The National Council for Civic Education and Democracy with support from Sightsavers Sierra Leone has conducted a one day training workshop on Civic education campaign to enhance Youths with Disabilities Political participation using Social Behavioral Change messages. The workshop which was held at Caritas Sierra Leone conference hall, St. Edward’s compound in Kingtom brought together Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) from various groups across the country.
This training workshop aims to significantly enhance the political participation of youths with disabilities in Sierra Leone by leveraging Social Behavioral Change (SBC) messages that focus on raising disability awareness among the public and within political systems, building civic knowledge and skills in youths with disabilities, and creating supportive environments by reducing stigma and discrimination.
While welcoming participants to the training session, Director of Training and Curriculum Development at NaCCED, Mr. Alphan Tajawie explained that key among the objectives of the training workshop is to address negative attitudes and stigma by challenging perceptions that people with disabilities cannot hold positions of authority or participate fully in community life.
Chairman of NaCCED, Mr. Joseph Munda Bindi acknowledged Sightsavers Sierra Leone for their collaboration and support offered to NaCCED over the years. He stated Civic Education is to teach people on their roles and responsibilities and to participate in governance while advocating for change through dialogue and civic engagement.
He explained that due to the importance of civic education and the scope of coverage, NaCCED in collaboration with the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education (MBSSE) has re-introduced Civic Education in all Government and Government assisted primary and junior secondary schools in the country; whilst ensuring that civics is taught at all levels in schools nationwide. “This effort is to ensure that we nurture and inculcate in the younger generation the spirit of nationalism and patriotism, civic responsibilities and duties which will guide their political participation, governance and development of the country” he said.
Mr. Bindi further explained that inclusion of Persons with Disabilities in governance architecture is key emphasizing that an enabling environment must be provided by enacting legal framework to enhance their inclusion and effective participation; whilst assuring NaCCED’s commitment as a great partner to address inclusivity of disabled people.
The Programme Officer at Sightsavers Sierra Leone, Rev Abubakar Bakley Sesay stated that their support over the years is to complement NaCCED’s efforts in promoting inclusivity, civic education and civic consciousness among Sierra Leoneans. Rev. Sesay further talked on the mandate of Sightsavers adding that they work to promote the rights of persons with disabilities as part of their human rights according to the United Nations Convention.
According to Rev. Sesay PwDs have the right to participate and hold political positions for their voices to be heard and be part of any decision making process in society.
Representing the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Mr. Ndemowoma Mustapha said the ministry has been working assiduously in policy implementations in the area of inclusiveness for PwDs while disclosing that they have been able to recruit some Youth officers that are working all over the country.
He asserts on various projects undertaken by the ministry like the car wash project adding that under the Sightsavers’ project they have their youth officers stationed in various districts the project is implemented; while calling on every Sierra Leonean to ensure the voices of youth are heard.
During a power point presentation, the Programme Officer at Sightsavers Sierra Leone, Rev Abubakar Bakley Sesay defined Inclusion as the practice of ensuring that people with disabilities have equal access to opportunities, resources, and services while emphasizing on the types of disability and some of the barriers to inclusion.
He highlighted some of the strategies for promoting inclusion which he said include
Education and Awareness, Policy and Legislation, Environmental Modifications and Technology and Assistive Devices.
In another session, Mawusie P. I Dumbuya Esq. from the National Commission for Persons with Disability talked on Understanding the Content of Social & Behavioral Change in Education, definition of social and behavioral change in educational contexts, what Motivates Change in Education, where Change Happens, Change Journey, Challenges & Solutions.
At the close of the workshop the Secretary General of Sierra Leone Union on Disability Issues (SLUDI), Ibrahim S. Dumbuya on behalf of the participants thanked NaCCED and Sightsavers Sierra Leone for the training workshop and appreciated colleagues PwDs for their participation in what he described as very timely.
