In July 2025, our Civics Academy team conducted a two-day training for TVET Life Orientation (LO) lecturers at Ekurhuleni West TVET college. The workshop focused on the Civics Academy Lecturers’ Guide “Facilitating Active Citizenship”, a cooperation project between the Hanns Seidel Foundation (HSF) and the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) and its application for Topic 4: Citizenship in lessons of Life Orientation as well the Civics Academy ICASS (Internal Continuous Assessments) for level 2, 3 and 4.
Approximately 70 lecturers, both new and experienced, attended the sessions, which combined presentations, discussions, videos, and practical exercises to strengthen their teaching skills and civic education knowledge. These training sessions were expertly facilitated by LO Champions, who play a critical role in guiding and supporting the implementation process within their respective regions.
Participating lecturers praised the sessions for their interactive approach, highlighting the use of videos, practical exercises, and clear ICASS assessment guidelines. Many appreciated learning how to make lessons more engaging and accessible for students, while gaining strategies to support fellow lecturers in their colleges.
Following the training, lecturers have successfully integrated the Civics Academy lesson plans and workshop materials into their classes on Topic 4: Citizenship. Students are actively engaging with the hands-on, practical learning activities, for example exercises simulating the voting process in South Africa. The use of videos, group discussions and role plays has made lessons more dynamic and enjoyable. Lecturers report that this approach not only enhances comprehension but also inspires students to participate meaningfully in democratic processes.
Since its launch in February 2020, the Civics Academy initiative has provided extensive training for over 700 Life Orientation lecturers across South Africa’s 50 TVET colleges. These workshops, supported by the DHET and HSF, continue to enhance the capacity of educators to deliver high-quality civic education, fostering responsible, informed, and active citizens.