In fulfillment of the core fellowship pillar on civic engagement, Aishatu Aliyu, a 2025 Emerging Political Leaders Fellow, organized a session on 17th September 2025 titled “From Classroom to Community: How Secondary School Students Can Make Their Voices Count.” The event brought together 58 participants, including 50 secondary school students, 3 discussants, and 7 invited guests, creating a vibrant space for dialogue and learning. The session was designed to bridge the knowledge gap among young people, many of whom had little understanding of voter registration, local governance, or how their voices can influence political participation. By engaging directly with students, the activity helped them connect classroom learning with real community issues and encouraged them to see themselves as agents of change.
Key Outcomes
The session produced several notable outcomes. Students were introduced to the importance of voter registration, highlighting why starting early matters in shaping their political future. They participated actively in interactive discussions and question-and-answer sessions, which boosted their confidence in sharing ideas and concerns. The conversation also connected classroom learning to community realities, helping students understand how civic knowledge can translate into direct action in their local environments. Most importantly, the event inspired a new level of enthusiasm. Many students pledged to encourage their peers and families to register to vote, demonstrating that with the right information, young people are ready to act as advocates for positive change.
Lessons Learnt
This civic engagement activity reinforced several key lessons. First, young people are eager to participate once they are given the opportunity and a platform to express themselves. Second, the voter registration gap among secondary school students is wider than expected, which calls for more targeted campaigns in schools. Another important lesson was the effectiveness of interactive methods such as open discussions and Q&A, which made complex civic issues easier for students to understand. Finally, the session demonstrated that technology and social media can be powerful enablers for civic education, offering students tools to amplify their voices and extend the reach of their ideas.
Next Steps
Building on the momentum of this activity, several next steps have been identified. Voter registration campaigns will be organized in schools to ensure that students are better informed and prepared ahead of elections. Continuous civic education workshops will be developed to sustain their interest and deepen their knowledge of governance and participation. Plans are also in motion to establish civic engagement clubs in schools, which will provide students with a structured platform to practice leadership and community service. Regular forums and mentorship sessions with community leaders will further strengthen their engagement, while the use of technology and digital platforms will be encouraged to help students spread civic awareness among their peers and beyond.
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