The Coalition of Ethiopian Civil Society Organizations for Elections (CECOE) has initiated a groundbreaking project titled “Civic Education for Better Civic Engagement and Political Participation in Ethiopia”, which aims to enhance civic awareness and democratic participation across the nation. This project is funded by the German Government and supported by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH under the “Support to Good Governance (S2GG) in Ethiopia” programme, aims to enhance civic awareness and democratic participation across the nation.
Civic education in Ethiopia, though part of the general education curriculum, has struggled to instill democratic values or empower the public for meaningful political participation. Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) have recognized the need for enhanced civic education programs that are inclusive and context-sensitive, addressing cultural diversity, regional disparities, and varying literacy levels. By improving their capacity to design and implement effective civic education initiatives, CSOs can help build a well-informed and engaged citizenry capable of driving social change.
The CECOE project is focused on delivering digital civic education through interactive audiovisual (radio spots and video ads), social media, and printed materials. The main objectives of the project include enhancing civic knowledge to improve citizens’ understanding of their rights, duties, governance structures, and the functioning of democratic institutions. It also aims to promote inclusive participation by ensuring equitable access to information and resources and encouraging active involvement in political and civic affairs.
CECOE, a coalition of over 175 local civil society organizations, has a proven track record of promoting civic engagement and electoral participation. During the Sixth Ethiopian General Elections, CECOE’s efforts in deploying several thousand election observers and conducting voter education campaigns were instrumental in reaching millions of citizens. By launching this new project, CECOE aims to build on this success by fostering a more informed and engaged citizenry, capable of contributing to the stabilization and democratization of Ethiopia’s political landscape.
In the context of political volatility and societal challenges, the “Civic Education for Better Civic Engagement and Political Participation in Ethiopia” project contributes to the effort in building a more democratic and inclusive Ethiopia. By equipping citizens with the knowledge and tools to participate in democratic processes, this initiative aims to contribute to the stabilization and democratization of Ethiopia’s political landscape.
