Free educational mini-series spotlights sustainability
A free mini-series is launching at Medicine Hat College (MHC) this month, exploring the health of the community, environment, and economy through a sustainability lens. The series, called Tune-In, is an educational resource in which local leaders explain complex issues that directly impact individuals and those around us.
Each video in the series will spotlight a specific topic, which range from food security and affordable housing to water scarcity. The series will also provide examples of ways that individuals can take small steps to create big change within the context of each topic.
Nancy Brown, vice president academic at MHC, says the motivation for the series emerged from an understanding of both industry and community needs. She adds that it complements the education taking place within many of the programs at MHC.
“To better our collective future, we believe it’s important to equip our learners with the knowledge and tools to both become aware of sustainability issues and take a solutions-driven approach to guide decision-making as they enter their careers,” says Brown.
She adds that programs which encourage learners to consider sustainable approaches to their work include sustainable innovation, art & design, built environment engineering technology, business administration and university studies: arts.
“Every year, our students take courses which focus on sustainability. Whether it’s challenging our built environment engineering technology students to explore its relation to the built environment, or our business students to become innovative by repurposing trash into sellable products, there are ways to take a sustainable approach within any career.”
The first video in the series, which launches Feb. 10, explains food security through the perspective of Alison Van Dyke, food security coordinator for Community Food Connections Association of Southeastern Alberta. She says she hopes the video series will help viewers understand the issues facing our community and inspire them to want to take-action.
“Creating change can feel overwhelming, but everyone can make change happen, even in small ways,” says Van Dyke. “By highlighting the work already being done and the organizations doing it, we can become more empowered and engaged participants in our community.”
A new video will be launched and available for public use each month. To watch the first video in the series, visit www.mhc.ab.ca/OurFuture.