Engaging Children in Citizenship Education: A Children's Rights Perspective

Abstract

The authors argue that recent initiatives in citizenship education are deficient in failing to provide an engaging values framework for the practice of citizenship. Although an international consensus has arisen on the need for stronger citizenship education in schools and for learning that is issues based, collaborative, and participatory, the consensus has not resulted in appropriate action. Progress has been hampered because of the lack of capacity building and opportunities for meaningful participation. But the problem does not end here. A major shortcoming is the continuing absence of a values framework that engages students and motivates them for citizenship. The authors suggest that when citizenship education is constructed on the basis of treating children as valued citizens and educating them about their rights and responsibilities under the Convention on the Rights of the Child, a much stronger foundation is laid for the practice of citizenship.