Bring back civics in the classroom

The Ministry of Education is again being urged to restore civics as a part of the curriculum in the nation's schools in an effort to bring about greater national pride and increased participation in the democratic process.

Speaking at a Gleaner Youth Forum last week, Llofraun Thompson, registrar of political parties at the Electoral Commission of Jamaica (ECJ) argued that a return to the teaching of civics in schools is an important step to arrest voter apathy, to instil greater respect, to change antisocial norms, and to enhance pride in country.

"I absolutely think it will and it can! What civics does, in the first place, is that it gives a sense of pride in the history of one's country and the culture that you share with the people among whom you exist. It also highlights the value of national pride and helps to build national consensus throughout that society," said Thompson.

"And I think that if we reach our young persons in the schools, informing them about the history of our country, the democratic process we have endured, where it is that we came from in terms of gaining adult suffrage, from having a society where only some could vote, and fast-forward to today, where that vote is free for all to participate in, then our young people need to be directed to the things that really matter."

Policy and advisory officer at Jamaica Youth Advisory Network, attorney-at-law Christopher Harper, echoed Thompson's position as he argued that the absence of civics from the classroom has created a cruel vacuum that has ripped from the consciousness of the people the need to believe in the democratic ideals of the nation through direct participation.

"I have been hearing that narrative about us not going back down the road in terms of teaching civics, but you better believe me when I say we need to because right now, the conversation we are having is that one must vote for who you want to take charge of the Government. But democracy is much more than voting. It is all about the political process, governance, the Constitution, the judiciary and the justice system, and all of these working together to create a well-run society," said Harper.

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Thompson argued that civics in schools would imbue young Jamaicans with a sense of pride and a philosophy that would see them wanting to become involved in how the country is governed, its democratic construction, and its preservation.

She argued that doing away with civics as a subject in the educational system was a mistake that has positioned the nation's children at a distinct disadvantage.

According to Thompson, without a civics base, many Jamaicans have developed a don't-care posture and seem not too aware of their role as a people within the society.

"So was it a disadvantage when we scrapped civics? The answer has to be, unequivocally, yes. It should return as part of the high school curriculum," declared Thompson.

Harper also told the forum that he found that many young people were unprepared for life as a productive member of society as many do not know their duty as citizens in the democracy, and many cannot even explain what the Constitution is.

According to Harper, citizens can be of greater value to the country's democratic system if they are aware of the various nuances.

He further argued that civics would aid the political process and redound to the benefit of all.

paul.clarke@gleanerjm.com