Burkina Faso: Civic education, an essential tool for instilling civic values in young people

Starting the 2024-2025 academic year, Burkina Faso is set to overhaul its educational system with the integration of civic education into the curricula for general education beyond primary school, secondary education, and technical and vocational training.

This transformative initiative, announced on September 3, 2024, by the Ministry of Secondary Education and Technical and Vocational Training, signifies a major shift in the country’s approach to nurturing future citizens.

This reform goes beyond mere academic adjustment. The inclusion of civic education represents a strategic effort to instill republican values, civic responsibility, and social consciousness among the youth.

Scheduled to be taught for two hours per week with a coefficient of two, this subject is now a critical component of the educational framework.

The impact of introducing civic education could be profound. By embedding core principles of citizenship into the educational experience from an early age, the program aims to cultivate responsible behavior, promote community engagement, and strengthen national identity.

Students will learn not only about their rights and duties but also about the importance of law, solidarity, tolerance, and environmental respect, equipping them to be proactive and informed members of society.

In a time when issues of social cohesion and citizen participation are increasingly pressing, this reform is poised to foster a new generation of Burkinabe committed to contributing to their nation’s development.

Civic education, by laying a foundation of ethical and moral values, promises to enhance societal justice, solidarity, and prosperity.

Overall, the introduction of civic education is a pivotal step towards realizing Burkina Faso’s aspirations for peace, justice, and progress.

By empowering students with the knowledge and values needed to navigate and improve their society, this new curriculum aims to build a more engaged and conscientious citizenry.