Patricia Photo, Nonkanyiso Pamella Shabalala
Corresponding email: [email protected]
A B S T R A C T
This study was conducted under the guidance of the Westernized Indigenous Ecological Knowledge (WIEK) framework and included 35 learners from seven primary schools. The research examined the influence of informal learning settings, specifically zoos, on the educational experiences of primary school learners. Data collected via semi-structured interviews and observations revealed that 85% of the learners demonstrated an increased awareness and appreciation for the natural world, linking their observations to traditional ecological principles. Additionally, 90% of the participants reported a strengthened sense of social structures and moral values, deeply rooted in African traditions, such as respect for authority and social accountability. The findings suggest that integrating Indigenous knowledge into education through informal settings may not only enhance cultural pride but also promote environmental responsibility and a more inclusive understanding of the world among learners. These results highlight the significance of experiential learning in reinforcing traditional knowledge and its potential role in safeguarding Indigenous wisdom across various cultural contexts. Further investigation is needed to explore the long-term effects of these educational interventions.