I was at a conference recently where a presenter detailed their organization’s commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals most relevant to their firm. And that got me thinking, while all 17 of the goals are important to me, which of the sustainable development goals could We Love Learning really get behind? And make a public statement to support.
Below are the four I chose (and how and why!):
#4: Quality Education
There are millions of people around the world without access to education. And many more without access to the right knowledge at the right time. eLearning solutions can ensure that workers (and those wanting to be workers) can now receive a quality education in terms of health and safety, just-in-time, and on-the-job training. And millions without access to a teacher or physical learning spaces can use their cell phones to learn anything from necessary math skills to entrepreneurial and business skills.
Obtaining a quality education is the foundation to improving people’s lives and sustainable development. —United Nations
Just as we see Melinda Gates putting cell phones in the hands of the poorest women, to give them access to banking, education technology will allow us to level the playing field and put education in the hands of everyone. We Love Learning is committed to this goal.
#8 Decent Work & Economic Growth
Anyone that has worked with me will know that I am a proud Canadian and that I am committed, personally and professionally, to supporting Canadian businesses and workers. I believe in fair wages and paying taxes, along with flexible work options and a focus on hiring local employees. In Canada, that means we employ Canadian workers, vs. outsourcing to (most likely) cheaper freelance workers overseas. For our expansion into the Caribbean, we will continue to hire a supplementary workforce in every country where we operate. Paying fair market rates to our partners and suppliers allows them to hire and engage others.
Sustainable economic growth will require societies to create the conditions that allow people to have quality jobs. —United Nations
As an organization, we also believe that access to eLearning technologies can provide the knowledge to start businesses and fuel an entrepreneurial spirit, which subsequently feeds families and leads to economic growth.
#10 Reduced Inequalities
Education goes a long way to levelling the playing field—including reducing economic and gender inequality. eLearning not only has the potential to improve the economic circumstances of users but is also, importantly, gender-equal. With just a smartphone or tablet, women can experience the same learning opportunities as men; essential in many parts of the world where men receive priority access to education.
Moreover, travelling to give or receive training often creates time away from family. eLearning technologies mean more time for driving kids to hockey or ballet, and dinners at home with family—lessening the burden on (primarily female) caregivers.
At We Love Learning, I recognize the power and responsibility we have in creating quality and relevant eLearning solutions for users (some of whom may be experiencing inequalities; gender or economic), but also in providing flexible work schedules, fair pay, remote work options, and other professional advantages to my staff and suppliers. Last but not least, I am proud to be the CEO of a 100% women-led organization.
#13 Climate Action
The bottom line is that eLearning, microlearning and just-in-time custom training is good for the environment. Ten years ago, as a Trainer, I was on the road multiple times per month, in cars and on airplanes—traveling to locations all over North America. Today, an Educator can train thousands of users without ever leaving their home office.
Figures from an open university study suggest that eLearning cuts energy consumption by 90% and slashes CO2 by more than 85%.
And it’s not just the trainers. Remote workers have traditionally needed to travel to a communal location for job training. With eLearning and microlearning, workers can now receive just-in-time custom training in the field. As the transition to eLearning intensifies, and we progress to reaching more and more non-traditional, remote workers, our carbon footprint as Educators will continue to decrease.
What are your commitments? We are all in this together.
Interested in working together? Let’s connect and discover how.
About We Love Learning
We Love Learning is a one-stop shop for learning solutions with an extended virtual team who’ve worked with us for many years including designers, developers, tech support, trainers, consultants, facilitators and coaches; and a rich community of Subject Matter Experts.
We translate YOUR organization’s vision into really awesome but practical learner-centred training that can be delivered on-line or in the classroom (or both). Our training solutions impact your bottom-line by increasing efficiencies and reducing employee turnover. Learn more about what we do »