The current era is marked by a gradual shift where citizens are increasingly interested in governance, advocating for transparency in the budget process, and holding governments accountable. However, there is still pushback from the government concerning transparency and accountability in the budget process. This can be attributed to the lack of influence from us, the citizens. When equipped with the knowledge to understand the technical terms and financial jargon in budget processes, we can advocate for better amenities and conditions for our communities and the nation.  Hence, public fiscal education is vital to a nation’s future.

What is Public Fiscal Education?

When defining the term public fiscal education, it is important to note how each word complements the other. Public means the citizens and everyone within the nation, fiscal means financial, and education means learning. Simply put, public fiscal education provides citizens with the knowledge and resources to understand government budgets and financial management practices, make informed decisions, and participate in government processes. This can be done through workshops or educational programs to break down budgetary processes, promote transparency, and foster civic participation in fiscal matters. The IFAC expounds on the importance of public fiscal education and shares future projections of fiscal education’s role in governance. 

BudgIT’s Civic and Fiscal Education Program

At BudgIT, we believe in the power of informed and active citizenship. That’s why we’re excited to introduce the Maryland Civic and Fiscal Education Program in Maryland County. This initiative embodies our mission at BudgIT to advocate for empowering citizens in communities where it matters most. This program focuses on middle and high school students, teaching them the fundamentals of budgets and government practices. By instilling fiscal responsibility at a young age, we nurture proactive citizens ready to participate in democratic processes and positively impact their communities.

Our Civic and Fiscal Education program goes beyond imparting knowledge. It fosters a sense of civic duty and lays the foundation for a future where empowered citizens drive positive change and uphold democratic values.

Building a Sustainable Future

Public Fiscal Education is vital in enhancing transparency and accountability in government spending. Given the enormous impact that any government decision can have on our daily lives, we as citizens should be leading the charge for more information about the state of our country. As citizens become more aware of government budgets and fiscal responsibility, they are better equipped to advocate for their needs and critically check government actions, thereby ensuring that public funds are allocated efficiently and effectively. 

How Can You Get Involved? 

We invite you to join us as we continue to empower citizens and champion public fiscal education. Whether you are an individual, civil society organization, community leader, or policymaker, you can get involved and make a difference in various ways. Here are some actionable steps you can take:

1. Spread awareness about the importance of public fiscal education and BudgIT’s Civic and Fiscal Education Program with your network.
2. Consider volunteering your time and expertise to support civic education efforts.
3. Engage with policymakers and government officials to advocate for policies that promote transparency, accountability, and citizen engagement in governance. 
4. Stay informed about public finance, governance, and civic participation issues.
5. Support our work through donations or fundraising efforts. Your financial support will help us expand our reach, develop innovative educational resources, and empower more citizens to be engaged members of society.

Let’s collectively build a future where every citizen has the knowledge and resources to advocate for a transparent, accountable, and equitable society. Join us in our mission to promote informed citizenship and drive positive change for the betterment of our communities and nation.

Rebecca Nzerem is the Communication Officer at BudgIT.