Empowering the Next Generation:Youth Civic Engagement Aboard the Nile Explorer Bus

As we approach the upcoming elections, the younger generation must understand the importance of civic space, what it entails and why decisions regarding human rights, democracy, and active citizenship are made. Following this need, we initiated a civic engagement curriculum on the Nile Explorer Bus, designed to immerse students’ focus on enhancing their knowledge, attitudes, and skills in civic matters.

Aboard this moving classroom, this curriculum has been tailored specifically for students aged 13 to 19, to empower them to explore citizenship and civic education in a way that is engaging and transformative. By fostering a deep understanding of democracy and active citizenship, we aim to nurture a generation of informed and responsible citizens who are ready to contribute positively to their schools and communities.

As civic engagement is crucial for the health of any democracy, It involves understanding and exercising one’s rights and responsibilities as a citizen, participating in community activities, and having a voice in the decision-making processes that affect our lives. For young people, learning about this early on is foundational for their development as active and responsible citizens.

Shared Values and Global Perspectives

Further into the curriculum, we emphasise shared values in civic engagement between the United States of America and Uganda. Through case studies of prominent individuals from both contexts, where students gain insights into the universal principles of democracy and active citizenship. This comparative approach not only broadens their understanding but also highlights the global interconnectedness of civic values.

 A Journey of Transformation

On the road, the Nile Explorer bus has been more than just a moving classroom. From, contributing to the reduction of school dropouts to empowering and equipping Ugandan youth with skills and resources to participate actively in the economy and civic spaces, we believe we are simply putting more dreams in motion.