Beyond the Curriculum: Rethinking Sustainable Education as a Way of Life
Authors: Victor U. Agogbua1; Vivian N. Nwogbo1
Affiliations:
- 1Department of Educational Management and Policy, Faculty of Education, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria
Abstract
Sustainable education is often narrowly interpreted within the confines of formal schooling, structured curricula, and institutionalized learning. While these components are important, this paper argues that such a limited approach falls short of achieving the deep, lasting change required for genuine sustainability. Education for sustainability must move beyond content delivery to become a way of life, shaping values, attitudes, and behaviours across all stages of life and in all environments, both formal and informal. It should not be measured merely by the integration of environmental or development topics into syllabi, but by how it influences everyday decision-making, cultural practices, and societal norms. This paper examines how families, communities, religious institutions, and traditional knowledge systems serve as powerful yet often overlooked spaces for capacity building. When recognized and integrated, these avenues can significantly reinforce lifelong learning and responsible citizenship. The paper challenges education stakeholders to shift focus from curriculum design to lifestyle transformation, advocating for a holistic model that empowers learners not only to know but to live sustainably. Teachers, parents, community leaders, and policymakers all have a critical role in modelling and promoting sustainability as a shared value. A paradigm shift is needed, from teaching about sustainability to sustaining a culture of sustainability, so that societies can be built where sustainability is not just learned in school, but practiced in daily life.
Keywords: Sustainable Education; Lifelong Learning; Cultural Practices; Responsible Citizenship
Suggested citation
Agogbua, V. U., & Nwogbo, V. N. (2025). Beyond the Curriculum: Rethinking Sustainable Education as a Way of Life. In TheSustainImpact International Forum 2025 Book of Abstracts (Vol. 1, Issue 1). TheSustainImpact. ISSN 3051-7362.