The strikes that shook Guinea several times over
the past two years were largely a result of legitimate political and
economic frustration. However, much of the civil disturbances that
often accompanied these strikes can be attributed to gangs of youths
who took advantage of the breakdown of law and order to loot and destroy
property. Most of these youths took out their frustration in acts
of vandalism and violence, unaware that peaceful methods are often
more effective in bringing about positive change.
This is why USAID, in collaboration with the Government of Guinea,
is promoting a new project to sensitize Guinean youth on their roles
as citizens through the promotion of civic education.
The USAID program, which targeted Donka College in
Conakry, resulted in the school adopting a code of conduct that emphasizes
personal dignity and respect for the community. The $260,000 project
implemented through Faisons Ensemble promotes the participatory development
of a civic education curriculum for middle and high school students
in Guinea while also reinforcing awareness of their rights and responsibilities
as citizens.
The code encourages integrity, transparency, and personal safety at
school while at the same time warning students of the dangers of fraud,
corruption, and violence. The code proclaims that every student has
the right to be respected and study in a safe environment. The code
also invites students to pursue good personal habits: to be punctual
at the lessons, to have a clean uniform, to respect all the schools’
members, and to be academically prepared. These are just a few of
the topics covered by the code.
The project also includes teachers and parents in
the civic education program and has helped train over three thousand
teachers. Emphasis is placed on turning schools into institutions
where mutual respect and civic responsibility are at the foundation
of the educational process.
On April 21, 2008 at Donka college in Conakry during
the civic education launching ceremony, the Minister of Education
invited all the students to behave responsibly and to promote a Guinean
society founded on unity and peace.
“Tolerance and civic education are the basis
of democracy, and democracy is necessary for positive development”
the Minister added.
“We need to work in synergy and respect public and private property…
Civic education is the main mission, and youth must understand morality
as well as the law and curb any violence initiative," he concluded.
