17/07/2023
AN EDUCATION BASED ON AFRICAN CULTURE
Values are the ultimate essence and spirit of cultures are they underlying principles and ideas on the basis of which societies and individuals choose their goals. Values are also the criteria on which social and individual ends and means are judged and evaluated. Apart from goals, or otherwise, are judged and evaluated in the framework of values. Any action that is contrary to the cherished values of the group or society is condemned and punished. Any deviance from accepted behavior is always subjected to criticisms. Unlike, which are quite specific, values tend to be generalized ideals and somewhat abstract; nevertheless, they attract the total commitment of the society.
Thus in India, religious communities like Muslims, Christians or Sirks or linguistic groups like Tamilians, Maharashtrians and Punjab and so on, have their own cultural characteristics that distinguish them from other communities or groups. Bu simultaneously, we also share certain core values like secularism, democracy and equality of all citizens, irrespective of our diversities and these integrate us.
Our African schools have to work in that same light. With the beautiful socio-cultural medley in Cameroon, BITFEA combines all of it to offer an education founded on the values existing in our differences. Inculcating them values of respect and love for our cultures and inscribing in them the different cultures that exist among us which makes our identity. Each culture is a blessing which our young children need to learn and maximize the potentials that exist in each of them. Having a number of subcultures within the school framework helps our children to grow inn synergy with these cultures thereby eradicating hatred or hate speeches which only comes as a result of lack of knowledge on the other’s culture. BITFEA as a center of impartation of knowledge does not leave this out but in hard work to offer an education to Cameroonian citizens deeply enshrined in their cultural values.
By NDI Rita NGWANYA
Chief of BITFEA PROJECT
Technical Secretary at THE GREAT AFRICA General Coordination