Diversity and Cultural Awareness Programme
Purpose of the programme:
- To foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of diversity within the South African context and the broader global landscape.
- To equip participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate cultural differences with sensitivity and respect.
- To promote inclusive communication and collaboration in diverse teams and environments.
- To create a more welcoming and equitable workplace or learning environment for all individuals.
By the end of the programme, learners would be able to:
- Gain a comprehensive understanding of the concept of diversity, including its various dimensions such as race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, and socio-economic status.
- Explore the unique cultural diversity within South Africa, its historical context, and its impact on contemporary society.
- Develop cultural competence, the ability to interact effectively with people from different cultural backgrounds.
- Learn to identify and challenge their own biases and assumptions, fostering greater self-awareness and empathy.
- Acquire practical skills for navigating cross-cultural communication, including verbal and non-verbal cues, communication styles, and conflict resolution.
- Develop strategies for promoting inclusivity and building bridges across cultures in the workplace or learning environment.
Course Content:
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Module 1: Understanding Diversity
- Importance of diversity and cultural awareness in South Africa and globally
- Definition and dimensions of diversity
- Benefits of diversity in various settings
- Interactive exercise: "Diversity Wheel"
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Module 2: Cultural Diversity in South Africa
- Rich tapestry of cultures in South Africa
- Historical context of apartheid and its impact
- Challenges and opportunities of building an inclusive nation
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Module 3: Cultural Competence
- Definition and components of cultural competence
- Strategies for developing cultural competence
- Role-playing exercise: "Cultural Encounters"
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Module 4: Unconscious Bias
- Definition and impact of unconscious bias
- Strategies for recognizing and mitigating biases
- Group activity: "Bias Bingo"
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Module 6: Cross-Cultural Communication
- Importance of effective communication in diverse settings
- Differences in communication styles across cultures
- Tips for bridging communication gaps and building rapport
- Challenges of resolving conflicts in cross-cultural settings
- Culturally sensitive approaches to conflict resolution
- Case study analysis: "Cultural Conflict Resolution"
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Module 7: Building Inclusive Environments
- Strategies for creating inclusive workplaces or learning environments
- Role of leadership in fostering inclusivity
- Group activity: "Inclusion Action Plan"
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Module 8: Personal Action Planning and Commitment
- Reflection on personal commitment to diversity and cultural awareness
- Creating personal action plans for continued learning and growth
- Resources and opportunities for further engagement
Method of Presentation :
Teaching Aids :
Course Manuals, MS PowerPoint presentation, Audio Visual clips.
Measurement :
Self-Assessment & Introspection
Interactive :
Facilitation, Group Interaction, Breakaway group sessions, Practical learning Activities and Games.
Target Group :
- Employees and managers at all levels
- Human resource professionals
- Teams working in multicultural environments
- Organisations expanding into new markets
- Educational institutes
- Government and non profit organisations
Duration of Course :
2 Days
Venue :
Training can be conducted in-house, or at a venue of your choice.