By: Zacharia Jalloh, Strategic Communications Unit, MIC.
The National Council for Civic Education and Development held a one day Partnership Conference at the Bank of Sierra Leone Complex, Kingtom, Freetown on Thursday 3rd February 2022.
The main purpose of the Conference is to partner and collaborate with other institutions to develop a robust education campaign and awareness on civic matters.
NaCCED’s main mandate is to strengthen capacity of citizens to understand their rights, duties and obligations to government and society, and participate in decision and policy making processes at all levels. NaCCED over the years, though a young institution, has done remarkably well in changing the narrative of citizen’s awareness.
The President of the Republic of Sierra Leone Dr. Julius Maada Bio in his 2018 manifesto promised to reintroduce civic education in our schools and other institutions. The President believes that to develop as a nation, citizens must be educated about their rights, duties, responsibilities and obligations. NaCCED has been working in line with the President’s vision.
The Chief Minister, Mr. Jacob Jusu Saffa as keynote speaker for the Partnership Conference, appreciated the work of NaCCED especially the chairman Mr. Kalilu Totangi for transforming NaCCED into a force to reckon with.
In addition, Chief Minister said, they didn’t mince their words in 2018 when the SLPP manifesto promised to put emphasis on Civic Education. “We were very deliberate when we made that promise. That is why when we came we created NaCCED with no office but today Totangi has changed that and transformed the institution into a viable entity. The President is keen to see citizens are au fait with their rights and responsibilities,” he averred.
The Chairman of NaCCED, Mr. Kalilu Totangi in his statement said over the years, they have worked right across the country in engaging citizens on civic awareness. He said the Partnership Conference is geared towards working together with reliable and registered organizations to create synergy to educate citizens on their rights and responsibilities.
As a supervising Minister, the Information Minister Mr. Mohamed Rahman Swarray was delighted with the work NaCCED is doing. He lauded the initiative to partner with other institutions in helping to move civic education to the highest level. He encouraged NaCCED to pay attention to sensitizing citizens on national responsibilities ranging from respecting the national flag, anthem, pledge and other national properties. He added that citizens must also know their rights and what is due them.
A round table discussions in Partnership climaxed the program.