Teachers can promote sustainability by forming and nurturing relationships with local experts, such as environmental scientists, healthcare professionals, or industry leaders, who can contribute real-world perspectives to the SSIBL curriculum. Inviting stakeholders to participate in classroom activities, or organizing visits to local organizations, reinforces the relevance of open schooling and deepens students’ engagement.
Headteachers can facilitate stakeholder partnerships by designating a community liaison or coordinator who manages relationships with external organizations. Organizing school events that showcase student work on SSIs, such as science fairs or community exhibitions, strengthens the connection between the school and local stakeholders. This consistent engagement reinforces the school’s role as an active part of the community, promoting the COSMOS approach.
Policymakers can foster sustainability by supporting policies that incentivize community involvement in schools. Grants, tax benefits, or recognitions for organizations that actively participate in school activities can encourage more community members to engage with the COSMOS approach. Creating platforms for networking between schools and local organizations also makes it easier for schools to connect with potential partners.