HLTHIR404D - Stratgies For Professional Working Relationships

[crickett55]

Hi Lorina,

I am trying to answer HLTHIR404D Activity 66 Culturally safe work practices:

Question:
"This workplace assessment task requires you to make a list of five strategies that will help you achieve professional working relationships based on mutual respect, tolerance of diversity and a shared understanding of cultural diversity.
The strategies must be in line with the circumstances of the service and its cultural mix."

Bearing in mind that the centre I am at has two Chinese children, one Spanish child and the remainder are 'Aussie' children so we do not have a big cultural mix.

I am stuck on a choice between two answers or a third alternative that I would have to find if you think neither of these are what they are looking for. What do you suggest please.

Answers:
Alternative 1;
1. Teach the children to say hello in numerous languages, including sign language, every morning when we sing our good morning song. We also have a sign (pictured in a previous activity) where “hello” is written in numerous languages, which is mounted at the entry to our rooms.
2. Invite a bush tucker expert to the centre to give a talk about bush tucker and its benefits. We would need permission notes from parents for children to be permitted to sample the tucker.
3. Where we have pictures placed around the room with the word naming the picture in English, include the local dialect word as well. eg the word dog written in local Wannarua dialect, “mirri”, as well as English under a picture of a dog
4. Celebrate Chinese New Year with the children. Although the Chinese parents have asked that their children be treated no differently, with their permission we could incorporate the Chinese New Year celebrations as a way to teach cultural diversity and inclusivity to everyone at the centre. An open day could be organised to encourage community input and enjoyment.
5. A Spanish Pinada, filled with popcorn rather than lollies for example, could be organised for January 19-20 to celebrate the festival of St Sebastian. This is commonly celebrated with Taborrada Drumming. The children could use a variety of drums, made during their craft activities, and have a very noisy, enjoyable time, drumming and taking turns smashing at the pinada. Parental permission would be required for the consumption of the popcorn. (This is all my own answer with no crediting necessary).

Or Alternative 2;
1. Make sure all your significant documents address multicultural issues. Ensure your written policies include access and equity principles and that these are reflected in your constitution, mission, objectives and strategic plans. Ensure these policies are publicly displayed and that all staff understand what they mean and how to apply them.
2. A culturally inclusive organisation has a multicultural staffing policy. The first step in attracting, retaining and supporting staff and volunteers from minority cultures is to build your recruitment and employment policies and practises around the equal employment opportunity and the anti-discrimination legislation. The Australian Human Rights Commission has a comprehensive list of legislation to help you do this.
3. Acknowledge and remunerate a second language and cultural knowledge as a valued skill. Include community representatives on interview panels when selecting staff and advertise through culturally specific mediums and networks.
4. Be mindful of any kinship obligations, taboos or tensions for workers and consider providing external mentoring and support from one of the culturally specific organisations in your network. Ensure that your internal communication systems are appropriate and inclusive and that your grievance mechanisms for industrial disputes identify specific support mechanisms and are fully understood.
5. Your induction procedure for all members of your organisation should include culturally appropriate information and staff should be trained in cross cultural awareness, multiculturalism, and the use of telephone and on-site interpreter services. (I have credited the source for this answer).

I am not sure which of these answers is more along the lines of what is expected and appreciate your time and help.

Thanks
Crickett

[Lorina]

I think your "alternative 2" is more along the lines of what the question is asking. Really good and detailed response!

,
Lorina

[crickett55]

Thankyou for your advice Lorina. It is much appreciated.