By Fatima Kpaka
Freetown, Sierra Leone – The Public Sector Reform Unit (PSRU), in partnership with the Institute of Public Administration and Management (IPAM), has rolled out a Micro-Credentials program designed to strengthen public service readiness and civic responsibility among students.
The initiative featured a Civic Responsibility Seminar led by the Director of PSRU, who engaged participants in discussions on democracy, accountability, and citizen participation in nation-building.
Citizens were urged to question politicians on resource use and report crimes, including cyber fraud and scams such as “Yahoo boys” and 419 frauds. The Director shared his personal initiative of planting 500 trees on his birthday, encouraging students to adopt sustainable practices. He emphasized that paying taxes empowers citizens to demand accountability, while tax evasion undermines governance.
Students were called to act as peace ambassadors, avoid disruptive behavior, and embrace nonviolent participation in politics.
Participants reflected on rights such as voting and education, alongside responsibilities like obeying the law, paying taxes, and voting.
The seminar reinforced democratic principles including rule of law, participation, separation of powers, accountability, equality, and human rights. A case study highlighted the dangers of excluding citizens from decision-making, with students analyzing a scenario where a local council planned a market without community consultation.
This collaboration between PSRU and IPAM demonstrates a forward-looking approach to civic education, equipping future leaders with the knowledge and responsibility to strengthen Sierra Leone’s democracy and public service delivery.