By Hassan Osman Kargbo
The Chairman of the National Council for Civic Education and Democracy (NaCCED), Mr. Joseph Munda Bindi, led a delegation on a courtesy and working visit to the Minister of Planning and Economic Development (MoPED), Madam Kenyeh Barlay, in Freetown.
In his maiden engagement with the ministry, Chairman Bindi expressed appreciation to MoPED as the institution that laid the foundation for NaCCED’s establishment and growth in Sierra Leone. He recalled the pivotal role the ministry played in ensuring that NaCCED was recognized as a government entity and provided with the institutional support necessary to stand firmly until its transfer to the Ministry of Information and Civic Education.
Although MoPED is no longer the parent ministry of NaCCED, Mr. Bindi assured that his institution would continue to collaborate closely with MoPED just as it does with other Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs). “We are here, and we are still here working together,” he said, reinforcing his commitment to partnership and shared goals.
Highlighting the purpose of the visit, Bindi noted that it was not only to deepen collaboration but also to congratulate Mr. Ambrose James on his appointment as the new Development Secretary of MoPED. He gave a detailed account of NaCCED’s mandate and operations, underscoring the importance of civic education in fostering national development, good governance, and social cohesion. He linked NaCCED’s work to President Julius Maada Bio’s vision of waging war against indiscipline and promoting sustainable behavioral change through civic education, patriotism, and community awareness.
Bindi outlined the council’s key interventions, which include the reintroduction of civics in schools, the popularization of the national budget through the Citizens’ Budget, dissemination of the National Development Plan, anti-drug abuse campaigns among youths, and sensitization around the Tripartite Recommendations. He also highlighted NaCCED’s involvement in the Constitutional Review Process and the Population and Housing Census.
Referencing NaCCED’s active role in the 2021 Mid-Term Census, the Chairman stressed that his institution will play an even more vital role in the upcoming 2026 Census slated for December next year by driving nationwide civic education and community engagement.
In her response, Minister Kenyeh Barlay welcomed Mr. Bindi and his team, acknowledging NaCCED’s immense contribution to the rollout of the Mid-Term National Development Plan and the Census. She described MoPED as NaCCED’s “birth mother” and emphasized her appreciation of the council’s continuing role, even under its current ministry. She underscored that sustainable development relies heavily on peace, national cohesion, and accurate civic information. “Peace is pivotal and the driving force for national development,” she stated, noting that NaCCED’s work with young people and women is crucial in combating hate speech and misinformation.
Madam Barlay further stressed that civic education has the potential to transform mindsets and accelerate development in Sierra Leone. She pointed to the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Act as an example of progressive legislation that civic education can popularize for the benefit of citizens.
Speaking during the engagement, Development Secretary Ambrose James praised NaCCED’s regional outreach efforts and its strength in storytelling to amplify civic messages. He assured Chairman Bindi of MoPED’s commitment to continued collaboration in advancing civic education nationwide.
The visit concluded with a reaffirmed commitment from both institutions to work in partnership to advance government’s agenda and promote sustainable development for the people of Sierra Leone.