Schoolchildren should be taught to recite the National Pledge and Anthem.

Letters: Instil the spirit of patriotism in the youth

Junior Graphic Junior News Sep - 16 - 2021 , 12:49

Dear Editor, It is good for citizens to be patriotic but certain behaviours and actions people exhibit these days do not show the spirit of patriotism.

Some of the unpatriotic acts include indiscriminate littering of the environment, destroying public property and non-participation in communal activities.

The worst unpatriotic act to me is the inability of some young and old people to recite the National Anthem and the Pledge. Some children do not even have a clue as to the meaning of the colours of the national flag and what the state symbols represent. This is indeed embarrassing.

I, therefore, make a passionate appeal to the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) to visit schools to educate pupils on their civic responsibilities and acts that promote patriotism.

Although this is part of schools curriculum, the NCCE can also complement this effort. This can be achieved by forming civic clubs in all schools to sensitise children to their civic responsibilities.

People in positions of authority should engage in acts of patriotism so as to encourage children to follow suit. Being late for functions and the rising cases of corruption of some of our leaders are not good ways to show patriotism. As leaders, they are expected to set good examples for children.

I learnt that in the past, students were taught patriotic songs in different languages and acts that promote love for the country.

They told me about the Young Pioneer Movement which helped in instilling the spirit of patriotism in the youth.

It is not too late to bring back these things. Children need these values to help them develop the love for their country as they grow up.