Saeeda Diep says CPSS introduces book for youngsters to develop civic sense

Speakers demanded lawmakers and policymakers to make civic education part of the national curriculum for the younger generation to inculcate harmonious coexistence and acceptance in Pakistan.

During a daylong consultation meeting, organized by the Centre for Peace and Secular Studies in Lahore for reviewing policy brief on civic education, they said that objective of the civic education was to inform citizens of their rights in the constitution so that they can participate in the national mainstream actively.

Earlier, the Centre for Peace and Secular Studies formally introduced a book on civic education for youngsters to develop a civic sense, detailing what was absent or ignored from the single national curriculum. In the book, themes of democracy, civil rights, state, government, politics, people, festivals, peaceful coexistence, and other topics are included.

CPSS Executive Director Saeeda Diep told the meeting attendees that the book’s content was designed to be easily understood, captivating and interesting. To maximize its reach, the book is written in both Urdu and English languages. She added that the colorful layout was designed in a way to appeal to young audiences.

The course outline was designed in coordination with educationists, scholars, writers, journalists, religious researchers, youth leaders, and other stakeholders.

“We have designed course books based on information lapses and civic education needs as identified from its in-depth analysis of the 28-lecture series,” said Saeeda Diep.

The CPSS ED maintained that the upcoming generation needs to be made aware of their rights and responsibilities and develop attitudes towards each other and society. “We believe that there is a need to disseminate values of ethical, humane, harmonious, healthy, democratic, and peaceful coexistence in order to benefit the society as a whole,” she said.

During the debate, the speakers pointed out that level of civic understanding and participation in the democratic process amongst youth was alarmingly low. They said that instances of violence and radicalization of the young people highlight the call for a much-needed quality civic education.

Through a document, CPSS pointed out that the lack of participation in the democratic process has given fuel to forces of radicalism. “It is the right time to start a mass scale intervention for creating better civic sense amongst the youth,” it said.