Civics education necessary for responsible citizenship

THE EDITOR, Madam:

The Ministry of Education should be commended for their efforts to reintroduce civics into school curricula. This is a significant step towards shaping responsible citizens from their formative years.

However, the success of this initiative crucially relies on the support and active participation of all stakeholders, including policymakers, educators, and the community. The renewed focus on civics directly responds to the country’s pressing social challenges, such as crime and violence, corruption, and social and political disengagement. Reintroducing civics in the curriculum emphasises the development of students’ virtues and intellectual competencies to be informed and engaged citizens, thereby shaping a responsible and active citizenry.

Civics taught many of us about the country’s Constitution, government roles, and citizens’ responsibilities. However, subjects such as STEM gained prominence and diminished the significance of civics. The civics curriculum was integrated into other subjects, such as social studies, which minimised its value and importance.

Efforts to reintroduce civics reflect initiatives in other countries where civic education is a priority. For example, 38 states require a stand-alone high school civics course in the United States, and six require a full year of civics. In Finland, civic education focuses on human rights, democracy, critical thinking, and ethical reasoning.

In Europe, civic education fosters a sense of social responsibility and shared values in young people to protect them from alienation and radicalisation. Evaluation of civic education shows improved self-efficacy and tolerance. Studies also show that civic education works best when people from different social groups respectfully debate their differences. However, fully accepting the curriculum can only be achieved in an environment without segregation. Students may view civic education as disingenuous if the people implementing and delivering the curriculum conduct do not cohere with their lived experiences.

For Jamaica to succeed in its civic efforts to reduce the high levels of incivility and lack of respect. The government must maintain momentum, offer training to teachers and other stakeholders, and adapt to the evolving political and social landscape. Through effective collaboration between educational authorities and civil society, students will comprehend the pride, dignity, and seriousness of being a Jamaican, paving the way for a more engaged and responsible citizenry.

DELORIS MURRAY-STERLING

Lecturer, School of

Business Administration

University of Technology,

Jamaica