Answer to Question #311590 in Philosophy for Lungi

Question

1. African philosophy of education emphasises "Ubuntu" Briefly Discuss.

2. Show how marginalisation of African values has resulted in the westernisation of education in Africa.

Answer 1

1) Ubuntu is a philosophy based on the idea that all humanity is connected. The thinking originates in southern Africa but forms part of many African belief systems and serves as a foundation for education. With ubuntu, the relationship between a person and her/his community is interdependent and mutually beneficial.

2) Under the strong impact of westernization, not only the entire world, but also Africans themselves have begun to believe and accept the fact that nearly everything, which depicts the African label is considered inferior. Some aspects in which marginalization of African values has led to the westernization of education in Africa entail the following. First is the language of the people that have been torpedoed by this process. For instance, in Kenya, English is the medium of teaching at nearly all levels of education. The situation is further compounded by making the language mandatory in school and those found speaking their mother tongues are punished. This erosion of African values has made some pupils have difficulties in speaking their respective mother tongue fluently. Western education has also subverted the moral values of Africans. The focus on paper qualification encouraged insincerity and cheating in the school system and even in society. Moreover, a certificate is apparently seen as a means to an end. African values like honesty, loyalty, humility, hard work, respect, and truth have been eroded by the influence of western education. These virtues which are critical components of African society are slowly being considered uncivilized. Explicitly, materialism has replaced hard work and honor. Respect for traditional African institutions has also disappeared. People are no longer fair to one another. There is a collapse of social discipline under the pretext of civilization. The capitalist trend of western education has infiltrated the cooperative and communal spirit of individuals to the level that parents complain that they can no longer ask their children to perform any task to them without the youngsters asking for remuneration.