JHIA Africa Thesis Bank
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An Analysis of the Burkinabé Resistance to French Military Cooperation in Burkina Faso
No full textThe purpose of this research was to analyze the Burkinabé Resistance to the Franco-Burkinabé military cooperation. The researcher carried out his research at Kamboince, one of the 11 districts that form Ouagadougou, the capital city of Burkina Faso. Out of 153 targeted people, the researcher got 150 respondents (19 respondents to the questionnaire, 103 respondents for group discussions and 28 respondents for the interview) from many categories of people: activists of Civil Society Organizations (CSO), respondents from the Defense and Security Forces (FDS), respondents from the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), respondents from the Volunteers for the Defense of the Country (VDPs), leaders from the Christian, Muslim and Traditional Religious communities. The research design was descriptive. The researcher employed mainly the qualitative research method for data collection. The researcher was guided by the theories of cooperation and resistance to analyze his data: the necessity of cooperation and the expectations of partners in a multipolar world, and the key factors in a resistance movement. The researcher analyzed thematically the qualitative data and used the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) to analyze the data acquired from the questionnaire.
The researcher articulated his study around 3 research questions. The findings revealed the following: first, the French armed forces‟ (FAF) presence in Burkina Faso was no longer acceptable. A social perception showed that a majority of the respondents believe that the French armed forces conspire with terrorist groups. Second, the findings showed that the majority of the respondents had high expectations from the Franco-Burkinabé military cooperation which, unfortunately, were not met. This reality led a majority of the respondents to strongly disagree with the presence of the French armed forces in Burkina Faso, therefore rationalizing the resistance against them. Third, the study revealed that the Franco-Burkinabé military cooperation has undermined the sovereignty of Burkina Faso. A great majority of the respondents confirmed that they have been inspired by some ideals of Thomas Sankara and are now ready to count on themselves to solve the security challenges even if they are more open to new military cooperation with new partners like Russia. One of the key conclusions that can be drawn from the research is the strong conviction that justice, reconciliation and integrity are the key factors that can lead Burkina Faso to peace
A Christian Perspective on Happiness: Positive Psychology and Rahner’s Theology of Grace in The Quest for Meaning
No full textThis research examines happiness from a Christian perspective, integrating
theological insights with contemporary scientific understanding. It highlights the
foundational role of divine grace in shaping a Christian’s approach to happiness, as
articulated by one of the greatest 20th-century theologians, Karl Rahner. Rahner’s notion
of uncreated grace offers a lens through which Christians can view happiness, not just as a
feeling but as a stable state nurtured by a deep relationship with God and manifested in
goals and actions aligned with divine will, giving a sense of belonging and purpose
instrumental for lasting happiness. This study also acknowledges the relevance of positive
psychology, particularly the work of Sonja Lyubomirsky, in providing actionable strategies
to enhance one’s happiness. These strategies include fostering gratitude, cultivating
optimism, living in the present, self-care, acts of kindness, and nurturing social
connections, aligning well with Christian teachings about love and service. Lyubomirsky's
findings underscore that happiness extends beyond life circumstances or material
conditions and can be cultivated through intentional personal efforts. Therefore, by
exploring both the theological and psychological dimensions of happiness, this study offers
a comprehensive framework that caters to the complexities of the dynamics of modern-day
living, enhancing individual well-being and promoting a more just and compassionate
society
Cultivating Social Media Technomoral Virtues: Toward A Moral-Character Education for African Youth
No full textYoung Africans generally go on social media to socialize and make friends. Unfortunately, the misuse of social media leads to ethical issues among young people. Deterrent measures by governments, parents and educators remain ineffective. Therefore, the education of youth to cultivate the necessary virtues can help them to use social media for a flourishing life. I argue that virtues of self-control, respect, responsibility, empathy and integrity should be cultivated for the heathy use of social media. In fact, the ‘technomoral virtues’ developed by Shannon Vallor, can address the vices related to the use of social media.
To cultivate these virtues in the African context, it is crucial to have a moral education that takes into account the two main cultures that influence African youth; the African culture and the Western culture. Thus, the intercultural education of the moral character of the youth has two main articulations; the family-based moral character-education and the and the school-based moral character education. intercultural moral-character education model that uses methods derived from African moral-character education and the Markkula Center for Applied Ethics Character Education Framework. The intercultural moral-character education model involves all the educators, particularly parents and teachers
Conflict and Intervention Mechanisms in Secondary Schools: The Case of Hawasa City of the Sidama Regional State, Ethiopia
No full textSecondary schools are increasingly experiencing conflicts which are contributing to them becoming major sources of tensions. In certain circumstances, the frustrations and dissatisfactions that occur in the community becomes a source of discussion in the schools. Occasionally, disagreements between students and teachers arise within secondary schools. Conflicting opinions about nationalistic populism, issues with gender or ethnic deprivation, and other situations, for instance, may seep into a student's and teacher’s life, creating a politically polarized environment within the school. While conflict is an unavoidable element in all human interactions and institutions, the administration of secondary schools must constructively find opportunities to promote healthy environment for learning. This study sought to understand the conflict intervention mechanisms in secondary schools with a focus on the case of Hawasa City of the Sidama regional state in Ethiopia. The main aim of this study was to examine types of conflicts in secondary schools and mechanisms that have been used to handle them in Hawassa city public secondary schools, Ethiopia. The objectives of this study were to explore the existing types of conflicts in Secondary Schools in Hawassa, to examine the factors underlying school conflicts in Secondary Schools in Hawassa, to examine the conflict handling mechanisms that has been used in Secondary Schools in Hawassa, and finally, to suggest ways in which the existing conflict interventions can be improved in Hawassa Secondary Schools Ethiopia. This study was carried out through the lens of contingency theory which involves context-based understanding, such as the types of parties to conflict, their relationships, and the sources of conflicts (example., resource-/interest-based conflicts, goal-oriented/need-based conflicts, identity-based conflicts, and so on). This research employed descriptive research design. This study found out that interpersonal conflict and intra-group conflicts are some of the common occurring disputes in the secondary schools in Hawasa, Ethiopia. The study also revealed that the conflicts occurring in the secondary schools in Ethiopia are expressed through physical fights, the use of vulgar language, and the withdrawal from the school normal activities. In order to address the secondary school conflicts in Hawasa city, Ethiopia, the study found that school administrators, instructors, and other stakeholders within the school environment should take the lead role in ensuring that the processes utilized to mediate disagreement between parties to a dispute are reasonable and objective. The study therefore recommends that training in arbitration, conciliation, negotiation, and mediation is required for school administrators, instructors, and other relevant parties for them to constructively address the secondary schools’ conflicts in Hawasa city, Ethiopia
The Nigerian Tiv Concept of Ya Na Angbian: As a Corrective to the Misinterpretation of Subdue and Have Dominion in Genesis 1:26
No full texthave been practicing since the pre-colonial period. The social-political philosophy promotes justice, fairness, harmony, and peace through a fair and equitable distribution of what belongs to the Tiv people. This thesis argues that the Ya na angbian concept of the Tiv people can be applied to the relationship between human and non-human beings. This work maintains that it can lead to human beings’ care for non-human nature.
The first outstanding conclusion of this research is that the Ya na angbian social-political philosophy can correct misunderstanding and misinterpretation of Gen 1:26. The second conclusion is that the command by God to humankind to subdue and have dominion over other creatures is not an invitation to exploit non-human nature but to care for it.
I have concluded that a fair and justice relationship between humans and non-human beings will benefit all God’s creatures. An honest and just relationship between humans and non-humans will lead to peace, harmony, and progress. God’s command that humans care for other creatures must be kept to protect our planet.
A proper understanding of the fact of humankind’s same origin as non-human human beings and the interconnectedness of all creatures will lead to care for nature. The planet is made for all God’s creatures and not only human beings
Towards a Holistic Reconciliation in Africa
No full textReconciliation is a relevant topic in the world and especially in Africa, which has a thirst for peace and justice, yet is plagued by ongoing crises. Many African countries have tried to build social trust for a living together. On the Church's side, Catholic Social Teaching, through Africae Munus, clearly articulates Africa's thirst for reconciliation, justice, and peace. Various African church leaders and laypeople have been engaged in the reconciliation and conflict transformation in Africa. Even though some progress has been made, people are still disappointed at the ongoing violence and social injustice in many parts of the continent. This disappointment expresses the need for holistic reconciliation. This thesis examines what it means to work for holistic reconciliation in Africa. The guiding question of this thesis is threefold: What are the root causes of the status quo of reconciliation in Africa? How does the Church articulate the idea of reconciliation? How can African Traditional religion help to build a holistic reconciliation in Africa? To answer these questions, this thesis argues that the Church should not take a neutral stance in the reconciliation processes but take the side of justice in requiring and creating structural change. African Traditional Religion (ATR) combined with CST is an alternate way of overcoming the status quo that people are experiencing in Africa. The first part unveils the reconciliation practices in Africa; the second part assesses Catholic Social Teaching, and the third part suggests ATR and some moral exemplars to overcome the status quo
Biblical and African Proverbs as a Framework for Studying Spirituality: Exploring the Role of Roverbs among the Gῖkữyữ People of Kenya
No full textWhen we hear of proverbs, we tend to think of pithy sayings that are witty and memorable. Proverbs are found in many cultures, and naturally, proverbs form part of the Bible. Biblical and African proverbs can contribute to nourishing the Christian life and its reflection. Acquisition of wisdom and knowledge through proverbs can bring a person to awareness of how God reveals God’s self—helping a person to be more attuned to self, others, and the environment around them. The Book of Proverbs offers a source of reflection for the church traditions, while African proverbs offer great resources for reflecting the people's lived experiences. The biblical and African proverbs use metaphors, images, and languages that connect to people in a personal way, and challenging them to reflect deeply are great resources for reflecting on discernment.
This thesis examines how cultural values expressed through proverbs can contribute to enriching Christian Spirituality. The goal is to demonstrate how the lived experience expressed through various proverbs can help us appreciate the wisdom found in Ignatius of Loyola’s understanding of discernment. This thesis seeks to put a cross a contextualized cultural wisdom, in this case, the Gῖkũyu people of Central Kenya in dialogue with Biblical wisdom expressed through the Book of Proverbs to highlight the key elements found in Ignatius of Loyola’s process of discernment
African Spirituality for Ecological Conversion: The Case of Mining in the Western Region of Ghana
No full textGold mining in the Western Region of Ghana poses a major dilemma. On the one hand, it serves as a great source of revenue for the region and the country at large. It also provides employment for millions of people. On the other hand, indiscriminate gold mining methods destroy ecological resources like land, water, and air, as well as the quality of life of people in the region. Consequently, the negative impacts of these environmentally hostile practices challenge us to re-evaluate our relationship with the environment. It is a call not to see the environment and its resources as something to be exploited for selfish benefits. Rather, it is an invitation to cultivate a relationship of responsibility toward the environment. Therefore, we have a duty to be stewards of the whole of God’s creation by fostering care for the environment in the Western Region.
My main argument in this thesis is that some gold mining methods employed in the Western Region, such as using toxic chemicals like mercury and cyanide, which destroy the environment, are an undeniable case of ecological sin. As such, there is a need for ecological conversion to reverse the situation. I argue further that African ecological spirituality offers the resources needed for ecological conversion. The values of abundant life, community, and interconnectedness of creation which are key components of African ecological spirituality, are powerful tools for caring for the environment.
The exemplarist approach to virtue demonstrates how real-life people influence others through their life and examples to become role models. I use this approach to show how we can all be inspired to become stewards of the environment by interiorizing the values of African ecological spirituality.
I propose the observation of a national day of prayer for the earth, enforcement of the Ghana Minerals and Mining Act, promoting and supporting eco-sustainable practices in gold mining, diversification of the economy, and promoting ecological education as practical ways of being moral exemplars of stewardship of the environment
Life and the Renewal of the Christian Community: Infant Baptism and Inculturation in the Context of the Democratic Republic of the Congo
No full textThis thesis is part of the liturgical inculturation process that has been taking place
in the local Church of the Democratic Republic of the Congo since the 1960s, one of
whose treasured expressions is the Roman Missal for the Dioceses of Zaïre, an
inculturated ritual of Mass. In this work, I aim to contribute to extending the special rite
for the Dioceses of Zaïre to include the celebration of infant Baptism. I use a
hermeneutical method and an anthropological model of contextual theology to interpret
and analyze the foundations of the Roman Rite for the Dioceses of Zaire, the Church’s
doctrine of infant Baptism, and local Congolese customs surrounding the birth of a child,
to develop a theological-liturgical basis for a Congolese inculturated infant Baptism Rite.
infant Baptism and the reception of a newborn child in Congolese culture engage the
whole community. The Baptism of a child is a celebration that reconnects the community
to nature, its ancestors, and to God. It marks a renewal of the whole Christian
community
The Impact of Risk Factors on Project Implementation and Performance in Somali Region: A Case of Government Financing Construction Projects
No full textThe general of objective of this study were to assess the impact of risk factors on project implementation and performance in Somali region: a case of government financing construction projects. The study was employed a descriptive survey method. The researcher was chosen road construction projects and bridge building construction project as study area. Similarity 57 % respondents from public bureau, 33% from contractors and 10% from consultancies were selected using purposive sampling techniques. Also, the study was employ questionnaires, interview and observation as instruments of data collection. Major findings were: the study exposed majority construction projects staff are dominated by male (94%), as compared to females (6%) and this typify that gender imbalance exist in construction projects participation. Also, the study found the top ten foremost risk factors (RF) that have a pessimistic impact on construction projects implementation and performance in highest score with an RII score of 0.522353%, with percent 100% and lowest score with an RII score of 0.451765 with percent 3.80% are Poor safety method cause chance of risk occurrence and unavailability of labour, material and equipment. Lastly, conclusions were drawn from the critical factors derived from the findings of the summary of the study. Recommendations for correcting the impact of risk factors on project implementation and performance were based on conclusions drawn