The Implementation of United Nations Decade of Education for Sustainable Development (2005-2014) in Bahir Dar University. Faculty Impressions

Academic Paper from the year 2020 in the subject Pedagogy - Higher Education, grade: 4th, Bahir Dar University (College of Education & Behavioral Sciences), course: Education for National Development, language: English, abstract: The purpose of this study was to explore the impressions of faculty in Bahir Dar University (BDU) about the institutional accomplishments of United Nations Decade of Education for Sustainable Development (2005-2014). For the purpose, a descriptive survey design was employed. Data was collected using a Sustainability Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ) for Colleges and Universities (U L S F, 2009.) after making proper level adaptations. Findings show that though the achievements in sustainability since now are at relevant level of start, the current level of impressions of the faculty of Bahir Dar University towards the accomplishments of UN Decade of Education for Sustainable Development varies across the Dimensions i.e. Curriculum, Research and Scholarship; Operations; Faculty and Staff Development and Rewards; Outreach and Service; Student Opportunities; and Administration, Mission and Planning. Therefore, the practical implications of the findings suggest to increase the depth and breadth of sustainability-related efforts in BDU by giving equal level of attention across the seven critical dimensions of higher education roles and to be further reinforced by organizing responsible offices at the university level, by prioritizing activities through planned measures, and by allocating sufficient budget, if BDU is to continue its commitment for the success of UNDESD. The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) declared the Decade of Education for Sustainable Development (DESD). Marked by the years 2005 to 2014, the DESD encompasses a global vision where everyone has the opportunity to benefit from education and learning that motivates societal change towards a sustainable future (UNESCO, 2005b). In particular, Chapter 36 of Agenda 21 acknowledges the four major thrusts of education on which to focus ESD activities during the Decade: improving access to quality basic education; reorienting existing education programmes; developing public understanding and awareness; and providing training.

Jerusalem Yibeltal is a PhD graduate of Addis Ababa University in the field International & Comparative Education (CIE). She received Master of Arts in Curriculum & Instruction from the same university. During her study, Jerusalem received different awards and scholarships. She obtained two basic Degrees from Bahir Dar University. Currently, she is working as an assistance Professor of International & Comparative Education (ICE) at College of Education and Behavioral Sciences in Bahir Dar University.