Ubuntu

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Ubuntu - I am because we are

Ubuntu - I am because we are

There is nowhere in earth or heaven 

We can make it on our own

Ubuntu - I am because we are

Ubuntu - I am because we are

 

I first came cross this African word 'Ubuntu' because it is the name of the the Linux operating system I use. "Linux operating systems are open source, which means that anybody can do what they want with them - for free. It's a concept of sharing that is inspired by the philosophy of ubuntu."

 

Then I learnt the beautiful song 'Ubuntu' in my Monday morning singing group. It reminds us of our shared humanity as Ubuntu is essentially about togetherness, and how all of our actions have an impact on others and on society. One can only grow and progress through the growth and progression of others.

 

Archbishop Desmond Tutu, defined Ubuntu like this: "I am me because you are you. I can never be free while you are enslaved. I can never be rich while you are poor. We two are connected."

 

Earlier this week we learnt of the sad death of BBC journalist George Alagiah. In a moving tribute, his friend and colleague Allan Little wrote that he thought 'ubuntu' was George's lodestar and that in his reporting "there was an outstretched hand - the outstretched hand of a shared humanity, of solidarity."

 

 Writing prompts:

• Do you believe it is possible to " make it on your own"? Explore the answer to this question in your writing for a few minutes.
• What actions have you taken this week that might have had an impact on others, or on society? Were they positive or negative? Write about them and the impact. 
• Do you feel connected to other people - to family, friends, your neighbours, people in the rest of your country, people in other countries? Write about that connection, or lack of it.