
The Curriculum Research, Evaluation and Development Directorate (CREDD) of the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education (MoBSE), in partnership with the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), and with support from International IDEA through the EU-CODE project, recently concluded a four-day validation workshop on the Civic Education curriculum for Upper Basic Schools.
Held from 14th to 17th July 2025 at the Gambia Tourism and Hospitality Institute complex, the workshop brought together key education stakeholders to review and validate the Civic Education syllabus, textbook, and Teacherโs Guide. This followed findings from the Joint Monitoring exercise conducted in pilot schools.
The opening ceremony was graced by Mr. Momodou Jeng, Director of CREDD, Dr. Saikou Kawsu Gassama, Executive Secretary of NHRC, and Mrs. Jainaba Faye, Country Representative for International IDEA. All speakers reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening civic education and promoting human rights awareness in Gambian schools.
This validation workshop marks another important milestone in a curriculum reform process that began with expert review sessions in September and December 2024. These sessions led to the development of revised Civic Education materials, which were officially handed over to MoBSE in April 2025.
Participants at the workshop included representatives from the NHRC, the National Council for Civic Education (NCCE), the Conference of Principals for Upper Basic Schools, Gambia College, various MoBSE Directorates, and practicing teachers. Together, they worked collaboratively to review and refine the curriculum content and teaching methodologies.
Throughout the workshop, emphasis was placed on integrating feedback from pilot schools, aligning learning materials with democratic values and human rights principles, and reaching broad stakeholder consensus on the final versions of the documents.
This initiative reflects MoBSEโs continued dedication to nurturing informed, responsible, and active citizens through quality civic education.