The Gambia 2019 Draft Constitution

CHAPTER XVIII. THE NATIONAL COUNCIL FOR CIVIC EDUCATION

297. Establishment and composition of National Council for Civic Education

1. There is established the National Council for Civic Education.
2. The National Council for Civic Education shall comprise a Chairperson and four other members appointed by the President, subject to confirmation by the National Assembly.

298. Qualifications and disqualifications

The qualifications and disqualifications mentioned in section 275 (1) and (2) apply to the members of the Council.

299. Functions of the Council

1. The functions of the National Council for Civic Education include-
   1. to create and sustain within society an awareness of the principles and objectives of this Constitution as the fundamental law of The Gambia;
   2. to educate and encourage the public to defend this Constitution against all forms of abuse and violence;
   3. to sensitise the people of proposed legislative measures published for public and expert opinion to enable the public to understand the issues and provide meaningful contributions;
   4. to educate and sensitise the public on key legislation that affect their lives and affairs as a mechanism for ensuring greater compliance with the laws;
   5. to formulate, from time to time, for the consideration of the Government programmes at national, constituency and district levels aimed at realising the objects of this Constitution;
   6. to formulate, implement and oversee programmes aimed at inculcating in the citizens of The Gambia awareness of their civic and fundamental rights, duties and responsibilities;
   7. to raise awareness that service rendered by public officials and civil society are not in the nature of favours to the people but rather as constitutional, legal and civic responsibilities;
   8. to educate the citizens of The Gambia about international, regional and sub-regional instruments and other matters relevant to The Gambia; and
   9. to perform such powers and other functions as an Act of the National Assembly may provide.
2. An Act of the National Assembly may provide for the establishment of district branches of the National Council for Civic Education.
3. In the exercise of its functions, the National Council for Civic Education shall be non-partisan and, save as may be provided by an Act of the National Assembly, shall not be subject to the direction or control of any other person or authority.