Developing Moral Capabilities

Ruaha's approach to moral leadership and education follows that of Nur University in Bolivia.

Nur's approach to moral leadership gives students the opportunity to discover that they have the option and obligation to search for, adopt, live by and structure their institutions in accordance with moral principles.

Leadership is shown to be a responsibility that is exercised by all members of society and requires the development and exercise of moral capabilities. There is a direct relationship between one's capabilities and the effectiveness of the service which a person can offer to humankind. Therefore, each student is encouraged to develop her/his capabilities as part of their process of personal transformation, so as to be better prepared to serve.

Nur distinguishes between technical capabilities, which differ from profession to profession and moral leadership capabilities, which empower the person to effectively exercise leadership in whatever field s/he may endeavor. To date, Nur has identified 18 personal, interpersonal and societal capabilities which contribute to the exercise of moral leadership.

The capabilities that contribute to personal transformation are:

• The capability to evaluate one's own strengths and weaknesses without involving the ego: self-evaluation.
• The capability to learn from systematic reflection on action within a consistent, evolving conceptual framework.
• The capability to take initiative in a creative and disciplined way
• The capability to endeavor, persevere and overcome obstacles in the achievement of goals.
• The capability to oppose one's lower passions and egocentric tendencies by turning towards higher purposes and capabilities: self-discipline.
• The capability to manage one's affairs and responsibilities with rectitude of conduct based on moral and ethical principles.
• The capability to think systemically in the search for solutions.

The capabilities that contribute to improve interpersonal relations are:

• The capability to imbue one's thoughts and actions with love.
• The capability to encourage others and to bring joy to their hearts.
• The capability to participate effectively in the process of consultation in group decision making.
• The capability to be a loving and responsible member of a family.
• The capability to create and promote unity in diversity.

The capabilities that contribute to social transformation are:

• The capability to create a vision of a desired future based on shared values and principles, and to articulate it clearly and simply so that it inspires in others a sense of commitment towards its fulfillment.
• The capability to understand relationships of domination and to contribute towards their transformation into relationships based on reciprocity, sharing and mutual service.
• The capability to contribute to the establishment of justice.
• The capability to commit oneself to the process of empowering educational activities.
• The capability to serve on institutions of society in ways that assist their members to develop and utilize their talents and capabilities in service to mankind.
• The capability to perceive and interpret the meaning of present-day social processes and events in the light of an appropriate historical perspective.

Closely following the above scheme, the school initiated in 1998 an innovative Moral Education Class taught to all students two periods weekly. The purpose of the class is to teach moral virtues (such as patience, diligence, courtesy, trustworthiness, compassion, justice) and the attitudes, skills & capabilities needed to contribute effectively to a peaceful and just global society.

A school and community service outreach program is incorporated into this curriculum. Students learn practical skills through working in the school projects. Teaching methods to achieve active participation, understanding, and independent investigation of truth include drama, art, music, dance, mapping, timelines, handicrafts, writing and group consultation to encourage collaboration and cooperation.

School projects involve students and ties these practical applications to theoretical class work. Subject and cultural clubs have been established to further enhance student learning and involvement. Recently Ruaha School staff gave presentations at the Moral and Family Life Education Workshop held in Dar es Salaam for the Family Life Education Project of the Tanzania Institute of Education. It is hoped that the school can assist this project in the future by training moral and family life education facilitators.

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