What makes a community feel like one big family? In this episode of Faithfully Explore! we travel to a lively African village marketplace to discover the meaning of Ubuntu. A beautiful philosophy from the Zulu and Xhosa languages that means “I am because we are.”

Laura guides children and families through stories, games, and imagination exercises that bring Ubuntu to life. Kids will hear how a group of children chose to share fruit instead of racing against each other, learn how communities in Southern Africa make decisions together under the shade of a tree, and discover how leaders like Nelson Mandela practiced Ubuntu through generosity and care for others.

Listeners are invited to join in by stretching their arms wide for an “Ubuntu hug,” breathing deeply as they imagine life in an African village, and drumming, dancing, and moving together as one. Through the Friendship Bridge, Laura connects Ubuntu with values in other faith traditions: Jesus’ teaching to “love your neighbor as yourself” in Christianity, and Buddhism’s compassion for all living beings.

To make these lessons practical, kids play a round of “Ubuntu or Not Ubuntu?” where they spot kindness and selfishness in everyday situations. Then comes the One Week of We Challenge, encouraging children to live Ubuntu by sharing, helping out, and practicing empathy each day. A printable chart at faithfullyexplore.com helps families track their Ubuntu moments and reflect together.

The Belief Backpack segment zips up the treasures of this episode:

• We are all connected: every kind act ripples through the community.
• Everyone matters: each person is precious and has something to contribute.
• Share and care: life is happier when we give generously and include others.

Finally, Laura shares an African folktale from the Democratic Republic of Congo, The Value of a Person. In this playful story, the parts of the body argue about who is most important until they discover that even the smallest, least-respected part has a vital role to play. The lesson? No one is useless. Every member of a community helps the whole body thrive.

With imagination, movement, and heart, this episode helps families understand that our best selves shine when we lift each other up. Together, we end with a promise: “I am, because we are.”