Promoting local history and culture in a way that is relevant for the 21st century is critical for developing well-rounded, global citizens
"By embracing the richness and diversity of our local culture, exploring the triumphs and failures of our ancestors, and acknowledging its profound influence on Western culture, children can develop a strong sense of identity and positive self-esteem, helping them find their place in the world."
Chidinma Moses | Learning and Development Lead, KEY academy
“Sandalili sandalili…”
“Tinini tanana…”
“Tinko tinko…”
“Bambi allah…”
“Boju boju…”
In the carefree days of my childhood, the air was filled with melodies of songs sung by children playing in parks late into the evening. Looking back, our local culture was celebrated, fostering social interactions and teaching us how to navigate risks wisely. The concept of "it takes a village to raise a child" was a reality, as respect for elders (a cultural pillar throughout Africa) underpinned our interactions, regardless of blood ties. Addressing them as "auntie" or "uncle" was an essential part of our communal living.
What made things truly beautiful was that friendship knew no tribal boundaries. We wholeheartedly embraced and appreciated cultural diversity. Singing and dancing to each other's songs during our primary school's end-of-year parties became a joyous celebration of our diverse cultural backgrounds. We recognised the value of each other's heritage and eagerly sought to learn more.
In the words of the African Union, "Africa’s rich history and culture is so diverse that it varies not only from one country to another but also within regions and countries. The culture of each ethnic group holds together the authentic social fabric of traditional practices, art, music, and oral literature through which identities are built. As such, diversity of culture, religion, language, and tradition should not be seen as a weakness, but a strength.
However, it seems that in the quest for economic prosperity, the penicious belief that history and culture have no relevance in modern African society has taken root. Consequently, History and Culture are not widely taught in Nigeria and other African countries, as they are deemed "outdated" or "irrelevant". This has dire consequences, including the erosion of local customs and languages.
As an educator who has explored various curricula worldwide, I have always questioned why African countries do not put emphasis on teaching and promoting local history and culture. In Nigeria, for example, we are taught extensively about British history, culture, and language while our own history is left in the shadows. We hear tales of those who supposedly fought for our nation, but the hows and whys are omitted. We see Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe's name on the international airport in Abuja, and his face graces the 500 Naira note, yet we are not educated about his impactful work and why Nigeria should remain indebted to him. A wise man once said, "A people not taught their history will repeat the same mistakes as their forefathers" and sadly, our nation's current state is a testament to the truth of this statement.
Our current curriculum in Nigeria is completely outdated with narrow focus on academics, particularly Mathematics and the Sciences, while disregarding the fact that history is made by those who understand their environment, embrace their culture's strengths, and recognise that many of the challenges their communities face can be traced back to decisions in the past. It seems that access to this vital information is limited to those from privileged backgrounds, yet even that is not a guarantee.
One of the most eye-opening experiences in my life was my time spent in Taraba state, located in northeastern Nigeria. I resided there for one year as part of the compulsory National Youth Service Corps. The journey taught me invaluable lessons and exposed me to the beauty of our great nation and its hidden cultures. I visited the enchanting town of Gembu, which houses the highest plateau in Nigeria within the Sardauna Local Government Area. It was in Taraba that I discovered the thriving timber business and its intricacies. Astonishingly, none of this knowledge was imparted to us during our schooling. How can a child grow up to solve problems when they are unaware of the resources available in their own environment? The list of remarkable places in Africa is extensive, and my recent discovery of the Iyake suspended lake, in Ado Awaye, Oyo State, Nigeria, left me awestruck. It is the only suspended lake in Africa and the second in the world. Legend has it that beneath the Iyake lake lies another world, a parallel existence ruled by a goddess of fertility who resides within the lake. This and many more treasures have remained buried and undiscovered.
The history and culture of Nigeria, and Africa as a whole, represents crucial knowledge that our children must be exposed to. Understanding and appreciating our local history and culture hold immense significance, especially for the continent's youth. By embracing the richness and diversity of our local culture, exploring the triumphs and failures of our ancestors, and acknowledging its profound influence on Western culture, children can develop a strong sense of identity and positive self-esteem, helping them find their place in the world.
It is easy to think that the consequences of not understanding traditional local practices is overblown, but a practical real world example is when British scientist, Dr Lucy King received the coveted Unep/CMS Thesis Prize in 2011 for showing how bees can be used to reduce conflict between people and elephants. The work proved that beehive "fences" can keep elephants out of Kenyan farmers' fields or compounds, as they are scared of the sound of bees buzzing. This prevents them from eating crops and also stopping the huge amount of damage they cause to the crops from trampling. The irony is that this phenomenon has been known by Kenyan farmers for centuries however, due to the information not being well documented or taught, it largely went unknown outside of small rural farming communities. This is just one of many examples that exist of local knowledge and customs which our ancestors knew but have not been properly documented and preserved for future generations.
At KEY academy, the recognition of the significance of refocusing African history and culture serves as a guiding principle. By integrating these subjects into the curriculum, we empower students to develop a strong and healthy sense of African identity. A recent project, titled “Our Culture”, breathed life into Nigerian culture in a relevant, 21st-century context. The aim was to bridge the gap between traditional Nigerian culture and the modern world. Through interactive workshops, artistic displays, and community engagement, our children had the opportunity to explore and celebrate Nigerian heritage in a manner that resonates with their contemporary experiences. By incorporating technology, storytelling, and other creative mediums, the project showcased the dynamic nature of Nigerian culture, making it accessible and relatable to the students.
As our school continues to grow and add new learning groups (the Buds learning group for 7-9-year-olds will launch in September 2023), we will continue to look for exciting ways to explore both local and global history and culture. In an increasingly globalised world, it is imperative for children on the continent to understand the richness and diversity of their local culture and heritage. By refocusing local history and culture through a 21st-century lens, children can develop a strong sense of identity and be proud of the fact that African culture and customs have a huge amount to teach the world.
Written by Chidinma Moses, Learning and Development Lead, KEY academy
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