Skills that were taught to Boys and Girls in Traditional African Education

Skills that were taught to Boys and Girls in Traditional African Education

In traditional African education, boys and girls were taught a variety of skills to prepare them for their future roles in society:

• Boys were taught skills like herding livestock, hunting, fishing, farming, and craftsmanship. They learned these skills through hands-on apprenticeship with their fathers or other male elders. This allowed them to develop qualities like perseverance, self-control, courage, and endurance. [1]
• Girls were taught domestic skills like cooking, weaving, pottery-making, and caring for the home and family. They often learned these skills from their mothers and other female elders through observation and practice. This helped them develop the aptitude to perform their expected feminine roles. [1]
• Both boys and girls learned about the history, customs, and beliefs of their tribe or ethnic group through oral traditions like storytelling, proverbs, songs, and dances. This helped them develop a strong sense of cultural identity and community. [1][2]
• Children’s games and play often mimicked the real-life activities of adults, allowing them to practice and learn the skills they would need later in life. For example, Fulani children played games involving herding animals. [2]
• Specialized skills like medicine, music, and craftsmanship were typically taught through more formal apprenticeships with skilled practitioners. Religious leaders also imparted certain skills during initiation ceremonies. [2]
• The transmission of knowledge and skills relied heavily on oral tradition, as there was little written record-keeping. This allowed the cultural heritage to be preserved and passed down across generations. [3]

Learn more:

1. 1.6 METHOD OF AFRICAN TRADITIONAL EDUCATION
2. 3. TRADITIONAL EDUCATION
3. 1.7 WEAKNESSES AND STRENGTHS OF AFRICAN TRADITIONAL EDUCATION – Introduction to Higher Education