Utilising the Ubuntu Philosophy Among Street Children in Sub-Saharan Africa: An Overview

Ubuntu philosophy is one of the indigenous theories among the Bantu-speaking people of Africa. There is a paucity of academic studies that interrogate the utility of Ubuntu or Hunhu philosophy in terms of analysing and understanding the lives of children in street situations in the context of Sustainable Development Goal number ten (10), which focuses on reducing inequalities. A qualitative literature review generated data for this book chapter. Research findings suggest that street children of Sub-Saharan Africa demonstrate Ubuntu philosophy in varied and multiple ways. Ubuntu or Hunhu philosophy is illustrated when some of the street children of sub-Saharan Africa form social networks. The social networks are characterised by sharing of food and clothes among others. Through the social network, the street children are able to demonstrate compassion and empathy among one another during sickness and bereavement among others. Resilience, working hard to earn a living through vending, carrying luggage, gambling (sports betting), fighting perpetrators of violence all show embodiment of Ubuntu philosophy. The provision of support services by well-wishers, Government line ministries, among others, to street children, demonstrate Ubuntu philosophy. The book chapter concludes by lobbying and advocating for the strengthening in the application of Ubuntu or Hunhu philosophy among children in street situations so as to reduce their vulnerabilities to abuse, violence and exploitation among others.