By: Saidu Jalloh
The Ministry of Information and Civic Education (MoICE) has hosted a one-day high-level dialogue on the draft National Civic Education strategy and accompanying policies, including the National Media and Information Policy, The National Film Policy and the National Records and Archives Policy at New Brookfields Hotel in Freetown. The event brought together senior government officials, partners, civil society organisations, and the media.
Addressing the gathering, the Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah, provided a comprehensive overview of all the draft policies, saying that these initiatives aim to enhance citizen engagement through digital citizenship, media, and information literacy, and improved access to public services. He outlined the main pillars of the Civic Education Strategy, highlighting the objectives, which include Love Salone, increased national participation and cohesion, food security (Feed Salone), climate awareness and justice (Clean Salone), health improvement (Heal Salone), and digital literacy (Digitize Salone).
Sharing insights from research on civic education models in Turkey, Morocco, Rwanda, and China, Minister Bah added that the strategy drivers include Radical Inclusion, Children and Youth Development, Transformational Leadership, Civic Knowledge Management, Open Government, and Multi-Level Civic Education Governance. On how these will be effectively monitored, the minister said that the MoICE will establish a steering committee involving young people, civil society representatives, religious leaders, and key stakeholders. This committee, according to him, will oversee the implementation using a monitoring matrix and activity tracker, with monthly progress reviews and annual evaluations through rapid assessment tools and a Civic Health Index.
Delivering the keynote address, Chief Minister Dr. David Sengeh emphasized the need for a transformative approach to civic education, advocating for the unlearning of outdated methods. He stressed the importance of integrating the country’s history, culture, and traditions into civic education. Dr. Sengeh assured that the strategy would be presented to the cabinet, highlighting its potential to modernize outdated laws, such as the 1965 Archives Act.
“We have to unlearn by unlearning,” stated Dr. Sengeh. “We must understand the privilege and opportunities at hand to shape the future and, most importantly, the today of our country because change has happened. Progress and modernization are not bad things, so I entreat you all so we can dialogue and engage around it” he said. Dr. Sengeh encouraged Sierra Leoneans to protect the symbolism of the Cotton Tree, which relates to the nation’s history, storytelling, and values.
Dr. Sengeh also used the opportunity to speak about the concept of radical inclusion, saying that radical inclusion is about justice, ensuring no one is left behind regardless of their background, and aligning these policies with President Bio’s vision for national development. “If you are not part of the radical inclusion, it is okay, because it is a principle and the belief about how we govern,” he said.
Renowned Educationist, Professor Joe A. D. Alie echoed the need to reframe Sierra Leone’s history independently of Western interpretations, emphasizing that a robust understanding of history is essential for national development. “We must reassess and adapt our historical narratives to fit our realities,” he said.
Minister Planning and Economic Development, Kenyeh Barlay, highlighted civic education as a fundamental tool that should extend beyond schools to all citizens.
“It is essential for all citizens to be oriented towards civic values,” she noted, emphasizing that civic education is integrated into the country’s medium-term national development plan. She urged everyone to drive the implementation strategy with the same enthusiasm and commitment that led to this program.
A representative from the UNDP congratulated Minister Bah for organizing the program and emphasized that civic education is a key development agenda for UNDP, noting that it strengthens democratic boundaries, fosters social cohesion, encourages accountability, and supports sustainable development.
“Civic education improves our mandates, fosters a culture of accountability, strengthens democratic boundaries, encourages accountability, fosters social cohesion and understanding, respects and appreciates diversity, and supports sustainable development,” the UNDP representative said. He reiterated that UNDP will support Sierra Leone for a stronger government and democratic institution to ensure shared values are achieved.
The consultative dialogue featured valuable contributions from various stakeholders, reflecting a broad commitment to enhancing civic education and public service access in Sierra Leone.
