I grew up a village boy and became a scientist and GIS professional. Education gave me better ways to answer some questions, but it didn’t necessarily answer the deepest ones.
The Philosophy of a Village Boy is a space where I examine questions about knowledge, science, African spirituality, indigenous knowledge, identity, land, and lived experience. It does not begin from the assumption that tradition must always be accepted, or that science has already explained everything.
The village boy in the title represents where the thinking began. No one remains a boy forever, but the boy does not necessarily disappear when the man arrives.
I approach these questions as a GISc Professional and researcher, but also as someone shaped by village life, family history and African ways of understanding the relationship between people, land and ancestry.
Some reflections may arrive at conclusions. Others may only produce better questions. Both outcomes are valuable.
There is another reason why I started The Philosophy of a Village Boy.
Over the years, people who know my journey have encouraged me to share it with young people. A former school teacher and a former classmate have invited me to return to Nthetsheleseni Secondary School, where I studied, to give a motivational talk to learners. I have not yet managed to do so.
Those invitations stayed with me because they raised a larger question: if something in my journey can encourage a young person who may be facing circumstances similar to those I once faced, should that story remain untold?
I know what it is like to be a learner with academic potential while being unable to see clearly what lies beyond school. My own journey taught me the value of continuing to do what is within my control, even when I cannot see how circumstances will eventually resolve themselves.
This blog therefore provides another way of fulfilling that role. It allows me to share experiences, lessons and reflections that may reach learners and other young people whom I may never have an opportunity to address in person.
Contact and connect
For questions, comments, or other enquiries, please contact:
Dr Lidzhegu Zwidofhelangani
Email: zlijegu@gmail.com
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Zwidofhelangani-Lidzhegu-2?ev=hdr_xprf
https://web.facebook.com/zwidofhela
https://www.linkedin.com/in/zwidofhelangani-lidzhegu-phd-b7a23b2b/?isSelfProfile=true