CITIZENSHIP EDUCATION

SS1 CIVIC EDUCATION NOTE FOR WEEK 8

CITIZENSHIP EDUCATION

Citizenship education can be defined as the provision of knowledge, skills  and understanding that make citizens to know their rights, duties and responsibilities in the society. It is a process of enlightening or training citizens on their rights and responsibilities.  Citizenship education is also a form of education given to citizens with a view to making them responsible individuals who are committed to the meaningful development of their society.

Citizenship education is concerned with three different elements. These are civic knowledge, civic skills and civic disposition.

CIVIC KNOWLEDGE refers to citizens’ understanding of the workings of the political system and of their own political and civic rights and responsibilities. Examples are right to vote and be voted for and right to freedom of expression. The responsibilities include respecting the rule of law, the right and interest of others.

CIVIC SKILLS are the citizen’s ability to analyze, evaluate, take and defend positions on public issues. It also includes the use of their knowledge to participate in civic and political processes. An example is to monitor government performance.

CIVIC DISPOSITION has to do with citizens’ traits that are required for a democracy. These include tolerance, willingness to listen and to negotiate.

IMPORTANCE OF CITIZENSHIP EDUCATION

1. It helps citizens to understand their duties, rights, responsibilities and opportunities.

2. It helps to equip young people to understand the consequences of their actions and those of adults around them.

3. It develops students’ ability to participate in community and wider societal activities as informed and responsible citizens.

4. It helps citizens especially youths to identify national problems and proffer solutions.

5. It produces enlightened youths who are politically and nationally conscious.

6. It instills in the youths high moral standard which are required for the development of the country.

7. It encourages national integration and nation building.

8. It prepares the youths for future leadership roles.

9. It informs citizens of the activities of government in a democratic society.

10. It educates citizens on the importance of rules and regulations in the society e.g. rule of law.