PREVIEW
Question 2
Use additional resources to write
a brief paragraph describing the
basic principles of Zambian
Humanism, Scientific Socialism,
Negritude and the Black
Consciousness Movement. (20)
Many African leaders developed
political and philosophical ideas to
rebuild African societies after
colonial rule. These philosophies
focused on equality, dignity,
community and pride in African
identity.
Zambian Humanism, developed by
Kenneth Kaunda, focuses on respect
for human dignity and equality. Kaunda
believed that every person should be
treated with kindness and respect.
PDU3701
Zambian Humanism also emphasises
helping the poor and making sure
everyone has access to basic needs
such as education, healthcare and
employment
NATALIE FOXX
ASSIGNMENT 2 2026
SEMESTER 1
, NATALIE FOXX 2026
Question 1.1
In what ways do you think “African values” were marginalised in the educational
systems on the African continent? (10)
African values were marginalised during the colonial and post-colonial periods. This
happened when African education systems started following Western ideas and
traditions instead of African ones.
One way this happened was through the school curriculum. Many schools focused
mainly on Western history, literature and philosophy. African history and African
knowledge were often not included in the curriculum. This made learners believe that
Western knowledge was more important than African knowledge.
Another way African values were marginalised was through language. In many African
countries, schools use European languages such as English or French as the language
of learning. This sometimes makes it difficult for learners to connect education with
their own cultures and traditions.
African values such as ubuntu, which emphasises respect, kindness and caring for
others, were also not strongly included in education. African societies usually value
community and cooperation, but many education systems focused more on individual
success.
Because of these reasons, many African learners grew up learning more about Western
culture than their own cultural traditions.
Question 1.2
Define “Westernisation” in your own terms and provide examples to justify your
definition. (5)
Westernisation means that African education systems begin to follow Western ideas,
cultures and ways of learning instead of African traditions.
For example, many schools in Africa teach mostly European history and Western
philosophy, while African history and ideas are not given much attention.
Another example is the language used in schools. Many African learners are taught in
English or French instead of their own home languages.
Westernisation can also be seen in the types of knowledge that are valued in schools.
Western science and ideas are often seen as more important than Indigenous African
knowledge.
This shows that Westernisation happens when Western culture becomes the main
influence in education.