You are the bridge to the next generation | Ndinini Kimesera Sikar
In a thought-provoking exploration of cultural preservation and the future, community leader Ndinini Kimesera Sikar prompts us to reflect on what we truly value for the next generation. Drawing from her rich upbringing in a traditional Maasai village in Tanzania, where she was one of 38 siblings, Sikar shares profound insights about the significance of community, shared responsibilities, and the oral traditions that have shaped her identity. In her village, every chore was a collective effort, every story was a communal song, and the very essence of belonging was intertwined with survival. This collective experience instilled in her the understanding that to thrive, one must hold onto the values that foster connection and resilience.
Sikar encourages us to consider what elements of our heritage and culture we wish to preserve as the world rapidly changes. She emphasizes the importance of blending the wisdom of the past with the innovations of the present to create a fulfilling future. For instance, while modern technology offers unprecedented access to information and connectivity, it is crucial to maintain the storytelling traditions that impart moral lessons and cultural identity. By reflecting on our own “must-haves” for the future, we can create a balanced approach that honors our roots while embracing progress. Sikar’s message resonates deeply in a time when many communities face the challenge of retaining their cultural identity amidst globalization. Her call to action serves as a reminder that the values we choose to pass down will shape the world our children inherit, urging us to thoughtfully curate the legacies we leave behind.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7-svUM0cX78
“Do you know what you want to preserve for the next generation?” asks community leader Ndinini Kimesera Sikar. Drawing on her experience growing up in a family of 38 in a traditional Maasai village in Tanzania — where every chore was shared, every story was sung and belonging meant survival — she explores how we can blend the old with the new to build the life we want, encouraging us all to ponder our list of “must-haves” for the future.
