Two-Week Workshop Focuses on Improving Civic Education

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Enhancing education, civic education and teacher development was the goal of a two-week workshop series presented by the School of Education, in partnership with the United States Embassy. 

Led by UKZN’s Dr Lerato Sokhulu and Dr Mzwandile Zulu, and supported by a prominent United States civic education specialist, Dr Justin Coles of the University of Massachusetts, the programme aimed to empower Life Orientation and Social Sciences teachers from the Pinetown district. 

Participants had the opportunity to acquire essential skills, resources and best practices to effectively implement civic education within South African schools. 

The workshop planned to equip educators with the practical skills necessary for meaningful civic education, foster democratic values, stimulate active learner participation in school governance, and establish sustainable networks for continuous teacher development in civic education. 

Dean and Head of the School of Education Professor Vitallis Chikoko highlighted the critical importance of enhancing the understanding of civic education to enable learners to become proactive, critical participants in their communities. The discussions focused on civic education pedagogy and learner engagement, innovative teaching strategies, practical training for designing civic engagement campaigns within schools, and access to US-based civic education models and virtual learning exchanges. 

Coles emphasised the significance of community-based civic education initiatives, highlighting the necessity for collaboration, networking and long-term professional support as foundational civic elements. He covered topics including history, power and justice, civic literacy, youth voice, tools of civic engagement, community inquiry, curriculum design, dialogue, and policy. 

Ms Jaclyn Cole of the US Embassy said the programme would empower participants to explore new strategies, deepen their understanding of civic education and strengthen connections across communities. “The exchanges you engage in, the questions you ask, and the teaching methods you innovate, will all contribute to a richer learning environment for young people in South Africa and the United States.” 

Cole added: “I am excited to see this initiative rest in the capable hands of Dr Lerato Hlengiwe Sokhulu - an inspiring leader in curriculum development and community impact.” 

Said Sokhulu: “The programme goes beyond simply delivering a civic education curriculum; it is about cultivating a community of practice where practical, context-responsive strategies can be developed to bring civic learning to life in both schools and their surrounding communities. The programme seeks to foster ongoing collaboration among participants, enabling them to design civic initiatives that resonate with their unique educational environments and uplift communities in the spirit of Ubuntu. The programme is dedicated to equipping teachers with the skills and a mindset needed to become active, informed, and responsible citizens, which they can then transfer to the learners they teach.” 

Academic leader in community engagement, Professor Angela James, reinforced the School’s commitment to spearheading initiatives in teaching and research that confront ecological challenges and sustainability. The focus was on introducing students to the Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) framework, promoting avenues for cultural and creative expression. 

“Our goal is to cultivate a dynamic interchange between the academic community and society at large, while forging robust connections between formal academic programmes and community-oriented activities,” she said. “The aim is to forge strong alliances with communities, schools, businesses, and organisations that will significantly enhance educational and societal outcomes.” 

Zulu made a reference to his background in mathematics education, expressing his unwavering passion for integrating ESD into classrooms. By leveraging mathematical modelling and ICT, he intends to tackle pressing real-world challenges such as inequality, environmental stewardship and social justice. 

Said Zulu: “ESD, as envisioned in the Sustainable Development Goals, compels us to dismantle the barriers between disciplines. By reinforcing civic education in Social Sciences and Life Orientation, we empower learners to critically engage with and respond to social justice issues that shape their communities.” 

Words: Sinoyolo Mahlasela

Photographs: Supplied