International IDEA, EU and NHRC supports MoBSE with civic education resources for upper basic schools

The National Human Rights Commission, in partnership with the Curriculum Department of the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, with support from the European Union funded CODE project implemented by International IDEA, have successfully concluded the following for upper basic schools in The Gambia:

• Review of the existing Civic Education Textbook
• Development of a comprehensive syllabus for Civic Education
• Development of a Teacher’s Guide on the Civic Education Textbook

This initiative aims to inculcate civic education into the schooling system to enhance students’ understanding of their roles and responsibilities as citizens, as well as nurture a culture of respect, inclusion, and social cohesion.

In preparation for the piloting of these resource materials, teachers from eight schools across Regions One to Six have been trained on how to effectively deliver the module to their students. The eight schools identified for the piloting are:

1. Kairaba Upper Basic School – Region 1
2. New Yundum Upper Basic School – Region 2 
3. West Sibanor Upper Basic School – Region 2 
4. East Kerewan Upper Basic School – Region 3
5. Pakalinding Upper Basic School – Region 4
6. Janjanbureh Upper Basic School – Region 5 South
7. Sami Pachunki Upper Basic School – Region 5 North
8. Nyakoi Upper Basic School – Region 6

On April 9, 2025, the European Union, International IDEA, and the National Human Rights Commission officially handed over copies of the resource materials needed for the piloting to the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education at the Ministry’s Complex in Banjul.

Her Excellency Immaculada Roca i Cortés, Ambassador of the Delegation of the European Union to The Gambia, emphasized the power of civic education, stating that;

“A strong civic education empowers students from an early age to understand their roles in shaping society and encourages them to uphold the principles of justice, equality, and the rule of law.”

Ambassador Roca i Cortés also highlighted the importance of the gender-sensitive dimension of this initiative. She noted that civic education must actively promote the equal participation of both women and men, thereby contributing to the development of a more balanced, equitable, and inclusive society.

Mr. Emmanuel D. Joof, Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), underscored the importance of education in nurturing democracy. “Education is the bedrock of any democratic society. By integrating Civic Education into the Upper Basic School curriculum, we are not only impacting essential knowledge about governance, human rights, and the rule of law, but also fostering the values of respect, tolerance, and active citizenship,” he said.

He added that this initiative marks a bold step towards shaping a future in which every Gambian student is empowered to understand their rights and responsibilities and to actively contribute to the development of a just and democratic society.

Mr. Louie Moses Mendy, the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, described the launch of the Civic Education initiative as a significant milestone with the potential to profoundly influence future generations. He emphasized its role in instilling ethics, human rights values, and patriotism among students.

“The Civic Education initiative is not merely a tool for knowledge dissemination; it serves as a cornerstone for building a democratic, inclusive, and human rights-respecting society,” he stated.

While thanking the European Union, International IDEA, and NHRC for their invaluable support, PS challenged his Ministry and partners to make judicious use of the resources provided, ensuring they are effectively utilized for their intended purpose.

This support reaffirms the European Union and International IDEA’s commitment to advancing civic education, deepening democratic values, and promoting human rights within The Gambia’s education system with the view to create a generation of informed, responsible, and engaged citizens who uphold patriotism, respect for human rights, and the rule of law.