Monday, February 12, 2018
By Musa Baldeh Courtesy of thepoint.gm
December 2016 was arguably the most crucial period in the history of The Gambia. The people of the Smiling Coast of Africa decided to change a government that had ruled them for more than two decades. The nation rejoiced to a new democratic dispensation with high hopes of economic transformation, good governance, greater security etc. The events that ensued before and after both the presidential and parliamentary elections will continue to resonate in the minds of Gambians for many years.
As the country overwhelmingly embraces democracy, I’m of the conviction that, civic education is needed today more than at any other time, for obvious reasons. This is so because the concept of “Democracy” can be greatly misconstrued especially in a third world country such as The Gambia where just a little above 50% of the populace have some form of formal education. The chances of people exceeding the limitations of their rights to encroach on that of others or at worst on national security is high.
Thus, the National council for civic education (NCCE) must spearhead a massive enlightenment campaign on the nitty-gritty’s of democracy and shed more light on the citizens’ role in protecting the constitution of the country. This is in line with the councils constitutional mandate. One of these as stated in section 199 (1)(d) of the 1997 Constitution of The Gambia is “to formulate, implement and oversea programmes aimed at inculcating in the citizens of the Gambia awareness of their civic rights, duties and responsibilities.” Read Full Article Here
Musa Baldeh is a student of School of Journalism and Digital Media, University of The Gambia
Source: http://thepoint.gm/africa/gambia/article/embracing-democracy-with-civic-education