Dr. Maulana Karenga created Kwanzaa in 1966. It is a holiday celebrated from December 26 to January 1. There is a focus principle each day of the holiday. Although these principles are based on African values, I believe that applying them in education could improve our education system. Today’s principle is nia/purpose – to make our collective vocation the building and developing of our community in order to restore our people to their traditional greatness.
I believe the purpose of school is to help children find their path, their purpose in life. Often, the adults leading the charge aren’t sure of their purpose or are afraid to commit to it. Instead, we have the blind leading the blind. It’s hard to help children find their purpose when we don’t know ours.
I’m not into making New Year’s Resolutions. I think it is silly to wait until a predetermined time to decide on your goal or next step on your path. If it is mid-August and you want to make a resolution or a goal, you should. If you don’t know what your purpose is, don’t wait until 2018 to start reflecting now.
As you consider your individual purpose, think about how it will contribute to the collective purpose of raising our community of children. You don’t have to be a parent to be part of this community.
My purpose is to educate, encourage and advocate for children whom I come into contact. I didn’t always know this was my purpose, but now that I know, I do my best to use my skills and talents to help children and their parents. Our community and school will never become great if we don’t have purpose.
Related Reads:
Applying Kwanzaa Principles to Education: Day 1 – Unity
Applying Kwanzaa Principles to Education: Day 2 – Self-determination
Applying Kwanzaa Principles to Education: Day 3 – Collective Work & Responsibility
Applying Kwanzaa Principles to Education: Day 4 – Cooperative Economics
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