From 28 to 31 July 2025, a workshop was held in Guinea-Bissau to advance the integration of key principles of the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance (ACDEG) into the country’s national education curricula.

Implemented under the framework of  ECES’ Pro-Electoral Integrity project, in partnership with the African Union Commission’s Department of Political Affairs, Peace and Security (AUC-PAPS), and with the support of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the initiative brought together African Union experts, regional practitioners, education specialists, civil society representatives, and national institutional stakeholders.

The workshop provided an important platform for dialogue and technical exchange on how democratic values, civic responsibility, constitutionalism, and citizen participation can be more effectively embedded within formal education systems. Discussions focused on identifying priority themes linked to democracy, governance, electoral integrity, and active citizenship for inclusion in national curricula, while also reflecting on methodologies adapted to the Guinea-Bissau context.

Participants worked collaboratively on the development of a country-specific implementation roadmap aimed at supporting the gradual incorporation of ACDEG-related content into educational programmes. The workshop also laid the groundwork for future capacity-building activities targeting teachers, curriculum developers, and education authorities, as well as the production of pedagogical and awareness-raising materials tailored for schools throughout Guinea-Bissau.

By promoting civic education and democratic culture through schools, the initiative contributes to strengthening long-term democratic resilience, citizen engagement, and awareness of governance principles among younger generations in Guinea-Bissau.