By Chipo Mujere (BA Honours in Philosophy, 2016)
My name is Chipo Mujere, a proud Zimbabwean and graduate of Arrupe Jesuit University (AJU), where I completed my Bachelor of Arts Honours in Philosophy in 2016.
Since graduating, I have been living and working in Kariba, a town located in the northern part of Zimbabwe. Over the years, I have taught at two private primary schools, taking responsibility for different grade levels. My time at AJU shaped me not only academically but also personally and spiritually. The education I received continues to influence the way I approach teaching and learning in the twenty-first century.
We live in an age defined by rapid technological advancement and an overwhelming flow of information. In response, Zimbabwe has introduced timely updates to its national school curriculum. My philosophical training at AJU has equipped me to integrate essential twenty-first-century skills into my teaching, including critical thinking, creativity, and digital literacy. These skills are increasingly necessary to prepare young learners for the complex world they will face.
Although teachers in Zimbabwe often work under challenging conditions and earn modest salaries, I find teaching to be an incredibly rewarding vocation. I derive great fulfillment from sharing knowledge and helping shape young minds. In many ways, this calling reflects the essence of philosophy itself: encouraging people to think deeply about the world and their place within it.
Philosophy has particularly influenced my story-based approach to teaching. Through stories and guided discussions, learners are encouraged to ask questions, reflect, and explore ideas. At the primary school level, this method helps cultivate curiosity and nurtures the habit of thoughtful inquiry at an early age.
Life at AJU was never dull. The academic, social, and spiritual dimensions of university life were deeply interconnected, forming a vibrant environment for personal growth and intellectual development. This holistic formation is what makes the Arrupe experience truly unique.
To the current students at AJU, my encouragement is simple: embrace every dimension of your formation. Engage deeply in your studies, participate actively in the community, and nurture your spiritual life. Allow the Arrupe experience to shape you into thoughtful leaders—true philosopher kings and queens who will positively transform society.
