Faculty-Led | Social Science
Overview
While the famous French philosopher Descartes said, ‘I think; therefore I am,’ most Africans would say ‘I belong; therefore I am.’ Africa is unique and is a wellspring of diversity with rich and deep cultures. Sub Saharan Africa generally has cultures that are oral and collectivistic in their worldview. This is in stark contrast to the highly individualistic ‘Global North’.
This Culture and Customs in Africa program explore African cultures and their distinctive characteristics. Students will examine how these characteristics outwork themselves in decision making, values, traditional custom, family roles, language, leadership structures and politics. Participants have the opportunity to travel to historical sites such as the ruins of the ancient Monomotapa Empire and to see the majestic Victoria Falls.
Why Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe has a fascinating history, 16 national languages and a mixture of ethnic groups thus making it a great country from which to learn about culture and customs. The group will go around Zimbabwe visiting some historical and cultural heritage sites in Harare, Masvingo, Gweru, Matobos, Hwange and Victoria Falls. These will include the Great Zimbabwe Ruins from which the country derives its name and the majestic Victoria Falls.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this program, students should be able to
- Discuss the role of worldview on politics, business and community life
- Analyze how colonialism is still impacting modern-day Zimbabwe
- Reflect on the nature of collective cultures and the principles of Ubuntu
- Present on the African Renaissance and Africa’s future in an increasingly globalized world
Note: Specific learning outcomes and activities can be constructed in collaboration with EDU Africa’s dedicated curriculum development team.
Contributors
Gertjan Van Stam
Gertjan is Dutch and lives in Zimbabwe. He has been involved with strategic developments in ICT in Africa since 1987. He is a Research Fellow at Zimbabwe's Science and Industrial Technology Development Centre. He holds an MTech (cum laude) from Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University and is currently working towards a PhD in Cultural Studies.
His research is focused on the mechanism of engendering ICTs in (rural) Africa. He is also a member of IEEEs Board of Directors Ad Hoc Committee for Africa. Gertjan has also lived in different urban and rural areas within Belgium, India, Netherlands, Swaziland and Zambia. He is thus a professional with broad exposure within many contexts, cultures, leadership and innovation systems.
Sabina Seldon
Sabina grew up in Bulawayo, then studied journalism at Rhodes University. She worked in public relations in Zimbabwe before she gained experience in other areas within the field of communication. She worked at a picture library in South Africa before returning to Zimbabwe to work in advertising and film. She now spends her time writing, animating and counseling children in Harare.
Sabina was published in Women Writing Zimbabwe (2008). Her book ‘Seven’ was shortlisted for the Golden Baobab Prize for Early Chapter Books in 2013.
Fadzayi Mahere
Fadzayi Mahere studied for a Bachelor of Law Honours degree (LLB Hons) at the University of Zimbabwe. After graduating, she went to the University of Cambridge in 2010 for a Master of Laws, International Criminal Law & International Commercial Litigation. Fadzayi practiced for a year in the Prosecution Division of the International Criminal Court in The Hague.
She is currently Advocate of the High Court, Supreme Court and Constitutional Court of Zimbabwe. While she lectures at the University of Zimbabwe, she is also the spokesperson for a prominent political resistance movement which is vocal when it comes to holding governmental institutions to account on their decisions and actions.
Customize Your Program
Our friendly and experienced team will work closely with you to develop your custom faculty-led program from conceptualization to execution. We believe every journey to Africa gives students the opportunity to learn and transform and we pride ourselves in our ability to create unique, sustainable and truly African transformative learning journeys.
Featured Experiences
Boma Restaurant
Meaning “the place of eating,” Boma appeals to the senses with a variety of local dishes including game meat such as kudu, warthog, and ostrich. Guests are welcome to take part in traditional drumming and dancing. They even have the opportunity to eat a local delicacy – mopane worms!
Craft Workshop
Enjoy a cultural evening with Zimbabwean musicians, after which the local craftsmen will be available to teach you how to craft beautiful pieces of jewelry and sculptures. This cultural immersion experience will not only teach you new skills but give you insight into the cultures and traditions of the people of Zimbabwe.
High Tea at Victoria Falls Hotel
Visit the famous Victoria Falls Hotel, renowned for its colonial-era architecture. This five-star hotel is only a ten-minute walk from the falls and was built in 1904 as a key part of the “Cape to Cairo” railroad dream. Today, enjoying a high tea on the terrace gives you insight into what life was like over a hundred years ago as you gaze at the Victoria Falls Bridge with mist rising from the thundering waterfall.
Tiger Fishing
These ferocious, predatory fish lurk throughout much of the Zambezi, catching prey with their enormous jaws and needle-like teeth. Add a tiger fish to your repertoire during your sports fishing adventure on the Zambezi.
Flight of Angels
Hover through the pounding mist of Victoria Falls as you explore the stunning landscape from the air. A specially designed helicopter, providing panoramic visibility to every passenger, takes you high into the sky to be truly encompassed by the mesmerizing grandeur of the falls.
Victoria Falls
Known as the “smoke that thunders,” Victoria Falls is one of the seven natural wonders of the world. The waterfall system is the largest on Earth, about 1.7 kilometers wide and 108 meters high. Enjoy being awestruck by the sheer magnificence of the falls.