​EMBRACING VULNERABILITY THROUGH UBUNTU PHILOSOPH

On 14th October 2021, the Center of Service Learning successfully organized the workshop Embracing Vulnerability through Ubuntu Philosophy. The keynote speaker was Ms. Nampanga Robinah from Karlshochschule International University (Germany).

The workshop, which has attracted more than 500 students on both platforms - MS Team and the fanpage of the center, focused on three main points: (1) What is the Ubuntu philosophy? (2) How to embrace vulnerability through Ubuntu philosophy (3) Ways to apply Ubuntu philosophy as a tool to shape society and empower others.


The Ubuntu philosophy has its roots in the lifestyle of people in Sub-Saharan Africa. This philosophy motivates all aspects of day-to-day life and is integrated as a part of the world. The Ubuntu philosophy is the foundation of shaping interpersonal relationships in Africa society. Ubuntu can be described as the capacity in African culture to express compassion, reciprocity, dignity, humanity, and mutuality in the interests of building and maintaining communities with justice and mutual caring.


The Ubuntu philosophy is also “the belief in a universal bond of sharing that connects all humanity. The people around the world are connected, and globalization is the trend.” We all belong to a community, and “I am because we are.”
In the 2nd section of the workshop, students learnt the definitions of different types of vulnerability, including psychological vulnerability, economic vulnerability, social vulnerability, etc.


At the workshop, UEF students communicated effectively with the speaker in English and shared their perspectives resulting from their observation of people's behavior at school, at home, and in society. Ubuntu philosophy teaches students to embrace vulnerability through accepting and embracing distress with positive energy.
“Yes, I am imperfect and vulnerable and sometimes afraid, but that doesn’t change the truth that I am also brave and worthy of love and belonging.” 
Brene’ Brown.
“Put your ego aside. Come together. Share our knowledge. Admit what you don’t know, and be ready to learn. Build a consensus around what affects the community.”
Ms. Nampanga Robinah.