The National Council for Civic Education (NCCE) has concluded its civic education engagements with educational institutions and civic clubs across the country.
The civic engagement, themed “Empowering Youth for Civic Responsibility and Peer-Led Learning”, ran from 18th to 24th July 2026. The initiative was designed to strengthen civic responsibility, promote peer-to-peer learning, and reinforce the commitment to electoral integrity among students and youth-led networks—particularly as The Gambia looks toward the 2026 presidential election and beyond.
Mr. Ansumana Ceesay, Senior Program Officer of the NCCE, emphasized that civic engagement is more vital now than ever, at a time “where the rapid spread of misinformation and hate speech threatens our democratic values and social cohesion.” He stated: “Young people must understand that civic responsibility goes far beyond casting a vote; it is about safeguarding the truth, fostering tolerance, and exercising profound responsibility in our digital interactions.”
He disclosed that the ultimate goal of the NCCE is to inspire youth to take ownership of their civic duties, adding: “We want citizens to be more than just participants; we want you to be ambassadors of democracy and the first line of defense against the erosion of our civic culture.”
Mr. Ceesay noted that by investing in youth-led engagement, the NCCE is securing a stronger foundation for the democratic future of The Gambia. He informed participants that high-impact sessions were conducted across all administrative regions—URR, CRR, NBR, LRR, WCR, and GBA—engaging about 350 participants from senior secondary schools, universities, colleges, and youth-led clubs.
Together, participants explored key themes, including Civic Responsibility, Principles of Democracy and Citizen Participation, Civic Clubs and Peer Learning, and Building Effective Youth-Led Civic Networks. Mr. Ceesay urged: “As young people, you are the heartbeat of our democracy. Use these sessions to challenge ideas, ask difficult questions, and embrace your role as future leaders.” He encouraged them to carry this knowledge back to their institutions and communities, letting their actions reflect a commitment to peace, accountability, and the integrity of the electoral cycle.
He extended sincere gratitude on behalf of the NCCE to their partners, the EU-UNDP GREAT Initiative, for their unwavering support, noting: “Their partnership recognizes a fundamental truth: a well-informed, active citizenry is the bedrock of national development.”
Mr. Ceesay reaffirmed: “The NCCE remains steadfast in our commitment to fostering a society where every citizen—especially our youth—understands their civic rights and responsibilities. This intervention is not merely an educational exercise; it is a strategic investment in the future architects of our nation.”
Participants expressed gratitude to the NCCE and its partners for what they described as an enlightening initiative that broadened their understanding of civic rights and responsibilities as Gambian citizens. “The initiative will ensure that we make informed decisions and choices based on the knowledge and understanding gained from the engagement,” they said.
The engagement forms part of the NCCE’s continued efforts to educate citizens and expand their awareness of civic responsibilities as The Gambia gears up for the 2026 presidential elections.
