In Western communities, the focus is more on the individual. Let us explore the African philosophy of UBUNTU - the concept that our understanding of ourselves is based on the people we are surrounded by. It is the belief that I am because we are. We live in this global world, checking our to-do lists without thinking that we are part of other communities beyond just ourselves - our family, friends, and coworkers.
When it comes to fully living UBUNTU, we do not seem to be doing so in the complete meaning of the word. Take National Holidays, for example. On March 3rd, the Liberation Day of Bulgaria, everyone goes crazy posting cards, videos, and putting the national flag on their windows. But how do we truly show that we are part of our community by posting on social media? Every four years, we are asked to go to the closest school in our neighbourhood and spend 10 minutes selecting a proper government that will lead us to a better future. Statistics show that in the last elections, only 39 per cent voted. That means nearly 60 per cent of the population did not spare these 10 minutes. If we want to truly live UBUNTU, we need to demonstrate it through our actions.
The world has over 200 nationalities, but the feeling you get when you meet someone from the same country is incredible. Hearing the same language and sensing the different dialects is irreplaceable. These are the little moments when you appreciate your origins even more. At the end of 2023, I was on a solo trip to a beautiful place called Krabi in Thailand. I was leaving my hostel for a walk around the island when, right at the entrance, I heard someone asking me in my native language, “Where are you heading to?” I was stunned to hear someone in Asia speaking Bulgarian, and I looked shocked. Since it was the last day of the year, everyone had plans, but I was in a place where I did not know anybody, so I had nothing planned. Pretty boring New Year’s Eve, I know, haha. Then I received an invitation to hang out and celebrate New Year with someone from my country. That was the moment when I finally realized the power of being together and supporting each other - the UBUNTU moment. I was alone, but then I was with a Bulgarian person, and I still remember the feeling of unity.
The same year, at a different location, I was struggling with heavy luggage, and what felt like a 10-minute walk seemed like forever. I heard a Bulgarian speech and simply asked for a little help. These kind people helped without hesitation. The best part was that it happened on September 6th, the Unification Day of Bulgaria. I could not have asked for a clearer example that our nation is supportive no matter where you go. The power of the community we come from sometimes feels unseen, but we feel it in those hard moments when we experience kindness and support.
We are writing history for the next generations, and it is important to remember that with every step we take. UBUNTU is everywhere around us - in the little gestures we make for each other, the short conversations at a bus stop with random citizens, and in being there for one another whenever we can. In the next articles, we will explore the power of community within a volunteer project and see how UBUNTU comes alive in collective action and shared purpose.