Episode 2 | Aug 11, 2021
Ubuntu: I am because you are.
Mashobane Moruthane
Throughout his entire career, Mashobane Moruthane has been bringing together the worlds of movement and learning. While working as a movement and games Waldorf teacher in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, he created the Ubuntu Initiative. As Mashobane defines it, Ubuntu is humanity, unity, togetherness. The central message of Ubuntu is: I am who I am because you are who you are. The Ubuntu Initiative meshes rhythm, balance and movement games with anti-racism and diversity training. This helps create beautiful, joyful and conscious communities. Throughout their conversation, Mashobane and David discuss how we can teach children important lessons of community, empathy and intuition through physical movement and play.
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Mashobane grew up in Limpopo Province in rural South Africa during the apartheid regime. He studied Waldorf Education in South Africa before moving to the United States to further his studies. A passionate educator and energetic storyteller with a warm and familiar voice, Mashobane is optimistic about being part of necessary change. He shares his...
More About the Guest:
Mashobane grew up in Limpopo Province in rural South Africa during the apartheid regime. He studied Waldorf Education in South Africa before moving to the United States to further his studies. A passionate educator and energetic storyteller with a warm and familiar voice, Mashobane is optimistic about being part of necessary change. He shares his vision of how we can consciously create waves instead of just riding them out. While discussing his childhood and his village in South Africa, Mashobane demonstrates the simple and clear message of community and Ubuntu: I am who I am because of who you are. And you are who you are because of who I am.
More About The Conversation:
David and Mashobane delve deeper into the concept of community by pointing out the limits of ideologies such as “tit for tat.” After sharing an example of how his village would come together after a death, Mashobane explains his belief that we need to work on an intuitive level to reconnect to our soul. By following our natural craving for connection, or Ubuntu, we are able to care for one another without expectation of repayment.
Instead of keeping score on the good deeds or favors we do for others, we can change our perspective. When we ask someone for help, we put that person in the light. What if we viewed each favor as an opportunity to serve, to know that we are needed?
About the Story:
When David asks, “What do you think children need to hear right now?” Mashobane goes right to caring for nature and caring for others. In that spirit, he recalls a story his grandmother used to tell him. On the surface, this story highlights ideas of patience and individual expression as well as beauty in nature. But, as Mashobane explains, the message goes deeper and offers an important lesson for our times: we are all beautiful. All animals (and humans) — regardless of color, personality, or ability — are important and connected. Through the story development King Lion became Grandmother Lion, honoring the wisdom and strength of the woman who inspired this version.
Explore more from the episode:
To read more about Mashobane and the Ubuntu Initiative, check out this article from School Renewal Magazine, Spring 2021.
To keep updated on what Mashobane is doing, follow him on Instagram at @ThatAfricanWaldorfTeacher.
This episode was recorded on April 20, 2021
Stay connected with Mashobane and the Ubuntu Initiative on Facebook.
Episode 2 | Aug 11, 2021
Ubuntu: I am because you are.
Mashobane Moruthane
Throughout his entire career, Mashobane Moruthane has been bringing together the worlds of movement and learning. While working as a movement and games Waldorf teacher in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, he created the Ubuntu Initiative. As Mashobane defines it, Ubuntu is humanity, unity, togetherness. The central message of Ubuntu is: I am who I am because you are who you are. The Ubuntu Initiative meshes rhythm, balance and movement games with anti-racism and diversity training. This helps create beautiful, joyful and conscious communities. Throughout their conversation, Mashobane and David discuss how we can teach children important lessons of community, empathy and intuition through physical movement and play.
Stream Now:
Share:
Transcript:
Stay connected with Mashobane and the Ubuntu Initiative on Facebook.
- Read More
- Read Less
Mashobane grew up in Limpopo Province in rural South Africa during the apartheid regime. He studied Waldorf Education in South Africa before moving to the United States to further his...
More About the Guest:
Mashobane grew up in Limpopo Province in rural South Africa during the apartheid regime. He studied Waldorf Education in South Africa before moving to the United States to further his studies. A passionate educator and energetic storyteller with a warm and familiar voice, Mashobane is optimistic about being part of necessary change. He shares his vision of how we can consciously create waves instead of just riding them out. While discussing his childhood and his village in South Africa, Mashobane demonstrates the simple and clear message of community and Ubuntu: I am who I am because of who you are. And you are who you are because of who I am.
More About The Conversation:
David and Mashobane delve deeper into the concept of community by pointing out the limits of ideologies such as “tit for tat.” After sharing an example of how his village would come together after a death, Mashobane explains his belief that we need to work on an intuitive level to reconnect to our soul. By following our natural craving for connection, or Ubuntu, we are able to care for one another without expectation of repayment.
Instead of keeping score on the good deeds or favors we do for others, we can change our perspective. When we ask someone for help, we put that person in the light. What if we viewed each favor as an opportunity to serve, to know that we are needed?
About the Story:
When David asks, “What do you think children need to hear right now?” Mashobane goes right to caring for nature and caring for others. In that spirit, he recalls a story his grandmother used to tell him. On the surface, this story highlights ideas of patience and individual expression as well as beauty in nature. But, as Mashobane explains, the message goes deeper and offers an important lesson for our times: we are all beautiful. All animals (and humans) — regardless of color, personality, or ability — are important and connected. Through the story development King Lion became Grandmother Lion, honoring the wisdom and strength of the woman who inspired this version.
Explore more from the episode:
To read more about Mashobane and the Ubuntu Initiative, check out this article from School Renewal Magazine, Spring 2021.
To keep updated on what Mashobane is doing, follow him on Instagram at @ThatAfricanWaldorfTeacher.
This episode was recorded on April 20, 2021