Group Photo Of International IDEA And Partners At The Handover Event At The MoBSE’s Complex
By Ramatoulie Jawo
In a concerted effort to strengthen civic education in The Gambia, the European Union-funded CODE project, implemented by the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA), has partnered with the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and the Curriculum Department of the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education (MoBSE). The collaboration aims to enhance civic learning in schools across the nation.
According to International IDEA, the initiative seeks to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of their rights, responsibilities, and the democratic processes essential for effective participation in society.
As part of this initiative, a series of educational materials have been developed and reviewed, including 960 existing civic education textbooks, 16 new, comprehensive syllabi, and 16 teacher’s guides designed to support effective classroom instruction. To ensure successful implementation, teachers from eight selected schools across regions 1 to 6 have received in-house training on how to utilize these materials effectively.
The official handover of the textbooks, syllabi, and teacher’s guides to MoBSE on Wednesday marks the beginning of the piloting phase of the program. This phase represents a significant commitment to improving civic awareness among students across the country.
During the event, Alhagie Ousman Bah, Deputy Permanent Secretary for Administration, provided a brief background on the partnership, noting that it began in 2021 with the objective of integrating human rights education, active citizenship, and civic engagement into the school curriculum. He highlighted the review of the civic education syllabus, the adaptation of textbooks, and the creation of a teacher’s guide for the upper Basic School level. Bah explained that these documents have now been validated, printed, and are ready for the pilot phase.“Today, we gathered for the formal handing over of these documents, and I am pleased to inform you that principals in the pilot schools have already received orientations, and teachers have been trained to begin implementation,” he said.
He further noted that the collaboration between the Centre for Research and Education Development (CREDD) and NHRC has expanded to the Lower Basic School level, where the civic education syllabi have been successfully reviewed, and textbooks and teacher’s guides for grades 4-6 have been developed and validated.
Bah emphasized that the civic education initiative is not only a tool for knowledge dissemination but also a foundation for fostering a democratic, inclusive, and human rights-respecting society. He added, “The collaboration and engagement demonstrated today will go a long way in shaping a stronger, more cohesive society where every citizen understands their rights, responsibilities, and role in nation-building.”
The Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission, Emanuel D. Joof, emphasized that education is the cornerstone of any democratic society. Integrating civic education into the upper basic school curriculum will not only provide students with a deep understanding of governance, human rights, and the rule of law, but also cultivate values such as respect, tolerance, and active participation in national development.
He further noted that the creation of this civic education module has been a thorough and inclusive process.“A technical task force comprising 13 experts, including representatives from NHRC, the national council for civic education Gambia College, and various directorates of MoBSE worked diligently to review and refine the textbook, develop the teacher’s guide, and strengthen the syllabus their dedication ensures that this material is not only comprehensive but also relevant to our national context.,” he emphasized.
He emphasized that as they prepare to pilot this module, it is important to recognize that this handover marks not the end of the journey, but the start of a transformative process within their education system.
He noted that the successful integration of this curriculum will depend on the continued collaboration of all stakeholders, including teachers, school administrators, policymakers, and development partners.
In her remarks, the Ambassador of the EU Delegation to The Gambia, Immaculada Roca i Cortes, stated that strong civic education empowers students from an early age to understand their role in shaping society, while encouraging them to uphold the principles of justice, equality, and the rule of law.
She emphasized that by embedding these values in the early stages of education, countries can nurture generations of citizens who are not only well-informed but also dedicated to building a more just, inclusive, and resilient democracy.
She also highlighted their appreciation that the pilot phase includes schools from all six educational regions, ensuring a more equitable distribution of opportunities and reflecting an inclusive approach to educational development.“I would also like to highlight the gender-sensitive dimension of this initiative. It is important that civic education supports the equal participation of girls and boys helping to build a more balanced and inclusive society over time,” she said.
In his closing remarks, Louis Moses Mendy, the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, urged staff, particularly teachers, to work together in unity and collaboration. He highlighted the significance of fostering a spirit of nationalism and dedication to the nation’s development through education.
The ministry and its partners emphasized that this milestone reaffirmed their collective commitment to nurturing a generation of responsible citizens through civic education. They expressed their belief that, together, they can build a more informed, engaged, and united Gambia.