To help set the foundation of active citizenship for young Filipinos, the Youth Leadership for Democracy (YouthLed) and the De La Salle University's Institute of Governance (LSIG) have launched a partnership for Civic Education Research.
The Research aims to review and enhance civic education programs and curriculum to contribute in improving awareness, knowledge, and action on civic rights, duties, and responsibilities among the youth.
DLSU President Fr. Bernard S. Oca FSC said the partnership comes in perfect timing given the urgent need to engage and educate the youth in standing for freedom and fighting against threats to democratic institutions.
“Central to an empowered citizenry is the active participation of the younger generation. During the darkest times in our country, we have witnessed the Filipino youth as a potent force in social transformation...It is therefore imperative to continually educate and capacitate our youth about their responsibility in promoting democratic participation, participatory governance, and sustainable development," Oca noted.
LSIG is set to conduct in-depth research and analysis of civic education programs in the country and provide recommendations for the improvement of civic education curricula for private schools, local community centers, faith-based organizations, and civil society organizations.
The Institute is also set to develop new civic education materials and modules that are context-specific and aligned with the goals of the YouthLed project.
Oca added that LSIG's efforts in research, training, and community engagement to foster democracy and good governance in the Philippines "are aligned with the Lasallian mission on faith formation, social engagement, and community building."
YouthLed Chief of Party Natalie Christine Jorge stressed that the partnership "goes beyond assessing basic education curriculum, but will look into crucial attitudes and behavior that can help sustain and enable democratic processes."
“High-quality civic engagement also requires citizens, especially students to develop non-cognitive civic skills which relate to values, attitudes, readiness to listen, develop judgment and effectively participate politically and socially... Through this partnership, we can increase knowledge and understanding of citizenship as well as gain deeper insight into young people’s understanding of citizenship democracy and together, provide a strong foundation for civic duty and responsibility for future generations," Jorge added.
YouthLed is a project of The Asia Foundation and the United States Agency for International Development.