By Alieu Amara Suwu
Reading the bill for the second time entitled National Council for Civic Education and Democracy (NaCCED) Act, 2022 as a National Agency of Government with oversight from Ministry of Planning and Economic Development (MoPED), Dr Jonathan Titus-Williams, Deputy Minister of MoPED, has quoted President Bio that if we are to develop as a nation, we must educate our people on rights, responsibilities and obligations as good citizens.
Minister Williams made this statement in the Chambers of Parliament on Thursday 17 November 2022.
Williams said it is against that background that a policy decision was taken by the President to launch a National Civic Education Programme to provide civic education in their educational institutions and communities.
On the activities of the Council, he said it seeks to maximize the broad benefits of civic awareness and practice to national development; an institution that will be well positioned to carry out its mandate, this is so because there is the political will to promote civic education nationwide. He said it is a crucial first step to ensuring the resurgence of civic awareness and practice in nation building. However, he noted that its sustainability needs to be established through a Parliamentary Act thereby enshrining it in the laws of Sierra Leone; the development would reinforce the political will of the government whilst also taking advantage of the country’s current inclination towards enhancing civic awareness and practices.
On its benefits, the Minister said it will optimise the use of civic education in building a strong sense of citizenship and nurturing of a culture of patriotism; serve as a national state vehicle for citizen’s wholesome education on national policies legislations, regulations and relevant instruments for effective State management; provide much critical interface between the Government of Sierra Leone and Non State actors in promoting inclusive participation and citizens empowerment using various mechanisms including but not limited to consultations, dialogue, community and town hall engagements etc; aid in the development of civic knowledge and understanding, create civic skills and aptitudes, and nurture civic values and dispositions for an informed and engaged citizenry.
He further said it is anticipated that NaCCED will play a very critical role as an interface and vehicle of administration and to that end there is need for the envisaged agency to be anchored in a legislation. He said the modus operand of NaCCED would be distinct and separate from other existing agencies in that its envisaged scope will go beyond democracy teachings and emphasis on human rights, adding it will primarily be responding to the deficit of weak sense of nationalism and patriotism which will be enkindled through its predominant focus on civic education and orientation of Sierra Leoneans of all ages and sex.
Kalilu Totangi, Chairperson of National Council for Civil Education and Development, confirmed that they are in the process of training over two thousand teachers in civil education for efficient and effective teaching in both private and public schools. He also confirmed that civic education text books have been developed and published for Junior Secondary Schools. He said after the bill becomes an act, it will enhance tolerance, civic awareness and participation and adherence to other civic developments.
