1. The main focus of this oral history, according to Leshoai (1981: 242), was to teach children,
men, and women about morality, religion, philosophy, wisdom, geography, history, politics,
and the entire spectrum of human existence in the various communities.
The process of indigenous education in Africa was intimately integrated with the social,
cultural, artistic, religious, and recreational life of the indigenous peoples. Education took
place through the socialisation process which had to do with the acquisition of cultural
norms, values and beliefs, and rules for interacting with others. The process of socialisation
begins with the context of the family.
2. The word ‘informal’ refers to the way children, as well as adults, learned in precolonial
society. There were no formal schools with classrooms or timetables. People learned work
skills and life skills from experience. This is different from formal schooling which has an
emphasis on literary and abstract textbook learning. Skills are transmitted by older members
of the community; this is passed down in the family through generations. There were not
‘trained’ teachers as we know them today. People learned by word of mouth. Oral histories
were an important means of transmitting social skills and morality. Generations passed on
these oral histories using songs and stories.
3. Music and dance played a crucial role throughout the world. People have sung and danced
to express joy or sadness to reinforce cultural beliefs and values. Song and dance were often
regarded as living records of past and present events and traditions (Kgobe, 1999). Even
though formal lyrics and musical notes were not taught, indigenous music equipped young
generations with knowledge about past and present events and traditions. It was through
music and dance those social norms, traditions, and beliefs of a community were depicted.
Music and dance also played a role in marriages, funerals, initiation ceremonies, religious
practices, and rituals.
4. There were different sorts of educational activities at mission schools. Missionaries taught
basic reading and writing, along with Christian doctrine. It was easier for literate people to
absorb religious ideas by reading the bible and taking part in hymn-singing. Basic education
became an important means of communication. A short period of basic reading and writing,
together with Christian doctrine, was the most common education provided by mission
schools.
Manual work and practical training were also an important part of mission education. Some
people did manual work and farming on the mission stations as part of their education.
Others were trained to be carpenters, blacksmiths, masons, joiners, wagon builders, etc.
Missionaries also needed to train black people to help them with their work of spreading the
Gospel. They had to train catechists and teachers, who could spread the gospel and teach
basic education in mission schools.
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