National Council for Civic Education and Democracy

03/09/2026

SIGHTSAVERS LAUNCHES US$10,000 GRANTS FOR DISABILITY-LED CLIMATE ACTION.

Sightsavers Sierra Leone has on Tuesday 1st September launched a US$10,000 Micro Climate Innovation Grants initiative to empower persons with disabilities, particularly young people, to develop and lead innovative solutions to climate change and take a more active role in climate decision-making across Sierra Leone.

The initiative, launched during a stakeholder engagement in Freetown, seeks to address the growing impact of climate change on persons with disabilities, who often face additional barriers to accessing climate information, disaster preparedness and response systems, livelihoods and opportunities to participate in environmental and climate-related decision-making.

The Micro Climate Innovation Grants form part of the Climate Coalition Project and will support locally led initiatives that promote disability-inclusive climate resilience, strengthen the capacity of Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs), and demonstrate practical solutions that can be sustained, replicated or scaled.

The programme will focus on four districts, Western Area/Freetown, Karene, Kailahun and Pujehun, with indicative funding ceilings of up to US$4,000 for Western Area/Freetown and US$2,000 each for Karene, Kailahun and Pujehun. Sightsavers clarified that these figures represent maximum ceilings rather than guaranteed awards, with funding decisions based on the quality, relevance, feasibility, sustainability and potential impact of submitted proposals.

In her welcome and opening remarks, Sightsavers Sierra Leone Country Director, Tiangay Gondoe reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to disability inclusion and partnership-driven development. She highlighted the importance of creating opportunities for persons with disabilities to move beyond being beneficiaries of development programmes and become active leaders and contributors to solutions affecting their communities.

Rev. AbuBakar Sesay, Programme Officer for Inclusive Citizenship, provided an overview of the initiative and the rationale behind the grants. He noted that climate-related challenges such as flooding, extreme rainfall, coastal erosion, rising temperatures, environmental degradation and disaster risks can have disproportionate consequences for persons with disabilities.

He further stressed the need to strengthen the participation of persons with disabilities in climate processes, noting that barriers to information, emergency response mechanisms, mobility and livelihoods can increase their vulnerability during climate-related emergencies.

Country Procurement Lead Jusu Squire highlighted the key procurement processes, requirements and considerations governing the grant programme. He emphasised the importance of a transparent, fair and objective process in reviewing applications, noting that selection would be based on established criteria rather than personal relationships or affiliations.

The selection process will consider factors including innovation, relevance to climate action, sustainability, feasibility, organisational capacity, potential for scale, learning and impact, and the justification of proposed budgets and workplans. A review committee, with relevant technical expertise and partner representation, will assess submitted applications.

The initiative is open to eligible Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs), national OPD networks, youth-led disability organisations, women-led disability groups, emerging disability community groups and youth-led organisations that meaningfully include persons with disabilities.

Existing Sightsavers partners are also eligible to apply where they meet the requirements; however, being a current partner does not guarantee funding.
Sightsavers emphasised that sustainability will be a key consideration, encouraging applicants to propose solutions that can continue beyond the grant period, mobilise or generate additional resources where appropriate, and provide opportunities for replication or scale.

The programme also aims to strengthen collaboration between OPDs and climate actors while generating evidence and lessons that can contribute to wider advocacy and policy discussions on disability-inclusive climate action.

Key partners, including NaCCED and the Ministry of Youth Affairs, are expected to support dissemination and promotion of the opportunity, mobilise eligible organisations, contribute to monitoring and strengthen learning and collaboration throughout implementation. Other stakeholders and networks, including local councils and district youth officers, will support outreach to potential applicants, particularly in the targeted districts.

The Expression of Interest (EOI) opened on 1 September 2026 and will close on 15 September 2026. Application materials, including the EOI form, Terms of Reference, eligibility criteria and required supporting documents, will be shared through Sightsavers and its partner networks, social media platforms, local councils, district youth officers and other communication channels.

Applicants without reliable online access will also be supported through relevant district-level structures to ensure that eligible organisations are not excluded because of limited access to digital platforms.
Through the Micro Climate Innovation Grants, Sightsavers aims to demonstrate that persons with disabilities are not only among those most affected by climate change but can also be powerful leaders, innovators and agents of change in building resilient communities.

The initiative is expected to create a platform for disability-led climate solutions to emerge, strengthen partnerships and generate practical evidence that can contribute to more inclusive climate policies and programmes in Sierra Leone.

31/08/2026

NaCCED MONITORS CIVIC EDUCATION ROLLOUT IN EIGHT SCHOOLS IN KARENE

The National Council for Civic Education and Democracy (NaCCED) has concluded a monitoring exercise in eight schools across Karene District to assess the implementation of the updated civic education curriculum and strengthen inclusive civic education in schools.

The exercise brought together civic education teacher representatives from the participating schools, Chiefs, school authorities, Teaching Service Commission representatives and other community stakeholders at Rokulan Community, where participants reviewed progress made and discussed challenges affecting the effective delivery of civic education.
The monitoring exercise focused on the implementation of civic education modules at primary and secondary school levels, with particular attention to the participation and inclusion of learners with disabilities.

Speaking on the exercise, John Hindolo Langba, Monitoring and Evaluation Officer at NaCCED, provided an overview of the monitoring activities, explaining that the exercise was aimed at assessing how the updated civic education curriculum is being implemented in schools, identifying gaps and gathering recommendations to improve its delivery.

The exercise included visits to the participating schools, observation of age-range group dialogue sessions and debriefing discussions with teachers. NaCCED officials also engaged heads of schools, civic education teachers and Teaching Service Commission (TSC) representatives on the progress of implementation and the support required to make civic education more effective.

NaCCED’s Director Civic Education, Communication and Outreach, Mr. Alphan Tajawie explained that the monitoring exercise forms part of the SightSavers Social Inclusion project, which supports efforts to promote inclusive education and ensure that learners, including those with disabilities, are meaningfully included in school activities.

He noted the importance of monitoring the implementation of civic education at school level to ensure that the objectives of the project are being translated into practical outcomes for learners and communities.

Also speaking during the engagement, Mohamed Kamara, NaCCED’s Regional Coordinator for the North West Region, said his office continues to work closely with schools and other stakeholders to ensure that civic education is effectively implemented.
He emphasized the importance of collaboration among NaCCED, teachers, school authorities, communities and other education stakeholders in strengthening civic education and helping pupils understand their rights, responsibilities and duties as citizens.

Teachers participating in the exercise highlighted the positive impact of civic clubs on learners, particularly in raising awareness about citizenship, rights and responsibilities.

Fatmata Kargbo of Wuro Memorial Secondary School, Rokulan, said the civic clubs have helped pupils develop a better understanding of their roles as citizens.
“The civic club has raised awareness among the kids to know their roles, the rights and responsibilities as citizens of this country,” she said.

She further noted that the clubs have created an enabling environment where learners with and without disabilities can participate together.
According to Kargbo, the initiative has also helped address issues that previously affected the school environment while promoting greater understanding and inclusion among pupils.

Other teachers who participated in the exercise also appreciated the monitoring visit, saying it gave them an opportunity to share their experiences, identify challenges and discuss practical ways of improving the delivery of civic education.
Community stakeholders, including Chiefs, also expressed appreciation for the exercise and the opportunity to engage directly with schools on civic education.

They acknowledged the role communities can play in supporting schools, monitoring activities and encouraging pupils to practice the rights and responsibilities they learn through civic education.
Kargbo said community participation has been encouraging, noting that community members regularly attend meetings and engagements and have made commitments to collaborate with schools.

She said community members also help monitor agreed activities and remind pupils about their responsibilities.
While stakeholders highlighted the gains made, teachers also identified challenges that require attention, particularly limited opportunities for teacher training and inadequate teaching and learning materials.
Kargbo said only a few teachers are often selected to participate in civic education training, despite the availability of several teachers who could benefit from such capacity-building opportunities.
She called for training to be extended to more teachers so that knowledge gained can be shared with a larger number of pupils.
“If we give those trainings that some of us have gained to all the teachers, or the majority of the teachers, it will help all the kids to have equal understanding on civic education,” she said.

She also appealed for the provision of civic education books and other relevant teaching materials, noting that teachers have raised concerns about inadequate resources.
The stakeholders agreed that providing teachers with the necessary training and materials would improve the quality of civic education and enable schools to better prepare young people to become informed and responsible citizens.

The monitoring exercise concluded with a community dialogue at Rokulan, bringing together teachers, Chiefs and other stakeholders to reflect on the gains made, discuss challenges and identify practical recommendations for strengthening civic education in schools and communities.

The exercise is part of NaCCED’s ongoing efforts, in collaboration with partners, to strengthen civic education and promote an informed, responsible and inclusive citizenry across Sierra Leone.

27/08/2026

NaCCED Chairman Highlights Sierra Leone’s Civic and Electoral Education Efforts in Conakry

The Chairman of the National Council for Civic Education and Democracy (NaCCED), Joseph Munda Bindi, has highlighted Sierra Leone’s key initiatives and achievements in civic and electoral education since 2018 at a regional workshop in Conakry, Guinea.

Mr. Bindi was speaking at the Regional Workshop to Share Experiences and Best Practices on Civic and Electoral Education in West Africa, organized by the West Africa Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP) from August 26–27, 2026.

The workshop brings together participants from Guinea, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Nigeria, Benin and Senegal to share experiences and best practices and explore ways of strengthening civic and electoral education across the West African sub-region.

The opening ceremony was attended by the Chief of Cabinet of Guinea, the Minister of Decentralization and Community Affairs, a representative of the European Union Delegation to Guinea, and the WANEP Regional Representative, among other stakeholders.

During a panel discussion on “Specific Initiatives in Civic and Electoral Education Carried Out in Sierra Leone from 2018 to the Present Moment,” Mr. Bindi outlined the role of NaCCED in promoting an informed and responsible citizenry and strengthening democratic participation in Sierra Leone.

He explained that NaCCED was established in 2018 with the mandate to promote nationwide civic education, deepen democracy and good governance, strengthen national cohesion and support sustainable development through civic engagement, community mobilization and development communication.

Among the major initiatives highlighted by the NaCCED Chairman was the reintroduction of Civics as a subject in schools. He said NaCCED, in collaboration with the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education and development partners, developed a civics curriculum and textbooks, trained teachers and supported the teaching of Civics in schools.

Mr. Bindi said the initiative is intended to instill civic knowledge, democratic values, rights and responsibilities in children from an early age and help nurture responsible citizens for the future.

He also highlighted NaCCED’s role in supporting citizen participation in the 2021 Midterm Census, which faced challenges including misconceptions, misinformation and reluctance by some citizens to participate. Through nationwide sensitization conducted in collaboration with Statistics Sierra Leone, NaCCED engaged youths, community leaders and the general public to improve understanding and participation in the exercise.

The Chairman further pointed to NaCCED’s use of radio and television discussions to educate citizens about the National Constitution and their rights and responsibilities. Through programmes such as NaCCED Hour, citizens receive information on constitutional provisions, including freedom of assembly and association and the right to vote and be voted for.

Mr. Bindi said these programmes have helped make civic and constitutional information more accessible to citizens and supported informed decision-making and responsible participation in national affairs.

He identified NaCCED’s contribution to the 2023 Presidential, Parliamentary and Local Council Elections as another major area of intervention. The Council served on the National Elections Steering Committee and co-chaired the Civic and Electoral Education and Conflict Prevention Sub-committee.

Working with civil society organisations and other stakeholders, NaCCED conducted civic and electoral education and conflict-prevention activities targeting women, youths, first-time voters and marginalized groups in both urban and rural communities.

The interventions included radio and television programmes in Krio and other local languages, community outreach, engagement with traditional leaders, women’s and youth groups, voter education materials, edutainment and bulk text messaging.

According to Mr. Bindi, the initiatives resulted in improved awareness of voting procedures, greater access to electoral information outside urban areas, increased participation among women, young people and first-time voters, and reduced confusion about where, when and how to vote.

He added that the initiatives also increased public discussion on peaceful elections and responsible citizenship and contributed to reducing violence during electioneering and voting processes.

The NaCCED Chairman further disclosed that the Council participated in consultations on constitutional and electoral law reforms, which he said will help shape future civic and electoral education programmes as Sierra Leone prepares for the 2028 elections.

However, he acknowledged that civic and electoral education in Sierra Leone continues to face challenges, including poor coordination among stakeholders, the lack of a standardized training framework, inadequate funding, limited year-round engagement by CSOs and the media, and the spread of misinformation and disinformation through social media.

Mr. Bindi called for stronger coordination and sustained investment in civic and electoral education beyond election periods.

He said NaCCED is currently working with CSOs on programmes including regular radio discussions on the Constitution and Election Act under “Watin de Inside de Constitution,” the establishment of Civic Education Hubs in schools and communities, community dialogues, civic and electoral education programmes, and the development of stronger networks for civic and electoral education.

The NaCCED Chairman’s presentation provided Sierra Leone with an opportunity to share its practical experiences with fellow West African countries, while also highlighting lessons that could contribute to stronger, more inclusive and continuous civic and electoral education across the region.

25/08/2026

As we commemorate the birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him), NaCCED invites all citizens to reflect on his foundational teachings of peace, compassion and humility. These universal values serve as vital pillars for building a cohesive, tolerant, and progressive society.In the spirit of this sacred day, NaCCED encourages all Sierra Leoneans to strengthen the bonds of national unity and mutual respect.

May the blessings of this day inspire renewed dedication to patriotism, love for one another, and community service.

12/08/2026

of the week from His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio.

10/08/2026

CHAIRMAN BINDI OFFICIALLY WELCOMES UNESCO PROGRAMME SPECIALIST

The Chairman of the National Council for Civic Education and Democracy (NaCCED), Joseph Munda Bindi, alongside his team, has officially welcomed Mr. Kuany Kirr Kuany, Programme Specialist for the Education Sector at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, for a high-level strategic meeting.The discussions, held in Freetown, centered on strengthening partnerships and advancing the civic education agenda in Sierra Leone, with a strong focus on the critical role of education in sustaining peace and national cohesion.

In his welcoming address, Chairman Bindi underscored that global peace remains the bedrock of international stability, noting that many nations have experienced the devastating consequences of conflict. Reflecting on Sierra Leone’s own history, he referenced the 11-year civil war, emphasizing that the post-conflict period represents a crucial opportunity for all development partners.

"This is a pivotal moment for all stakeholders in peace and development," Chairman Bindi stated. "We are all critical players in fostering a culture of peace and national unity."

Providing an overview of NaCCED’s progress, Chairman Bindi noted that the council’s work extends beyond strategic frameworks. "We are committed to ensuring that civic education thrives not only in policy documents but in the very minds of patriotic citizens and within the walls of our classrooms," he said. He further stressed that education and peace are interwoven pillars of civic development, which is why NaCCED has made it a core responsibility to develop robust curricula for both formal and informal education systems.

Mr. Kuany Kirr Kuany acknowledged that the current engagement is not the first collaboration between UNESCO and NaCCED. He revealed that groundwork for this partnership began in 2023, following an official request from the Government of Sierra Leone for UNESCO’s technical assistance in civic education."UNESCO is prepared to provide substantial technical support to guide the processes needed for effective program delivery," Kuany stated.

He also highlighted that UNESCO has facilitated learning exchanges with other nations, such as Poland, where Sierra Leone’s Director of Curriculum Development and Training, Mr. Alphan Tajawie, benefited from shared best practices. Kuany further emphasized that since the mandates of NaCCED, the Ministry of Information and Civic Education (MoICE), and the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education (MBSSE) are closely interwoven, establishing a clear policy foundation and framework is vital for ensuring seamless implementation and better outcomes.

Echoing these sentiments, Director Curriculum Development and Training, Alphan Tajawie noted that civic education is one of the most relevant areas for collaboration at this point in Sierra Leone’s development journey. "Now, more than ever, partnerships like this are essential," he remarkedOther members of the NaCCED team also contributed to the discussions, providing updates on the council’s mandate and achievements since its establishment in 2018.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to deepen collaboration. Key documents, including the national curriculum framework, were shared with Mr. Kuany for review. Following his visit, UNESCO, in consultation with MoICE and MBSSE, will outline the next steps and finalize a roadmap for technical and policy support.

05/08/2026

NaCCED PARTICIPATES IN NATIONAL DPI PUBLIC-PRIVATE SECTOR DIALOGUE FORUM

ICT Officer at the National Council for Civic Education and Democracy, Moses Kavura is currently participating in a two day National Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) Public-Private Sector Dialogue Forum organized by the Ministry of Communication, Technology and Innovation at NaTCA Tower, IMATT.

The theme of the training is "Building Sierra Leone's Digital Trust and Transaction Infrastructure: Operationalizing the National Digital Identity and Digital Financial Infrastructure Partnership"

This high level forum is convened as part of the government of Sierra Leone's strategic partnership with Bhutan National Digital Identity (NDI) and SIGN Foundation, following the recently signed memorandum of understanding. The workshop aims to kick-start engagements for the operationalization of the National Digital Identity and Digital Financial Infrastructure program, a foundational pillar of Sierra Leone's broader Digital Public Infrastructure Agenda.

The two-day engagement brought together senior Government institutions, financial sector actors, technology companies, innovators, academia, Development Partners and international technical experts. The objective is to build a shared national understanding of Digital Public Infrastructure, Validate priority use cases, define institutional roles, and agree on governance and implementation arrangements.

04/08/2026

27/07/2026

NaCCED MAPS OUT NEW OPERATIONAL ROADMAP IN BO
The National Council for Civic Education and Democracy (NaCCED) has successfully concluded its highly anticipated 2026 Annual Staff Retreat at the Galliness Paradise Hotel in Bo City. The intensive two-day strategic engagement brought together key stakeholders, government officials, local authorities, Civil Society Organizations and staff members to critically assess institutional progress and chart a robust operational roadmap under the theme: “Civic Education and Engagement: A Catalyst for Service Delivery.”

In his opening address and overview of the retreat at the official opening ceremony, NaCCED Chairman Mr. Joseph Munda Bindi underscored the profound significance of the retreat, framing it as a pivotal moment for the institution to recalibrate its systems.
"In order to execute a truly nationwide civic engagement initiative that resonates with the diverse population of Sierra Leone, we must first understand what resonates with our people at the grassroots level," Chairman Bindi emphasized. He proudly highlighted the landmark achievement of integrating civic education as a formal subject in all government and government-assisted schools across all sixteen districts, a joint success with the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education (MBSSE).

Addressing the gathering on behalf of the
Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on Information and Civic Education, Hon. Rugiatu Rosy Kanu, the Member of Parliament representing Bonthe District, Hon. Jibrila Sur Moijueh, delivered a powerful message underscoring that no government can achieve lasting success without an informed population.“Civic education transforms citizens from passive recipients into active partners in governance,” Hon. Moijueh asserted. “When our people understand their rights and responsibilities, hold public institutions accountable, and engage in community development, service delivery becomes more effective, transparent, and inclusive.”

The lawmaker noted that the retreat’s agenda aligns closely with Sierra Leone’s National Development Plan (2024–2030) and UNESCO’s Global Citizenship Education framework for 2030. While commending the collaborative strides made by NaCCED staff, Parliament, civil society, and the media, Hon. Moijueh issued a firm call for intensified field operations, urging that civic awareness campaigns must pe*****te deep rural communities and meaningfully include youth, women, and persons with disabilities.
Echoing the call for public participation, the Chief Education Officer of the MBSSE, Mr. Edward Kpakra, challenged the audience on the limits of independent state action. "When citizens transition from being mere observers to becoming genuine partners in the development process, they evolve into responsible citizens for life," Mr. Kpakra remarked.

Adding a structural perspective, the Principal Executive Adviser to the President and Head of the Public Sector Reform Unit, Dr. Emmanuel Gaima, called for a wholesale national consciousness regarding civic responsibilities. He urged NaCCED staff to target values, behaviors, and positive attitudes as the bedrock of civic consciousness while forming strategic partnerships across state institutions to rebrand Sierra Leone.

The Deputy Minister of Information and Civic Education, Mr. Abdel Aziz Bawoh, in his keynote address reiterated his ministry's unwavering commitment to overseeing and supporting NaCCED. Drawing a sobering reference to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) report, Mr. Bawoh reminded the gathering that civic ignorance, misinformation, and disinformation were root causes of past conflict. He stressed the urgent need to expand citizen engagement to counter modern technological threats, including the rapid proliferation of Artificial Intelligence.

From an administrative angle, the Senior Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Civic Education, Andrew Kamara, noted that civic education and citizen engagement have become more important than ever in strengthening democratic governance and improving service delivery.He stated that NaCCED occupies a strategic position in fostering an informed, engaged, and responsible citizenry whilst emphasizing that the work of NaCCED is central to the realization of the Government's objectives.
Kamara described the retreat theme, "Civic Education and Engagement: A Catalyst for Service Delivery," as both timely and appropriate, pointing out that effective service delivery is a shared responsibility requiring informed citizens who understand their rights.

Acknowledging that significant progress has been witnessed in civic engagement initiatives across the country over the past few years, he stressed the need to continue adapting to emerging challenges and opportunities. In the area of capacity building, he urged staff of NaCCED to develop practical strategies to strengthen institutional capacity and enhance the impact of civic education programs. He reaffirmed the Ministry's full commitment to supporting NaCCED in the discharge of its mandate, whilist calling on participants to think boldly about leveraging innovation and strengthening community engagement.

Other stakeholders who made valuable contributions at the opening session include the Resident Minister of Southern Region, Mr. John Abu, Bo District Council Chairman, Mr. Victor Kosseh Hindowa, representative Hawa Sia Taylor of the Regent Chief of Kakua Chiefdom and madam Evelyn Turay who represented the Women’s Forum Sierra Leone Bo District Coordinator from the CSO network.
The Resident Minister, Chief John Abu, underscored that effective service delivery remains a core mandate of his office, emphasizing a dual responsibility: not only ensuring that constituents tangibly benefit from government programs but also actively equipping them to contribute meaningfully to the locality’s developmental agenda. "Our people view us as a pillar of support in matters of governance," he stated. "However, beyond providing that support, civic education is critical—it fosters the understanding that development is a shared effort and ensures our communities are well-informed participants in the process."

Addressing the growing influence of technology, the Minister cautioned that while artificial intelligence offers numerous advantages, its darker applications—particularly the creation of fabricated images, fake videos, and misleading content—pose a significant threat to public trust and social cohesion. He noted that citizens in rural villages, who may lack the digital literacy to discern fact from fiction, are especially vulnerable to such manipulations. As a result, he called on all citizens to practice responsible citizenship: to verify information before sharing, rely on official channels for news, and collectively guard against the spread of disinformation. Only by doing so, he concluded, can communities safeguard their democratic processes and maintain the integrity of the development dialogue

The two-day brainstorming sessions produced a roadmap in the following major outcomes such as a comprehensive institutional diagnostic report on NaCCED produced, a review of a well-structured organogram and human resource management manual developed, review of strategic Communication Framework designed.To strategically place NaCCED at the center of Civic Education the Strategic Plan was reviewed and properly aligned with the Midterm National Development Plan (MTNDP 2024-2030)

It was also finalized that a framework for the establishment and operationalization of Civic Education Hub in schools will be developed.A Strategic Pillars for nationwide civic education and NaCCED Flagship programmes developed together with a proposal and roadmap for amendment of the NaCCED Act 2022 formulated
The retreat concluded by producing resolutions which is referred to as “Bo Galiness Declaration”. The comprehensive frameworks developed during these sessions will serve as the operational foundation for NaCCED in the coming years, ensuring the institution remains at the forefront of democratic renewal and public accountability in Sierra Leone.