The project stemmed from the will to contribute to one of the Sustainable Development Goals envisaged by the 2030 Agenda, which highlights the need and urgency to take action to combat climate change and its impact. In particular the partners focused on: “improving education, awareness-raising and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction and early warning”. Education plays a critical role in raising awareness about environmental and sustainability issues and in training individuals to learn about the impacts of their actions and the benefits of sustainable practices. Through the project, the partners intended to reach these objectives: -providing students with the tools/skills necessary to think critically about environmental issues, so that they can make informed decisions that promote sustainability in their everyday lives. -enhancing students’ digital and programming skills, through their direct involvement in the development of an educational video game, to provide them with the key competencies required from the labour market. -supporting teachers in the implementation of innovative and engaging approaches and enhancing their digital competences.
PLAY aimed to educate young students on climate change and its consequences, as well as to promote the development of digital skills and technological teaching methods. This project aligns with the educational values of the DigCompOrg, which emphasises the importance of incorporating digital technologies in education and enhancing innovation capacity. The project addressed the urgent need to raise awareness among young people of the impact that our actions and lifestyle have on the planet, by making them more aware and responsible citizens. The education sector has a crucial role in promoting sustainable practices and the PLAY project has contributed to this effort. According to UNESCO, education for sustainable development “empowers people to change the way they think and work towards a sustainable future”. This means reorienting the education system to help people think and behave in ways that foster a more sustainable planet. Through the videogame, the partners addressed the need for more engaging and creative digital educational content that appeals to young students. The project gave students an active role in the development of the tool, to enhance their digital skills, promote inclusiveness and encourage participation.