Running head: CULTURAL IMMERSION

Cultural Immersion
Watara Heath
Wilmington University

Running head: CULTURAL IMMERSION

Cultural Immersion
Introduction
Culture helps set apart or create the uniqueness of each individual. It is imperative that
we all understand our own culture and our differences. Embracing other cultures allows for the
opportunity to learn, grow, and appreciate the diversity that surrounds this beautiful country.
Being aware of the way some cultures think and behave, and believe will increase the chances
for effective communication culture to culture. The culture that will be presented for this
assignment will be the population from Africa. The individual interviewed for the assignment is
from Kenya, Africa from the Kikuyu tribe.
History
Kenya is East Africas and more developed countries. During World War II Kenyas
Northern borders were threatened by Italy (Ominde, 2015). This resulted in Kenya focusing on
its political representation and strategies to protect its territory (Ominde, 2015). In the year of
1944 Kenya was the first East African territory to have political representation in Legislation
(Ominde, 2015). The newly founded organization the Kikuyu Central Association became
known along with its general secretary Jomo Kenyatta (Ominde, 2015). Later in 1946, Kenyatta
became president of KAU (Kenya African Union) with the hopes of gaining significant number
of African followers (Ominde, 2015). However, it was quite the opposite. Although Kenyatta
supported and encouraged peaceful methods to move toward majority African rule to help its
people, there was an opposing group that believed that violence was the most effective method
for results (Ominde, 2015). This group was thought to be led by Kenyatta causing other tribes to
relocate due to a state of emergency in 1952-1960 (Ominde, 2015). The Kikuyu tribe relocated to
larger villages and other Africans would relocate to detention camps (Ominde, 2015). During this

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time foreign investments for its cash crops continued. However, there were still minimal
agriculture and industrial developments available causing a changes in their social and economic
position (Ominde, 2015). After the migration of the Kikuyu tribe and others, Kenyatta and others
were arrested and sentenced to prison (Ominde, 2015). This chain of events would eventually
cause the African political parties to be banned from government involvement from 19531960(Ominde, 2015). Following the ban two other associations were formed, KANU (Kenya
African National Union) favoring the strong centralized government and the KADU (Kenya
African Democratic Union) with the idea that issues would be best addressed through local
government (Ominde, 2015). Both the KANU and KADU would develop a coalition supporting
Kenyatta (Ominde, 2015). Almost immediately after his release, Kenyatta would become Prime
Minister under a constitution that gave Kenya rights to self-government (Ominde, 2015). In 1963
Kenya would gain its independence from the United Kingdom and eventually become a republic
with Kenyatta being their first president. The Kikuyu tribe seemed to benefit from the Kenyattas
presidency causing greater division with other tribes (Ominde, 2015).
Film
Blood Diamonds is a film produced in 2006. The films plot was around the civil war in
Sierra Leone. Sierra Leone is in West Africa across the continent from Kenya. However, the film
presented similar struggles between the two countries. The theme in Blood Diamonds was the
war over conflict diamonds. This war lasted between the years of 1991 and 2002. The war
displaced much of the countries population to refugee camps; others were either recruited into
slavery, to join their armed forces, or tortured and murdered. Villages were destroyed families
murdered, kidnapped, and/or tortured. The demand for diamonds from foreign countries such as
the U.S. and London were indirectly financially funding the war. The rebels used there

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connections buyers and traders to influence and gain greater power. The leaders over the rebels
held people (men) against their will to shift through the muddy waters to find diamonds. While
the people doing all of the work received no compensation and were usually murdered in they
were no longer productive. However, the leaders of the rebels were too taken advantage of by
foreign buyers by offering the lowest price for the diamonds. Meanwhile, the retail price of the
diamonds once in the hands of jeweler dealers were more the 4x times the cost on the store
shelves. The war was to gain political power and stop the idea of the voting process for its
citizens. The rebels disagreed on equality and opportunity for all. The leaders of the rebels were
all seeking the big sell to afford them an opportunity to leave the impoverish country.
Culture Specific Event
The event that was attended was the African Festival held yearly in Philadelphia on South
Street. The festival is called the Odunde Festival. The festival originates from the people of West
Africa that gather to celebrate another year. There were many vendors in attendance from both
the states and Africa. There was authentic foods, sculptures, clothing, music, and but not least
dancing occurring at the festival. It was so many people in present that it took hours to walk and
see all the festivities. This was first I have ever heard of this festival. However, this past June
was its 39th anniversary. Vendors were stopping people trying to offer bargains to purchase their
product. There was a performance that involved African dances and music from the Motherland.
Some people were dressed in African attire with their head garments and jewelry representing the
colors of their respective countries. People were so welcoming and pleasant it was almost
unbelievable that such a large mass of (black) people in one place and no incidents occurred, not
a single one. Everyone was helpful and seemed to be enjoying the company of each other. I have

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never seen so many people in one place, in such tight quarters; get along as if everyone was
family. It was truly a beautiful feeling and experience.
Personal Interview
The individual that was interviewed for this presentation is originally from Kenya, East
Africa. However, she reported that she has been in the states for 10 years now. She stated that
only she and her older sister are here in the states. However, she hopes that her mother will be
joining them in the near future. She along with her sister now lives outside of Philadelphia. She
currently works in Wilmington as a Peer Specialist for the mental health and substance abuse
population. The purpose for the move to the states was to further her education at lesser cost.
Here, for a college education scholarships, payment plans, grants, and loans are offered so, the
funding in the U.S. is better than Kenya.
Family values are important for the people of Kenya. Family cares for family. Everyone
attends church and is dedicated in their practicing faith. The interviewee practices Christianity,
the Pentecostal denomination. It was reported that most people are Muslim or Christians. The
divide between the two religions has been the cause for the recent attacks at an University and
the Mall last year. According to the interview, war is usually fueled by culture of religion. There
are many different cultures within the country of Kenya. The various tribes have different beliefs,
attitudes, and traditions. For instance, I learned that the Jaluo tribe, tribe of President Barack
Obamas father is considered to be a more egotistical and prideful community.
The father or husband is the head of the household and the breadwinner. It was reported
that certain things that are norms here in the U.S. are not accepted in Kenya and vice versa. In
Kenya the more wives and children a man has the wealthier he is considered. The man would
purchase a plot of land and build several houses on the plot, one for each wife and children of

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that wife. In the Luhya tribe, the mother or wife and the in-laws are not to sleep under the same
roof when visiting. Also, children are disciplined strictly, the thought is Spare the rod spoil the
child. This method of discipline is believed to instill respect and boundaries in the youth. Its
not until the age of 21 that one is considered adult enough to make decisions. Elders in the
community are respected and are closely involved in making major decisions.
In Kenya, the idea of police and ambulances are rare. The people of Kenya believe in
mob justice. It was reported that the police are not contacted because they dont respond. The
communities gather and physically assault, torture, and depending on the severity of the offense,
murdered. Also, in order to receive medical emergency care, one has to have a membership.
According to the interviewee, its the norm to be transported in a personal vehicle. With that
being said, not all believe in going to a hospital. Most people of Kenya, Especially the older
generations seek medical assistance through folk remedies or witchcraft. The people of Kenya go
to someone called the Miti ni dawa. Miti meaning tree and ni dawa meaning medicine. The Miti
ni dawa uses herbal remedies that he or she has research and tested. Although the medicine has
been tested its not approved by the food and drug administration. Miti ni dawa is consider to be
an holistic treatment. The other method to caring for medical issues is considered to be the
demon by some. Witchcraft is where a ritual is performed when someone believes they have
been cursed and a witch is needed to cure them. A lot of people move forward in life
misdiagnosed or not diagnosed at all. As a result a great deal of the population go proceed in life
not knowing they have a medical issue. This has been known to be true, after being in the states
and receiving a physical most of the population are informed that they need medicine because of
hypertension or diabetes. Hospitals are not of preference because of lack of education and folk
remedies and witchcraft practices are passed to generation to generation.

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The people of Kenya are very close talkers. In fact, its a norm for someone to give no
space when standing in line waiting for something. Also, eye contact throughout any type if
conversion is a sign of respect. When greeting acquaintances or associates a handshake is
appropriate for welcoming.
One misrepresentation about the population from Africa is that security is poor at the
airport. Some Americans believe that people get robbed when getting off the plane as a tourist.
The perception that poverty affects most of Africa. However, this is false. Poverty is no more
prevalent there than it is here in the U.S.
Summary and Synthesis
It was a pleasure to be a part of the activities completing this assignment. A great deal of
information will be taken from this process. Definitely a greater appreciation for the overall
country. I learned that every tribe has their own language called their mother tongue. Along with
their mother tongue, you have to learn to speak British English, and like every other Eastern
African country, Swahili. Speaking multiple languages is brilliant and offers the opportunity to
communicate with a greater more diverse population which is the purpose of this assignment.
The Odunde festival was a unique experience. There was a sense of family and peace being
spread around. Everyone gathering to support the cause.
Assessing Field Work Agency
Innovative Schools, located in downtown Wilmington serves a diverse population. The
main building is located in a community service building, surrounded by banks, schools, the
public library, and blocks away from the central bus stop. There is a shopping mall, performing
arts theatre, an exclusive hotel, and the hospital within walking distance. Most people use their

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personal vehicles to visit the office. However, the central bus stop is two blocks away, so in any
event using public transportation would be an effective means for transportation.

The climate of the office is welcoming. However, the waiting room is not very huge and there
arent too many pictures or postings to read. There are applications for both the DLP and MET
Schools program along with brochures and a candy filled dish for visitors. The staff are
extremely helpful and pleasant. The attitude of the office is professional and structured.
Innovative Schools work with a very diverse population. Clients served differ is ethnic
group, socioeconomic class, speak multiple languages, and of different races. There are trainings
that are available to the staff to help increase culture acceptance and inclusion. People from
varies cultures receives services from Innovative Schools and everyone expects to receive a high
quality of service. Staff hired by Innovative Schools are screened for the quality of which they
have interacting with a diverse population. In fact, the accepting process for the DLP program
has an interviewing section. A section of the interview focuses on how much experience one has
with working with people not alike self.
Agency Programs and Services
The effort of the organization to involve and create a multicultural environment is great.
The organization as a whole attempts to cater and embrace different cultures. There isnt a
program to measure the quality of service to one specific group. During the entirety of my

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internship discrimination, stereotyping, or judging was not observed. There is a bi-lingual staff
member to assist the clients that struggle with speaking English. The feeling is that the programs
are effective in their communities. However, both programs are approximately 5 years old so
there is no consistent or longevity evidence of the program being effect here in Delaware. The
idea of the programs are however, effective. Innovative Schools has relationships with public and
private schools and charter schools throughout the state of Delaware. Also, having partnerships
with varies funding agencies and local political figures helps Innovative Schools develop
relationships with the people in surrounding communities.
Cultural Competence
Standard 1 and standard 41. Standard 1 involves human service professionals recognizing
and building on client and community strengths. Standard 41 states that Human service educators
monitor students' field experiences to ensure the quality of the placement site. The agencys
mission is to strengthen communities through education and empowering. Both the Delaware
Leadership Program and MET schools work toward developing the individual with the goal of
carrying over into communities. Residency experience is involves working in actual educational
institution. Relationships and learning experiences are monitored by the Director of DLP. If an
issues occurs with the resident and staff of supervisor the DLP Director intervenes to ensure that
the environment is safe and healthy for the resident. Personally, standard 1 is an ethical guideline
I hope to move toward in my daily duties at work. Community strengthening is imperative to
building environments to increase safety, equality, and opportunities.
Final Thoughts
Culture awareness prevents judging, stereotypes, and misconceptions. It is important to
be aware of our own beliefs to prevent additional communication barriers. Being aware of how

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different cultures and belief systems increases the quality of effective communicating. Because
we perceive things differently, as a professional in the human service field understanding or
being aware of appropriate behavior when interacting with someone from a different background
is a key component to providing quality services.

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Reference

Blood Diamonds, 2006, directed by Edward Zwick (War over political power, conflict
diamonds).
Innovative Schools. (n.d.). Innovative Schools: Inspiring change. Empowering results. Retrieved
February 18, 2015 from http://www.innovativeschools.org
Ominde, S. (April 1, 2015). Kenya.
http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/315078/Kenya/38095/World-War-II-toindependence