25 May: Africa Day
“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” African Proverb
In this African tribe (Babemba tribe, South Africa), when someone does something harmful, they take the person to the center of the village where the whole tribe comes and surrounds them. For two days, they will say to the man all the good things that he has done. The tribe believes that each human being comes into the world as good. Each one of us is only desiring safety, love, peace and happiness. But sometimes, in the pursuit of these things, people make mistakes. The community sees those mistakes as a cry for help. They unite then to lift him, to reconnect him with his true nature, to remind him who he really is, until he fully remembers the truth of which he had been temporarily disconnected: “I am good!”
Shikoba Nabajyotisaikia!
NABAJYOTISAIKIA, is a compliment used in South Africa and means: “I respect you, I cherish you. You matter to me.” In response, people say SHIKOBA, which is: “So, I exist for you.”
Apology | Photo © Jessica Hilltout
Ubuntu is a Nguni Bantu term meaning “humanity”. It is often also translated as “humanity towards others”, but is often used in a more philosophical sense to mean “the belief in a universal bond of sharing that connects all humanity”.
Tuko Pamoja
“We are together.” (Swahili)
“It takes a whole village to raise a child.” African Proverb
It is a strong African belief that raising a child well is a communal effort. A child has the best ability to become a healthy adult if the entire community takes an active role in contributing to the rearing of the child.
Burkina Faso | Photo © Paul Richardson
“I dream of the realization of the unity of Africa, whereby its leaders combine in their efforts to solve the problems of this continent. I dream of our vast deserts, of our forests, of all our great wildernesses.” Nelson Mandela
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, AFRICA!
Festivalul Zilele Africii 2017