Liberian musicians Barsee and Com Cruz have been named Civic Champions as the Ministry of Education and Wahala Publishing House, Ltd. move to bring civic education back into Liberian schools after more than three decades.
The initiative is aimed at helping a new generation of Liberian children better understand their rights and responsibilities, national values, culture and the importance of good citizenship.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Cllr. Medina A. Wesseh, Chairperson of the Board of Directors of Wahala Publishing House, said civic education is returning to schools as a core and compulsory subject.
The program will initially focus on children from early childhood education through Grade 6. New textbooks and learning materials have been developed to teach students about their communities, rights, responsibilities, culture and the values that shape Liberian society.
Wesseh said the new curriculum is not a return to the old civics books used by previous generations. She said educators, researchers and teachers were involved in developing the materials, with greater attention given to Liberian culture, traditions, communities and everyday life.
The lessons are expected to help children understand their districts and communities, while also introducing them to the different cultures and traditions found across the country.
According to Wesseh, the return of civic education is also about rebuilding values that many believe are being lost in society, including respect for elders, the importance of education, responsibility to family and community, and love for country.
Liberia’s national symbols, including the national anthem and national pledge, are also a major part of the curriculum. Civic education jingles are being produced to support the campaign, with plans to translate them into major Liberian languages.
Barsee and Com Cruz are expected to use their music and public platforms to help take the message to young people and make civic education easier for children to understand and relate to.
The reintroduction of civics has also been dedicated to the late Dr. Amos Claudius Sawyer, former Liberian President, professor and statesman, who played a major role in developing the new Liberian Civics Curriculum and textbooks.
The dedication in the new materials describes the program as part of Dr. Sawyer’s long-held vision of a Liberia where citizens understand and exercise their civil liberties, including the rights to freedom, participation, knowledge and equality.
It also recognizes his commitment to making civic education available to Liberian children and recalls the words of his wife, Mrs. Thelma E. Duncan Sawyer: “All he wanted was to get the books into the hands of children.”
Wahala Publishing House says the new materials are intended to carry that vision forward.
The curriculum goes beyond teaching rights and responsibilities. It also seeks to help children understand Liberia’s cultural identity.
Wesseh said culture is more than traditional dances and ceremonies. It can also be seen in how Liberians live, relate to one another, welcome visitors, prepare food and pass customs and traditions from one generation to the next.
The cultural component of the program could also open the door for collaboration with other government institutions, including the Liberia National Tourism Authority.
Wesseh said Wahala Publishing House is exploring a formal working relationship with the tourism authority and has already held discussions with its Director General on possible areas of cooperation.
The initiative is also looking at the future of digital learning. Wahala Publishing House has previously explored ways to make educational materials available on tablets and other digital platforms.
But Wesseh acknowledged that poor access to electricity and technology, especially in rural communities, remains a major challenge.
The engagement of Barsee and Com Cruz as Civic Champions is expected to run initially for one year.
Organizers are hopeful that the involvement of the two musicians will help bring civic education closer to young people and encourage children to take greater interest in their country, their communities and their responsibilities as citizens.
For Liberia, the return of civics to the classroom is about more than adding another subject. It is an effort to raise a generation that understands where it comes from, knows its rights and responsibilities, respects its culture and is prepared to play a meaningful role in the country’s future.
