Role of civics and ethical education for the development of democratic governance in Ethiopia: Achievements and challenges

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to examine the role of civics and ethical education in building the good behaviour of citizens and making them active participants in the development of democratic governance in Ethiopia. To achieve this purpose, the researcher employed qualitative methodology. Accordingly, secondary sources, such as books, journal articles, government documents, reports and Internet sources, were used. To substantiate the data gathered through secondary sources, the researcher also used primary sources where data were collected mainly via key informant interviews. Based on the data analysed, findings of the study indicate that the present civic and ethical education is progressive compared to its predecessors. It has helped to introduce youth to the values of democracy and human rights, which had never existed in the country's modern history. This education's role in building the good behaviour of citizens is an undeniable fact. It has brought awareness to the society of what actions and behaviours are expected from a good citizen. It has also had a certain practical effect on the ground. However, the changes brought by delivering the course are not satisfactory in the sense of not having effectively achieved the expected level of outcome. The findings of the research outlined the following as major reasons for said limitations: content- and context-related problems, lack of civil societies' engagement, lack of democratic school administration, improper method of delivery, pressure from external environment, weak democracy, limited geographical reach of the course, and lack of role model teachers. Thus, the research concludes that due to several factors, delivering civics and ethical education does not adequately meet its objectives. Thus, for the practical realization of words on the course, the study calls for the strong commitment of all stakeholders and for them to be role models to others and create an environment conducive to practically building the behaviour and skills needed in the subject. Therefore, the study calls for the strong and integrated commitment of the government in the aforementioned areas of drawbacks.