Despite falling asleep in every class thus far, [7 am and I
have not met this often in a long time (lie!)] I am really excited and enjoying
getting to know more about Botswana. We have examined the educational systems
in Bots, which sounds amazing, key word sound as a visit to local village
schools and stats would prove but every Motswana is guaranteed free education
K- Ph.D. Yes to Ph.D, I was blown away to hear this but there are many gaps and
outside factors that despite it’s low cost few Motswana get to take advantage
of this opportunity.
Following education we entered the discussion of Botswana
History guided by Professor Segobye, who I would love to take a class with, her
passion and knowledge are extremely evident in the enthusiasm she speaks with.
The sociologist in me was so excited by her discussion of traditional
initiation school – bojale (boys) Bogwera (girls). Although there has been a
great decline in the number of individuals who partake in the season long
process of learning one’s “correct” gender role becoming a monna or mosadi (HOWEVER both males and females are
considered children until marriage in Setswana culture) due to the “backwards”
and “barbaric” labels missionaries gave the schools forcing their closure.
There is a movement throughout Botswana to revive Setswana culture; the slogan
of “A country without culture is dead” is often flashed along side ads for
upcoming cultural days through Bots. There are mixed emotions about the revival
of tradition, youths are disinterested in strict and drawn out traditional
ceremonies yet there is also a strong desire to keep Botswana culturally
unique.
Our last lecture on Race, Gender, Color, Class and Ethnicity
in Botswana, which should have given the spotlight to show how we Bowdoin soc
students do it quickly turn to lets put the half asleep student on blast.
Although I was called out by Dr. Dikobe for “laying down” in my chair, I was
actually listening with my eyes closed! Race in Botswana is not much of an
issue, never being colonized is a major factor in the non-issue, but the
interesting debate lays in Ethnicity. Botswana is a country with 29 languages
and many different ethnicities that people wear proudly.
The topics of educational systems, cultural revivals and
race in Botswana briefly covered in post all came up during my stay in Manyana
in ways I didn’t expect. I hope that I get the time to blog some about those
experiences but for now its nako ya robala!
No comments:
Post a Comment