UBUNTU

Hello All, We have had a huge discussion across grade levels and classrooms about what UBUNTU means. Here is an account of what we discussed and how we, as a school, designed a collaborative visual expression to display. 

UBUNTU: An ancient African word expressing…I am because we are.
 
When given the concept of UBUNTU to explore, students from Prep to Grade 5 unpacked and analyzed what this idea meant to them. They viewed images and videos, explored the symbolism of unity and had small and whole group discussions that eventually built a unique, collective perspective.
 
Through collaborations, students added to each other’s understandings. They shared messages between classes and an inquiry was developed. Why are we who we are? The answers grew into a new thought, ‘I am me because of the people who are around me.’
 
The ideas of appreciation, influence and inspiration began to bubble up along with new questions…
Who has shaped me?
How do I demonstrate their influence?
How do I share my ideas visually?
 
With these questions came possibilities and ways to communicate their new understandings of UBUNTU, identity, humanity, self, other and influence. Some students suggested human mandalas, weavings, photography, hand art, paintings and portraits.
 
The portrait display here is the first installment of their thinking that demonstrates their responses to UBUNTU.  These faces are representations of the people who influence the students and teachers here at VIS. There are mums and dads, brothers and sisters, cousins, aunties and uncles, grandparents, teachers, friends, scientists, lawyers, actors, singers, sports figures, historical heroes and super heroes! In this process, a new vision of this ancient African word has developed…
 
UBUNTU
In the appreciation of others, we become ourselves.