Integrity clubs in schools are helping to nurture morally upright children

One of my key responsibilities as an Education Officer at the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) is to support the establishment of integrity clubs in schools. One may ask, ‘Why Integrity Clubs?’ A general perception is that despite the best of efforts, corruption remains a persistent challenge across the world. While efforts to combat corruption often focus on institutions and government policies, real change begins with individuals.

We must start from the foundation to support a generation that values integrity, ethical leadership, and accountability. Integrity clubs provide a structured, impactful platform for nurturing morally upright children who will champion honesty in their future professions and leadership roles.

Integrity clubs are student-led entities designed to inculcate honesty, responsibility, fairness, and respect for the rule of law. These clubs serve as incubators for ethical behaviour, helping students to understand the impact of corruption and develop a culture of integrity from a young age.

Two observations, ‘catch them young’ or ‘you can’t teach an old dog new tricks,’ come to mind. Trying to change an old generation steeped in corruption is perhaps as good as flogging a dead horse. Go for the young, for an enduring change.

Integrity, to better understand the intrinsic role of these clubs, is often described as "doing the right thing, even when no one is watching." The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines it as a firm adherence to a code of moral or artistic values, viewed as incorruptibility, an unimpaired condition, seen as soundness, and the quality or state of being complete or undivided, considered as completeness.

Integrity Clubs cultivate these three conceptual dimensions in young minds by teaching children to uphold strong moral values and resist dishonesty, bribery, and peer pressure. They encourage consistency between values and actions, helping students to build a character rooted in honesty and fairness. Moreover, they reinforce the idea that integrity is not just about avoiding wrongdoing but about being a well-rounded, ethical individual who contributes to the common good of a community.

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The key objectives of integrity clubs are to educate young learners about ethical behaviour and corruption prevention; encourage peer accountability and responsible decision-making; provide mentorship opportunities with ethical role models, and promote a sense of responsibility towards community and national development.

Values instilled in childhood shape behaviour in adulthood. Schools provide the ideal environment to introduce integrity-based decision-making. Internalising honesty and accountability early in life makes learners less likely to fall into corruption as adults.

Academic dishonesty is a growing concern, reflecting a broader problem of ethical erosion. Integrity clubs emphasise the importance of academic honesty, encouraging learners to embrace hard work and fair competition. Understanding the value of genuine success discourages dishonest practices like cheating in examinations.

Future leaders will emerge from today’s schools. Integrity clubs nurture ethical leadership by teaching learners at every level of learning the importance of transparency, fairness, fair play, and selfless service to others. Students develop confidence and self-esteem in leading with integrity through debates, public speaking, staging dramatic plays, poetry recitations, and community service. Integrity clubs create a positive counterculture, making ethical conduct the communally accepted norm. Members become ambassadors of honesty and community torch bearers, influencing their peers to reject corrupt practices and embrace integrity.

Schools shape society’s future and do not operate in isolation or in a vacuum. Integrity clubs, therefore, bridge the gap by organising outreach programmes, engaging with anti-corruption agencies, and hosting discussions with community leaders. These activities connect classroom lessons on integrity with reality.