Igniting a movement of Ubuntu-inspired leadership | FutureLife-Now! conducts Ubuntu leadership training in 35 districts in Zimbabwe

Posted by Khanyi Khuzwayo on 02 October 2024, 15:50 SAST

In a powerful demonstration of its commitment to youth empowerment and cultural preservation, FutureLife-Now! Zimbabwe, in partnership with Campaign for Female Education (known as CAMFED), successfully conducted Ubuntu Leadership Training sessions from 17 to 28 June.

FutureLife-Now! conducted the training under the auspices of the Girls Education Accelerator (GEA) programme in 35 districts and reached an impressive 1 092 teachers and senior education officials, but importantly, also about 2 000 exceptional young women leaders—including junior parliamentarians, head girls and prefects.

The training kicked off with a train-the-trainer workshop that focused on the five pillars of Ubuntu—Self-Knowledge, Self-Confidence, Resilience, Empathy, and Service—all of which resonate deeply with the values enshrined in Zimbabwe’s new Heritage-Based Curriculum.

The training sessions were carefully crafted to provide these young leaders with the tools and inspiration they need to make a real difference in their communities. Sessions included interactive workshops, engaging discussions and inspiring talks from accomplished female leaders. Participants delved into topics such as conflict resolution, overcoming obstacles and envisioning an Ubuntu-inspired leadership journey. The programme also emphasised the importance of self-reflection, encouraging the young women to identify their dreams and aspirations, and then to develop action plans to achieve them.

The programme’s significance extends beyond leadership training. It aligns seamlessly with several key initiatives, especially

• SADC Protocol on Child and Youth Agency: the programme’s focus on youth leadership aligns with the protocol’s thematic area of youth agency, empowering young people to take an active role in shaping their future.
• Heritage-Based Curriculum: the training directly supports the curriculum’s emphasis on Ubuntu, fostering values integral to Zimbabwe’s cultural identity and promoting a culture of service among learners.
• FutureLife-Now! Ubuntu Prefects Guide (Zimbabwe): the recently approved guidelines complement youth agency development in the training, providing practical tools for student leaders to implement Ubuntu principles in their schools.

The first of the above (Child and Youth Agency) is particularly significant as Zimbabwe assumes the chair of SADC, highlighting the nation’s dedication to youth empowerment and cultural preservation on a regional stage.

Ottilia Kaira, Chief Director of Primary, Secondary, and Non-Formal Education, who attended one of the sessions in the Bulilima District, Matabeleland South Province, lauded the programme’s transformative potential:

The GEA is not just a programme; … It’s about instilling in you the values of Ubuntu…that are the bedrock of our heritage and the cornerstone of our new Heritage-Based Curriculum.

The success of the Ubuntu Leadership Training underscores the power of collaboration and the profound impact of investing in young women. As these future leaders embrace Ubuntu’s principles, they are poised to shape a brighter future for Zimbabwe, grounded in cultural heritage and driven by compassionate leadership. The programme’s expansion into schools promises to further amplify its impact, ensuring that the transformative power of Ubuntu reaches even more young women across the nation.

FutureLife-Now!’s dedication to empowering young women and fostering a leadership rooted in Ubuntu serves as a beacon of hope for Zimbabwe’s future. As the nation takes its place at the helm of SADC, these initiatives exemplify the spirit of progress and cultural pride that Zimbabwe embodies.