- A brief statement describing in what ways you hope that these preparations will benefit both you and the family
I will be welcoming a beautiful family from Ethiopia. Ethiopia is a multi-cultural and multi-ethnic country. Religion is a major influence in Ethiopian life. Nearly half the population belongs to the Ethiopian Orthodox Church but there is a also large Muslim population. Others adhere to an ancient form of Judaism.
The extended family remains the focus of the social system. It includes relatives on both sides of the family as well as close friends. Quite often the husband’s parents will live with the nuclear family when they get older and can no longer care for themselves. When people marry, they join their families, thus ensuring that there will always be a group to turn to in times of need.
Individuals achieve recognition or social standing through their extended family. A family's honor is influenced by the actions of its members. Family needs are put before all other obligations, including business.
I plan to prepare myself to culturally responsive by the following:
- Reaching out to Ethiopian families, who may be currently enrolled in our Head Start program. I would ask them to join our program in welcoming a new family from Ethiopia.
- Research the Ethiopian culture, family life, traditions, values, cuisine, etiquette and customs.
- Contact the corresponding embassy in Washington, DC; since we are located in Baltimore, MD; it should be easy to receive valuable information, as well as, resources regarding Ethiopia.
- Ensure that all staff are participating in researching Ethiopian culture and incorporating such in the classroom environment.
- Meet with a translator, in order to prepare materials, in the language of our new family.
I hope that the above preparations will enable me to see my new family for everything they represent in their culture and the rich experiences they will bring to our program. I also hope to gain new knowledge and indepth insight into the Ethiopian culture which will enable my verbal, non-verbal and physical interactions to be conducive to a pleasurable experience for them.
Very interesting insight about the Ethiopian lifestyle. Taking the team approach to learning about the customs, culture, and language of Etheipia will affect the relationship your program develops with all families participating in your program.
ReplyDeleteWell done.
Hey Kenisha!
ReplyDeleteI would like to thank you for all of your support. I am glad that we have made it to week 8 of the course. I am looking forward to see what the next course has to offer. This week’s application assignment will surely be a brain teaser, there is so much that we have learned that I am overwhelmed and not sure how to fit everything learned in three pages. I would like to wish you luck as continue in your journey of early childhood education. Great Job!
Alice Jones