LONAVE starts

On November 17, 2025, the new research project LONAVE was launched to examine the impact of the Saxony-wide ESD pilot program in rural schools. Funded by the Saxon Ministry of Culture and Education, the project is being carried out by Dr. Rachel Bowden under the direction of Prof. Dr. Mandy Schulze (Faculty of Social Sciences).

The ESD Pilot Program is a key component in implementing Saxony’s State Strategy for Education for Sustainable Development (2019) in rural schools across Saxony. The focus is on dedicated teachers—known as ESD Guides —who support schools in embedding Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) through a “Whole Institution Approach.” Through formats such as “roundtable” discussions, they bring members of the school community together, foster exchange and reflection, and strengthen regional networking. This is complemented by regular professional development opportunities and technical support from the regional ESD service centers.

This is where LONAVE comes in: The project examines how these interventions—ranging from consulting and facilitated reflection processes to school-based dialogue formats—work in practice. It also investigates the conditions necessary to embed ESD in rural schools over the long term, as well as potential indicators for this. The findings will be incorporated into the further development of the ESD Pilot Program and will be reviewed in collaboration with the State ESD Coordination Office. Furthermore, they will be integrated into teaching at the HSZG and presented in academic publications and at scientific conferences.

Through LONAVE, the HSGZ is providing an important impetus for strengthening sustainable educational structures in rural areas of Saxony.