Abstract

The Child and Environment in Black Africa is outstanding in its comprehensiveness.It discusses indigenous education for the whole Africa.Building on this wide base of data regarding traditional education which was integral and relevant ,the author points out discrepancies between its assumptions and those of modern technical European education.This english translation of ernys classic is essential for an understanding of the role of both types of education in Africa. The book makes an introduction to the study of traditional education, ritual pedagogy, the heritage of early childhood, and the vertical integration in the society of equals. It further looks at social integration and personality, learning of facts and skills, entry into the universe of the world, assimilation of moral values, and initiation pedagogy and spiritual experience. Finally, the book deals with problems of mental structure, permanence and decline of traditional education, lastly three accounts from Zaire.

Recommended for students and lecturers.