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.

First day of Botswana Lifeline

Today was Jen and I first day at Botswana Lifeline and we had no idea what to expect. The anticipation was building up as we waited for the bus to come. When we arrived at Lifeline we were greeted by Ruth and Vicky who were two of the counselors. They asked us what we would like to participate in during our volunteer time and we explained how we wanted to visit a women’s shelter, hospice center and a local school or orphanage. I soon learned that hospice here is different from the term hospice back home. Hospice in Botswana operates more like an adult day care at home and also a hospital. Patients come and go and are free to go home at any time. I found it interesting that they do not have a nursing home system for their elders and that they are expected to be taken care of by their sons and daughters. I find it common in the United States that older adult population would prefer nursing homes or assisted livings so they do not become a burden upon their children.

We were allowed to join a class that was taking a closed counseling course that was already in their fourth week of lessons. This is hard to do because most closed groups do not let new outsiders in because they are already bonding as a group and have begun to develop their group dynamics so we felt it was an honor to join so late in their progress. We were greeted by the group and they went on with their lesson. They were going over a homework project of the Joharies window. Each person in the group of twelve went up in front of the class and presented a box they hand designed. Many of them had quotes they live by, colors that remind them of a past time or pictures of family. Many of the stories were deep and personal and I was moved by some of the things that had happened to them and amazed how they overcame the odds against them. I am glad we were a part of Botswana Lifeline now because we were experiencing the stories first hand of the people who have it the hardest. I felt proud that many of the people in the group were able to be where they today now that I know their background. Some overcame poverty, abuse, abandonment, lack of education, divorce and loss of loved ones. One lady even mentioned how she lost her father and then her two brothers the following year and how it felt as though it was a yearly thing to lose a family member and they had to deal with the grieving process on a yearly basis. Another woman mentioned how she had to steal a pair of her sister’s daughter’s shoes to sell so that she could afford a pair for herself.

All of these stories were deep and heart felt and forced me to come to a realization that these things happen to great people who sometimes cannot control the things around them. I find the hardest part of counseling for me will be people who are stuck and need help however help is not available. The stories became realities the moment people described their loved ones then passed around recent pictures of them before their passing, or a photo of a ideal perfect family that has fell apart. One woman broke to tears describing her love for her husband and kids and how they have left her broke and alone. I was a bit overwhelmed with the high emotion in the room but I was able to understand their need for being where they were, in a room with other people who needed support. One idea I found very neat among the group of young and middle age adults is that they wanted to meet for an extra day outside the scheduled events to organize a skill teaching day. Each student would describe each skill they have and explain how it works or is played to the group. One member suggested she will teach us how to hypnotize people, another said she would teach us yoga, there were many more examples; cricket, yoga, rugby, ect. I am excited to learn about all these new skills, techniques and games. I love this idea of people wanting to interact more and taking more time to learn about each other and to learn from each other.

I feel that television, internet and the fast pace of the U.S.A. takes away from a lot of this. Their way of life here seems so simply yet satisfying. I realize now that I would rather be doing than watching. I’d rather go outside and learn to play a game of cricket than watch a 15 minute how to video while I check my email or face book on my laptop. These are all attributes I hope to take back with me and live a simpler and more satisfying life. I feel more encouraged to not have a phone by my side at all times and when I go somewhere I will begin leaving it at home so when I’m at work I CAN FOCUS ON WORK and not be impatient to receive a text or call someone back.