Day 16

July 10
Today was quite the unassuming day. Instead of a Setswana lesson today, Banki came and spoke to us about Setswana culture, including the way in which marriages, dating, and sexual education classes work. Marriages are long, extended affairs, involving the bringing together of two extended families into one joyous union. Dating doesn't happen until at least 18 years of age. Sexual education is a new phenomenon in Botswana, and it is slowly yet steadily making its way into the secondary school curriculum.
After our Banki lesson, we visited the tliliniki, the clinic. While there, we learned about the healthcare system in Botswana. It's actually amazing. All services offered at the clinic are free. How amazing is that. It blew my mind how accessible healthcare is here. Especially for HIV/AIDS patients, there was an amazing support system. The ARVs necessary for HIV treatment are free to citizens of Botswana at any clinic. Free! For a country with the second highest HIV/AIDS prevalence rate in the world, second only to Swaziland, this system is especially mind-boggling. Despite the huge rate (almost a quarter of the population), Botswana has one of Africa's most progressive and comprehensive programs for dealing with the disease. All of this is thanks to money from the diamond mines. The discovery of diamonds really was the best thing to happen to Botswana. This is an amazing system in place.

The public education area at the clinic

After we finished with the clinic, we went home for lunch. After lunch, we went to the secondary school to start laying bricks for the benches. We have two sets of bricks laid. That's one site down, four to go!
We watched the sun set again, and then went home. Hopefully, I'll get to cook dipapata (bread) tomorrow!! I was supposed to help today, but there wasn't enough time. After Generations, I helped my mom mop the kitchen. I enjoyed it, and I think she was happy that I offered to help. Her being happy made me happy. :)

Me and my mommy (with little Litso's head sticking out lol)

Palesa and Litso fell asleep on my lap today. They are actually too cute. I love these kids. :)

Palesa. Isn't she just too cute??