Life and Systems

In our efforts in ESD, I would like to place a premium on learning and teaching which underscore the importance of life and system.

On Life: The Earth is a miraculous and wondrous planet. Having been formed about 4.6 billion years ago as a result of a series of synchronic and coincidental circumstances (such as the distance between the Sun and the Earth and the size of the Earth), the Earth is still the only planet in the solar system that has served as a breeding ground for different species to flourish. In my view, ESD inherently provides us with an opportunity to appreciate the preciousness of having been born as human beings on this planet and therefore to cultivate self-respect and compassion for others. If we can sense the living essence of the inanimate nature around us, so much the better. In fact this is the underlying concept of cultures in many parts of the world.

On System: Humankind is merely one of some two million creatures that are known to us at present. Over time, humans have acquired skills and unique traits distinguishing us from other creatures. Based on these human traits, humankind has founded its living environment upon various units of systems such as family, school, employment, nation states and international relations. Languages, scripts/ideographs, currency and its exchange, the unified measurement of time and date are another illustration of these. In a way, we are anchored in multiple and parallel systems whether or not we are aware of them, and whether or not we succumb to the situation. By being more versed in the surrounding systems and their implications and by sharing views and working with others, ESD provides us with a chance to refine the system itself or alternatively retain the system if it is meant to be cherished.

As such, nurturing of spirituality is essential to learn about life and the system. When asked about the outcome of learning, spiritual growth is a point of departure and an end in itself.

Would such a learning exercise be attainable?

ESD is not entirely a new undertaking; it has appeared before under various names and in different guises. Precedents show that ESD can work. The crux of the matter, therefore, is how to scale up such teaching and learning practices.

My hope and belief is that ACCU will contribute to the ESD movement by lending our ears to different voices and liaising between people of different backgrounds, which has always been the policy of our organization.

Shibao Tomoko
Director, Education Division
ACCU