With the implementation of the SysMind project, the goals were to (1) identify and compile existent concepts, methods and approaches towards sustainable development, considering intercultural and interreligious aspects. (2) Teaching materials for teachers and trainers were elaborated, (3) empowering teachers and trainers to enable their pupils to a more sustainable mindset with a perspective on cultural and interreligious aspects of sustainable development. Such competencies are of utmost importance in our multicultural world with limited resources. (4) To make these materials available for teachers and trainers on a broad scale, the main result of the SysMind project was a MOOC, a freely accessible digital learning format, belonging to OER (Open Educational Resources).
A sustainable lifestyle of humankind is the key to maintaining a world worth living in. Although the connection between climate change and economic activities and lifestyle is well-known and also scientifically proven, people do not act accordingly. Why? The reason often lies within the personal attitude, which is strongly influenced by the individual personal, cultural and religious background and connected values. So how can we enable teachers and trainers within (vocational) education to support their pupils in developing a more sustainable mindset, especially when we consider diverse cultural and religious backgrounds not as an obstacle but as a key aspect towards more sustainability? The partners of the SysMind project wanted to support young people in understanding and addressing the impact of global warming, encourage changes in their attitudes and behaviour and help them adapt to climate change-related trends. Therefore, teachers and trainers need to be trained to gain more knowledge and ideas on how to work with their heterogeneous learner groups on a more sustainable mindset, dealing with cultural and spiritual diversity appreciatively.