An independent, non-partisan Council established under the Constitution to build an informed, participatory citizenry across The Gambia.
The National Council for Civic Education was established by Act No. 1 of 1998, pursuant to Article 198 of the Constitution of The Gambia, as an independent, non-partisan Council. NCCE designs and coordinates civic education programmes nationwide and serves as the advocacy arm of the National Governance Programme.
The Act places responsibility on the Council to sensitise, inform and educate the citizenry — particularly at the grassroots — about their rights and responsibilities under the Constitution.
In carrying out this mandate, NCCE works to build an environment of democratic continuity in The Gambia — one where every citizen, regardless of gender, age, religion or political affiliation, can participate fully in the country's governance and development.
Civic education in The Gambia is a process through which the citizenry acquires the knowledge, skills and values needed for effective democratic citizenship. The 1997 Constitution (Chapter XVII, Article 199(1)) provides for a Civic Education Programme whose functions are to:
Through the promotion of political and civic consciousness, and the protection of the rights and freedoms of all citizens under the Constitution of The Gambia and the regional and international human rights instruments The Gambia has signed.
As enshrined in the Constitution of The Gambia and in the national and international legal instruments to which The Gambia is party.
We act with integrity in every engagement.
We work to reach every community across The Gambia.
We carry out our mandate independently, as guaranteed under the Constitution.
The Gambia Civic Education programme has a very broad scope that encompasses citizens' education, information and communication within one mould. The Civic Education Strategic Programme weaves these components into a synergy so that each theme becomes holistic.
NCCE delivers its mandate through both formal and informal channels, reaching citizens through the media and methods they already trust and use every day.
Face-to-face community engagements, trainings and seminars delivered directly in towns and villages across The Gambia, built on the premise that grassroots participation is fundamental to civic knowledge, skills and values.
Radio and television programming — panel discussions, live phone-ins and recorded spots — together with newspaper publications and SMS broadcasting that carry civic education messages nationwide.
The Gambia has a rich tradition of folklore drama. Folklore drama groups have traditionally been used for entertaining and educating people about important issues of public concern. The groups use songs and drama to convey civic education messages to the general public.
Football, drama and folklore performance — including Kanyleng songs — bring civic messages into community life through channels that are already part of Gambian culture.
To create and sustain awareness of constitutional democracy for the achievement of political, economic and social stability through civic education.
To promote better understanding of the purposes of the Constitution; to enable citizens to understand how a constitution is developed; and to develop the will amongst citizens to defend the Constitution.
It ensures fundamental rights and freedoms, guarantees participatory democracy, and stands as the fundamental law of the land.
The 1997 Constitution, the 2020 Constitution Bill and the NCCE Act are available in our resources library.
Go to Resources →Request a civic education session for your community, school or organisation, or reach our office in Kotu East.
Contact NCCE →Our programmes →