Ethics in Action: Kisasa Primary School Welcomes Ms. Deborah Mwanjali

On 5 November 2024, Kisasa Primary School in Dodoma, Tanzania, was honoured to welcome a distinguished guest. Ms. Deborah Mwanjali, an esteemed Ethics Officer from the President’s Office, Secretariat of Ethics of Public Leaders in the Central Region. This visit represented a significant milestone for the school’s ethics club, offering students a rare opportunity to engage with a professional in the field of ethics.

An Interactive Session with a Purpose

Ms. Mwanjali’s presentation was not a conventional lecture. The session was designed to instill values of integrity, accountability, and transparency in these emerging leaders. As she succinctly put it, “Ethics is not just a subject; it’s a way of life.” The topics she covered were carefully selected to resonate with students, addressing real-life scenarios and ethical dilemmas they might encounter on a daily basis.

From Principles to Practice

The session commenced with an overview of the fundamental principles of ethics. Ms. Mwanjali highlighted the significance of ethical conduct in both personal and professional contexts, stating, “An ethical life is a fulfilling life.” She shared anecdotes from her extensive experience, noting that one can ascertain their ethical standards by their ability to resist taking the last piece of cake. Her stories demonstrated how ethical decision-making can contribute to a more just and equitable society.

As the presentation continued, students were encouraged to participate in discussions and role-playing exercises. These activities enabled them to gain insight into the implications of unethical conduct. Ms. Mwanjali facilitated these sessions with a focus on critical thinking and moral reasoning, which are essential skills for making informed ethical choices. “Ethics can be thought of as a kind of moral GPS,” she advised. “It helps you navigate through the tricky turns that life inevitably throws up.”

A Lasting Impact

The visit by Ms. Mwanjali had a significant and far-reaching impact. The students emerged from the experience with a heightened awareness of the role that ethical considerations play in shaping their futures and the future of society at large. Following this experience, the school’s ethics club has committed to playing a more active role in promoting ethical practices within the school community. “We are not simply students; we are future leaders,” one student stated with pride.

Building a Culture of Ethics

The event at Kisasa Primary School serves to illustrate the significant role that ethical education plays in the development of young minds. It is a reminder that the cultivation of ethical values is crucial in the development of responsible citizens who can contribute positively to their communities and the world. “A future built on ethics will be a bright one,” Ms. Mwanjali commented.

Ms. Mwanjali’s visit is just one of many initiatives aimed at fostering a culture of ethics in Tanzania. This is an important step towards creating a more transparent and accountable society, where ethical considerations are at the forefront of decision-making processes. At the conclusion of the event, the school principal extended a sincere expression of gratitude to Ms. Mwanjali for the invaluable lessons she had imparted.

The students, inspired by her words, are now better equipped than ever to navigate the complex moral landscape of the modern world. In light of the above, it is evident that fostering ethical awareness from an early age is of paramount importance. By investing in education and open dialogue, we can create a future where ethical conduct is not just expected, but celebrated. The ethics club at Kisasa Primary School, under the guidance of Ms. Mwanjali and other leaders, is at the forefront of this commendable initiative. “Let’s make ethics the new cool,” the principal concluded with a smile.

Tanzania Media