Overview

Juǀ’hoansi have occupied the Kalahari Desert in Namibia, Africa for at least 35,000 years and possess the oldest human DNA. Their traditional educational practices are the oldest curricula human beings have. Juǀ’hoan collective decision-making processes epitomize direct, participatory democracy: one person/one vote, enhanced by in-depth negotiations that lead to consensus. These practices are the basis for their education and culture. For Juǀ’hoansi, child autonomy is paramount and for democracy to thrive, children require independence to make decisions through play-exploration to experience multiple possible outcomes. This book explores how this egalitarian culture became the foundation of an enduring democracy.

Full Product Details

Author:   Melissa Heckler
Publisher:   Berghahn Books
Imprint:   Berghahn Books
ISBN:  

9781836950974

ISBN 10:   1836950977
Pages:   220
Publication Date:   01 August 2025
Audience:   College/higher education ,  Professional and scholarly ,  Postgraduate, Research & Scholarly ,  Professional & Vocational
Format:   Hardback
Publisher's Status:   Active
Availability:   In Print  
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Table of Contents

List of Illustrations Introduction Chapter 1. The Earth is Not Flat Chapter 2. The Hunter-Gatherer’s Old Clothes and the Emperor’s New Clothes Chapter 3. Beginnings. In 1999, !Xoma N!a’an, from Botswana said: “Da’abi ge a g/a’a n!ang ko e /a’asi ko ta e !kasi” (Our Children are the First Things in our Eyes and Hearts) Chapter 4. Learning Trust Chapter 5. Many Children, Many Baobabs, and “It Will Taste Sweet” Chapter 6.The Whole Life Picnic and other Botanical Lessons. Chapter 7. Beyond Competition: Building a Community of Learners Chapter 8. “Oh Place Where We Have Played: Stay Well” ǀKunta ǀUi Chapter 9. The Pitfalls of Praise Chapter 10. The Roots of Innovation, Individuation & The Hidden Nature of Play Chapter 11. Play-Exploration: The Ultimate Democratic Teaching/Learning Tool Chapter 12. Something New Under the Sun: Play Chapter 13. Learning about Juǀ’hoan Ancestors through Rock Art, Storytelling, and Drawing Chapter 14. The Explosive Power of Pretend. Looking for Uharosi Chapter 15. Class Picnic at the Baobab and the Hidden Power of Play Chapter 16. The Origins of Writing, and Numeracy Chapter 17. Where has the Trickster Gone? Chapter 18. Teaching and Learning in a High Accumulation Society Chapter 19. Teacher as Student Chapter 20. The Nyae Nyae Peace Talks, 1990 Chapter 21. “Different People Just Have Different Minds” Chapter 22. Democracy in Practice. Nyae Nyae Namibia,1991-2016 Chapter 23. “ǀǀXaǀHoba Wellcome Dancing Articfacts” Chapter 24. 1991 Land Rights Conference and Beginning Lessons in Literacy and Democracy Chapter 25. The Whole Village Learning Environment Chapter26. Juǀ’hoan Education Values Chapter 27. ǀǀXaǀoba Curriculum Gathering Chapter 28. Hidden in the Villages Chapter 29. “Two Packages of Tobacco” & Dancing Artifacts Or “Who do these People Think They Are?” Chapter 30. Ehe! A last Lesson in Literacy and Humility Chapter 31. Family Based Schools Chapter 32. Embers from the Old Fire. Democracy, Childrearing and Forms of Government Chapter 33. Ju nǀe’e.’ We are One Chapter 34. The World of the Spirit Chapter 35. Healers and a Dance. More Experience in the World of the Spirit. Journal Entry, Nǂaqmjoha 2002 Chapter 36. The Hierarchy of Modern Religions Chapter 37. Solutions from Old, Old Juǀ’hoan Fires Chapter 38. Namibia & Botswana, 1992-1999. “Our children are the First Things in our Eyes and Hearts.”!Xoma Na!an, Botswana, 1999 Chapter 39. A Return to Nyae Nyae in 2002. Lessons in Progress Chapter 40. Nǂaqmtjoha: The Village Chapter 41. The Black Mamba Tree Chapter 42. Hidden in the Villages II Chapter 43. ǀAsa or How to Start School in Nǂaqmtjoha Chapter 44. Reconnecting Chapter 45. Learning and Democracy: From the Ground Up Chapter 46. Anthropology, Juǀ’hoan Style Chapter 47. Arc of Sorrow: Leaving Again Chapter 48. Return to ǀǀXaǀhoba Village and School. Journal Entry, July 13, 2012 Chapter 49. The Grinding Edge of Culture Chapter 50. Healing Dance 2018. N!um: Healing for All. (From my Journal) Conclusion: A Conclusion in Two Parts References Index

Reviews

“The conceptual goal of this book is very strong. It offers critical insights from an author with a completely unique personal and professional perspective.” • Ashley Hazel, University of California

Author Information

Melissa Heckler is a retired public school librarian from the United States. She serves on the NGO Committee on Children's Rights, NY and is an educational consultant and activist for the Kalahari Peoples' Fund since 1990.

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