UBUNTU: I Am Because We Are · ages 3–10
Help children grow a spirit of kindness and connection.
A warm, beautifully illustrated children's book about connection, kindness and our shared humanity — by Lyse Vondro Kaneza.
Children meet Ubuntu one small action at a time: I see you. I care about you. I help you. I include you. I care for myself. I care for nature.
What children learn
Ubuntu is not a lecture — it is a way of living. Each spread pairs one simple idea with a full-page illustration a child can talk about.
We share one humanity
We are all human — whatever our background, skin colour, age, gender, beliefs or abilities.
I feel with you
Empathy in child-sized words: when you hurt, I care; when you are happy, I celebrate.
I help and I share
Greeting, including, lending a hand and sharing — kindness shown as everyday actions.
Peace begins inside me
Self-care, welcoming feelings, speaking kindly to yourself and forgiving your mistakes.
I care for nature
We are part of nature: protect plants and animals, use resources wisely, spend time outside.
Kindness in action
Discussion questions and a glossary turn the story into conversations at home or school.
What is Ubuntu?
Ubuntu is a way of living with awareness of our shared humanity. It reminds us that we are connected: when someone hurts, we can care; when someone needs help, we can lend a hand; and when we care for one another and the world around us, we all become stronger.
“Abantu n'ibintu ni magiriranire”
A Kirundi saying: people and the things around us are made to work together.
I am because we are.
Look inside
35 pages, 8.5 × 8.5 inches, with discussion questions and a short glossary at the back.
Now available
My Ubuntu Spirit Journal
The companion journal that turns the book into daily practice: an Ubuntu promise, an action map, kindness trackers, goals and gentle reflection prompts for children.
My Ubuntu Spirit Journal is now available on Amazon.
Sold separately from the picture book.
Meet Lyse Vondro Kaneza
Lyse Vondro Kaneza was born and raised in Burundi, where she grew up surrounded by the values of Ubuntu. Traveling the world deepened her belief that Ubuntu creates meaningful connections across cultures. Later, as a teacher, she saw how deeply children responded to its message and how it could inspire kindness, respect, and positive change. These experiences inspired her to create this book and share Ubuntu values with children everywhere.
Published by Ubuntu Pillars.
Schools, libraries and bulk orders: [email protected]
Frequently asked questions
Give a child the words for kindness
Read it at bedtime, in circle time, or in a classroom of thirty. Then practise it together, one kind choice at a time.
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