Morality through the philosophy for children (p4c) blended with the unhu/ubuntu philosophy in contemporary Zimbabwean education: a case of Zimbabwe’s Mberengwa district.

Abstract

The study was conducted in Mberengwa district as a qualitative case study at Vanguard primary school. The purpose of the study was to examine how “Morality through the philosophy for children (p4c) blended with the Unhu / Ubuntu philosophy can be enhanced in contemporary Zimbabwean education: A case of Zimbabwe’s Mberengwa District”. In this study the central argument is that Unhu/Ubuntu should be made the guiding philosophy in the Zimbabwean education curriculum so as to restore the African moral values. The study adopted ... design. In an attempt to validate findings, the researcher triangulated data collection techniques. Thus questionnaires, observation and interview were the chief tools for gathering data. Data was presented and thereafter analysed and discussed. In general participants concurred that the contemporary education system is too academic and hence retrogrades the ability in pupils of making better moral decisions. It was also noted that most of the values extolled by the mainstream, educational curriculum are not respectful and inclusive of the indigenous Zimbabweans. The researcher made recommendations that there is need for an in-service training of teachers in philosophy for children and unhu/ubuntu so as to help to bring them up to date with new ideas and methods of teaching. Also the study recommends the teaching of p4c in schools. It is envisaged that p4c through the community of enquiry pedagogy will assist learners to acquire critical thinking skills at an early stage of learning. The study also adopted the Socratic principle that if children are taught what is right, they can choose what is right. Thus the study recommends the teaching of education for personhood starting at primary level to help nurture morally mature citizens.