• Take new staff to a function and ask them to make observations, things that are different from what they are used to, things that frustrate or excite them and then come back and talk about all their observations. For example someone coming from a cold climate culture may be frustrated by a function which starts 2 hours after the set time. This method is effective when you orient someone to a city or a country (Muriro).
• It is key that new staff spend the first two weeks in a new location with the people of the nation into which they are coming. In a YWAM setting that can be easy if the YWAMers are nationals. If not, the new worker could consider staying with a local family at first to plunge into the culture and language. The first two weeks are a critical time for bonding, and whatever people they are exposed to will be the people they’ll most likely tend to be close to long term (Drypolcher)
• Giving new staff time to settle down is best. Then in one of the staff meetings, have everyone else do the orientation. Besides orienting new staff, this can also be a platform for reminding the other staff about certain fundamentals they may have forgotten. This also brings a sense of bonding because everyone gets to do his part in welcoming the new guy (Muriro).
• If the new staff have kids, have other kids on base to do a poem, dance, or present a game for the new kids. I think they will automatically belong (Muriro).
• A tour of the local city or village is really important so a worker isn't dependent on locals to take him everywhere (Drypolcher).
• New staff should visit all ministry leaders and ministry sites before they get involved in their chosen ministry (Gribb).
• Get familiar right away with the public transport system so you can get around by yourself (Drypolcher).
• Introduce new staff to a variety of churches within the first month so they get a broad picture of the Church in your location, meet people from a variety of backgrounds, and can make an informed choice about which church to be committed to.
• I learned so much about the history of Zambia and its geography through my daughter’s Grade 5 social studies material. It has really helped me understand the people, the tribal mix, the economic forces, resources, etc. (Drypolcher).
• Provide a map of the area with important information i.e. bus stops, grocery stores, coffee shops, major churches, etc. You can hand draw the map and photo copy it.
• One critical bit of information is how workers will get their support into the country, i.e. local banking contacts, YWAM base policies and procedures, accounting, tax ramifications, deadlines for staff fees, etc. (Drypolcher).
  

Compiled by Randy and Jane Rhoades, Staff Development Facilitators, Field Service Team, Youth With A Mission, Africa. Volume 3, Issue No.1