| This dissertation examines how one of Malawi's popular cultural customs, the traditional initiation rite of Jando, is and could be used as a pedagogical element in religious education. Jando is a technical term that stands for a rite of passage for the boys. What makes Jando so unique and educative is that it combines several elements of African traditional customs---mainly from the Bantu people---with some rituals from the Abrahamic religions. Although neither the Quran nor the Bible has sanctioned Jando in its current form, some adherents of the two Holy Books view Jando as an acceptable mark for the boys' transition from childhood to adulthood. Jando is more prevalent among the Yao Muslims than Christians of Malawi, specifically in the rural areas like where this research was conducted.;The bulk of the primary data for this dissertation was obtained from the local people who voluntarily shared their intimate Jando experiences. Through a qualitative research, their individual stories provided eye-opening data to study systematically and analyze the contributions of Jando in Malawi's religious education. Using personal interviews with the angaliba (circumcisers), anakanga (initiators), alombwe (helpers), achimkamusi (guardians), pastors, sheikhs, and religious leaders, I was able to unpack how Jando is used as a conduit to teach about traditions and God. Consequently, this dissertation proposes the use of some African theologies and a western-oriented religious teaching approach---the faith community model---for religious education in Malawi. The two approaches relate to the Malawi's local communities just like how Jando resonates with the Yao and other tribes. This will be demonstrated through the pedagogical elements of Jando under the themes of religious, morality, and physical instructions. |
