The Australian Model of Multiculturalism for Anti-tribalism Education in African Schools: Focus on Liberia and Sierra Leone

Abstract

The Australian style of multiculturalism could be a remedy for chronic tribal conflicts in Africa. Ethiopia and Sudan are only the latest cases in more than 20 African countries, including Liberia and Sierra Leone, that have burst into civil wars over the last 40 years. Researchers generally view tribalism as a leading suspect in the causes of the conflicts in Africa. The overall goal of this study was to ascertain the understandings of the diaspora communities of Liberia and Sierra Leone in Australia of the relationship between tribalism, conflict and education back home. Fifty (50) participants across Australia were asked: “Drawing from your experience in Australia, how would you reform the educational systems back home to nurture and promote peace and harmony among the various citizens?” The thematic content analysis technique was used to identify patterns across the various interviews. In total, 80% of Liberians and 72% of Sierra Leoneans recommended that Liberia and Sierra Leone should consider the integration of Australian multicultural values and ideals into their school curriculums as a long-term measure towards the birth of a diversity-accommodating generation of citizens back home. This is a novel idea in the difficult battle against tribalism on the African continent. Additionally, there is no previous study of the Liberian and Sierra Leonean diaspora in Australia vis-a-vis peace-building efforts in their home countries. Thus, this study is an original academic undertaking in the scholarly debates on the subject-matter.