CIVIC education is the process of educating citizens about their rights, duties and responsibilities within a democratic society. It encompasses understanding the structure and functions of government, the political process and the importance of active participation in civic life. Civic education aims to develop informed, responsible and engaged citizens who are capable of critical thinking, effective communication and collaboration. It also emphasizes the significance of values such as respect for diversity, justice and equality. By fostering a sense of civic duty and community involvement, civic education contributes to the strength and stability of democratic institutions and promotes social cohesion and justice. The history of civic education dates back to ancient civilizations, where preparing citizens for self-governance was emphasized. In ancient Athens and the Roman Republic, thinkers like Pericles, Socrates, Plato, Aristotle and Cicero highlighted the importance of understanding political culture and institutions. Civic education instilled responsibility and service, enabling self-governance and wise judgment. Over time, it evolved, with formal schooling becoming central to fostering civic knowledge, skills and attitudes. In the United States, the Founding Fathers prioritized the civic mission of schools, establishing universal public education to prepare citizens for democracy. Civic education has continually adapted to societal changes, aiming to create knowledgeable, competent and responsible participants in political society.
Similarly, civic education is crucial for Pakistan’s progress and development. In Pakistan, empowering individuals with knowledge and skills will enable them to advocate for their rights, address social issues and contribute to community development. It will also help to combat with corruption by raising awareness about transparency and integrity in public administration. It also encourages critical thinking and informed decision-making, leading to more thoughtful and constructive participation in public life. The Government of Pakistan has taken significant steps to promote civic education, including establishing the National Civic Education Commission (NCCE) under the National Civic Education Commission Act of 2018. The NCCE raises awareness about civic responsibilities and fundamental rights, focusing on rural areas and educator capacity-building programs. The Act outlines schools’ responsibilities to deliver civic education effectively. School in-charges are tasked with teaching civic education through lectures, tutorials and practical work. Instruction covers the roles of the Legislature, Executive, Judiciary, Law and Democracy, alongside guided discussions on current local, national and international issues. These efforts aim to foster awareness and active civic participation among students, contributing to a more informed and engaged citizenry.
Active learning experiences, such as community service, co-curricular activities fostering engagement with other schools and communities, student participation in school governance and simulations of democratic processes are also encouraged. These comprehensive guidelines aim to create a well-rounded civic education program that not only educates students about their civic duties and rights but also actively involves them in activities that promote democratic values and community involvement. In terms of the curriculum, civic education is included in the national curriculum for grades for secondary level and higher classes. The curriculum aims to develop civic knowledge, skills and dispositions, encouraging students to use these for civic action to create a just, peaceful and democratic society. Civic education in Pakistan faces numerous challenges. One major issue is the lack of adequate funding, which affects the development and implementation of effective civic education programs. Schools often lack the necessary resources like educational materials to support comprehensive civic education. Moreover, there is a shortage of trained educators who can teach civic education effectively. The curriculum itself often struggles to represent the complexities of Pakistan’s diverse society and the tension between theocratic and liberal democratic visions creates additional challenges in aligning educational practices with democratic principles. Additionally, the education system’s focus on rote learning and textbook content limits the development of critical thinking and active citizenship. These factors collectively hinder the ability of civic education to foster an informed and engaged citizenry in Pakistan.
The future of civic education in Pakistan holds significant potential. By integrating civic education into the formal education system, from primary to higher education, Pakistan can instill civic values and responsibilities from an early age. This comprehensive approach promotes civic literacy and prepares students to become active participants in society. Moreover, investing in the civic education of the youth is crucial for nurturing a generation of responsible and engaged citizens who can play their role to cope with complex societal challenges. To ensure the widespread dissemination of civic education, it is essential to promote civic engagement and participation beyond the classroom through experiential learning opportunities. By harnessing the potential of youth as agents of positive change, civic education can pave the way for a brighter future for Pakistan.
—The writer is Director at Institute of Humanities and Art, Khwaja Fareed University of Engineering and Information Technology, Rahim Yar Khan, Pakistan
