The Applicability of the Ovahimba People’s Indigenous Methods of Learning to Educational Programmes in Namibia

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore the applicability of the Ovahimba people’s traditional methods of learning their Indigenous Knowledge Systems to educational programmes in Namibia. An ethnographic study was carried out within the Ovahimba community to explore the various methods they use in disseminating their indigenous knowledge systems among themselves. The data was collected through individual interviews and focus group interviews discussions with the sampled members of the Ovahimba community in Kunene region, Namibia. The data was analysed thematically, interpreted and discussed drawing further insights from literature evidence. Key findings revealed that Ovahimba people have eight main methods of learning indigenous knowledge, which relates to observations, practical learning, show-and-teach, demonstration, consultation, dancing, folktales, questioning or probing methods, and incidental learning. Educational institutions, curriculum developers and teachers in Kunene region where Ovahimba people resides, are implored to align their teaching to the traditional methods of learning for the Ovahimba community so that the community members can easily grasp the curriculum content as those are their traditional methods of learning that are familiar to them. The study recommended the integration of the methods into the educational programmes meant for the Ovahimba community. Such integration would help Ovahimba people to relate their learning to their indigenous methods of knowing, ultimately enhancing the literacy level among the Ovahimba community