Republic of Zambia
CIVIC EDUCATION
HIGH SCHOOL SYLLABUS
GRADE: 10 - 12
Prepared by:
The Curriculum Development Centre
P.O. BOX 50092
Lusaka – Zambia
2004
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© Curriculum Development Centre, 2003.
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by
any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the copyright
owner.
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PREFACE
The historical background of the Zambia High School Civic Education Curriculum
can be traced to the period after 1991 when Democratic system of Governance was reintroduced in Zambia. As a result, in 1995, the Ministry of Education in conjunction
with the Southern University Democratic Governance Project under United States
Agency for International Development (USAID), commissioned a Needs Assessment
on the introduction of Civic Education in Zambian High Schools. This study was
undertaken by a group of experts spearheaded by Professor Geoffrey Lungwangwa.
One key recommendation from the Lungwangwa Study was that Civic Education
needed to be introduced in all High Schools in Zambia.
However, it was not until 2002 that this objective was achieved. A Feasibility Study
and Baseline’ Survey was Commissioned by Irish Aid under it’s Governance
Portfolio, in partnership with the Ministry of Education, through the Curriculum
Development Centre (CDC). The findings from the two research works clearly
indicated the importance of the Outcomes Based Approach in the Civic Education
Curriculum. Emphasis was made on the integration of the following aspects:

A variety of methodologies such as, debate, field trips drama simulations and
research work.
A project or field work component aimed at providing learners with an
opportunity to develop and acquire research, analysis, evaluation and reporting
skills among others.
In view of the above, Curriculum Development Centre produced the Civic Education
Syllabus between September and November 2003. The themes and topics covered in
the Civic Education Curriculum are based on the set goals of the National Policy on
education “Educating Our Future” (1996). Pages 5-6.
It is hoped that this syllabus will enable school leavers to gain the Civic knowledge
and acquire skills to make them understand and practise their civic values right and
obligation as responsible Zambian citizens.
Dr. James Mulungushi
PERMANENT SECRETARY
MINISTRY OF EDUCATION
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The High School Civic Education Teaching and Learning Materials were developed
by a committee of professionals drawn from various institutions comprising
Curriculum Development Specialists from the Curriculum Development Centre, Civic
Education teachers from pilot schools and lecturers from the University of Zambia,
Nkrumah College of Education and National In-Service Teachers College. The team
worked tirelessly under the supervision of the Chief Curriculum Specialist, Ms.
Oakinah Mutinta Mweembe.
We are greatly indebted to the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Mrs.
Lilian E. L. Kapulu for her invaluable support, and Mr. Alfred K. Sikazwe, former
Director, Standards and Curriculum for his guidance, encouragement and passionate
support towards the Civic Education programme from inception.
The writing team greatly appreciates the help received in form of training and
materials from the Human Rights Commission (HRC), the Anti-Corruption
Commission (ACC), the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC), Transparency
International Zambia (TIZ) and Zambia Civic Education Association (ZCEA) among
others.
We wish to express our gratitude and appreciation to Ms Mary Mupeta and Ms
Josephine Kambikambi for the invaluable secretarial duties they performed in the
course of writing these materials. We also thank many other people too numerous to
mention, who in one way or the other contributed to the production of the materials.
Finally, our sincere gratitude goes to the Government of Ireland through the
Governance Portfolio of the Irish Aid for funding the High School Civic Education
programme in Zambia.
F. C. Mfula (Mrs)
Acting Director
STANDARDS & CURRICULUM
MINISTRY OF EDUCTION
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INTRODUCTION
The Civic Education Component is currently integrated in the Social and
Development Curriculum covered at Grades 1-7. However at the Upper Basic (Grades
8-9), it is offered as a separate subject.
The introduction of Civic Education at High School level was to fill the gap that
existed between Grade 9 and College or University level of education. This gap has
had an impact on Grade 12 school leavers who in most cases graduated with little or
no experience of Civic Education with regards to their roles, rights and obligation.
Hence, this major development in the curriculum was identified as an important
contribution to Zambia’s education system.
The High School Civic Education Syllabus covers a cross section of political,
economic, social and cultural issues that are key to Zambia’s democratic system of
governance.
Some of the themes and topics covered in the Civic Education Syllabus include:
Constitution, Citizenship, Governance System in Zambia, Introduction to Human
Rights, Corruption, Introduction to Cultural Studies, Substance Abuse. Governance,
Family Law, Development Planning, Poverty in Zambia, Environmental Education
and Global Issues.
Undoubtedly, the teaching and learning of Civic Education will help society recognize
the role that this subject plays in our constantly changing world.
The Ministry of Education, therefore, hopes that through civic education learners will
be equipped with knowledge; skills and values to enable them practise their civic
rights and perform duties as responsible Zambian citizens.
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AUTHORS:
Dr. Yizenge A. Chondoka
Dr. O. Chakulimba
Dr. Charles M. Namafe
Mrs. Beatrice M. Hamwiinga
Mr. Paison K. Katambala
Ms. Judith M. Mulenga
Mr. Isaac C. J. Mwanza
Mrs. Beatrice C. Mweene
Mrs. Lilian S. Ntalasha
Mr. Geoffrey D. Simfukwe
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EXPECTED GENERAL OUTCOMES
The following are the expected general outcomes of the syllabus:
1.
Developing an understanding and appreciation of the Zambian
constitution, its importance and supremacy.
2.
Promoting positive attitudes, responsibilities, duties, obligations, freedoms
and rights of a citizen in the learner.
3.
Creating an understanding of the political process and appreciation of good
governance.
4.
Creating awareness on the need for respect, promotion of democracy,
human rights and freedoms.
5.
Developing an understanding of the dangers of corruption and its impact
on society.
6.
Developing an understanding of the importance of the Zambian culture
and cultural diversity.
7.
Developing an understanding of the dangers and effects of substance abuse
to health and life in general.
8.
Creating an awareness of HIV and AIDS, care and support and its impact
on the Zambian society.
9.
Developing an understanding of global issues.
10.
Creating awareness on the roles of the media in democracy, governance
and national development.
11.
Promoting an understanding of the various roles and functions of civil
society.
12.
Creating awareness on the need for tolerance and respect for other
people’s views and the need for peaceful conflict resolution.
13.
Sensitising the learners on gender, equity and equality in relation to
national development.
14.
Fostering skills in the learner necessary to promote human development.
15.
Creating awareness and developing skills and strategies for sustainable
environmental management.
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GENERAL AND SPECIFIC OUTCOMES
GRADE 10
1. CONSTITUTION
General Outcome
Develop an understanding and appreciation of the Zambian Constitution as the
Supreme Law of the country.
Specific Outcomes

Define constitution

Discuss types of constitution

Explain the structure and content of the Zambian constitution

Describe the process of constitution making

Discuss the characteristics of a good constitution

Explain the importance of a constitution to a nation.
2. CITIZENSHIP
General Outcome
Develop an understanding of the duties, responsibilities, freedoms and rights of a
citizen.
Specific Outcomes

Define citizenship

State qualifications of a Zambian citizen

Describe qualities of a good citizen

Outline duties of a good citizen

Identify factors that lead to bad citizenship

Explain rights and freedoms of a citizen.

Discuss the importance of citizen participation in community activities.
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3.
GOVERNANCE SYSTEM IN ZAMBIA
General Outcome
Develop an understanding of political process and governance issues in Zambia.
Specific Outcomes

Define governance

Describe Zambia’s governance system in the pre-colonial era

Discuss the characteristics of good and bad governance

Analyse different electoral systems

Explain Zambia’s electoral system

Describe the local government system in Zambia

Discuss the role of traditional Leaders in governance
4. INTRODUCTION TO HUMAN RIGHTS
General Outcome
Develop an understanding, respect and promotion of human rights.
Specific Outcomes

Define human rights

Outline the historical development of human rights

Discuss characteristics of human rights.

Explain categories of human rights.

Discuss the significance of human rights.
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5. CORRUPTION
General Outcome
Develop an understanding of the dangers of corruption and its impact on society.
Specific Outcomes

Define corruption.

Examine the various forms of corruption.

Explain causes of corruption.

Discuss effects of corruption.

Assess the impact of corruption on the Zambian society.

Identify institutions that fight against corruption in Zambia.

Show how individuals and groups in society can contribute to the fight against
corruption.
6. INTRODUCTION TO CULTURAL STUDIES
General Outcome
Develop an understanding of the importance of Zambia’s cultural heritage.
Specific Outcomes

Define culture

Describe components of culture

Explain characteristics of culture

Discuss the importance of culture

Outline types of cultures

Outline Zambia’s societal core values

Discuss Zambia’s cultural practices
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7. SUBSTANCE ABUSE
General Outcome
Develop an understanding of dangers and effects of substance abuse to health and
life in Zambia.
Specific Outcomes

Define substance and substance abuse

Describe types of substances often abused by people

Explain reasons for substance abuse

Suggest ways of avoiding substance abuse

Discuss the effects of substance abuse on individuals, community and at
national level.

Discuss measures used to prevent substance abuse.

Identify agencies involved in eradicating substance abuse in Zambia.
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GRADE 11
1. CIVIL SOCIETY AND THE MEDIA IN GOVERNANCE
General Outcome
Develop an understanding of Civil Society and the media participation in governance
issues.
Specific Outcomes

Define civil society.

Classify civil society in Zambia.

Analyse the roles of civil society in governance issues.

Explain the conditions necessary for the establishment of civil society.

Discuss the importance of citizen participation in governance.

Evaluate the need for citizen participation in governance

Identify different types of media.

Discuss the importance of access to the media in governance.

Explain the importance of the independence of the media in governance.
2. ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
General Outcome
Develop an understanding and appreciation of economic and social development.
Specific Outcomes

Define development, economic development and social development.

Discuss basic human needs.

Describe factors that affect production.

Discuss factors which affect capital formation.

Analyse the contribution of financial institutions to economic and social
development.
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
Explain the importance of positive work culture for economic development in
Zambia.

Evaluate the role of the informal sector in national development.
3. INTRODUCTION TO MAJOR INTERNATIONAL HUMAN
RIGHTS INSTRUMENTS.
General Outcome
Develop an understanding of Major International Human Rights and Instruments.
Specific Learning Outcomes

Describe the International Bills of Rights

Define the Charter-Based Human Rights Instrument (Universal Declaration of
Human Rights).

Describe the background to the Charter – Based Human Rights Instrument
(UDHR).

Summarise the provisions contained in the UDHR.

Discuss the mechanisms used by the United Nations in monitoring and
supervising the implementation of the Charter-Based Human Rights
Instrument (UDHR).

Define Treaty-Based International Human Rights Instruments

Describe the background to each of the major Treaty-Based International
Human Rights Instruments.

Summaries of the provisions contained in each of the major Treaty-Based
Human Rights Instruments.
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4. INTRODUCTION TO THE ZAMBIAN LEGAL SYSTEM
General Outcome
Develop a general understanding of Zambia’s Legal System.
Specific Learning Outcomes

Define legal education

Outline elements of a good legal system

Explain sources of law in Zambia

Define criminal and civil cases

Describe the functions of legal institutions and organisations that promote
justice.
5. INTRODUCTION TO PROCESSES IN THE
ZAMBIAN LEGAL SYSTEM
General Outcome
Develop a general understanding to the process of the Zambian Legal System.
Specific Learning Outcomes

Explain the rights of a suspect in pre-trial procedure.

Discuss the rights of a suspect at the trial stage.

Explain the rights of a convicted person at post trial stage.

Describe the procedure in a criminal case justice process.

Define capital punishment.

Discuss the cases that constitute capital punishment

Analyse arguments for and against capital punishment.

Describe the procedures in the Civil Justice processes.

Describe the post trial process in the Zambian legal system
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6. GENDER EQUITY AND EQUALITY
General Outcome
Sensitise learners on Gender Equity and Equality in relation to national development.
Specific Learning Outcomes

Define gender, gender equity, gender equality, gender discrimination and
stereo-typing.

Outline the historical background of gender issue.

Describe gender roles, sex roles, stereo- type and gender gap

Discuss the social construction of gender.

Analyse the Intestate Succession Act of 1989.

Compare and contrast gender issues in traditional and modern society.

Evaluate the work of Governmental Institutions and Non-Governmental
Organisations that advocate for gender equity and equality.
7. A CULTURE OF PEACE
General Outcome
Develop an understanding of and the need to promote a culture of peace.
Specific Learning Outcomes

Define peace, conflict and a culture of peace.

Outline methods of promoting peace.

Discuss forms of conflict at various levels.

Analyse causes of conflict at various levels.

Assess the impact of various forms of conflict.

Describe conflict resolution strategies.

Explain ways of creating a culture of peace.
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8. HIV AND AIDS
General Outcome
Create an awareness of HIV and AIDS, impact and mitigation measures.
Specific Learning Outcomes

Define HIV and AIDS

Describe factors which expose people to HIV Infections.

Analyse different measures used to prevent the spread of HIV and AIDS.

Analyse the impact of HIV and AIDS at individual, community and national
level.

Discuss HIV and stigmatisation.

Outline various ways used to protect the rights of HIV infected persons.

Discuss HIV and AIDS mitigation strategies in relation to treatment, care and
support.

Identify institutions and organisations and their roles in dealing with HIV and
AIDS.
9. SOCIAL CHALLENGES
General Outcome
Develop an awareness of selected social challenges and promote participation in
intervention measures.
Specific Learning Outcomes

Define social challenges

Define child abuse

Describe different forms of child abuse

Suggest ways of addressing different forms of child abuse.

Identify institutions that address child abuse

Suggest ways of ensuring protection against sexual assault.

Suggest ways of protecting oneself against rape
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
Identify effects of rape on the victim

Outline factors that lead to teenage pregnancies

Examine effects of teenage pregnancies

Describe sexual harassment

Describe gender-based violence.

Identify institutions that deal with gender based violence.
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GRADE 12
1. HUMAN RIGHTS IN ZAMBIA
General Outcomes
Develop an understanding and appreciation of human rights.
Cultivate respect for promotion and protection of human rights.
Specific Outcomes

Define the Bill of Rights.

Outline elements of the Bill of Rights in the Zambian Constitution.

Analyse the limitations of the Bill of Rights.

Describe ways of enforcing the Zambian Bill of Rights.

Discuss Institutions which promote Human Rights in Zambia.

Explain provisions of the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights.
2.
RIGHTS OF THE CHILD
General Outcomes
Develop respect and understanding of the Rights of the Child.
Specific Outcomes

Explain reasons for a separate human rights instrument for children.

Outline steps taken to come up with a United Nations Convention on the
Rights of the Child.

Explain what is meant by children’s rights are human rights.

Describe the four principles of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of
the Child.

Discuss the provision of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the
Child and the two Optional Protocols.
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3.
FAMILY LAW
General Outcome
Develop an understanding of Family Law in Zambia.
Specific Outcomes

Define family and marriage.

Outline the elements of Family Law.

Describe types of marriages in Zambia.

Assess the effects of separation, divorce and death on the family.
4.
DEVELOPMENT PLANNING
General Outcome
Develop an understanding and appreciation of the importance of development
planning.
Specific Outcomes

Define development planning.

Discuss types of development planning.

Describe methods of planning.

Discuss the importance of budgeting and fiscal discipline in development
planning.

Explain the functions of Micro and Macro-economic financial institutions.

Examine indicators of development.
5.
POVERTY IN ZAMBIA
General Outcomes
Develop an understanding of the causes and effects of poverty in Zambia.
Acquire knowledge in poverty alleviation and reduction strategies.
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Specific Outcomes

Define poverty.

Outline the causes of poverty.

Discuss poverty alleviation measures.

Evaluate poverty alleviation policies and their implementation in Zambia.
6. ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION
General Outcomes

Develop an understanding of the need to protect and preserve the environment.

Appreciate and participate in environmental management activities.
Specific Outcomes

Define environment.

Outline causes of environmental degradation.

Discuss environmental management.

Identify institutions that promote environmental management in Zambia.

Assess ways of addressing environmental degradation

Discuss functions of the institutions that promote environmental management
in Zambia

State some international conventions on environmental management.

Discuss the importance of biodiversity in the management of the environment.
7.
GLOBAL ISSUES
General Outcome
Develop an understanding of globalisation and global issues.
Specific Outcomes

Define global issues.
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
Analyse global interdependence.

Discuss Bilateral and Multilateral aid.

Discuss International trade.

Explain debt crisis and debt relief.

Discuss the effects of debt crisis and debt relief on Zambia.

Explain Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

Analyse Zambia’s efforts towards the attainment of the Millennium
Development Goals.
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