It is seldom in Botswana that voices from traditional San communities speak out about the education of their children. Mostly, formal schools are revered by the poor and illiterate as the place where their children will learn the skills they as parents feel they lack: how to be prosperous, respected people who are able to understand the mysteries of modern survival.
The enormous transition in education development has affected San childrens’ development over the last few decades. There is concern about the lack of care, and about separation of children from their families and from their traditional knowledge. This leaves children feeling bewildered and apathetic and in some cases, confused and uncontrollable. However, despite these issues, many San children have found that in today’s world, modern education is key to their emancipation.
I’m a native speaker of Naro from Botswana’s Ghanzi District. I’m a defender of of Indigenous rights and a strong supporter of inclusive social policy. As a young person from a very marginalized group, I have grown to understand the importance of culture in todays society. Whereas I know that change is inevitable, without the knowledge of where you come from and ideals that you represent, can bring harm to the very fight of the right to self-determination. I support all those who advocate towards them.
