Dr. Chipo Simbi Advocates for Ubuntu Philosophy in Education: Enhancing Classroom Engagement Through Cultural Heritage
We are excited to share a recent article in THE Campus from Dr Chipo Simbi, a Senior Teaching Fellow in the Department of Accounting, titled: 'Ubuntu philosophy: how embracing cultural heritage in the classroom can enhance teaching.'
Dr Chipo Simbi has administered national and international projects. She was the Rhodes University Mentorship Coordinator. Â Chipo also administers a national program called the National Emerging Scholars Program (NESP) in South Africa and an Erasmus-funded project called the Professionalisation of University Academic Teaching for Rhodes University (PUAT).
In this piece, Chipo offers practical ways to apply Ubuntu—an African value system rooted in humanity and interconnectedness—to foster deeper student engagement.
It’s a powerful reminder that in our pursuit of efficiency and academic rigour, we must never lose sight of what truly matters: relationships, belonging, and empowerment in the classroom.
Education is not just about outcomes. It’s about creating spaces where students feel seen, supported, and inspired to thrive.