Public input on proposed modifications to citizenship regulations generates over 10,000 submissions
The new Essential Learnings for Citizenship and Development, which aim to structure education in these subjects more formally, are expected to be approved by the end of this month. These changes will align with a new National Strategy for Citizenship Education and will be implemented starting from the next academic year.
The new Essential Learnings, based on global citizenship education principles promoted by UNESCO, will focus on providing knowledge about the world’s interconnected challenges such as human rights, environmental issues, and social inequalities. They will also develop cognitive and social skills like critical thinking, understanding diverse perspectives, conflict resolution, and teamwork.
Additionally, the new Essential Learnings will instil values such as respect, empathy, justice, and fairness for inclusive, peaceful coexistence. They will also promote active participation for learners to engage in solving global, national, and local challenges for the collective good.
While the exact curriculum changes or frameworks for the Essential Learnings have not been fully disclosed, the initiative aligns with international emphasis on educating responsible global citizens equipped to understand and act on complex societal issues.
Journalist Isabel Leiria is involved in the process of the new Essential Learnings for Citizenship and Development. However, it is the Ministry that is expected to make the changes to the documents for these Essential Learnings. Despite this, it is important to note that the new Essential Learnings may still undergo changes before they are officially approved.
Once approved, the final content and policy will be published to guide implementation at the start of the next school year.
Social skills and learning opportunities will be emphasized in the new Essential Learnings for Citizenship and Development, as they aim to foster critical thinking, understanding diverse perspectives, conflict resolution, and teamwork. These new learnings will also focus on education-and-self-development, instilling values like respect, empathy, justice, and fairness for inclusive, peaceful coexistence.
