Combating School-Based Violence Using African Indigenous Knowledge Systems

Using African epistemologies to understand contributing social and cultural factors around African school violence, this book investigates various kinds of school-based violence suffered by learners and teachers in order to further research into the impact of educational interventions on crime prevention in African schools. Investigating various kinds of school violence including gender-based violence and gang violence, the book uses African Indigenous Knowledge Systems and the philosophy of Ubuntu for example to tackle important concerns surrounding school violence, social cohesion, community engagement and role of education in fostering sustainable communities. Chapters demonstrate a qualitative research approach that encompasses empirical and conceptual studies to provide an in-depth exploration of violence in educational settings; the book draws on human experiences and emotions, as well as teachers', learners', communities' and other relevant stakeholders' perceptions of school violence. This highly interdisciplinary volume will be of immense value to scholars, researchers and postgraduate students in the fields of sociology of education, philosophy of education and educational psychology. Curriculum developers involved with module design may also find the volume of use.

Mfundo Mandla Masuku is Associate Professor in Development Studies, School of Social Sciences, The University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Nomakhosi Nomathemba Sibisi is Lecturer in Criminology and Forensic Studies, Bio-Psychosocial Perspectives, and Correctional Theory and Practice, The University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

Introduction: An overview of combating school-based violence and implications for educational safety 1. Exploring school violence from a human rights perspective: A typology for understanding and action 2. The school-community violence nexus: gang culture among school learners in Osizweni, South Africa 3. School based violence: dynamics of teaching in a violent educational environment 4. Gender-based violence in schools: perceptions of learners' educators and community leaders in South Africa 5. A Scoping review on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer people school violence in Africa 6. The scourge of sexual violence against female student teachers in schools in Zimbabwe: nature, extent and effects 7. Learners' concern for safety: the impact of violence in South African Black township schools 8. Educators' insights on youth delinquency in South African black township schools: a case study of Khayelitsha Part 4: Addressing School Violence Through Curriculum 9. Silenced learning outcomes results of violence in South African Schools: self-study of school teachers 10. Educating for peace: exploring the role of curriculum in school violence prevention 11. Mitigating school violence through the teaching of Ubuntu/Unhu in education 12. Utilising the school club approach to mitigate school violence: a case study of Africa Unite School Clubs 13. Exploring strategies to address school violence in Zimbabwe 14. Integrating anti-bullying strategies as violence prevention within the regulations for governing bodies: a participation-based framework for practice 15. Role of school governing bodies in curbing school violence in South Africa 16. Organised labour in the curtailment of school violence Conclusion: Using African Epistemologies in Changing Landscape of School Violence