Monrovia — Liberian musicians Barsee and Com Cruz have been signed as Civic Champions as the Ministry of Education and Wahala Publishing House, Ltd. move to reintroduce civic education in Liberian schools after more than three decades.
The initiative, led by Wahala Publishing House, Ltd. in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, seeks to strengthen civic knowledge, national values, cultural appreciation and responsible citizenship among Liberian children.
Speaking at the ceremony marking the signing of Barsee and Com Cruz, Cllr. Medina A. Wesseh, Chairperson of the Board of Directors of Wahala Publishing House, Ltd., said civic education is being restored as a core and compulsory subject in Liberian schools.
The initiative is focused particularly on early childhood through Grade 6, with new civic education textbooks and materials developed to help children understand their rights and responsibilities, their communities, culture and the values that shape Liberian society.
Wesseh said the new curriculum is different from the civics materials used by previous generations. The new books were developed with the involvement of educators, researchers and teachers and place greater emphasis on Liberian culture, values, communities and everyday social interactions.
The curriculum seeks to help students understand their districts, communities and the diverse cultures and traditions across Liberia.
Wesseh said civic education is also intended to help restore values in society, including respect for elders, appreciation for education, responsibility to family and community and love for country.
The initiative places particular emphasis on Liberia’s national symbols, including the national anthem and national pledge. Civic education jingles are being produced as part of the campaign, with plans to translate them into Liberia’s major tribal languages.
Barsee and Com Cruz are expected to use their platforms as musicians and Civic Champions to help make the civic education message more accessible and relatable to young Liberians.
The reintroduction of civics is also being dedicated to the legacy of Dr. Amos Claudius Sawyer, former President, professor and statesman, who played a leading role in the development of the new Liberian Civics Curriculum and Textbooks.
According to the dedication in the new civic education materials, Dr. Sawyer envisioned a Liberia where citizens understand and exercise their civil liberties, including their rights to freedom, participation, knowledge and equality.
The dedication recognizes his work to ensure that Liberian children have access to civic education and describes the reintroduction of civics as the realization of a vision he pursued for years.
It states that the occasion would not have been possible without Dr. Sawyer’s passion, love and dedication to Liberia and his commitment to ensuring that children could learn, grow and become better citizens and leaders through civic education.
The dedication also recalls the words of Dr. Sawyer’s wife, Mrs. Thelma E. Duncan Sawyer, who said, “All he wanted was to get the books into the hands of children.”
Wahala Publishing House says the new civic education materials are intended to carry that vision forward by putting civic knowledge in the hands of Liberian children.
Beyond civic responsibility, the curriculum incorporates Liberia’s cultural heritage and traditions. Wesseh explained that culture should not only be viewed through traditional dances but also through the way Liberians live, interact, welcome visitors, conduct ceremonies, prepare food, and pass traditions from one generation to another.
She said civic education provides an important platform for young Liberians to understand and appreciate these aspects of their identity.
The initiative is also expected to create opportunities for collaboration with other government institutions, including the Liberia National Tourism Authority, because of the strong cultural component of the curriculum.
Wesseh said Wahala Publishing House intends to establish a formal relationship with the tourism authority and has already engaged its Director General on possible areas of collaboration.
The initiative is also looking toward digital education. Wahala Publishing House has previously explored digitizing its educational materials, including discussions around making learning materials available through tablets and other digital platforms.
However, Wesseh noted that limited access to electricity and technology, particularly in rural Liberia, remains a challenge that must be considered as the country expands digital learning.
The engagement of Barsee and Com Cruz as Civic Champions is initially expected to run for one year, with organizers hoping their involvement will help make civic education more accessible and relatable to young people.
The reintroduction of civics marks a step-in effort to strengthen civic awareness among a new generation of Liberians, with the program seeking to build citizens who understand their rights, responsibilities, culture and role in Liberia’s development.
