Lessons for African Youth: Preserve Indigenous Knowledge
Lesson 2: Preserve Indigenous Knowledge A major lesson for young African youth is a call to preserve and cherish indigenous knowledge. Embedded within the customs, rituals, and wisdom of Africa’s diverse communities is a wealth of insights and understanding that have sustained societies for centuries. Indigenous knowledge encompasses a wide spectrum of expertise, from traditional medicine and agricultural practices to storytelling and craftsmanship. It is the accumulated wisdom of generations who have learned to thrive in Africa’s varied ecosystems, adapting to its challenges and harnessing its resources. Preserving indigenous knowledge is an act of cultural preservation, ensuring that the unique heritage of each African community endures. But it goes beyond that: it is also about recognizing the value of this knowledge in addressing contemporary issues. Where climate change, food security, and healthcare are pressing concerns, indigenous knowledge can provide innovative solutions. It offers alternative approaches to sustainable agriculture, holistic healthcare, and environmental stewardship that have been refined over centuries. For young Africans, this lesson carries a profound responsibility. It is an invitation to engage with your elders, to learn from them, and to document their knowledge for future generations. It is a recognition that while modern education is crucial, it should complement rather than replace the wisdom embedded in African traditions. Moreover, preserving indigenous knowledge is not just a matter of nostalgia: it is about empowering communities to take ownership of their development. It is about bridging the gap between tradition and progress, recognizing that both have a role to play in shaping Africa’s future. The lessons outlined here are not merely suggestions but a blueprint for the empowerment and transformation of young African youth. At Shades of Us, these lessons are not just principles: they are at the core of our mission. By embracing these lessons, young Africans become the protagonists of their narratives. Lesson 1: Embrace Cultural Diversity
Top Posts This Week
Hey guys. So this week was full! We had a lot of things that we talked about and we were excited to have you follow us on this journey. We crossed the 30000 view mark and we are excited about this achievement. With your continued love and support, we are heading for the furthest part of the galaxy. Thank you darlings. So these were the top stories, pieces, videos and the likes we had on our various platforms. On the blog; 1. We started the week by sending a letter to parents on how important they are in building their children’s self-worth and esteem. It was a no holds barred kinda piece and you should check it out if you ever want to be or are already a parent; 2. For #TalkTuesday, we looked at catcallers and wondered what you thought of them; 3. Wednesday, November 16, was International Day of Tolerance and we expressed why we MUST tolerate one another regardless of race, religion, tribe, strata, gender or sexual orientation and finally; 4. The gruesome mob killing of a boy (or man if the news is to be believed) prompted us to talk about the possibilities that we may all be murderers. It was pretty serious stuff on the blog but the podcast was more fun. We; 1. Celebrated BLESSING TIMIDI for her work on activism and human rights, with special bias to women and children and; 2. Did a throwback of our 5 favorite R’n’B songs of the 90s done by Divas; the good type. Or in Mariah Carey’s case, just Diva. And because our founder, Ramatu Ada Ochekliye, was one of the facilitators for the Save Our Women Foundations’ “RUNNING WITH A PURPOSE CONFERENCE 2016”, she shared excepts from her lecture on our vlog channel. She spoke on ‘SOCIAL MEDIA: LOOKING THROUGH THE MEDIA LENS’ and shared the excerpts in a four part series broken down below; 1. GIRLS AND SOCIAL MEDIA; 2. CHALLENGES GIRLS FACE ON SOCIAL MEDIA; 3. PRIVACY ON SOCIAL MEDIA and; 4. WHY SOCIAL MEDIA IS IMPORTANT FOR GIRLS. We also finally decided to be on Instagram and yes, we know we are 2000 and late! But we are here now, so follow us at shadesofbrownng. So this is an overview of all the things we did this week. Which is your favorite piece? Catch up on our work and enjoy the rest of your weekend!
