Welcoming Families From Around the World

Dear Colleagues,

The name of "my family's" country of origin is Cameroon, an African nation in the West Central Africa region. this family is receiving English as a second language instruction.

I am taking inspiration from the Earth Charter (2000), expecting that students will extend themselves beyond strong academic achievement to become true global citizens with both an awareness of and a concern for the people of the world and the Earth, on which we live (Miranda. 2010). 

As an early childhood professional in a diverse classroom, I would give families forms to fill in where I would be informed about the family culture and what the family wants their progeny to be taught. I would ask my students to bring pictures of their families wearing their traditional outfit, which would be displayed in the classroom.
Each child would be required to show one or two items representing his culture. The teacher with the families would prepare events regularly where every culture would present their dance, food and anything regarding the family culture. In order to expose children to different cultures, every class would prepare presentations on different continents (Miranda. 2010).
All these events and efforts to better know each family and culture would be very instructive to both of us.

References

Miranda, E. (2010). Going global in Arlington, Virginia. Journal of Education for Sustainable Development 4(2), 219--226.

The Personal Side of Prejudice Witnessed on Television

I do not remember an experience of discrimination happening to me since I live in Africa, it is less likely to happen especially for racism.
My son had told me about discrimination in European soccer. Both fans and players have been found guilty of racial prejudice against black players. For instance in 2011, a Uruguayan striker shouted the word "Negro" eight times at a black Frenchman. He was duly banned for eight games but the next time they met on a football field, the Uruguayan man intentionally skipped the black man during the customary pre- match handshake. He was banned again but it is obvious that bans will not end racial prejudice in European soccer.

Practicing Awareness of Micro aggressions

Micro aggressions are brief everyday indignities which can be verbal, behavioral or environmental. They are communicated intentionally or unintentionally. They contains an insulting message and can reflect views of inferiority or superiority and inclusion or exclusion. They often cause severe psychological stress and harm (Laureate Education, Inc. 2011).

My personal experience regarding micro aggression is related to the gender based discrimination which I sensed for example when my mother would tell us, her daughters to make our older brother’s bed. 
Another example of micro aggression which is not easily detectable is the learning environment of my country Rwanda, both formal and informal. It has too many rules which inhibit personal initiative and creativity in children. In addition, given that the method of education is more instructive than interactive, children are not able to feel confident about themselves and their abilities. The hidden message being do not express yourself, just assimilate. But there is a new curricula which I think is different and values the children's participation and views. 

From these examples, one can understand how micro aggression is transferred from one generation to another if people are not sensitized.  

Reference

Laureate Education (Producer). (2011). Microaggressions in everyday life [Video file]. Retrieved from https://class.waldenu.edu