OUR ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
MIDF has certain roles and responsibilities to the society and the environment:
1) We want to build a nation of ‘active citizen’ that can be differentiated from merely being a ‘good citizen’.
Being a ‘good citizen’ |
Being an ‘active citizen’ |
i. A good citizen obeys the law |
i. An active citizen agrees that the law should be obeyed, but future citizens should discuss the difference between law and justice. Active citizen needs the skills to change laws in a peaceful manner. |
ii. A good citizen minimises offence to others |
ii. An active citizen, sometimes finds it necessary to stand by his/her principles, especially when there are perceived practices that are unjust and cruel. |
iii. A good citizen recognises responsibilities and rights of himself/herself and others, and helps others. |
iii. An active citizen, goes further by providing constructive criticisms and are prepared to whistle-blow. |
2. We want to inculcate ‘representation and having a say’ in society and nation
i. This may involve a change of ethos in the organisation
ii. Setting up of student/worker committees, project advisory groups, Youth Councils and others to promote greater involvement in decision-making processes.
3. We want to infuse ‘political literacy’ locally and nationwide.
i. Most importantly, to encourage active citizens to engage in politically activity and to believe they have a right and a duty to engage
ii. As such, democracy demands that its members indulge in getting to know and understand certain concepts: fairness, justice, freedom, power and authority, the rule of the law.
4. We want ‘volunteering and community involvement’ suffused in active citizenship
i. Volunteering alone is not sufficient; active citizens should learn from such activity (skills, knowledge and values)
ii. Active community involvement provides the avenues for reflections and reviews.
5. We want to ‘assist teachers and facilitators’ working with groups of young people in the delivery of active citizenship.
i. Provide training sessions that equip young people with the appropriate knowledge, skills, and understanding to participate meaningfully and effectively in the decisions and issues that affect them
ii. Actively support young people in planning, doing and reviewing an active citizenship project both locally and nationally.
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