Welcoming Families from Around the World

Week 7:  Welcoming Families from Around the World

1.  The name of my family’s country I chose:  Malawi, formerly known as Nyasaland, located in

      Southeastern Africa. 

2.  Five ways to be culturally responsive to my family:

      A.   Get to know more about the country’s economy and education

      B.  Have translators to help me with the primary language spoken: Chichewa, of which over 57% of

            the population speaks.

     C.  Learn more about the country’s culture

     D.  Learn more about the demographics of the country

     E.  Find out ways I can support the families and children of whom I will be working within the

           Community. 

     These preparations will work towards benefitting my family in many ways.  By learning more about this country’s economy I would learn that this country is one of the least developed countries and has a struggling economy dependent of foreign aid.  In addition, I would also learn that this country entitles its people to at least five years of primary education by its government and an effort has been made to improve literacy skills, access to more educational materials, and programs to feed children.  I would also be aware of the need for translator because 12% of the population speak English and I would need to communicate verbally if the family did not speak English and try to learn some of their primary language.  I would also learn that this country has a rich culture in dance and soccer.  This information is useful in possibly engaging the family to teach me about their dance and play soccer with them.  I would also know this country has a population of 15 million people.  Approximately 68, 000 deaths per year from AID/HIV with a life expectancy of around 50 years old and a high infant mortality rate due to high risk of infectious diseases, poor gender equality, and maternal mortality.  This information can be used to educate the family to promote better health conditions and education.  Overall, I think it is important to work with families and children by not only learning about their country, but to also ask them what they want and need for their children and to find ways in which I can support them through my knowledge and other services and resources.