The Chairman of the National Council for Civic Education and Democracy (NaCCED), Joseph Munda Bindi, has highlighted Sierra Leone’s key initiatives and achievements in civic and electoral education since 2018 at a regional workshop in Conakry, Guinea.
Mr. Bindi was speaking at the Regional Workshop to Share Experiences and Best Practices on Civic and Electoral Education in West Africa, organized by the West Africa Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP) from August 26–27, 2026.
The workshop brings together participants from Guinea, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Nigeria, Benin and Senegal to share experiences and best practices and explore ways of strengthening civic and electoral education across the West African sub-region.
The opening ceremony was attended by the Chief of Cabinet of Guinea, the Minister of Decentralization and Community Affairs, a representative of the European Union Delegation to Guinea, and the WANEP Regional Representative, among other stakeholders.
During a panel discussion on “Specific Initiatives in Civic and Electoral Education Carried Out in Sierra Leone from 2018 to the Present Moment,” Mr. Bindi outlined the role of NaCCED in promoting an informed and responsible citizenry and strengthening democratic participation in Sierra Leone.
He explained that NaCCED was established in 2018 with the mandate to promote nationwide civic education, deepen democracy and good governance, strengthen national cohesion and support sustainable development through civic engagement, community mobilization and development communication.
Among the major initiatives highlighted by the NaCCED Chairman was the reintroduction of Civics as a subject in schools. He said NaCCED, in collaboration with the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education and development partners, developed a civics curriculum and textbooks, trained teachers and supported the teaching of Civics in schools.
Mr. Bindi said the initiative is intended to instill civic knowledge, democratic values, rights and responsibilities in children from an early age and help nurture responsible citizens for the future.
He also highlighted NaCCED’s role in supporting citizen participation in the 2021 Midterm Census, which faced challenges including misconceptions, misinformation and reluctance by some citizens to participate. Through nationwide sensitization conducted in collaboration with Statistics Sierra Leone, NaCCED engaged youths, community leaders and the general public to improve understanding and participation in the exercise.
The Chairman further pointed to NaCCED’s use of radio and television discussions to educate citizens about the National Constitution and their rights and responsibilities. Through programmes such as NaCCED Hour, citizens receive information on constitutional provisions, including freedom of assembly and association and the right to vote and be voted for.
Mr. Bindi said these programmes have helped make civic and constitutional information more accessible to citizens and supported informed decision-making and responsible participation in national affairs.
He identified NaCCED’s contribution to the 2023 Presidential, Parliamentary and Local Council Elections as another major area of intervention. The Council served on the National Elections Steering Committee and co-chaired the Civic and Electoral Education and Conflict Prevention Sub-committee.
Working with civil society organizations and other stakeholders, NaCCED conducted civic and electoral education and conflict-prevention activities targeting women, youths, first-time voters and marginalized groups in both urban and rural communities.
The interventions included radio and television programmes in Krio and other local languages, community outreach, engagement with traditional leaders, women’s and youth groups, voter education materials, edutainment and bulk text messaging.
According to Mr. Bindi, the initiatives resulted in improved awareness of voting procedures, greater access to electoral information outside urban areas, increased participation among women, young people and first-time voters, and reduced confusion about where, when and how to vote.
He added that the initiatives also increased public discussion on peaceful elections and responsible citizenship and contributed to reducing violence during electioneering and voting processes.
The NaCCED Chairman further disclosed that the Council participated in consultations on constitutional and electoral law reforms, which he said will help shape future civic and electoral education programmes as Sierra Leone prepares for the 2028 elections.
However, he acknowledged that civic and electoral education in Sierra Leone continues to face challenges, including poor coordination among stakeholders, the lack of a standardized training framework, inadequate funding, limited year-round engagement by CSOs and the media, and the spread of misinformation and disinformation through social media.
Mr. Bindi called for stronger coordination and sustained investment in civic and electoral education beyond election periods.
He said NaCCED is currently working with CSOs on programmes including regular radio discussions on the Constitution and Election Act under “Watin de Inside de Constitution,” the establishment of Civic Education Hubs in schools and communities, community dialogues, civic and electoral education programmes, and the development of stronger networks for civic and electoral education.
The NaCCED Chairman’s presentation provided Sierra Leone with an opportunity to share its practical experiences with fellow West African countries, while also highlighting lessons that could contribute to stronger, more inclusive and continuous civic and electoral education across the region.
