Final answer:
Active education in cultural competency can be pursued through self-reflection to understand personal biases, using culturally tailored data collection tools in research, and continual learning by studying history and participating in programs like the Girls' Holistic Development Program. Understanding unconscious biases and how they affect perspectives on different cultures is key to this journey.
Step-by-step explanation:
Engaging in active education surrounding cultural competency involves a thoughtful and continuous process of self-reflection and learning. A way to do this is through introspection, which is the examination of one's own conscious thoughts and feelings as a means of understanding personal biases and perspectives. Engaging in self-awareness processes helps individuals recognize their own cultural lenses and biases, which is foundational in working effectively across diverse groups.
Another method is the utilization of culturally tailored data collection tools in community-based participatory research to ensure that different perspectives are included and promoted. Furthermore, a commitment to ongoing learning is essential; this can be achieved by studying world history, participating in educational programs like the Girls' Holistic Development Program in Senegal, or engaging in critical thinking development exercises.
Through continual questioning and reflection, as highlighted in the decolonization process of examining unconscious biases, individuals enhance their ability to work in increasingly diverse environments and meet the global demands of respect, communication, and collaboration. Lastly, this journey of developing cultural competency is a lifelong process, with an intersectional approach, that contributes to optimizing organizational efficiency and productivity in the workplace.