21 Mar 2016

The Independent Electoral Commission intends to establish democracy youth clubs in secondary schools to engage the youth on issues relating to democracy so that they know about such issues in their early ages.

Principal election officer at Serowe,Mr Segopotso Sakwape said this during a  Party Liaison Committee (PLC) meeting at Serowe recently.

He said efforts to engage children on topics relating to elections and democracy to raise future voter turnout are underway. 

Mr Sakwape said he hoped such efforts will raise future voter turnout as children would grow up knowing the importance of voting and consequences of not taking part in elections.

Mr Sakwape who is also  chairperson of PLC said they have requested 14 secondary schools in his region to start democracy youth clubs and some schools have already established the clubs.

Also he said they will intensify awareness strategies to reach out more primary and secondary school pupils.

The introduction of democracy and elections topics in primary school curriculum and secondary school, he said will further boost electoral participation

He explained that teachers from different schools have consulted his office regarding those topics and his office has already conducted workshops to resource teachers on these topics, adding that the participants feedback shows that they appreciated their efforts.

One of the PLC member, Ms Kebasennye Letsididi hailed the step to introduce democracy and election topics in the syllabus, saying children will grow up with good understanding of those topics and how they affect their lives.

Responding to Mr Pelotelele Thaodi  who requested a platform for all PLCs in the country to meet and state their common ground on how to reduce voter apathy and promote democracy, Mr Sakwape stated that establishment of national PLC structure is on process.

Ms Mareledi Heben was of the view that building the foundation for a lifetime of civic participation and awareness for a child is crucial but cautioned that children should not be stereotyped to particular political parties.

She said families should also engage their children on issues relating to elections in a broader perspective but should not impose their political party affiliation on them. Ends