Taking the Constitution to the People - Academy for Christian Education, Brits

The Inclusive Society Institute continues to live up to its promise of “Taking the Constitution to the People” through its far-reaching civic education workshops, conducted at various schools and tertiary institutions across the Gauteng and North West provinces. This initiative forms part of the Institute’s ongoing commitment to strengthen South Africa’s democracy by fostering a deeper understanding of the Constitution among the country’s youth.

At the forefront of this effort is the Provincial Schools Project Coordinator, Patrick Motsepe, whose dedication and hands-on approach ensure the success of each workshop. His role is not merely administrative, he actively engages with learners, tailoring the sessions to be both informative and relatable, thus delivering on one of the Institute’s core mandates.

On Friday, 25 July, his work reached another milestone when a total of 167 Grade 11 learners from the Academy for Christian Education in Brits, North West Province, attended a dynamic and interactive workshop. The session was specifically designed to equip young people, particularly those approaching voting age, with a deeper, more comprehensive understanding of South Africa’s foundational legal document, the Constitution.

The content of the workshop is carefully aligned with the Life Orientation and History curricula, ensuring that it supports and enhances what learners are already studying in the classroom. Topics such as values, social cohesion, human rights, and civic duties were unpacked in a manner that connected directly with the learners’ everyday experiences. By framing these constitutional principles in real-world contexts, the programme succeeded in bridging the gap between theory and practical application.

According to feedback from the school, the presentation left a powerful impression. Mrs Mariska Kruger, Head of the Life Orientation Department, described it as “exactly what the doctor ordered” — a timely, relevant, and engaging addition to the learners’ education. Her endorsement underscores the importance of this kind of civic engagement in shaping informed, responsible citizens.

Workshops like this one do more than simply teach facts about the Constitution; they encourage critical thinking, promote active citizenship, and inspire young South Africans to see themselves as participants in the democratic process rather than passive observers. The sessions also provide a safe space for learners to ask questions, challenge assumptions, and explore how constitutional values apply in their own communities.

Looking ahead, the Institute is committed to expanding the reach of the programme, with plans to roll out similar workshops to a growing number of schools and tertiary institutions in both Gauteng and the North West. Each event moves the Institute closer to its goal of ensuring that the principles enshrined in the Constitution are not confined to textbooks or courtrooms, but are truly understood, valued, and lived by the people.

Through sustained efforts like these, the Inclusive Society Institute reaffirms its belief that democracy thrives when citizens, especially the youth, are informed, engaged, and empowered.