Our teachings/beliefs from our different ethnic groups shape our worldviews and also affect us individuals. I have learned to value the importance of my ethnic group and two out of their many teachings that are endogenous to my ethnic group as a member of the BATSWANA group. I am deeply rooted in the Tswana culture with my maternal grandmother born and raised in BOTSWANA, their lessons and teaching have a very big impact in my life.

KGOTLA

This belief centers on the traditional Batswana gathering place, held at the king's place, where community members come together to discuss issue, resolve conflicts, and make collective decisions. It represents the value of dialogue, and inclusive decision-making. This influences my worldview by making informed decisions. It also contributes to how I resolve conflicts and how I also face challenging issues. It also helps me to have respect for diverse perspectives and opinions. Our elders and community leaders share valuable lessons and insights during these meetings, by witnessing how conflicts and issues are resolved in a peaceful manner, I get to learn the importance of communication and reconciliation in maintaining peace.

BOGADI OR LOBOLA ( DOWRY)

Lobola in Tswana is referred to as Bogadi or Magadi. It is seen as a token of pledge, commitment, and appreciation from deep within to the family of the woman whom a man intends to marry. Traditionally, in the olden days the offering was in a form of cattle, and it varied from family to family as to how many cattle would be offered. The groom's family writes a letter to the bride's family to inform them of their intentions and the bride's family accepts and responds to the proposal and give them a date to negotiate. During the negotiations the elderly women and men give the bride and groom tips on how to run a home and what marriage is. It emphasizes the importance of marriage and the commitment that comes with it. It shapes my cultural identity and reinforces the importance of traditional practices and also contributes into appreciating women being acknowledged and having value and also recognizing their contributions to society.