ABEC hosts primary school students as part of continuous education programme

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The Antigua and Barbuda Electoral Commission (ABEC) continues to expand its Civic and Voter Education programme by incorporating practical exercises aimed towards educating the nation’s youth about the electoral process.

As part of the initiative, ABEC recently hosted 35 students from the Newfield Primary School at its headquarters and the St John’s City East and St John’s City South Constituency Registration Units, a release said.

Accompanied by their three Social Studies teachers, the students received both theoretical and practical insights into the Commission’s role and functions.

During their visit, they learned about key aspects of the electoral process to include: The Registration Process; The Expired Voter’s ID Card Replacement Process; The Transfer Process; The role of the Supervisor of Elections and the seven-member Commission; Voting Procedures; and the responsibilities of Election Day workers.

One of the highlights of their experience was to witness an elector undergoing the process of replacing an expired Voter’s ID Card. The real-time demonstration allowed the students to observe firsthand how registration personnel conduct interviews and process applications.

Supervisor of Elections Mr Ian S Hughes welcomed the students and their teachers, emphasizing ABEC’s commitment to sustained Voter Education, adding that the education of the nation’s youth is directly linked to informed adults in the future. He stressed the importance of fostering an inclusive democracy by encouraging young people to actively participate in the electoral process from an early age.

The Public Relations Officer Mrs Elisa Graham reinforced this message, stating that ABEC’s mandate includes continuous education on electoral processes and procedures and engaging the youth in a practical training experience which will not only enhance their understanding for upcoming examinations but help shape their future decision-making as responsible citizens.

Speaking on behalf of the Newfield Primary School, Social Studies Teacher Ms Neglee Peters explained that Government and Politics form a key part of the Social Studies curriculum, particularly the study of the electoral processes. She added that the students garnered a lot of knowledge from the face-to-face interaction with election practitioners. She expressed the hope that this would positively impact their academic performance.

Ms Peters expressed thanks to ABEC for facilitating the visit and the experience.

ABEC remains committed to its civic education mandate and will continue to engage young minds in meaningful ways to strengthen democratic awareness and participation.

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