Chiefking Makalanka III 

“We can learn from each other’s wisdom.” — Chiefking Makalanka II 

Educational outreach and cultural learning 

In recent years, Chiefking Makalanka III has initiated several international outreach projects focused on education and cultural exchange. Recognizing the importance of global dialogue in a rapidly changing world, the Chiefking supports visits to schools in Europe to exchange knowledge about teaching practices, child development, and the role of tradition in education.

These visits are part of a broader initiative called “Stories Across Borders”, in which elders and educators from the Abotabe tribe connect with schools abroad. The goal is to promote mutual understanding, inspire curiosity about lesser-known cultures, and share the Abotabe philosophy of learning — which centers around rhythm, storytelling, and community learning.

During these visits, Makalanka III observes classroom interactions, participates in informal discussions with students and staff, and offers insights into the tribal approach to learning and growing up. While the focus is on listening and connecting, the Chiefking often brings small symbolic gifts from his region, such as handcrafted beads or traditional learning stones.

This ongoing program reflects a belief shared by many communities: that education is a universal bridge between people, no matter how far apart they live.

Pronunciation guide: klik-tsjak-klik-oem-ba
Say goodmorning:

klik – Use the side of your tongue, like when encouraging a horse (a sharp cluck sound).
tsjak – A front click made with the tip of your tongue against the roof of your mouth.
klik – Repeat the first sound.
oem – A soft, rounded oom sound, like a gentle hum.
ba – Say ba softly and warmly, as if greeting a friend.

Don’t worry if you don’t get it perfect — the Chiefking values effort and sincerity above precision.

Contact 

For those wishing to send a message to Chiefking Makalanka III or the Abotabe cultural delegation, written correspondence may be addressed to the Bazumbian Cultural Post Centre in the village of Tumboko-Wes, located approximately 400 kilometers north of the tribal heartland.

Letters are collected on the third Wednesday of each month by a traveling storyteller, who delivers them to the tribal council by river route. Responses, if any, may take several moons to arrive, depending on weather, river levels, and ceremonial obligations.

Please be advised: the use of modern postal codes is not customary, but including a hand-drawn goat on the envelope is said to help.

f you wish to send a written message to Chiefking Makalanka III or the Abotabe tribal council, please address your envelope as follows:

Chiefking Makalanka III  c/o Bazumbian Cultural Post Centre  Goat Trail No. 7 (near the old fig tree)  Tumboko-Wes District  Northern Central Bazumbie  (no postal code – draw a small goat in the top right corner)

Important:

According to tradition, letters should be written with care and intention. Envelopes must include a hand-drawn goat symbol in the top right corner (stamps are not used). Singing softly to the envelope before sending is said to bless the message with safe travels.

Please note: mail is collected only once a month by a traveling storyteller. Patience is part of the process.