“

”

Non-Formal Education

The Ubuntu Leaders Academy is a non-formal education program developed by the Padre António Vieira Institute, based on a participatory, experiential, and deeply relational methodology inspired by the principles of the Ubuntu philosophy.

By creating safe learning spaces, it promotes the development of social-emotional skills, emphasizing reflection, sharing, cooperation, and peer learning. The program adapts to the characteristics of each group and context, adopting a flexible, non-hierarchical approach in which participants and facilitators jointly shape the learning process in an environment of respect, active listening, and shared responsibility.

Experiential Learning

The Ubuntu Leaders Academy values experiential learning, inspired by David Kolb’s learning cycle, which recognizes lived experience as a fundamental source of learning and development. It is based on the idea that people learn best through active participation, reflection, and making sense of their experiences.

The experiential learning cycle is organized into four stages:

1. Experience
   What happened?
   A firsthand account of a real-life experience.
2. Reflection
   What did I feel?
   Sharing and reflection on feelings, thoughts, and behaviors associated with the experience.
3. Generalization
   Why did it happen?
   Systematization of learning and understanding the meaning of the experience.
4. Application
   What will I do?
   Identifying practical implications and applying what I’ve learned to everyday life.

To this end, the sessions employ active and participatory methodologies—such as action-reflection exercises, films, music, short stories, or personal accounts—providing meaningful experiences that foster individual and collective development, always with a clear pedagogical purpose.

Learning from Role Models

"Nothing is as contagious as example."

^{Rochefoucauld}

The Ubuntu Leaders Academy values learning through role models, recognizing the inspirational power of life stories and tales of overcoming adversity. Based on the idea that no one is perfect, but that everyone can persevere and transform their circumstances, these role models help bring the principles of Ubuntu closer to real, everyday life.

This learning takes place through three dimensions:

1. Ubuntu Leaders
   Insights into the lives and legacies of world leaders who embodied the principles of servant leadership and the Ubuntu philosophy, such as Nelson Mandela, Martin Luther King Jr., Malala Yousafzai, Mother Teresa, Desmond Tutu, and Mahatma Gandhi.
2. Community Leaders
   Local residents and stakeholders who, through their life stories, demonstrate how it is possible to make a positive impact and serve the community, even in difficult circumstances.
3. Participants
   Valuing the participants’ own life stories through reflection exercises and personal storytelling, fostering an awareness that each person’s journey can be a source of inspiration, learning, and growth for others.

Cooperation Model - Procedure

For organizations interested in implementing the Ubuntu Leadership Academy in their own contexts, the process consists of six main steps:

1. Expression of Interest
   Interested organizations should contact IPAV—the Padre António Vieira Institute —to learn more about the project, clarify practical questions, and explore implementation options.
2. Signing of the Cooperation Protocol
   Following joint approval, a protocol is established that defines responsibilities, a work plan, partnerships, funding, and implementation conditions.
3. 
   Training The host organization, with technical support from IPAV, is responsible for organizing the training, including the staff, participants, logistics, guests, and necessary materials.
4. Facilitation, Evaluation, and Reporting
   The team of facilitators adapts the content to the local context, facilitates the training, and oversees the evaluation and preparation of the final report.
5. Follow-up
   After the training, participants are provided with follow-up support, and the methodology is disseminated locally, ensuring continuity and impact in the region.
6. Ubuntu Global Network
   Implementing organizations are invited to join the Ubuntu Global Network, an international network of organizations inspired by the Ubuntu philosophy and methodology.

Logistics and Resources

To ensure the success of the Ubuntu Facilitator Training, the organization in charge should prepare the program in coordination with IPAV—the Padre António Vieira Institute —and local partners, ensuring that a number of essential elements are in place:

• Partnerships and Outreach
  Mobilizing local partners and promoting the training program to potential participants and funders.
• Participants
  : Participants who are motivated, available, and interested in non-formal education and human development.
• Ubuntu Facilitator Team
  At least one senior facilitator will be present, supported by other facilitators, to ensure the quality of the training experience.
• Training Location
  : A spacious, flexible venue well-suited for participatory methodologies and group dynamics.
• 
  Catering: Organization of meals and breaks throughout the training program, while also fostering opportunities for socializing and building relationships.
• Materials and Technical Resources
  Provision of teaching materials and technical equipment necessary for conducting the sessions.
• 
  Certificates Issuance of certificates of participation, in coordination between the organizing entity and IPAV.
• Guests and Testimonials
  Identifying inspiring guests whose life journeys align with the training’s central themes, such as building bridges, resilience, and service.
• Ubuntu Kits
  Production of symbolic items representing the Ubuntu experience, such as T-shirts and notebooks, to reinforce the group’s sense of belonging and identity.

Copyright and Use of the Ubuntu Methodology

The Ubuntu methodology, as well as all content, teaching materials, training resources, products, designations, concepts, terminology, images, logos, and other elements developed within the framework of the Ubuntu Leaders Academy, are the property of the Padre António Vieira Institute (IPAV) and are protected under applicable laws regarding copyright, intellectual property, and related rights.

The use, reproduction, adaptation, disclosure, distribution, or application of the Ubuntu methodology, in whole or in part, as well as of any element derived from it, requires prior and express authorization from the IPAV Board of Directors.

Unless expressly stated otherwise, authorization to use the Ubuntu methodology does not confer any right to own, sublicense, modify, or commercially exploit the content, materials, or resources made available.

Any unauthorized use may result in IPAV taking the legal measures it deems appropriate to protect its rights and restore legality.

For authorization requests, inquiries, or proposals for collaboration, please contact IPAV through official channels.

‍