Global Citizenship Education in Africa: Perspectives of Expatriates in the United States

Author Information

Sakiko Ochiai, Soka University of America, United States
Tomoko Takahashi, Soka University of America, United States

Abstract

Despite rapid population growth in African countries, education systems face challenges, including insufficient resources, a shortage of qualified teachers, and the enduring effects of colonization on school policies and curricula. This study examined how young Africans perceive Global Citizenship Education (GCE), positing that it equips them with the essential knowledge and values needed to develop effective solutions. The research involved interviews with 11 African expatriates studying or teaching at a Southern California college, with a focus on GCE. The findings revealed that participants value GCE as a comprehensive approach that encourages contributions to society. They appreciate how it fosters open-mindedness, compassion, and critical thinking, which unite people beyond national boundaries. While GCE is rarely implemented in public schools across Africa, this study emphasizes its alignment with traditional African philosophies, such as Ubuntu. This suggests the potential to integrate GCE into current curricula, thereby enhancing education systems and addressing colonial legacies.

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