Civics and Service International

03/22/2023

03/21/2023

Education is the key to transforming a nation. Civics and Service International has been working with schools across Liberia for over eight years. As CSI seeks to improve Liberia's civic space, it is using all innovative approaches to strengthen democracy, peacebuilding, and good governance in Liberia. In mid-March, 2023, CSI intensified its Civic Club initiative @ B.W. Harris and will continue with other schools. This initiative focuses on the promotion of community service- knowing their rights and responsibilities. Students are being trained to identify socio-economic and political challenges. They will be equipped with the right problem-solving skills to provide services in their communities. Civics and Service International Country Director, Otis Bundor led the team as they reasoned with students who were excited about this initiative. Open Society-Africa USAID/Liberia UNICEF Liberia Prutus Sackie UNDP Liberia UN Women Liberia National Endowment for Democracy U.S. Embassy Monrovia, Liberia

03/21/2023

OHCHR | The Sharpeville Massacre - standing up against racism.

Today is the International Day of the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. We honor peaceful demonstrators who were killed while standing against apartheid in South Africa. Citizens around the world today continue to stand against everyday racism. LAW+YOU civics education teaches students in Liberia about justice and how to stand up for the rights of all people. https://loom.ly/HeLm5Ms

March 21, globally is marked as the International Day for the Elimination against Racism. We remember victims of the 1960, Sharpeville, Massacre, in South Africa. We hear the voices of survivors - of the peaceful protests, who stood up against racism.

03/08/2023

On October 24, 1916, the National Legislature declared the second Wednesday in March of each year as Decoration Day. It is a day set aside to observed our love ones who died.

As we observe today as Decoration Day, Civics and Service International extends its condolences to all those who lost their love ones. Let's take out time to remember them.

03/08/2023

Happy International Women's Day to all women. As the world thrives to eradicate gender inequality, Civics and Service International is contributing immensely in promoting gender parity through its flagship programs- LAW+YOU-academic, LAW+YOU-radio, and the LAW+YOU-community programs. To build an inclusive and sustainable society, women must be given seats at the high table to discuss issues affecting society.

03/07/2023

Civics and Service International is pleased to celebrate a member of our Liberia's team, one of the hosts of the LAW+YOU Radio program, Mr. Moses Garzeawou for his preferment as Correspondent of the British Broadcasting Corporation to Liberia. Congratulation Mr. Garzeawou keep contributing to the Motherland, Liberia.

02/22/2023

Why is public health part of civics? Because it takes all of us!

And what's the number one thing you can do to keep your community safe and healthy?

02/20/2023

What is your definition of social justice?

Social justice advocate Bryan Stevenson said: “The opposite of poverty is justice.” Civics education in Liberia teaches students that eliminating the inequity in society will take each one of us participating and working toward a more just and inclusive democracy.

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02/14/2023

CSI continues its LAW+YOU Community Program in 72nd and Garnersville communities. During the program, participants were taught about their identity, roles, responsibilities, strengths, community and acceptance, etc. The essence of this program is to educate community dwellers, especially those who have not achieved formal education to know about their civic roles and responsibilities. Bundor

02/13/2023

The media has withstood difficult times in disseminating information globally. As a tool used to inform citizens about their rights and responsibilities at Civics and Service International through our LAW+YOU Radio program, we are glad to celebrate this day and encourage everyone to join us in celebrating this day. Happy World Radio Day!!!!!! Let's use our voices to promote peace, a transparent society, and good governance.

01/17/2023

CSI takes civic education to communities through its LAW+YOU Community Program. This program enables people who don't know about Civics- human rights, roles and responsibilities of Liberian citizens, governance, etc to learn and become active and informed citizens. Today was a great day in West Point with more than 77 participants in attendance. Topics covered include conflict resolution, citizenship, and democracy. Join us as we visit the trenches to transform our society.

12/31/2022

Amidst the challenges, 2023 has been a success for us at CSI. We've many good things such as the LAW+YOU Radio, LAW+YOU-Out of school, and the LAW+YOU Academic civic programs. We are grateful to all of our partners, volunteers and beneficiaries. Let's welcome the New Year with optimism and high positive energy to create a wholesome functioning society. Together, we can build the rightful civic space for everyone.

12/08/2022

Civics and Service International starts its LAW+YOU Community program in West point yesterday with close to 80 persons in attendance. With huge enthusiasm, the people of West point welcome CSI's Team and appreciate the need for the program, especially during this time when Liberians are in dire need of civic knowledge to promote good governance.

Amongst its many programs, the LAW+YOU-Out of School- Community program is one of CSI's flagship programs. The institution runs the LAW+YOU Radio program and the LAW+YOU Academic program. These programs build the capacity of citizens to know their civic responsibilities and rights. CSI will execute this program for the next 10 months in 10 different communities in Montserrado and other counties. Please join us and let's make Liberia a better place.

Together we #EMPOWER#ELEVATE

11/30/2022

Women and girls face many challenges in their homes, schools, and workplaces. According to the United Nations, 30% of women and girls experience Gender-based violence globally. In continuation of this year's 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, with the theme, "UNiTE! Activism to End Violence Against Women and Girls", Civics and Service International encourages everyone to speak against vices that affect the growth of women in national decision-making processes.

In support of gender parity, Civics and Service International through its LAW+YOU programs strengthen the capacity of women to lead and make their voice heard. Let's work together to make the world a better place for everyone.

08/24/2022

As Liberian celebrates Liberia's 175th Flag Day, Civics and Service International entends happy best wishes to all Liberians. Let's know our rights and responsibilities to the state. Please keep your community clean.

07/26/2022

Liberia celebrates its 175th Independence Day, today. As Liberians commemorate this day, it is essential for them to reflect on the gains made in strengthening the country's democracy and its civic space. Furthermore, Liberians must reflect on challenges that have hindered good governance, democracy, human rights and identify solutions that will serve as a catalyst to the transformation of Liberia. Happy Independence Day to all Liberians. Civics and Service International encourage you to celebrate this day peacefully and show love to one another. Together we envision, elevate and empower our community. celebrates

07/15/2022

Early today, July 15, 2022, Mr. Otis S. Bundor representing Civics and Service International (CSI) as its Country Director, and Minister D. Ansu Sonii of the Ministry of Education formally signed a Memorandum of Understanding between the two institutions. Civics and Service International formerly called Child Steps International, the Governance Commission and the Ministry of Education have been working on the development of the Civics curriculum for junior and senior classes (7th – 12th grade) since 2013. It has come a long way since this process started. Nevertheless, today marks a historic chapter in Liberia’s education system. CSI and Star Longman Liberia have agreed to publish the LAW+YOU – Rights and Responsibilities of Liberian Citizens for junior and senior schools while the Ministry of Education, Republic of Liberia and its partners will procure these textbooks. It is expected that the LAW+YOU Textbooks will be available on the market in few months.

CSI is a nonprofit organization that was founded on the belief that even people and societies that experienced unimaginable trauma can recover and empower themselves to live sustainably, peacefully, and democratically.
CSI empowers youth and adults to become tomorrow’s leaders through civics education and leadership programs. It created a comprehensive, interactive civics education program that teaches Liberians of all ages about laws, government structure, justice, and peacebuilding, as well as their rights and responsibilities. In partnership with the Ministry of Education, Republic of Liberia, and with the support of the Open Society Initiative for West Africa (OSIWA), CSI piloted the middle and high school curriculum, LAW+YOU, in 40 schools across Liberia. In total, CSI trained 70 teachers and reached 10,000 students with civics education in schools.

Furthermore, in 2020, the Liberian Ministry of Education made LAW+YOU civics the approved curriculum for junior and senior high schools across Liberia. During its rollout program, CSI conducted a 4-day training for 84 school administrators- County Education Officers (CEOs), District Education Officers (DEOs), and civics teachers in Monrovia.

Congratulations to everyone for the support including our partner, Open Society Initiatives of West Africa.

07/01/2022

The University of Liberia is the oldest tertiary institution in the country. It has produced great minds that are contributing immensely to Liberia, Africa and the world. Dr. Dugbeh Chris Nyan, an inventor of the Rapid Multiplex Diagnostic Test for Infectious Diseases and Dr. Masoka Fallah, a scientist who is working on the Ebola Vaccine are examples.

Mr. Eric Patten is the Acting Secretary General of the University of Liberia and he has accepted Civics and Service International invitation to sit on the LAW+YOU Radio platfrom. After several months of closure, the University has reopened. Hence, Mr. Patten will speak to the public on the topic, "The role and responsibilities of ULFA in providing quality education to students of the University of Liberia".

Recently, the Association called for the removal of Dr. Julius S. Nelson as President of the University of Liberia. To know more of this, follow the LAW+YOU Radio program today at 1:30pm on ELBC, 99.9 FM.

06/28/2022

Today, the people of Lofa County, one of Liberia's 15 political subdivisions go to a by-election to elect their senator. It has come a long way since Mr. Brownie Samukai, an erstwhile Defense Minister of Liberia was convicted by the Supreme Court for the mismanagement of soldiers' funds. In the 2020 Special Senatorial Election, he was overwhelmingly elected to represent the interest of Lofa in the Senate. However, he was not successful based on the ruling. Despite members of the opposition claiming that the ruling was unfair, the senate mandated the National Elections Commission to conduct a free, fair, and transparent by-election in Lofa.

Hence, the National Elections Commission evaluated and qualified 6 aspirants. The names of the six candidates are as followed:

1. Hon. Mariamu Fofana- Lawmaker, House of Representative- IND

2. Momo Cyrus- IND

3. Cllr. Joseph Jallah- IND

4. Galakpa Kortima- Unity Party

5. Sumo Kupee- People Unification Party

6. George G. Samah - Lawmaker- House of Representatives- IND

Civics and Service International , is proud that citizens of Lofa are given the opportunity to elect a senator of their choice. We encourage citizens to execute their civil rights and stay away from electoral violence. All institutions involved in the process must act with care.

06/16/2022

Liberia has made some gains in addressing discrimination as it relates to gender parity, disabilities, religious tolerance, genetical, issues ( Albinos), etc.

In spite of the gains, more have to be done to bridge the gap in providing equal access to financial resources, service delivery, and the governance of the state.

To amplify the voices of minorities, Civics and Service International has invited the Executive Director of Liberia Albino Society, Madam Patricia Logan to sit on the LAW+YOU Radio program and share issues affecting albinos in Liberia. She will speak on the theme, " Building a society free of discrimination". The Liberia Albino Society recently petitioned the Liberia Legislature to enact laws that will enhance albinos' participation in national decision-making and improve the welfare of all albinos in Liberia.

The LAW+YOU Radio program is aired on ELBC 99.9 FM every Friday. You are encouraged to listen to the program and make your contribution tomorrow at 1:30pm. Let's promote the fight against discrimination as we thrive to build a wholesome functional society for all.

06/03/2022

Cllr. Margaret Nigba, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Her Voice-Liberia, a nonprofit organization, and an Executive Member of the Association of Female Lawyers of Liberia shared the LAW+YOU Radio platform with Civics and Service International 's Team. She shares her legal expertise with our listening audience. Click this link and listen to a repeat of the program. Cllr. Nigba spoke in the capacity of the Head of Her Voice- Liberia. https://bit.ly/3teXiv4

06/02/2022

It is easier to hear about other laws such as criminal law, constitutional law, environmental law, and civil law, Civics and Service International goes deeper to know why there isn't sufficient publicity about Liberia’s Domestic Relations Law/ Inheritance Law (Family Law). We also want you to know how citizens can build stronger family values with the full integration of the above laws in communities. Cllr. Margret Nigba, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of ‘Her Voice’ and an Executive Member of the Association of Female Lawyers of Liberia (AFELL) has accepted the invitation of CSI to share her expertise with the listening audience. Cllr. Nigba will talk about the legal roles and responsibilities of parents- what are the roles of fathers and mothers and how poor parenting has affected the socio-fabric of our society. Zogos and Zogees (disadvantaged youth) are all the streets and communities creating instabilities and causing fear for citizens. Join us tomorrow, Friday, at 1:30 pm on ELBC 99.9 FM. You can phone in to know if it’s only the mother's responsibility to care for the child or if it is only the father who is responsible for financial support. If you know anyone whose current or former spouse traveled to another country (USA, France, England, Nigeria, etc) and has abandoned their (fatherly or motherly) roles and responsibilities, tell them to listen to the program and contribute. You are also encouraged to comment in the section below.

USAID/Liberia United Nations Development Programme - UNDP

05/31/2022

It was an honor to host the Superintendent of the Monrovia Consolidated Schools System (MCSS), Mr. Isaac Zawolo on the LAW+YOU Radio program. He provided many revelations about why civic education is important in transforming Liberia- building a patriotic society, preparing citizens to fight against corruption, and improving citizens' welfare. He asserted that MCSS has dismissed some instructors who operated on fake credentials (master's degrees) for over 23 years. Click the link below to get more of what was revealed on the LAW+YOU Radio program. https://bit.ly/3x2fhqG

05/26/2022

At the fulcrum of Civics and Service International is civic education. We have achieved many gains through three of our flagship programs- LAW+YOU School, LAW+YOU Community and LAW+YOU Radio programs.

To talk more about Civics, we have invited the Superintendent of the Monrovia Consolidated School System (MCSS), Mr. Isaac S. Zawolo. He will speak on the topic: " The importance of civic education in building a vibrant democracy". You might have some questions or comments to inquire about Liberia's education system and how we can make it work. Join the LAW+YOU Radio program on ELBC, 99.9 FM tomorrow at 1:30 pm. Together we can make Liberia a better place for all.

05/24/2022

In a effort to reintroduce the LAW+YOU Community program, Civics and Service International will be training 32 tribal governors and their 32 associates in basic civic education, human rights, democracy, Liberia's constitution, etc. It is expected that after the training, these governor will return to their counties to train members of their constituents. CSI looks forward to a better working relationship with the Tribal Governor Council.

05/12/2022

The academic calendar for 2021/2022 is reaching its end and most schools are writing their 4th-period test. At the inception of every school year, CSI sent team members to discuss the teaching of the LAW+YOU- Rights and Responsibilities of Liberian Citizens. In continuation of said engagement, a member of our staff, Otis S. Bundor has embarked on the visitation of schools that are teaching the LAW+YOU Civic textbook. On May 12, 2022, he visited the B.W.Harris Episcopal School and had fruitful discussion with teachers from the Social Science Division- Social Studies, Civics and History. Among other things, they discussed the need for students to keep providing community services in their communities based on activities in the LAW+YOU textbooks. Using the CSI's teaching methodology of Interactive Teaching was also highlighted. It was amazing to meet them. As displayed in the photo from left to right we have the following persons:

1. Otis S. Bundor- Civics and Service International
2. William Vah - Social Studies Instructor - Upper Elementary
3. James Ndorbor - Social Studies Instructor/Civics - Junior High
4. Mr. Nathaniel Wreh - Civics/Histroy - Senior High

Hopefully next week we will visit other schools. Let's make Liberia better place for all. Together we Envision, Elevate and Empower society to function properly.

05/12/2022

Mr. Anderson Miamen, Executive Director of the Center for Transparency and Accountability in Liberia (CENTAL) has honored our invitation to sit on the LAW+YOU Radio program on ELBC, 99.9 FM tomorrow at 1:30pm. He will speak on Liberia Corruption Perspection Index/ Report 2021. Mr. Miamen will share the gains or losses Liberia has made in the fight against corruption. He will also share CENTAL's position on the alleged corruption saga at the Liberia Institute of Statistics & Geo-Information Services (LIGIS). You don't want to miss it. Join us and let's make Liberia a better place for all. You can provide your comments below and we will read them during the radio program.

05/09/2022

Thanks for educating the public about the importance of paying taxes, Mr. Daniel Ankrah. Just in case you missed the program, please click the link below as the Manager of Communication, Media and Public Affairs at the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) made some interesting revelations. https://bit.ly/3siCVN5

05/04/2022

A society is a representation of the way its inhabitants think. To build a better society, the mindset of citizens must be transformed into a positive director. To educate our listening audience, CSI invited Dr. Akiah P. Glay on the LAW+YOU Radio program to speak on the topic, "How to transform the mindset of society?" Click the link to listen to the program, https://bit.ly/3scnrKq

05/03/2022

Happy World Press Freedom Day to all media personnel. The theme for this year- 2022 event is, "Journalism under Internet Siege". At Civics and Service International, we run the LAW+YOU Radio program on ELBC 99.9 FM every Friday. Experts are invited to speak on civic-related issues- democracy, corruption, accountability, role and responsibilities of Liberian citizens, etc. Let's build independent media institutions.