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The National Council for Civic Education and Democracy (NaCCED) has presented a bold budget request of NLE 26 million for the upcoming fiscal year, a figure that dramatically exceeds its official spending ceiling by over NLE 23 million.
The ambitious proposal was unveiled during the annual budget hearing at the Ministry of Finance on George Street, immediately sparking a debate on national priorities and financial constraints.
Representing NaCCED, Chairman Francis Kobi made a passionate case for the substantial allocation. He argued that civic education is a non-negotiable cornerstone for national development and stability.
“Our goal is to empower the youth and future leaders of Sierra Leone through comprehensive civic education,” Kobi stated forcefully. “We believe that investing in civic awareness now will yield long-term dividends.”
The proposed budget of SLE 26,927.5 million starkly contrasts with the government’s set ceiling of just SLE 3,671.3 million. Kobi detailed that the funds are critical for an aggressive national expansion plan, including:
Training a larger corps of teachersacross the country.
Extending civic education programsinto universities and colleges.
Establishing civic clubsin schools nationwide.
Equipping educatorswith modern tools to nurture informed, responsible citizens.
While NaCCED’s vision aims to create a more democratically engaged populace, the staggering budget excess has raised eyebrows among policymakers. The move puts pressure on the Ministry of Finance to balance this ambitious request against other pressing national needs and the principle of fiscal discipline.
Critics question the feasibility of such a large allocation, while supporters see it as a necessary investment in the country’s social fabric.
In response to potential concerns, Kobi reaffirmed NaCCED’s commitment to transparency. “We promise that every leone spent will be directed toward creating a more informed, responsible, and participatory citizenry,” he assured.
The Ministry of Finance will now review all budget proposals, with NaCCED’s request set to be a key point of discussion as the final Sierra Leone budget takes shape.
