International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) | Volume IV, Issue VII, July 2020 | ISSN 2454–6186

Value Creating Education in the African Traditional Context: Lessons for Modern-Day Society

Prof. Lewis Ngesu
University of Nairobi, Kenya

Abstract: The main purpose of value creating education in the African traditional societies was to inculcate into young children moral values and norms that were acceptable within the given society. The education system was also geared towards promoting other values like respect for self and others, peaceful co-existence, love for another, integrity, tolerance and social cohesion. This paper highlights aspects of value creating education in the African context and explore lessons that the current generation can borrow from the African Traditional Education.

I. INTRODUCTION

During the pre-colonial era, Africans used an indigenous form of education to preserve both family and cultural heritage before the submission of the western education in the 15th century by the Europeans ( Major & Mulvihill, 2009). Indigenous education is the passing down of information, skills, knowledge, or norms and cultural traditions amongst members of the tribe or community from one generation to another (Boateng, 1983). The adults are responsible for developing and guiding infants and young children into the cultural ways of the society. This form of education emphasized more on practical learning as both the children and the youth watched, participated, and executed what they learned. Some of the educational practices used in Traditional African Society are still used in the modern world and are relevant to the socio-economic activities of individuals (Boateng, 1983). This chapter discusses African traditional education. Various forms of traditional teaching methods and philosophical basis are highlighted and discussed. The section further discusses functions, strengths, and weaknesses of African Traditional Education in the society, and concludes by explaining its significance to modern day parent as a lesson.

II. FEATURES OF EDUCATION IN AFRICAN TRADITION

There were various teaching methods used in the African tradition, which all fell under the category of the indigenous form of education (Cioti, 2018). This form of learning was condemned by western people who termed Africans as un-educated hence introducing new religions and teaching methods. The introduction of the western form of education in Africa means that African culture has passed through the pre-colonial, colonial, and post-colonial eras.