NICE project reintroduced to help young people become responsible and disciplined citizens

The National Initiative for Civic Education (NICE) Pilot Programme 2026, a flagship two-week national programme to help young people develop a sense of patriotism, live peacefully with others, show respect, and become responsible and disciplined citizens, will be implemented under the aegis of the Prime Minister’s Office.

It is recalled that the NICE project was first introduced in 2012 and 2013. The concept was developed by Mr Ong Boon Hwee, an international consultant from Singapore, with military background, who also provided assistance for the 2012 NICE edition.

The project is being reintroduced by the Government to cater for 200 Grade 8 students, 100 boys and 100 girls, aged 12 to 13 years. Participants will come from State and Private secondary schools across the Republic, including Rodrigues and Agalega.

The programme is scheduled to be held from Monday 16 to Saturday 28 November 2026 and comprises a hybrid structure including one-week non-residential and one-week residential activities. It is structured around four content blocks, namely National Education, Character Building, Preparedness, and Community Living, cascaded in 22 modules. Its modules combine edutainment with physical activities that build endurance, grit, perseverance and responsibility.

In this context, a Train-the-Leaders workshop will be organised from 16 to 18 September 2026, whereby Mr Ong Boon Hwee and other facilitators will empower the resource persons from the Ministry of Education and Human Resource, the Ministry of Youth and Sports, and other key stakeholders. The aim is to prepare them to better imbibe the programme’s goals, apply its methods, and lead their teams with one shared vision.

16 September 2026

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Topics: Education, Cabinet Decisions