By Ranger
Loosely put, citizenship is the status of a person recognized under law as being a member of a State. Such an individual is subjected to the laws of that country and it is his or her responsibility to always conform to the dictates of those laws otherwise he or she could face legal penalties for failure to do so.
Equally too, the body of persons who have the constitutional mandate to run the affairs of the country are expected to provide those basic things necessary which could make it possible for the citizens to live progressive, affordable and comfortable lifestyles.
In democratic countries, citizens have the sacred responsibility to choose or in other words periodically elect those individuals who should constitute the Government. The exercise of such an important right cannot be over emphasized because absolute political power lies in the hands of the people and it is only by judiciously making use of it that it will be ensured that it elects individuals who are capable of governing them democratically.
Without any amount of doubt, citizenship education is very much important for the simple fact that if citizens are properly sensitized or trained they will become knowledgeable about their rights and responsibilities.
Furthermore, empowering citizens with education about their country makes it possible for them to become more nationalistic, patriotic and to a greater part law abiding.
So far the National Council of Civic Education and Development, headed by the pragmatic Kalilu Totangi, has being making significant in-roads. It was welcome news that the entity has developed various civic books that will be used in schools in the incoming academic year. Such will imbibe a sense of belonging, enhance a sense of valuing public properties, refrain from corrupt practices, love one another (tolerance) and help in solidifying national cohesion.
However, it is believed that with more funding and collaboration the National Council of Civic Education and Development will be at a vantage position to broaden its scope of operations in the direction of enhancing Civic Education with particular emphasis on targeting more youths across the country via informal engagements.
The significance for the Government to lay premium on the compulsory teaching of civics in schools, starting from the elementary stage, cannot be overemphasized.
As young people advance in their various educational pursuits, they will become very au fait with various issues relating to citizenship. In actual fact, citizenship education enables people to make informed decisions and to take responsibility of their actions and their communities.
Modern day democratic societies need active, informed and responsible citizens who are always willing and able to take full ownership and responsibility of themselves and their communities as well as contributing meaningfully within the political space.
Such societies depend on citizens who are more aware of their rights, and responsibilities, are active in their communities and articulate in relaying their opinions and arguments. All the outlined attributes cannot be developed if they are not taught or learnt.
Although some could be imbibed via personal experiences derived at home or in other places, however, they can never be sufficient to equip the citizens for the sort of active roles required of them in today’s complex and diverse world.
Proper nurturing of our kids, in terms of heightening civic education at all levels will make it possible for more positive participation in various development programmes in the future.
It can therefore be concluded that citizenship education is very much important for the development of any progressive nation in the world like Sierra Leone and it must be embraced as well as enhanced.
