Incorporation of traditional African cultural values in the formal education system for development, peace building and good governance

Abstract

In contemporary Africa, formal education is recognized as a basic prerequisite for development. By implication, the school has become important as a socializing agent. In spite of this, schooling is based in institutions designed to impart specific knowledge and skills often unrelated to actual needs of the learners and communities to which they belong. It is for this reason, that need arises for traditional values to be incorporated in the present formal system of education. The values discussed in the paper are analyzed in the context of John P. Miller’s holistic education Theory. It is evident that if the values can be integrated in the Present education system. Africa would realize economic development, peace and good governance. The paper concludes that education should not only enable the learners to acquire certificates but to enable them to live as responsible and dependable members of the society.