In the winter of 2011, I became fascinated with the
Ubuntu philosophy – this idea that my humanity is bound up in the humanity of
others. When others are diminished, my own humanity is diminished. It’s an idea
that I began studying in preparation for my college semester abroad in Cape
Town, South Africa. This blog began as a way to reflect and keep in touch while
I attended classes at the University of the Western Cape (also known as UDubbs)
and the Desmond Tutu Peace Center focusing on peace, justice, and
reconciliation both locally and globally. I also spent two days each week
serving as a social worker, mentor, and office assistant at Dance for All, a
nonprofit organization that provides free dance education for youth in the
townships surrounding Cape Town.
Two years later, I have graduated from college and
almost completed an AmeriCorps VISTA year. I’m preparing to move on to exciting
new experiences, and decided to revive Studying Ubuntu to help me along the
way. Thanks for reading.
Cheers!
Madeline
Madeline
