National Values II (Cooperation) – JSS1 Civic Education Lesson Note (First Term)

Cooperation is working together to achieve something good. It is the cordial relationship among people that leads to peaceful co-existence. It is the opposite of conflict and competition. It is needed in families, schools, offices, industries, churches and mosques.

Behavioural objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

• explain what cooperation is;
• name the three types of cooperation and give examples of each;
• state the attributes of cooperation;
• say why cooperation is important in the school and the community.

What makes cooperation work?

Cooperation is strengthened when members of a group have agreed rules, regulations and values for achieving a common goal.

Cooperation is impossible when members do not agree with one another. It is therefore important for students to learn to live together with others. They must learn to cooperate with their teachers, classmates and schoolmates.

What are the types of cooperation?

There are three types of cooperation:

1. Internal cooperation
2. Bilateral cooperation
3. Multilateral cooperation

Internal cooperation

In internal cooperation, a community, or individuals and groups in a community or state, come together for the economic, social and political objectives of the community or state. Electing leaders into political power is one example. Political associations, cooperative societies and social clubs are also examples of internal cooperation for community development and for achieving specific goals and objectives.

Bilateral cooperation

This is usually between two countries, to improve the economic, social and political development of both countries.

Multilateral cooperation

This involves several countries coming together to work out strategies for solving specific problems. The agreement is binding on the member states, which must be signatories to it. Any member state that defaults will be sanctioned. Examples are the United Nations Organization (UNO) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), etc.

The United Nations was established in 1945 to prevent a third world war and to promote good neighbourliness among member states.

What are the attributes of cooperation?

1. Unity: Unity is the core of cooperation, because only united people can work together. People must stand with their leaders to make progress.
2. Sharing: We must share information, ideas, views, opinions and the materials needed for accomplishing a task if we are to achieve our collective goals.
3. Support: A cooperative individual backs, helps and supports others by working in agreement. As citizens, we ought to support government programmes so that they succeed.
4. Team spirit: This is a very important attitude of cooperation. It makes everyone part of the task and lets each person see themselves as important as others in achieving a set goal.
5. Caring: Everyone must be cared for so that they have a sense of belonging. Leaders must care for followers and followers for leaders. Everyone must be kind and helpful to others for cooperation to succeed.

Evaluation

1. What is cooperation?
2. Name the three types of cooperation.
3. Give two examples of internal cooperation.
4. What is the difference between bilateral and multilateral cooperation?
5. List the attributes of cooperation.

Assignment

Identify factors that promote cooperation.