Sierra Leone
I would need to become familiar with the history of Sierra Leone and the region in Africa in which it lies. There has been a decade long civil-war and the family is more than likely impacted. The children may be impacted as well due to the devastation that has occurred in the region even if they were not born when the was going on. Knowing what language the family speaks will be important to know if there will need to be an interpreter present to complete enrollment paper work and to get to know the family. Researching what life is like in this region: malnutrition, sexual violence, Ebola, death.
Having knowledge about the country the family is transitioning from will help me to build rapport with the family. Background information will help to lead conversations about their child’s experiences and what hope and visions they may have for their child in a different environment. I would be more sensitive to discussions I have with the family. In the classroom I would be able to note key observations about how the child reacts in situations with other children and at meal-time if they previously have been malnourished. Referrals could be made to assist the family with any needs they may have.
Unicef. (n.d.). Sierra Leone: At a Glance. Retrieved February 20, 2015, from http://www.unicef.org/infobycountry/sierraleone.html
When new people enter our lives, it doesn't matter if they are from the next town or half a world away--we don't know them or anything about them, and it is up to us to learn what we can in order to establish a successful relationship. Like we both have said (repeatedly)--the best we can do is show respect for everyone we encounter!
ReplyDeleteI liked that you said you would find out the families want for their child because what they want for their child is important and should be heard.
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