Multiculturalism and it's uniqueness. My experience with Sambo!
Firstly, before I share my experience. I will like to talk a little about what it means to be culturally diverse and Why it is a good thing.
The term “culturally diverse” is often used interchangeably with the concept of “multiculturalism.”
Sociologist Dr. Caleb Rosado, who specialises in diversity and multiculturalism, described seven important actions involved in the definition of multiculturalism:
recognition of the abundant diversity of cultures;
respect for the differences;
acknowledging the validity of different cultural expressions and contributions;
valuing what other cultures offer;
encouraging the contribution of diverse groups;
empowering people to strengthen themselves and others to achieve their maximum potential by being critical of their own biases; and
celebrating rather than just tolerating the differences in order to bring about unity through diversity.
Why is cultural diversity a “good thing”?
Cultural diversity is important because our country, workplaces, and schools increasingly consist of various cultural, racial, and ethnic groups. We can learn from one another, but first, we must have a level of understanding about each other. Learning about other cultures helps us understand different perspectives within the world in which we live. It helps dispel negative stereotypes and personal biases about different groups.
In addition, cultural diversity helps us recognize and respect “ways of being” that are not necessarily our own. So that as we interact with others we can build bridges to trust, respect, and understanding across cultures.
My Experience with Sambo!
I am Igbo by tribe, from the eastern region of Nigeria, however I was born and raised in the Northern region of Nigeria. This region is predominantly dominated by the Hausa/Fulani ethnic group and the primary language of communication is Hausa language, asides English which is the first official language of Nigeria. I can speak Hausa language fluently, having spent over 25 years in Bauchi State, a quiet Muslim town in the Eastern part of the Northern region. I have also grown up to love the Hausa culture and food.
I met Sambo at the Andela Nigeria's office located in Lagos, located in Western Nigeria. Sambo is a software engineer who hails from the North, He is Hausa/Fulani by tribe. During bootcamp, a 2weeks intensive recruitment program at Andela, we were paired up to work in the same agile team for a week. Immediately Sambo got to find out I could speak his language fluently and also know alot about his culture, we clicked. He was very excited and always wanted us to communicate in his native tongue. This led us to bond faster as team members.
Unfortunately, Sambo didn't make it into Andela fellowship program after the bootcamp, but the bond we had during the bootcamp has helped us to build stable friendship. We communicate frequently and have been of good assistance to each other since then. We plan to attend each others traditional wedding ceremony in the near future, which is an occasion that displays one's ethnic, cultural and traditions heritage.
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