The Namibia Institute for Democracy (NID) has embarked on a 33-month long project dedicated to enhancing inclusive participation in democratic processes through civic education.
NID director Naita Hishoono says civic education is important because studies and practice have shown that Namibia is a democratic country, but with few democrats.
“When you look at the latest Afrobarometer findings, the country review report of the African Peer Review mechanism, you will see that one of the challenges in Namibia is that we have a great legal framework that protects us, we have a Constitution, institutions, processes and procedures, but we do not have sufficient buy-in by the citizens,” she says.
Hishoono says Namibia has not made civic education part of its educational curriculum.
“If you look at other countries like Uganda, Zimbabwe and Ghana, they have civic education either as a commission or part of the curriculum.
“In Namibia, we have aspects of civic education in the curriculum, but they are mandatory and not markable. This means there is limited pressure for citizens from as early as 13 years old to learn about what it means to be a responsible citizen,” she says.
The project, titled ‘Strengthening Democratic Participation – Namibia Needs Me’, will be implemented by the NID and the Hanns Seidel Foundation.
The European Union (EU) has committed N$11 million to the project.
This amount includes 20% co-funding from the Hanns Seidel Foundation.
EU ambassador to Namibia Ana-Beatriz Martins has emphasised the importance of public knowledge around matters of governance and democracy.
“In a world where the principles of democracy are not only cherished, but also constantly tested, it becomes imperative that we equip ourselves, and particularly our youth, with the knowledge and skills necessary to engage meaningfully in the democratic process.
“Civic education plays an important role in this endeavour,” she says.
Martins was speaking at the launch of the project on Tuesday.
Hishoono says participatory democracy is rooted in the collective nature of governance within a democracy.
“Democracy is a group effort in which we all need to involve ourselves. Citizens and inhabitants need to engage their public and civil servants in matters of community development.
“It’s our taxpayer’s money which pays for their salaries. We as citizens vote the decision-makers into power. So, we are mandated to work with our office-bearers and hold each other accountable,” she said.
The project aims to raise awareness of the practical application of civic rights and responsibilities.
The activities listed under this project include dialogue events for university students and the public.
Training sessions for pupils, teachers and representatives of civil society organisations will also be held.
The project will select committed participants and give them an opportunity to enhance their advocacy skills for better engagement with their local communities.
The project has also launched a website.
The website will serve as a repository for educational content on matters of civic education in Namibia.
The content explores topics like human rights, elections, the rule of law and governance.
The project will to encourage Namibians to embrace their civic rights as the country approaches the forthcoming presidential and National Assembly elections in 2024, followed by regional council and local authority elections in 2025.
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