NCCE suggests civics should be part of school curriculum

Ejisu (Ash), Dec 15, GNA- The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) has suggested the re-introduction of civics as a subject in the curriculum of basic schools in view of its importance in social life.

Mr Johnson Opoku, Ejisu-Juaben District Director of NCCE, who made the suggestion, said teaching of civics as a subject in schools, would help broaden pupils outlook on civic issues.

Mr Opoku was speaking at separate programmes organised by the NCCE for the Ejisu Saint John's Anglican Church, the Catholic Christian Mothers Association at Tikrom and the Boankra community at the weekend. The programme was designed to sensitise identifiable groups and the local communities on children's rights and parental responsibility under the constitution.

Mr Opoku admitted that even though some subjects cater for some aspects of civics and social issues, they were not detailed enough to enhance pupils appreciation of civic rights and the responsibilities. The NCCE District Director said in the interim, the district secretariat had decided to embark on a programme to institute civic classes in schools in the district from January 2004.

Mr Opoku said the classes are not part of the official curriculum of schools but, "we plan negotiating with school authorities for the use of part of the worship period of schools for the civic classes". Mrs Ama Konadu Afram, the NCCE district officer in-charge of research, said as part of its measures to enlighten schools more about the constitution the NCCE had formed civic education clubs in some schools in the district.

She advised parents to ensure that they are also responsible because rights go along with corresponding responsibility.