Kids Life Coaching and the power of UBUNTU - 3 vital lessons
Growing up in South Africa, the name Nelson Mandela is more than history, it’s a living legacy. Mandela wasn’t just a leader; he was a beacon of hope, resilience, and unity during a time when division threatened to tear a nation apart. His belief in *Ubuntu* a philosophy that roughly translates to “I am because we are”has deeply shaped how I approach coaching children today.
Now living in England, I carry that spirit with me every day through my work at Kids Life Studio®. Ubuntu isn’t just a word; it’s a way of being that reminds us all of our interconnectedness, our shared humanity, and the power of community.
When we coach children, especially in today’s fast-paced and often fragmented world, embedding Ubuntu into our practice is essential. Children are not victims of their present circumstances; they are victors of their future. They have the strength, resilience, and potential to lead their own lives if we provide them with the right tools and environment.
Ubuntu teaches us that a child’s growth isn’t in isolation. It’s a communal journey that involves connection, empathy, and shared responsibility. When children learn to see themselves as part of a greater whole, they develop confidence and compassion—two cornerstones of true leadership.
So with Mandela Day coming up this week on 18 July, I want to share three Lessons his Legacy Teaches Us as Coaches:
1. Resilience in the Face of Adversity
Mandela’s life was a testament to enduring hardship without losing hope. As coaches, we must teach children how to bounce back from challenges, viewing setbacks as stepping stones rather than roadblocks.
2. Leadership Through Empathy and Unity
True leadership is not about authority but about understanding others and building bridges. Encouraging children to lead with kindness, empathy, and inclusivity prepares them to be leaders who unite rather than divide.
3. The Power of Belief and Vision
Mandela never lost sight of his vision for a better future, even when the odds were against him. We inspire children to believe in their own potential and to hold a positive vision for their lives, helping them become victors of their future.
At Kids Life Studio®, this means creating spaces where children feel seen, heard, and valued. It means coaching with heart, holding space for their unique stories, and helping them build the skills to navigate life with courage and kindness. Nelson Mandela’s legacy reminds us that leadership isn’t about power over others—it’s about power with others. It’s about uplifting each other and knowing that our individual strength is amplified through community.
As a Kids Life Coach, I invite you to embrace Ubuntu in your coaching. Help children understand that they are part of something bigger and that their future is theirs to shape. Let’s guide them to become leaders who lead with empathy, courage, and a profound understanding that *we rise by lifting others*.
In the spirit of Mandela and Ubuntu, let’s continue this vital work because every child deserves to know they are not alone, and every child deserves to know they hold the power to create a brighter tomorrow. So to celebrate Mandela's born day this Friday, step into the spirit of giving and invest into your community with compassion and power.
