The child and citizenship: at what age does one learn to become a citizen?
Citizenship is not just a matter of elections or identity cards, it is inculcated from an early age. Yet, between often theoretical civic education and sometimes contradictory social models, many children grow up in Benin without truly understanding their rights and duties.
In a public school in Cadjèhoun, during these holiday classes, the teacher questions and asks ‘who can tell me what it means to respect the flag? ‘ In the class, only a few fingers timidly get up. The civic education program is introduced from primary school but remains limited by overly theoretical methods.
We recite more than we practice “, regrets Éric Dossa, teacher. Children know the symbols of the Republic, but struggle to connect these concepts to their daily lives. Citizenship is also learned outside of school.
In the neighbourhoods, initiatives such as health clubs or youth associations inculcate cleanliness, participation and mutual aid. But the family transmission remains unequal. ” Some parents do not explain the importance of voting or respect for public goods “, deplores Mireille TOHOUE, educator.
Examples that mark the minds…
Some children participate every month in reforestation sessions and plastic-free days organized by the town hall. When they see the elders throwing bags everywhere, they understand that exemplarity is the best lesson “, says the head of the neighborhood. Social networks also disrupt perception because young people get informed, debate and engage earlier, but sometimes without a solid civic framework.
We must give them the tools to distinguish activism from citizen responsibility “, warns political analyst Damien AHOUANDOKO. For today’s children to become conscious citizens tomorrow, Benin must combine school reforms, community actions and concrete examples. Because citizenship, here, starts from childhood.
Clubs, advice and associative life…
In several communes, children’s clubs and parliaments offer a field of practice, namely speaking, voting, drafting motions, dialogue with the town hall or the school. Aïcha, 14 years old, elected delegate in a college testifies to having managed to obtain additional bins and a repaired water point.
Commitment becomes useful when it produces a concrete result, even modest. Youth associations and parishes and mosques organize citizen campaigns. These experiences create public habits that will count later.
Digital citizenship…
Citizenship is also played on the phone. “Very early, children share, comment, imitate. One must learn doubt, verification, online courtesy,” insists a web editor. Simple workshops such as identifying the source of information, distinguishing rumors and facts, asking for permission before filming, reducing cyberbullying and conflicts imported into the classroom from social networks.