Despite all the challenges and hardships the African continent faces, it lives through the cultural and historical renaissance that goes across the world.
Serving as the vector of peace, mutual cooperation, hard work, and creativity, it poses a culture of sharing, which has a positive impact on modern education and study. Starting with oral traditional practices, tribal dances, and striving for peace, Africa is one of those unique locations where people always keep the proverbial fires burning for anyone lost on their way. Going beyond the textbooks and focusing on traditions, African history can be traced anywhere as it explains the present times and paves the path for the future.
The Impact of African History on Modern Education and Study
– The Use of Folktales.
The most famous among them are related to the Anansi spider, which might be the most famous creature that hopes to bring peace and safety. Originating in Ghana, these tales have been passed across generations through oral traditions, fables, and proverbs. Although it mostly went without writing, it has helped to preserve the visuals and the use of body language and narration. As we live in the digital world, the use of creativity and oral presentations based on African folktales helps to make education practices more vivid.
– The Culture of Sharing.
An African tradition related to sharing is not seeking profit as it’s a special state of mind or an attitude. Coming to educational practices, sharing is a part of every institution and an element of culture that helps to eliminate cheating per se. If a person does not know something, it’s perfectly suitable to ask for assistance and admit it. Modern students may approach the WritingUniverse as a similar solution where one can seek help and discuss the challenges. This way, the African tradition of sharing knowledge and skills will live on and help everyone learn.
– Rapid Decolonisation.
The focus on the challenges of rapid decolonisation has allowed us to approach Africa through a different lens. It’s safe to say that many historians have used different methodologies and schools of thought for the first time! The key point here is to show that Africa has always been free of racial prejudice as people lived in peace. The role of the slave trade is also explored in a different way by showing the terrible damage brought to the African continent.
– Racial Prejudices.
African history also helps to understand the roots of the racial clashes that have been virtually unknown for the different tribes, religious practices, and cultures. Learning history by taking notes in the field allows us to see Africa differently and explore the evolution that has taken place.
– The General History of Africa.
While still in the pioneering state, the GHA project created by UNESCO has taken a totally different approach to African history. While one could focus on the facts and traditions alone, learning history with this project takes things further. The focus here is on the challenges that are faced by Africans worldwide. It allows learning more about various Diasporas by going beyond the pre-colonial period, where the contribution of the African culture and traditions can be seen. It allows modern learners to see how humanity has progressed, thanks to Africa’s heritage, genuine love, and hard work.
African History, Education, and Netflix
First starting as a joint project and a competition hosted between UNESCO and Netflix, an Anthology of African Folktales, Reimagined became a true breakthrough for most people in the Western world.
The primary reason for that is a focus on those aspects of African history and cultural heritage that have been lost for decades. Most short films created spoke of those tribes, traditions, and educational practices that have been unknown beyond Africa. Moreover, it has allowed people to meet filmmakers coming from sub-Saharan Africa and see this life through their lens of heart, mind, and soul.
BIO
Olivia Evans lives and breathes all things Africa, hoping to make education accessible everywhere. As an educator, social expert, and volunteer, she is constantly documenting her discoveries in writing. Follow Olivia to discover the beautiful culture of Africa and make your studies fun.
