitation

Differs from traditional teaching by guiding engaging conversations rather than telling the students what they should know. This includes collaborative learning and empowerment by not giving the power of credentials to determine eligibility. 

Pedagogy of the Oppressed

This is the book that influences ESLP’s core values regarding to power dynamics within academia and carrying out horizontal education. It discusses the teacher vs. student relationship in education and works to discuss and dismantle these hierarchical structures. 

Banking method of education: This is a method heavily criticized in chapter 2 of the book (pg. 72). The concept imposes ignorance on students and presumes teachers as knowledgeable. It treats students as deposits to be filled with whatever “truth” they’re taught by educators to make them adaptable members of society.