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Sierra Leone is strengthening its efforts to promote civic responsibility, citizen participation and national accountability as part of a broader drive to empower citizens to play a more active role in national development.
The country’s evolving approach to civic education was highlighted during an engagement in Canada involving Timothy Sam, Director of Civic Education and Citizens’ Engagement at the Ministry of Information and Civic Education (MoICE).
The discussion, hosted by the British Columbia Council for International Cooperation (BCCIC) and the University of the Fraser Valley’s Centre for Justice, Equity and Sustainable Action (JESA), examined how civic education can bridge the gap between citizens, government and civil society.
Sam shared lessons from Sierra Leone’s civic journey while outlining ongoing efforts to strengthen civic awareness and participation across the country.
At the centre of Sierra Leone’s current approach is the National Civic Education Strategy 2024-2030, which seeks to move civic education beyond traditional classroom learning and make it a more practical part of community life.
The strategy is being supported through initiatives including Civic Days, town hall meetings, school engagements, quizzes, debates and community outreach programmes designed to encourage citizens, particularly young people, to better understand their rights and responsibilities.
The Canadian engagement also highlighted the importance of partnerships in advancing inclusive development. Dr Catherine Liao of JESA presented the Global Affairs Canada-funded Championing Gender Equality and Inclusive Education in Sierra Leone project, while Dr Adetoun Ilumoka of BCCIC underscored the connection between civic education, civil society and meaningful citizen participation.
The discussions also acknowledged the challenges Sierra Leone has faced along its civic journey, reinforcing the need for continued efforts to promote accountability, national identity and responsible citizenship.
As the country moves forward, civic education is increasingly being positioned not simply as a government programme, but as a tool for empowering citizens to understand their role in shaping Sierra Leone’s future.
The message from the engagement was clear: building a stronger Sierra Leone requires citizens who are informed, engaged and willing to take responsibility for the country’s development.
