UBUNTU: I am because we are

Published: 02/12/2012

Last Updated: 14/07/2026

osani circle game

Photo credit: JP Hallet copyright

UBUNTU: I am because we are

An anthropologist proposed a game to children in an African tribe. He put a basket full of fruit near a tree and told the children that whoever got there first won the sweet fruits. When he told them to run, they all took each others hands and ran together, then sat together enjoying their treats.

When he asked them why they had run like that when one could have had all the fruits for himself, they said, ‘UBUNTU, how can one of us be happy if all the other ones are sad?’ (‘UBUNTU’ in the Xhosa culture means: ‘I am because we are.)

Try it today and see how happy it makes you feel. Sharing has nothing to do with giving things up. It’s all about getting more from making the environment around you a better place to live. If we share we have more.

Andrew Pothecary

Andrew Pothecary is a pioneer in purpose-driven corporate gifting, with over 20 years of experience in the gift, eCommerce, and reforestation space. Since 2004, he has worked at the intersection of meaningful gifting and conscious consumerism, helping companies give with purpose and impact. In 2006, Andrew turned his focus to global tree planting and ecosystem restoration, launching large-scale reforestation projects and campaigns. By 2007, he was helping organizations shift from traditional promotional products to Tree Gifts that contribute to verified reforestation, reinventing client appreciation, event swag, and employee gifting with measurable impact at the core. Through ForestNation, Andrew empowers businesses to strengthen relationships while planting trees that restore biodiversity, support local communities, and contribute to verified reforestation in Tanzania. His work bridges genuine environmental contribution with brand storytelling, helping companies grow forests and deeper connections.