Amanuel Abraha Teklemariam, Ed.D.
Abstract
African philosophies such as Ubuntu, Ujamaa, and Harambee offer transformative resources for character and virtue education by promoting communal values, ethical behavior, and interconnectedness. This paper examines their relevance in addressing moral, social, and educational realities, as it is in the Lasallian educational tradition pursued for over three centuries. Ubuntu emphasizes humanity’s interconnectedness, fostering compassion, respect, and harmony among people and the environment. The philosophy underscores that personal identity is deeply intertwined with communal well-being, making it integral for character education. Ujamaa, rooted in Tanzanian communalism, advocates for equality, self-reliance, and collective responsibility, offering a democratic approach to moral development. By emphasizing unity and resource-sharing, it nurtures social justice and cooperation. Harambee, meaning “pulling together” in Kiswahili, mobilizes communities to address shared challenges through teamwork and resource pooling. This principle instills responsibility, resilience, and empathy, aligning character education with broader societal goals.
Such African philosophies align with the Lasallian tradition of faith, service, and community (Hengermule, 2016). Ubuntu fosters inclusivity, Ujamaa promotes social justice, and Harambee encourages cooperation. Together, they enhance virtue and character education by cultivating ethical awareness, social responsibility, and moral leadership in learners.
Full Text
Keywords
Ubuntu, Ujamaa, Harambee, African philosophy, Character education, Lasallian Education
About the Author
Dr. Amanuel Abraha Teklemariam is a Core Professor at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, where he teaches courses in ethics, global social justice, leadership, and qualitative research methods. He has 28 years of experience in teaching and holding leadership positions in higher education, as well as in conducting research and publishing in the field of education. He is currently pursuing studies in Character and Virtue Education at the Jubilee Center, University of Birmingham.
ISSN: 2151-2515
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