By Mohamed Kamara
The Chairman of the National Council for Civic Education and Democracy, Mr. Kalilu Ibrahim Totangi has said in an exclusive interview with this medium that they have engaged over 2,500 teachers nationwide.
He added further that they have also engaged Paramount Chiefs, Council of Tribal Headmen, Civil Society groups, 30 Radio Stations nationwide, Youth Coordinators in all 16 District of the country with the need to deepen civil education in the country.
He recalled that when President Julius Maada Bio took over governance in 2018, he reintroduced Civic Education through a proclamation of Parliament for the Teaching and Learning of Civic Education, adding that, this will help to promote peace and National Cohesion in the country.
Chairman Totangi said, “In order to succeed, they partnered with the Council of Paramount Chiefs, Council of Tribal Headmen, Civil Society groups, 30 Radio Stations nationwide, Youth Coordinators in all 16 Districts,”. He continued by stating by stating that they have also partnered with local and International bodies including the National Youth Commission, Police Partnership Board, UNICEF and UNDP for moral and financial support.
He said through the cooperation of the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) they have developed a School Civic Education Curriculum for Primary and Secondary Schools and engaged over 2,500 teachers nationwide to teach civics in schools. He said they have also provided enough text books to suit the purpose.
He said they have been collaborating with lots of government operatives and have assisted to simplify the national budget in simple English which was presented in Parliament by the Minister of Finance. He said the Council goes on air every Thursday on Radio Democracy at 7:p.m to sensitize citizens of their civic responsibilities and have also release various videos and audio’s to enable citizens understand their role and responsibilities, adding that, 800,000 sms messages sent to encourage citizens to Register for the June 24 2023 multitier election.
He said pending to the coming elections and to ensure good governance, NCEED is working with the Sierra Leone Police, (SLP) Office of National Security (ONS) and has introduced a youth manifesto program which brings youths together to question and assess political aspirants.
Mr. Totangi expressed optimism that their mandate has been well executed for its purpose and no doubt most citizens have adhered to it.
