Civics education for a vibrant democracy

CEFA’s Governor-General’s Undergraduate Essay Competition engages undergraduate students from all universities in Australia in annual essay writing on topics relevant to modern government and civics issues. Now in its sixth year, the finals are judged by a panel consisting of a High Court Justice and eminent Australian academics in the Law and Humanities who are nominated by CEFA. Previous winners of this competition have gone on to outstanding career opportunities. CEFA also offers annual research scholarships to Australian university students who show outstanding personal civics related interest and engagement.

CEFA’S funding is completely reliant on private sources which come from individual school mentors, individual benefactors, major sponsors and financial partners. Many communities are now fundraising as a cluster to get their local schools running a parliament. General donations are also welcome and support the university essay competitions and CEFA’s scholarship programs. Mentors, sponsors and partners receive many benefits and much recognition as a thank you from the children and community they are empowering. Where desired, national and state awards ceremonies also pay fitting tributes to those involved at all levels.

Supporting the establishment of a school parliament is a highly rewarding experience. Mentors receive their school parliament’s mace and recognition certificates. Implementation of the school parliament is arranged by CEFA including approaching the school authorities, providing school parliament resources and materials, professional teacher training and ongoing support for all aspects of implementation. Mentors choose their own level of involvement from local school parliament events, to optional attendance at state and national awards ceremonies, exhibition days, and special CEFA functions held at state and national levels.

The CEFA website www.cefa.org.au details CEFA’s activities. Case studies, evaluations, annual reports, media releases, sponsorship details, and CEFA’s strict internal governance and evaluation procedures are also online. CEFA’s available materials include information and marketing packages, the objectives of the Fund and testimonials, regular newsletters by email and mail, press releases and teaching and learning resources and materials.

CEFA aims to empower an active, engaged and responsible citizenry over the next ten years. We offer a variety of practical projects that engage Australians with our political and social heritage, our system of government, our democratic processes and values, our public administration and our judicial system. Australia’s first female Governor-General, Her Excellency Ms Quentin Bryce AC, is CEFA’s patron-in-chief. Her recent letter in support of our work emphasises the importance of CEFA’s civics education projects:

We are a young country, but a strong one; a multicultural nation brought together by our democratic values and Constitution. In our fast-paced and globalised world, it is vital that all young Australians understand our governance systems, to enable them to participate effectively in current and future political discussions. In the words of Nelson Mandela, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world”.