South Sudan Secondary 1 Citizenship Curriculum

This curriculum aims to develop engaged, empowered, and ethical citizens equipped with the skills and knowledge to thrive. It employs a competency-based approach, focusing on critical thinking, communication, cooperation, and South Sudanese culture and identity. Assessment is conducted through observation, conversation, and product evaluation.

Unit 1: Human Rights and the Criminal Justice System

This unit explores the rights and responsibilities of individuals in South Sudan. Students examine how individuals, organizations, and governments ensure rights are balanced, supported, and protected. The theory of peaceful conflict resolution is also analyzed, along with the work of individuals and organizations promoting it. Key topics include dual citizenship, the location of South Sudan and its neighboring countries, human rights and freedoms of South Sudanese citizens, the roles of organizations like the Human Rights Commission in protecting human rights, conflict resolution methods, and the importance of women's rights.

Unit 2: Key Characteristics of Parliamentary and Other Forms of Government

This unit examines the characteristics of the South Sudanese parliamentary system and other forms of government. Students explore the organization of their community, features of parliament, law, governance, and the roles of rights and responsibilities. They investigate how regional and national governments are organized, comparing similarities and differences. Significant strategies and activities of local government leading to change are also considered, along with how these changes are reflected in the South Sudan constitution. The unit also explores how the South Sudanese government works with other governments worldwide, the impact of these interactions on citizens' daily lives, and the qualities of effective leadership in South Sudan.

Unit 3: The Local Government: How Decisions Are Made at Local Level

This unit focuses on the structure and functions of local government in South Sudan. Students compare local governments across the country, analyzing the effectiveness of different systems and strategies for sustainable development. They also compare the functions of central and local government within the context of the Constitution, Law, and the Judicial System of South Sudan, drawing conclusions about effective governance strategies. The unit also examines the impact of local government on local communities and the importance of participating in democratic life.

Unit 4: Government: Priorities, Finance and Opportunity to Contribute

This unit explores how government bodies are funded, how finances are prioritized, and how public services are organized, maintained, and regulated in South Sudan. Students investigate the range of public services available and compare their management across different states. They also consider how they can contribute to the provision of public services and the importance of participating in democratic life. Key topics include public revenue, expenditure, budget allocation, and the management of public finances by institutions like the Fiscal and Financial Allocation and Monitoring Commission and the National Audit Chamber.

Unit 5: The Community and the Environment: The Importance of Sustainability

This unit examines the interdependence between humans and the environment in South Sudan. Students explore environmental issues that can cause conflict and strategies for presenting new information about controversial topics. They also learn about ways to care for the environment and the importance of sustainable development.

Unit 6: The Electoral System and the Importance of Voting

This unit explores how the electoral system works in South Sudan and the importance of voting. Students examine the outcome of decisions made at local and national levels as a result of elections and policy referendums. They also investigate how the government is divided into different tiers, the effects of decentralization, and the state of political rights and civil liberties. Key topics include the stages of the electoral system, the role of the National Elections Commission, the structure and functions of the three arms of government (legislature, executive, and judiciary), and the importance of participating in democratic life.

Unit 7: Involvement in a Community Project

This unit explores opportunities for active citizenship through involvement in community projects. Students investigate projects taking place in their communities and discuss their value and impact. They also learn about the knowledge and skills necessary to participate in projects, plan their involvement, and evaluate the effects of their contributions. Key topics include the project cycle, requirements for participation, the connection between community projects and active citizenship, and the social, economic, and political impacts of community projects.