The
name of my family’s country of origin I have chosen is Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe is
located in southern Africa and it has some interesting facts about that wonderful
country. The Great Zimbabwe name has been derived from “Dzimba dza mabwe”,
which means “great houses of stone” in the shone language. There are
approximately 12.6 million people living in Zimbabwe and about 16 different languages
spoken as well. One of the amazing attractions is the Magnificent Victoria
Falls that forms the world’s largest curtain of falling water is on the border between
Zambia and Zimbabwe. In the summer months the temperatures
are usually in the high 20s°C (though humidity can make it feel hotter) and the
winter begin in July with the temperature averaging 14degree Celsius. Although the
amount may varies, it rain falls between November-march where the weather can
be humid and sticky. From the 11th–15th century, the Shona peoples thrived in a
prosperous society, worshipping a supreme deity called Mwari. Many Zimbabweans use traditional healers, who
offer both spiritual and medicinal advice. In Zimbabwe the most valuable crop is tobacco –
it was the top agricultural export in 2009.
Two years ago, the United Nations
Children’s agency (UNICEF) found that many rural schools were shutdown. The main
problem was that teachers could no longer be found eligible to work in the sector. number of schools operating in urban areas was
better, though schools were often poorly staffed and equipped. Children who
pass their primary exams are entitled to carry on to secondary level for two,
four or six years. For those able to complete secondary education and carry on
further, there are several universities and colleges.
The five ways I will
like to prepare myself to be culturally responsive towards this family:
1.
Developing a
personalized contact and relationship with the individuals and their families.
2.
To learn much as I can
about the culture of the family I will be in contact with
3.
Since there are
about 16 different language spoken in Zimbabwe I would try to learn some phrases
of the primary language spoken by the family
4.
Become educated in
the cultural beliefs by learning their likes or dislikes
5.
I will learn and
become familiar with the family’s way of living/and their country
The preparation to become culturally
responsive toward the family in Zimbabwe will help me as an educator to develop
a strong and trusting relationship with them. I believe it is a great benefit
for me to learn about another culture other than my own, because it teaches me
to become culturally sensitive; as I familiarize myself with the language,
belief, customs and way of living of the family from Zimbabwe. Another benefit
to this preparation for me and the family is the exchange of information about
each other culture and to gain authentic respect for cultural differences.
References:
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