By Hajaratu Kalokoh
In an effort to instill the culture of integrity at an early stage of growth, the Anti-Corruption Commission has engaged two schools who are members of the Integrity Clubs in Lungi.
The engagement which was done through the Public Education and External Outreach Unit of the commission targeted both Bullom Ahmadiyya and St. Augustine Secondary Schools on the 11 and 12 February respectively.
Regional Manager, Al-Hassan Sesay said the engagement with the clubs was to help facilitate active role in various schools in promoting integrity among pupils, noting that the students being members of the club did not in any way make them staff of the ACC and should not in any way be seen policing the administration
“But rather, members of the club are expected to help in changing the attitude, behavior of pupils to conform to best practices of honesty, hard work, faithfulness and discipline among others,” a statement from the commission reads, adding that "You're expected to be a mirror of integrity and an epitome of discipline, hard work and committed to issues of integrity."
Sesay further encouraged the Teacher Coordinators to give the necessary support and urged the pupils to stand against exams malpractice, theft, bribery, illegal charges, falsification etc.
The Integrity Clubs in schools, established by the ACC are geared towards promoting positive morals within the educational sector in teaching pupils and instilling the values of integrity in them so that they will be role models in achieving a positive mindset attitude among school pupils. It is part of wider efforts by the commission to help prevent corruption by changing the mindset of the younger generation so that by the time they are ready to take up state responsibilities they would be mindful of certain ethical considerations, values and patriotism.
The Head Girl and the Head Boy of both schools promised to promote effective collaboration with the ACC with a focus on promoting and maintaining integrity within the school system.
Teachers of both schools were also enlightened on related offences in the 2019 ACC Act as amended, and they were cautioned to abstain from corrupt practices that contravene the Anti-corruption Act and the Education Policy.
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