Multicultural Awareness

Although the definition of migrant is related to mobility and agriculturally related employment, and many migrant families are second and third generation American citizens, current statistics indicate that the majority of migrant families identified in the U.S. represent a vast array of countries and cultures. Since most migrant families move to and between mainly rural areas, presentations on multicultural issues help receiving schools and communities become more aware of the various cultural backgrounds, norms and traditions that guide the lifestyles of migrant families. The following vignette describes the type of work ESCORT does in the area of multiculturalism.

Suddenly the staff at a Philadelphia school finds themselves with a new student population. While the district has had other cultures represented in the past, the staff in one particular school feels very apprehensive and requests assistance from ESCORT. Using Bafa-Bafa, a cultural simulation game, ESCORT helped the staff experience what it is like to be in a new school. The staff had to assimilate into new and changing cultural roles. The simulation provided an opportunity for experiential learning--what it feels like to be different--and to talk about those experiences.