Pre-University engagement and education for sustainable development in Aruba: The Academic Foundation Year
International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education
ISSN: 1467-6370
Article publication date: 25 July 2023
Issue publication date: 2 January 2024
Abstract
Purpose
Universities of Small Island States (SIS) have the potential to fulfill a crucial role in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) but also face barriers to local capacity building. The University of Aruba partly addresses these challenges through the development of The Academic Foundation Year (AFY), a one-year pre-university program aiming to optimally equip students for higher education. This study aims to assess to what extent the program can foster the local embeddedness of the students in ecology, culture and history and an understanding of opportunities and challenges for sustainable development in SIS.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors provide examples of how the program incorporates education for sustainable development and how it emphasizes experiential learning. In addition, quantitative survey data and qualitative analysis of focus group meetings are used to reflect on the program’s achievements and its potential for further development.
Findings
The survey results suggest that AFY courses not only increase knowledge but also change students’ perceptions regarding sustainability. Indeed, key impacts emerging from the student focus group related to both academic preparation and engagement with sustainability. Reflections by teachers emphasized the importance of experiential learning, an expansive view of the SDGs and preparing students as citizens.
Originality/value
This study highlights that the program could provide a starting point for the development of similar initiatives in other SIS, the common basis being the fostering of sustainability literacy and social adoption of the SDGs.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors would like to thank Patrick Arens, Kareline van der Linden, Jenny Lozano-Cosme, Kevin Richardson, Carlos Rodriguez and Rob van der Vaart for discussions about describing the AFY courses and program in this manuscript. In addition, the authors thank Pauline Veenendaal for transcribing both focus group sessions and all teachers and students who participated in the focus groups for their valuable input and reflections. The contributions of MC and MBE to this manuscript were supported/funded by the University Research Priority Program on Global Change and Biodiversity of the University of Zurich.
Citation
Chapman, M., Eppinga, M.B., de Scisciolo, T. and Mijts, E.N. (2024), "Pre-University engagement and education for sustainable development in Aruba: The Academic Foundation Year", International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education, Vol. 25 No. 1, pp. 78-103. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJSHE-10-2022-0334
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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