Innovating for Impact: The Role of Experiential Education in Sustainability and Climate Action

The past decade has witnessed rapid environmental and societal changes, significantly impacting the education sector. The integration of traditional learning with entrepreneurial approaches is emerging as a transformative force in education. In my experience over the past five years, especially with the release of the new National Education Policy 2020 (NEP 2020) and policies set by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC), I have seen a significant reshaping of the educational landscape in India, one that fosters innovation and a sense of global citizenship.

The NEP 2020 is an ambitious framework for Indian education. Alongside NAAC, which ensures excellence in higher education, it has set a new, multidirectional course for equipping young people in India. Moving away from traditional rote learning—these policies advocate for interactive, hands-on experiences, preparing students for the complexities of today’s VUCA (Volatile, Uncertain, Complex and Ambiguous) world. This emphasis on experiential learning is pivotal in preparing the youth for real-world challenges. It calls for pedagogical changes that make education more holistic, integrated, inquiry-driven, discovery-oriented, learner-centred, discussion-based, flexible, and enjoyable—especially in higher education—where the focus is on developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Over the last few years, we have witnessed a cycle of out with the old and in with the new. The Two Loops theory, introduced by Meg Wheatley and Deborah Frieze at Berkana University, articulates this process well. It emphasises the coexistence of living and dying processes within systems changing and encapsulates this process very well. In the Indian education context, this duality is evident in the shift from conventional rote learning to interactive, student-centric models. However, the role of educators and innovators as change agents and pioneers is paramount in this transformation. Wheatley and Frieze observe that “change emerges in human systems out of a spontaneous series of local actions.” These local actions, championed by teachers and education leaders coupled with privatised learning opportunities, like adopting digital tools, experiential learning, and a focus on life skills, are replacing older methods.

Simultaneously, including everyone in this educational metamorphosis is critical for a stable and viable system. This principle is crucial in a diverse country like India, where educational disparity is significant. The Two Loops Theory also underscores the need to carry valuable lessons from traditional education. The dying loop cannot imply a complete abandonment of old methods but suggests an evolution. So, before delving into the more recent educational transformations, it is imperative to acknowledge the rich heritage of Indian education. This system has always emphasised the interconnectedness of all life, fostering respect for nature and environmental stewardship. Storytelling techniques using parables and real-life scenarios have been pivotal in imparting moral values and practical life lessons.

As we adopt new educational methods, integrating these traditional values remains essential. They remind us that even as we embrace new approaches, the wisdom of our past remains relevant. This blend of old and new is what makes Indian education unique. Within this context of evolving pedagogical approaches and policy shifts towards preparing young people for real-world challenges lies my work with The Future Founders Co. I founded this organisation to build aspiration and ambition for sustainability among young people as it is apparent that the current generation bears a significant responsibility towards the planet amidst the escalating climate crisis. The Future Founders Co. is deeply rooted in the belief that understanding global challenges like climate change and developing solutions for a better planet is inseparable from cultivating empathy, ethics, and a mindset geared towards systemic change.

Our collaboration with LiveGreen@Ashoka at Ashoka University through the Eco-careers and Beyond programme is one of the tangible manifestations of our transformative vision.

The programme actively engaged students in introducing a mindset of sustainability using the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and emerging opportunities in green employment and entrepreneurship.

Our programmes demonstrate that interactive learning and real-world application are crucial for developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills—essential to addressing planetary challenges. The workshop’s results were a testament to our approach, with almost every participant reporting an increased improvement in understanding the 17 SDGs and skills required for green jobs and almost 50% of participants committing to implement sustainability ideas on campus.

In my personal experiences in education and through my work with The Future Founders Co., I have witnessed the immense potential of young minds when they are empowered to think, innovate, and engage with real-world problems. The programme design is mindful of this potential, blending novel learning formats that ignite curiosity, invoke a sense of urgency, and reveal the quality of the future that awaits them. We believe that these approaches bridge the gap between classroom education and real-world action, empowering young minds to understand and actively engage in solving environmental and societal challenges. We integrate sustainability into the core of educational curricula, fostering a mindset that views challenges as opportunities for innovation.

By bridging global and local insights, The Future Founders Co. creates learning experiences that are rich, diverse, and deeply rooted in real-world contexts. The impact of the learning rooms extends beyond the classroom. We design our programmes to foster networks of knowledge and support that students can tap into as they embark on their sustainability journeys. These invaluable networks provide mentorship, resources, and opportunities for young people to engage in meaningful sustainability pathways.

Jane Goodall’s insightful words, “What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make,” resonate deeply with our ethos. At the heart of The Future Founders Co.’s mission lies in fostering a sustainability mindset and broadening the horizons of young people to address planetary challenges. Our collaboration with global and domestic partners is vital to preparing a new generation of informed, empowered, and responsible leaders for tomorrow.