Cultural Differences

I know I had already spoke about some of the cultural differences as far as politics, rules and transportation but I wanted to list a few more than I found interesting that people might want to know about. Botswana is 71% Christians, they believe in the bible and that Jesus was a holy savior. They feel very strongly that divorce is not the answer to a failed relationship. They have universal healthcare and education here. Everyone who needs healthcare can walk into a hospital and receive medical treatment no questions asked. You also can opt out of doing this and decide to pay for private care. Another huge factor that I find important to our differences of intellect is that education here is free and those students with the highest GPA in secondary school (high school) will be awarded with free tuition to the University of their Choice. Over 90% of students at the University of Botswana receive free tuition from the government. This also includes free dorm, meal plan and a stipend for books and living. If they decide to study abroad the government will also pay for all accommodations. There are a funny concept award people who try the hardest to educate themselves.

If there is one thing I have learned about the people of Botswana it is that they are very intelligent and are constantly seeking more knowledge. I feel as though most Americans take advantage of their education, I speak from experience because I was one of them. If this system were imposed by our government parents might encourage their kids to take their education more seriously and children might see more benefits to achieving. I met a few students from the Kansas State University and they are volunteering at Ol Nomiladi which is the poorest village in Gaborone. They told us that the teachers did not show one day and that it was up to them to teach the class. As they entered the class they asked the kids what they wanted to learn and they said “anything, teach us all you know”. I remember when I was in junior and high school I would make up fake excuses along with my friends so that we could skip out on a day of school and just watch television that is not an option for these kids. Their only means of survival is their education. Mandy spoke of a debate at the school she was volunteering at and described that kids as high achieving and very smart. She said they made cases for how our world could survive without drinking water because of our technological advances. She said she could see this particular student being a politician some day.