The Civic Education workshop organised by elbarlament, a peacebuilding and democracy support organisation with the support of the German federal foreign office, aimed to address the growing need for civic education in Iraq, starting with the first workshop in Najaf City. With the aim of enhancing civic awareness and participation, the workshop sought to equip individuals with the tools to become informed, responsible citizens.

Promoting Civic Engagement and Cultural Exchange

The workshop began with participants introducing themselves in a unique way. Each person was asked to share one cultural or heritage aspect that was closely related to them or their background. This icebreaker activity immediately highlighted the rich diversity of the group and set the tone for cultural exchange and understanding.

Before delving into the core curriculum, participants actively contributed to setting the workshop's ground rules. These rules, suggested by the participants themselves, emphasised the importance of respecting time, each other, and ensuring effective participation. This collaborative approach fostered a sense of ownership among the participants.

During the introductory session, participants shared their motivations for attending the Civic Education workshop. The reasons ranged from the workshop's appealing name to the desire to expand their social networks, engage in civic activities, acquire knowledge, and develop valuable skills. These motivations reflected a shared aspiration for personal growth and civic engagement.

Sarah, a young and enthusiastic participant in the Civic Education Workshop in Najaf City, shared her thoughts about her experience, as well as, Ali, another participant:

Day 1: Fostering Civic Values and Citizenship Awareness

The first day of the workshop featured a series of activities designed to promote group cohesion and understanding of civic values. Participants were divided into three groups, each tasked with creating a visual representation of a heritage monument. This exercise not only encouraged teamwork but also highlighted the importance of preserving cultural heritage.

Following the group activity, participants engaged in an individual exercise focusing on civic values. The trainer initiated discussions on values, emphasizing their significance in civic life. Civic values such as peace, diversity, equality, justice, humanity, and development were explored. Participants actively shared their perspectives, discussing equality between genders and access to opportunities as crucial aspects of civic values. The conversation also touched on how discrimination could lead to extremism and violence, underscoring the relevance of civic values in society.

The day concluded with sessions on citizenship, human rights, political rights, and civic duties and responsibilities. Participants left with a deeper understanding of their roles as citizens and the values that underpin a just and inclusive society.

Day 2: Strengthening Civic Knowledge and Media Literacy

The second day of the workshop began with a recap of the previous day's lessons and discussions. Participants continued their exploration of civic values, reflecting on their significance in shaping responsible citizenship.

The second day's agenda included discussions on essential aspects of civic education, such as election criteria, the importance of accurate information, understanding political parties and candidates, economic plans, and political fund transparency. Participants gained insights into the vital role they play in making informed decisions as active citizens.

The discussions further delved into topics like political participation, the Iraqi economy, good governance, social cohesion, and peacebuilding. Group discussions allowed participants to exchange ideas and perspectives, fostering a sense of collective responsibility for their community's well-being.

An essential component of the workshop involved addressing the role of media and social media in perpetuating hate speech and the potential for using these platforms as tools for peacebuilding. Participants learned how media literacy and responsible social media use could contribute to a more informed and peaceful society.

The Civic Education Workshop in Najaf City marked a promising beginning in the journey towards informed and engaged citizenship. Over two days, participants gained valuable insights into civic values, rights, and responsibilities. They left with a renewed commitment to making a positive impact on their community and a deeper understanding of the importance of civic education in nurturing active and responsible citizens. This inaugural workshop set a strong foundation for future initiatives aimed at strengthening democracy and civic engagement in Najaf City and other Iraqi cities.

What are your thoughts on the role of civic education in building informed and engaged citizens? How can you contribute to strengthening democracy in your community? Feel free to share your thoughts with us in the comments section.

This article was written by Fatima Oleiwi and is licensed under CC BY-NC 4.0.