Cultural Competence and the Transfer of Science Literacy

This paper broadens the construct of cultural sensitivity to better fit current thinking about collaborative international development and the transfer of knowledge. The one-way north-south transmission of knowledge model has evolved into a multidimensional model. This new model requires more than just sensitivity to cultural differences. It requires a cultural competence that includes awareness, skills and knowledge in three areas; the culture of the group sending an advisor, the culture of the group receiving an advisor, and the cultural implications of the knowledge transmitted. These three areas are discussed in terms of a transfer of information on science literacy.