V. Integration of Education for Sustainable Development to Literature
 
 Learning is a life-long process. Jamaicans acquire knowledge, learn skills, develop attitudes and decide on actions through an array of planned and unplanned learning opportunities which take place outside of the formal educational system – in homes, yards, communities, at work and through the media. Systematic non-formal Environmental Education for Sustainable Development experiences must be crafted, to enhance citizens’ ability to be better consumers, producers, policymakers and stewards of the environment

       

        For the purpose of identifying actions, a distinction is made between non-formal learning activities which target the entire nation or ‘general public’ through initiatives focusing on the home, social sphere or workplace; and those which target specific communities. Communities, a more localized target, are distinguished as people living within a geographical area or whose lives are organized within common systems. Within communities, there are distinct groups of individuals who interact for purposes stimulated by common interests, particular issues or events.

         National public awareness strategies are broad in scope, often pursued through a variety of media including radio and television, print, billboards and music as part of national campaigns. The strength of these activities lies in disseminating knowledge and information and thereby increasing levels of awareness though they can, over time, produce changes in attitudes and behaviour as well.

         Community-based learning strategies are typically localized in specific geographical locations, and are characterized by ‘depth’ rather than ‘scope’. They may carry messages through face to face meetings, interaction and implementation of projects, and the building up of empowered groups. The strength of community learning is the potential to create significant change in individuals, leading to long-term, sustained impacts.

        Specific groups targeted by national campaigns and community learning strategies may overlap, a process which can strengthen the impact of the messages being delivered. This makes it particularly important that Environmental Education for Sustainable Development activities operating at both levels are consistent and mutually reinforcing, and create local and national communities of shared values.