As we journey through the Nguzo Saba, the Seven Principles of Kwanzaa, we arrive at Ujima: Collective Work and Responsibility. To build and maintain our community together and to make the problems of our brothers and sisters our own, working to solve them together.
Each principle continues to build on the foundation of community and purpose, bettering our idea of a shared vision. Ujima, the third principle, is no exception. This principle reminds us of how our individual actions are linked to our community, to how we can individually better the well-being of it. Ujima is a call of action – to come together, to celebrate our shared triumphs and to shoulder our problems as one.
Ujima is celebrated by lighting the first green candle, reminding us of the importance of such a collective value within a community.
At the heart of it, Ujima encourages us to share our responsibilities and successes as one – to see our brothers’ and sisters’ problems as one and to collaborate to find a solution. Whether it be rallying together through hardship, or finding resources, Ujima inspires us to foster unity.
Ujima in practice
Practically, Ujima usually has more impact when practiced with cooperative economics, working together to sustain communities through building systems that would facilitate financial stability and growth. Whether through smaller enterprises or shared initiatives, this principle emphasises how sharing such resources leads to positive outcomes.
The practice of Ujima originates at home, where parents instil its values by teaching children the importance of contributing to the family, and understanding its significance in the larger context of the wider community. This early learning helps establish a sense of shared responsibility and togetherness, which extends into adulthood.
Ujima and Umuganda
The principle of Ujima has an impact around the world. For example, in Rwanda, the practice of Umuganda,—a Kinyarwanda word which translates to “coming together in common purpose”—is a national tradition where people dedicate the last Saturday of each month to community service. From building schools to cleaning public spaces, Umuganda embodies collective responsibility in action.
This tradition, much like Ujima, reinforces the idea that a community blooms when its members work together to address shared challenges and build a better future. By connecting these practices, we see the universal power of unity and collaboration.
Collective work and responsibility for sustainable development
At The Community Revolution we believe that in order to realise our vision of empowering communities across the world to prosper in a sustainable (and just way), we need to take collective responsibility for providing these communities with the tools and conditions needed to foster such development.
You could be an individual offering to lend your knowledge, skills, time or other resources for a good cause, as either a volunteer, mentor or in some other capacity. Or you could be reading this article from the perspective of an organisation in a position to offer support to members of your local community through: capacity building opportunities, consultancy or some other form of technical support or resources.
Reflection
As we reflect on Ujima, we should embrace the principle, and the shared vision of strength and goodness coming out of Unity and Collective Responsibility. When we build our communities sustainably, we honour the legacy of those that came before us, as well as the ones that came to our aid in building a brighter future.
The Community Revolution invites you to put Ujima into practice today. Join us in creating lasting change by supporting local initiatives, volunteering your time, or contributing to projects that uplift our community, helping our partner communities.
Together, we can turn collective responsibility into collective success. Explore our website to learn more and to get involved.
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