Posted by Chester Morton / Friday, 12 August 2016 / No comments
The content of traditional African education
Traditional Education
This refers to the education that existed before
the coming of the white man, and which still exists alongside the European-type
education. It is informal or non-literate. It is education that is handed down
from generation to generation by observation and word of mouth, instead of
reading and writing.
Moral education
Folktales, which characterized traditional
life, were used to convey moral lessons. Through this medium, the virtues of society
were conveyed to children. Virtues like selflessness, hard work, love for
neighbour, honesty, etc.
Occupational training
Parents teach their children to be hard working
so that they can assume the future responsibilities of adulthood. Parents usually
enrolled their children as an apprentice with a skilled craftsman such as a
carpenter, mason, blacksmith, etc. This way, the boys are trained to become
farmers, hunters, etc. Mothers teach their daughters home-making skills, etc.
Science and environmental education
Africans had a deep knowledge of the weather
and soil properties. The indigenous farmer had a way of testing the soil to
determine whether it was alkaline or acidic and that determined the type of
crops grown in an area. Even observation of nature had helped the traditional
people to determine what to do at a particular time. There were herbalists who had a
lot of knowledge about healthcare. Africans applied their scientific knowledge to
manufacture textiles, soap, etc.
Mathematical education
Traditional education was able to impart mathematical
skills and knowledge. This was done for example, by the counting of fingers,
stones, etc., and local games such as ‘Oware’. These kinds of games enabled children to build
upon their mathematical or counting skills.
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