Collaboration and Community at the Core of Thanda
At Thanda, we believe that education should be less about power and competition, and more about wisdom and collaboration. That’s why we base our Creative Learning Curriculum on Ubuntu, the idea that “I am what I am because we all are.” The essence of Ubuntu is rooted in interconnectedness—the acknowledgment that one’s own humanity is inextricably bound to another’s.
The concept of Ubuntu was introduced hundreds of years ago, but the idea became popularised in South Africa as our country transitioned out of apartheid. In 1993, South Africa’s Interim Constitution outlined that, “There is a need for understanding but not for vengeance, a need for reparation but not for retaliation, a need for Ubuntu but not for victimization.” Ubuntu encourages us to be the heroes of our own stories, to become someone who can create positive change in our community. We believe that everyone has the heart for Ubuntu, and through our Creative Learning Curriculum, we empower our community with the Game-changing Skills to live Ubuntu.
Cultivating Ubuntu
By placing Ubuntu at the very core of our educational methodology and philosophy, we are able to cultivate a learning environment that holistically supports children in their ability to learn, grow, and lead. We start by addressing the children’s basic needs – ensuring that they are well-nourished. We then provide a safe space where learning can thrive through creativity and play. Our Facilitators and staff focus on fostering an environment of inclusivity, acceptance, and belonging.
Through hands-on activities in a supportive space, the children in our After-school and Early Childhood Development Programmes are able to flourish. They are able to learn in a way that is fun and engaging while they undergo the emotional healing and personal growth that comes with the development of our Game-changing Skills of self-esteem, perspective, creativity, critical thinking, and empathy.
Our Facilitator, Zanele Mabaso, notes this growth in one of the children in his After-school group, Amahle, by sharing that, “Amahle has been given the freedom to make learning her playground. Since starting the After-school Programme, I have watched her self-esteem and creativity grow in a positive light. Having Thanda around has really encouraged her.”
Results with Ubuntu
When the Ubuntu philosophy is at play in the curriculum, children begin to think independently, feel confident in expressing themselves, and recognise their own strengths. We know it works because….
Living Ubuntu
In 2006, Nelson Mandela wrote, “A traveler through a country would stop at a village and he didn’t have to ask for food or for water. Once he stops, the people give him food, entertain him. That is one aspect of Ubuntu, but it will have various aspects. Ubuntu does not mean that people should not enrich themselves. The question therefore is: Are you going to do so in order to enable the community around you to be able to improve?”
The idea of supporting one another and working together are core parts of Thanda and our Creative Learning Curriculum. By working collaboratively and mapping out ideas for the community, children develop an understanding of the interconnectedness among individuals and feel empowered to lead change in their communities.
Beyond permeating our curriculum, Ubuntu is core to our organizational culture. It is only through the interconnectedness of our staff, partners, and our supporters that the shared vision of a world in which all children have the tools they need to become resilient life-long learners is possible.
We invite you to live the Ubuntu philosophy with us by joining our community of supporters. With your generosity, Thanda will be able to provide our Creative Learning Curriculum to even more children next year, preparing them to learn, grow, and lead in their lives and in their communities.
