UTU at Educate! Why Compassionate Accountability Matters
In the vibrant cultural tapestry of East Africa, few concepts are as deeply cherished as "Utu (or Ubuntu)." Roughly translated from Swahili, Utu embodies humanity, compassion, and a profound sense of togetherness. Yet, at Educate!, we've observed that even virtues like Utu can sometimes lead to unintended pitfalls.
The noble idea of "having someone's back" can quietly morph into something less admirable: covering up mistakes rather than addressing them transparently. And while that might win short-term friendships, it doesn't win long-term success. While Utu strengthens bonds and encourages empathy, it occasionally tempts teams into the delicate art of hiding one another's shortcomings, thereby unintentionally undermining our shared goals.
Here at Educate!, we believe true Utu means uplifting each other, not covering for each other. Utu represents the core of how we work together, support each other, and build meaningful relationships in pursuit of our vision to design solutions that measurably impact millions of youth across Africa each year.
We’ve crafted these guiding principles of Utu to help us navigate the delicate balance between compassionate support and clear accountability:
📖 Dive in here: UTU at Educate!
For more on how we work and grow together, check out the Guide to Thriving and Educate! Vibe on the Hub.