The Social Work Stories Podcast International Social Work and the Practice of Cultural Humility - Ep. 91
Sep 6, 2024
An Australian social worker shares insights from practicing in Türkiye with urban refugee populations. He discusses the challenges of applying Western social work methods in a non-Western environment, focusing on the importance of cultural humility. Key topics include navigating language barriers, addressing mental health issues sensitively, and empowering refugees to define their own needs. The conversation highlights moving away from a savior mentality to fostering collaborative relationships, emphasizing the richness of shared stories in building supportive communities.
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Material Aid Focus
- An Australian social worker moved to Turkiye to work with urban refugee populations.
- Initially, the project focused on material aid without considering the families' needs or trauma.
Trauma-Informed Care
- Trauma-informed care is crucial when working with refugees, yet often overlooked in non-Western contexts.
- Creating a safe and comforting physical space can help refugees feel more at ease.
Person-First Language
- The term "refugee" can be othering and invite discrimination.
- Person-centered language, like "people who live here as refugees", is preferred.