BACKGROUND:
As part of an ARUA–Imperial project exploring the operationalisation of Ubuntu (or Unhu/ Utu) principles in Higher Education (HE), a workshop with students across Literature, Engineering, Medicine and Education at the University of Nairobi sought to identify Ubuntu characteristics that facilitate community building and student led learning. Outcomes from this workshop inform a framework intended for adaptation within Western HE settings, particularly the Imperial College London School of Public Health.

METHODS:
Student generated themes were captured through group flip chart activities addressing roles, responsibilities, barriers to unity, and visions for Ubuntu aligned learning environments. Facilitated discussions elicited both individual reflections and collective aspirations across diverse academic backgrounds.

RESULTS:
Analysis revealed several overarching themes: 1. Community and Belonging: Students emphasised that “I am because you are” must underpin learning, calling for student centred models recognising shared humanity and interdependence. They stressed the need for peer support, compassion, and acknowledgement of diverse linguistic and cultural identities. 2. Roles and Shared Responsibility: Groups highlighted the importance of assigning roles based on strengths, cultivating mentorship, and embedding collaborative decision making. Guidance, empathy, and reciprocal accountability were seen as foundational to effective learning communities. 3. Barriers to Solidarity: Students identified tribalism, limited diversity exposure, peer pressure, and financial barriers as key inhibitors of harmony and academic flourishing. 4. Pathways for Ubuntu in HE: Suggested practices included peer learning programmes, community outreach, student clubs, environmentally responsible initiatives, and co designed academic projects that centre collective growth.

CONCLUSIONS:
Findings demonstrate that Ubuntu offers a robust ethical and relational foundation for enhancing solidarity, peace building, and student led learning. Themes strongly align with the WCPH streams of Community Engagement and Participatory Approaches and Peace, Humanitarianism and Global Solidarity. These outcomes now inform the development of an Ubuntu based framework to be trialled at Imperial College London.