Watling Ubuntu
Our Mission
Global happenings in the last few years have awakened people around the world to the advantages of comparing cultures and sharing experiences. Our mission is to improve international understanding, respect and friendship leading to cultural harmony within the local community so that British and international students can interact, irrespective of background, in an atmosphere that promotes the development of global citizenship and social responsibility.
At present students tend to mix with people from their own countries or with similar backgrounds. We will encourage cross-cultural experiences via a shared intercultural space, and a programme of cultural activities and other events to which local communities will also be invited in order to promote greater international understanding.
Watling Ubuntu intends to create an active and stimulating community instead, one that will offer a unique experience through intellectual debate, fostering cross-cultural activities and providing an exceptional social environment. In addition, in developing a neutral, non-faith, non-political environment, no-one needs to feel intimidated or excluded.
Make New Friends
One of our aims is to help international students to feel welcome through encouraging friendships with the student and resident community.
Celebrate Cultures
Students come to the UK from all over the world to study, students from a diverse range of cultures each with their own traditions and perspectives. We can learn from each other!
Make Your Mark
Engage with anyone in the world on our forum to discuss not only the issues that affect you daily, but some wider questions too.
What does
Watling Ubuntu mean?
Watling Street is the Roman Road that goes from Dover to London, and then to North Wales. Chaucer’s pilgrims used Watling Street (now the A2) to travel from Southwark to Canterbury. It’s a local place name, but at the same time implies travel, and an ancient tradition.
The Watling Ubuntu Foundation is based on the Humanist philosophy of Ubuntu. The word has its origins in the Bantu languages of Southern Africa and can be translated as “humanity to others”. Ubuntu can be broadly interpreted as hospitality.
“So powerful is the light of unity that it can illuminate the whole earth.”
– Baha’U’Llah