As a member of the Congolese/Swahili ethnic group, there are many teachings and beliefs embedded in my culture that have profoundly influenced my worldview. These teachings and beliefs not only guide me as an individual but also shape the community and ethnic group that I come from.

One of the fundamental teachings in the Swahili culture is Ubuntu otherwise known as Umuntu or even “Harambe”, which is an Nguni Ubuntu term that means “I am because we are” and is also a term for togetherness and unity. These terms emphasise the interconnectedness of all people and the importance that community and mutual support has. Growing up with the principle of Ubuntu or Harambe instilled a strong sense of community and solidarity within me which also taught me that individual success cannot fully be achieved without one’s community and its well-being. This belief encouraged a collective approach to most of the challenges that I had faced growing up and it also creates a sort of supportive environment whereby everyone looks out for each other. The term Ubuntu and Harambe have also assisted me in creating healthy relationships with others and being able to cooperate with others for example in terms of group work or teamwork.

Relatively, another fundamental belief that has influenced my worldview is Kibunji which emphasises respect for elders and the wisdom of our ancestors. In my culture, elders are praised and looked up to for their knowledge and experience as well as their guidance which is usually asked for in matters of family, community and personal life. The belief and the teaching of Kibunji has instilled within me a deep respect for my elders and a humble approach to learning. Not only this, but it has also taught me to value the experiences and insights of the elders and has made me able to recognise that the elders’ wisdom is a crucial resource that will assist me in making informed decisions, understanding the complexities of life and learning from the past mistakes of these elders. Similarly, Kibunjii also puts emphasis on the importance of maintaining cultural continuity which has helped me appreciate my cultural heritage a little more. It has also constantly reminded me that while progress is an important part of life, preserving my cultural identity and learning from the past and those before me are equally important.

Both teachings as well as many others, have significantly shaped my personal life as they have taught me the importance of relationships and how to create strong supportive relationships as well as the importance of respect especially for my elders and the benefits that come with the respect that I give out and the wisdom I receive.