IRI Develops Civic-education Manual with Ministry of Education

November 8, 2004

As part of its civic education project, IRI Bolivia has developed an interactive manual for the high school classroom that explores the civic concepts of responsibility and authority. The manual was designed to complement the interdisciplinary theme of civic education being incorporated into a new high school curriculum under development by the Ministry of Education. On November 3, the Ministry granted full approval for the publication of the manual and its inclusion in schools nationwide. This marks the first time any national or international organization has successfully collaborated with the Ministry in the production of civic education materials.

The manual, entitled Towards a Democratic Culture: Authority and Responsibility, serves as a catalyst for discussions on the role of citizens and elected officials in a democratic society, the history of democracy, and the current state of democratic politics in Bolivia. The manual is based on the Center for Civic Education (CIVICED) series “Foundations of Democracy”, and has been adapted to the Bolivian political reality. The manual was developed together with CIVICED consultant Diane Palmer and former Minister of Education in Bolivia, Amalia Anaya.

IRI will be training 2,500 social studies teachers in the use of this manual throughout the following months. This target number constitutes 50% of all social studies teachers in Bolivia. IRI will distribute 20,000 copies of the book nationwide for use during the 2005 academic year.

To view the Civic Education Manual, please click here

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