Economics and SPEs

Each day, I have different SPEs. Very unlike Deerfield, where every day after school you have the same activity. On Mondays, I have Naledi Feeding and yoga. (Classes end at 12:45; the first SPE is at 2 o'clock -ish, and the second is at 4-ish.) On Tuesdays, I have badminton (which is extremely relaxed...just like playing in the backyard) and I want to sign up for BSPCA, which visits an animal shelter. On Wednesdays I have marimbas, and Thursdays include hospital visiting and tennis. On every-other Saturday, I have Camphill.
Today in economics, we learned about GDP per capita, and how it really isn't a very good measure of a country's standard of living. The GDP is all of the money made by people residing in a county. To reach the GDP per capita, the GDP is divided by the population, achieving an average per person income. The problem with this is that, obviously, not everyone earns the same amount. Children and the elderly often do not earn anything; owners of restaurants earn more than waitresses. The wealth in Botswana is indeed very divided. In general in the Batswana culture, to take charge of a project is considered rude. One should let another lead. Because of this, foreigners find starting companies easy, but Batswana often find it difficult. (Batswana refers to citizens of Botswana/something of Botswana; motswana refers to one citizen of Botswana.) Hence, many Indian and white South African immigrants own a disproportionately large amount of businesses. So, while the GDP per capita (per year) of Botswana is about US$8000, a maid (to employ a maid is very common; in fact, not employing one can be interpreted as selfish) usually earns only 600 pula per month, or about US$1200 per year.
P600 (600 pula, US$100) a month does not get one very far. As I discovered on my first shopping trip, one blanket can cost P100. If a woman is supporting a family with three children, money goes down very quickly - especially since the government of Botswana has instituted school fees for the public government schools. Even though the fees seem rather nominal to us - say P15 or 20 per term - when you have three children and only P600, they present a challenge. Food is a little less expensive here than in the States, but not much. US$100 does not buy enough food for a balanced diet for four or five people.
Yes, according to GDP per capita, Botswana is a lot better off than some other countries. But that does not mean that Batswana are a lot better off.