Setswana school treats children to traditional Setswana games & food

Squeals of delight filled up the Botanical garden in Gaborone this Saturday as children from different private Model C schools (often referred to as English Medium schools) around Gaborone gathered at the grounds to experience Setswana culture.

The children evidently enjoyed themselves as they played and learned more about their culture at the Hirikgong Metshameko Games hosted by Setswana Cultural School (SCS).

Parents were allowed to take a peek at what they had got their children into by signing them up for the games before leaving them in the capable hands of school owner and director, Oosi Lemo and her assistants, who took the children through their paces. Some of the children came dressed for the occasion in traditional Setswana attire such as mateisi.

They moved around eyeing the food that was displayed such as mogwana, mmilo, asking questions about what their eyes were feasting upon and also having a taste of them. Needless to say, segwapa did not last very long as they came in for seconds after their initial taste. The children also had a chance to play games like diketo, mhele and morabaraba while others were shown how to use a mortar and pestel. For lunch, the children were served traditional Setswana cuisine like seswaa, lechotlho, morogo wa Setswana and bogobe jwa lerotse, among other traditional dishes.

Lemo said that she was delighted at the turnout as there were over 100 children in attendance. She explained that the Setswana Cultural School was formed to engage the upcoming generation, particularly those who are raised in urban areas, and teach them basic conversational Setswana, the Setswana culture and its values through play. “When we started the school, the few children who attended the sessions were not interested but once we introduced Setswana games, their interest skyrocketed. Children learn better through play,” she said.

After realising that the games peaked the children’s interests, Lemo decided to host a day session to teach children their culture through games, introducing them to traditional cuisine and music. “They have also had a chance to learn about their past by giving them a ride in a donkey cart around the Botanical Garden,” she said.

Lemo added that following in the success of this event, they plan to host them monthly. She encouraged parents to register their children and not deny them the opportunity to learn more about their culture.