Social work is a profession that requires understanding people from all walks of life. Our clients come from diverse cultural, social, and economic backgrounds, and each person’s experiences shape their needs and perspectives. One of the most important lessons I have learned in my journey as a social worker is the value of cultural competency. Growing up between Nairobi, Kenya, and Harrisonburg, Virginia, has given me a unique perspective on how culture influences human behavior, community dynamics, and approaches to care. In this post, I want to share some lessons from my international experiences and how they have informed my work in social work.
What Cultural Competency Means
Cultural competency is the ability to understand, communicate with, and effectively interact with people across cultures. It goes beyond tolerance or awareness; it involves actively learning about other cultures, reflecting on one’s own biases, and adapting practices to meet the needs of diverse populations. For social workers, cultural competency is essential. It allows us to build trust, provide relevant services, and advocate for clients in ways that respect their values and experiences.
Lessons from Kenya
Growing up in Nairobi, I witnessed how community networks and family structures play a central role in providing support. Extended families, neighbors, and local organizations often step in when individuals face challenges. The sense of community is strong, and people rely on collective solutions rather than solely on formal systems.
This taught me that social work cannot always rely on standardized methods or protocols. Understanding the social and cultural context is key to providing meaningful support. For example, interventions that focus solely on the individual may not be effective if they do not consider the family or community context. Learning to see the broader picture has helped me approach clients with a more holistic mindset.
Lessons from Virginia
Living in Harrisonburg, Virginia, provided a different perspective. In the United States, social services are often more formalized, with structured programs for housing, healthcare, education, and child welfare. While these systems offer valuable resources, they can also feel bureaucratic or disconnected from community networks.
In Virginia, I learned the importance of navigating institutional systems while maintaining a person-centered approach. Cultural competency in this context means recognizing how factors like socioeconomic status, language, and immigration status affect access to services. It also requires understanding that clients may have different expectations or experiences with authority and institutions.
Applying Cultural Competency in Practice
Combining lessons from Kenya and Virginia has shaped how I approach social work today. In my role as a Social Work Intake Specialist, I consider clients’ cultural backgrounds in every assessment. I ask questions about family structure, community support, and personal values. I also reflect on my own assumptions and biases to ensure they do not influence my judgment.
Cultural competency also involves flexibility. Some clients may prefer informal solutions, while others rely on formal systems. By understanding their preferences, social workers can tailor interventions that are more likely to succeed. This approach helps clients feel heard, respected, and empowered.
Advocating Across Cultures
Cultural competency is not only about providing direct services; it also informs advocacy. Social workers often encounter systemic barriers that disproportionately affect marginalized communities. By understanding cultural contexts, we can identify inequities and advocate for policies that address specific needs.
For example, in immigrant communities, language barriers and fear of legal systems can prevent individuals from accessing services. Social workers who are culturally competent can provide translation support, explain rights, and connect clients with resources that consider their unique circumstances. Advocacy is most effective when it is informed by both cultural understanding and systemic knowledge.
Personal Reflection
Growing up between two countries has taught me the importance of curiosity, humility, and empathy. I have learned that cultural competency is an ongoing process, not a skill that can be mastered overnight. It requires continuous learning, active listening, and self-reflection.
Pursuing my Master’s in Social Work at Columbia University and now attending George Washington University Law School has reinforced these lessons. Both programs emphasized the importance of understanding diverse populations and incorporating cultural awareness into practice. These experiences have strengthened my ability to serve clients effectively while advocating for equity and justice.
Moving Forward
Cultural competency is essential for social workers who want to make a meaningful impact. It allows us to connect with clients, build trust, and provide services that are relevant and effective. It also strengthens advocacy by helping us understand systemic barriers and address them in ways that respect cultural differences.
For social workers and students entering the field, I encourage you to embrace opportunities to learn about different cultures, reflect on your own biases, and engage with communities beyond your comfort zone. Understanding culture is not just about knowledge; it is about applying that understanding in ways that improve the lives of the people we serve.
Final Thoughts
Social work is a global profession, and cultural competency is a core component of effective practice. Lessons from international experiences, like my time in Kenya and the United States, demonstrate that culture shapes everything from individual behavior to community systems. By approaching social work with cultural awareness, humility, and empathy, we can better meet the needs of diverse populations and advocate for communities in ways that are meaningful, respectful, and impactful.
Cultural competency is a journey, not a destination, and it strengthens both our professional practice and our ability to create lasting change in the communities we serve.