Since time immemorial, education has been the key to seeking knowledge across all ages. From small children to modest teenagers and even the elderly. From the times of informal education to the new tech savvy times where smart devices are the norm, education and knowledge intertwine to bring forth something worthwhile. Taking a look into our modern-day classrooms, learners get to witness the use of audio, video, and text as study tools in their quest for knowledge. In the days of our forefathers, education was passed on through word of mouth in a group or as an individual. Back then, this stood as a foundation for a persons’ stand in the then traditional society. However, there was no level or even mark of distinction to check on a person’s level of literacy. After the passing on of this oral knowledge, then, the traditional people would engage in life skills as a means of sustenance. This would include farming, hunting, and even working as a blacksmith. The traditional story is a sweet one as depicted in the books of history. Fast forward to modern times where classrooms follow curriculum to schedule their passing on of knowledge.
In the West, things run a bit different. Smart devices are used in classrooms as well as study tools in and out of school. Looking at a student from the Western countries, they would learn of the rich history of their forefathers, and what they did for their respective nations. For instance, in America, greats like Abraham Lincoln are noted down in books of history for their noble deeds for the people of America. And even during the test, they test on current events related to their study rubric. Now, one would wonder of how people in Africa could know of the great deeds of the noble chiefs from kingdoms in the then traditional Africa. Who will teach generations that come of this rich heritage? And if these great chiefs would wake from their sleep, would they return with satisfaction of an Africa stout of culture, or an Africa full of corrupt leaders? I wonder. Noting this space, generations to come, particularly Generation Z, should at least start this journey of African culture by learning their mother tongue. With the conception of Artificial Intelligence tools like Chat GPT, it is now possible to fuse diverse knowledge from all corners of the earth, a safe haven for this particular generation Z. Education should flow seamlessly like the River Nile.
Generation Z and other newer generations are probable to be the most intellect as per their current standing. A generation that prefers remote work, no 8 to 5. Such unique qualities bring in the astounding question: Are they also interested in African heritage? Are they into traditional culture? Are they into traditional ways of solving modern issues? I hope so, as it is the only generation that found the internet already running, making them accessible to information at the snap of a finger. As I stand on a hill, I ask myself, will future generations take a step towards knowing their heritage, their roots, their ancestors? Generations to come, this is my question.
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