(Freetown, Friday, 31 May 2024) The National Council for Civic Education and Democracy has launched its Strategic Plan and fifth National Action Plan (NAP 5) under the Open Government Partnership programme, at the Parliament of Sierra Leone State Hall.
In his remarks, the Chairman of NaCCED, Kalilu Ibrahim Totangi thanked President Bio for giving him the opportunity to actualize his (the President’s) vision to establish a civic education establishment and to reintroduce civics in schools and nurture a culture of citizenship in communities. Mr. Totangi said that six years after establishing the Council, “we have reintroduced civics as a standalone subject from Primary 1 to Junior Secondary School 3, produced a set of seven textbooks, and trained over 3000 teachers to teach the subject at all levels”. He thanked the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education (MBSSE), the Teaching Service Commission, Ministry of Planning and Economic Development, and many others, “for their support right through this period”.
On the Strategic Plan, the Chairman spoke to each of the six pillars that will inform the work of the Council for the next four years – Civic Education to Strengthen Democratic Processes, Civic Education to Improve Governance and Sustainable Peace, Civic Education for National Consciousness, Civic Response to Critical National Issues and Institutional development.
Hon Dr. Unpha Koroma Chairman Oversight Committee on Information and Civic Education in Parliament thanked NaCCED for the work done since its establishment. He noted that it was imperative to have a national institution for citizen’s education like NaCCED. He noted however that the commitment of all players is needed for the smooth running of the institution and that government should make resources available for the implementation of both the Strategic Plan and National Action Plan.
Addressing the gathering, the Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Madam Kenyeh Ballay committed to continue to work with NaCCED on several projects as was done in the 2021 Mid Term Population Census. She said that NaCCED has been very supportive in the dissemination of the current Medium Term National Development Plan. She stressed on the need for more collaboration between her Ministry and NaCCED to disseminate government’s vision and the Big Five Game Changers. She mentioned that she was truly impressed with the work and achievements of NaCCED over the past years.
The Employment, Labour and Social Security Minister, Mohamed Rahman Swarray made a pledged that both his ministry and NaCCED will collaborate to change the mindset of the youthful population. He emphasized the numerous successes of the Council since its establishment and implored the leadership to continue in that direction. In his words, “NaCCED is boxing above its weight”, the reason that establishment of the Council received a resounding cabinet approval the first time the issue was taken to cabinet.
Finda Frazer, Director General Parliament of Sierra Leone said the launch was a show of affirming Parliament’s active commitment to transparency, accountability, and civic empowerment. She said that since these values are the bedrock of democracy it is essential they are actualized as they nurture trust between the government and its citizens. She added that she is proud of the role Parliament has played in the OGP by making citizens actively engaged in the democratic processes. “The National Action Plan V represents a testament towards the reaction of a government that is more open, responsive and inclusive”, she noted. These concrete steps and innovative approaches create an improved government integrity and foster public participation in policy making.
The Acting Clerk of the House of Parliament, Mr. Gilbert Nabay pointed out that when the recent Open Parliament Index survey was conducted by parliamentary network Africa, Parliament of Sierra Leone was rated third overall over thirteen parliaments which shows that gains have been made in demystifying parliament. According to him, now people are aware of what parliament does and how business is conducted in the well. Provision for people with disabilities to access parliament is another action taken to change the narrative for persons with disabilities in accessing parliament. The E-Parliament he mentioned has created room for active participation on is a clear indication on the openness to parliament.
Applauding NaCCED’s leadership, the Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Honorable Ibrahim Tawa Conteh, highlighted the organization’s pivotal role in promoting civic education, transparency and accountability across the country. He reiterated Parliaments commitment to good governance and democracy noting the numerous developmental bills and programs that have passed through the House of Representatives over the past five to six years. Hon Tawa Conteh said that through the Systematic Disclosure of Extractive Data, it was under the leadership of President Bio that the Extractive Bill was passed into an act of parliament. This Act allows for the disclosure of revenue, actions and activities of mining companies that are engaged in the extractive sector which shows that President Bio believes in the OGP process. He committed the support of Parliament to the OGP process and the work of NaCCED generally.
The programme was climaxed by the launch of both documents which is in tandem with government’s priority agenda. The NaCCED strategic plan will guide the work of the Agency for the next four years (2024 -2028), while the NAP 5 will be implemented for a similar period.
