Sunday, June 23, 2013

Welcoming Families Around the World

The little girl who will begin in my program is from Sudan.  She comes from a tight knit community where the saying "it takes a village" is very much a reality.  Being able to communicate and to be understood sets the stage for families to feel comfortable with a program.  The first thing I would do, is determine if a translator is needed for me to communicate with her and/or her family.  This must be established before she begins.  If it is not possible to find a translator, every attempt would be made to communicate in a way that lets the family know I am open and willing to do what it takes to communicate with them.  I would learn more about her community.  I would do this by talking with her family and using additional community resources to get an understanding of her community.  I would ensure that what I have learned from her family and community resources are reflected in the program.  I would invite her family to participate in programming and share ideas in how to improve programming.  I would hope that I provide a environment for her and her family that is comfortable, familiar, and encouraging.

2 comments:

  1. Dalhia this is a good idea to have for the girl and her family I am sure this would help the child and the family out in being in a new state or country. Good idea.

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  2. Dalhia,

    The first step is communication with any family. When you can find a way to communicate whether it is through a translator or yourself being able to speak the language fluently. When we break through that common ground of speaking the same language, then everyone can be on the same page.

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