International Christian School Japan
What & Why?
What is International Christian School? Who are Third Culture Kids?
An important responsibility for parents in YWAM Japan is the education of their children as Third Culture Kids (TCK) (children who live ‘outside of their passport country during their developmental years’ ) so they can thrive and flourish in their faith formation and sense of identity and belonging. This challenge is best met through the nurturing of emotional and relational security. International Christian School Japan (ICS) partners with parents to support their children emotionally and relationally through gathering YWAM Japan TCK together for online and in-person faith, fellowship and K12 academic learning; centering on each child’s need to ‘feel I’m loved’ and ‘know I belong’. ICS also offers seminars to parents and YWAM staff explaining the TCK experience and need for emotional and relational security - feeling they are loved and knowing they belong - in family and community.
ICS children’s gatherings are designed to meet the core TCK emotional and relational needs in the context of YWAM Values and DNA centered in knowing God and making him known - learning his nature, character and ways from the Word; hearing him speak by his Spirit, Word and Creation and responding to him through Prayer, Intercession, and Worship. All YWAM Japan children can join together in online gatherings for fellowship and fun learning which they can continue whether they participate in ICS academic classes or not, maintaining community with YWAM TCK friends. ICS classes follow an American K12 course of studies taught through the lens of God’s Word and 21st Century Skills in Learning (Critical Thinking, Creativity, Collaboration and Communication) and Literacy (Information, Media and Technology). Students may attend ICS K12 courses full time or part time while attending another school, e.g., Japanese school, international school or homeschooling. Guidance for educational options and meeting learning needs is available.
An academic learning community of children, parents, teachers and YWAM Japan; ICS Japan brings awareness of and addresses the need TCK have to form, develop, and strengthen their identity and sense of belonging through connection with God and each other. Through ICS Japan, YWAM Japan parents can network together to pray for each other and share information about TCK, educational options and special education needs. Teachers and parents care for the children of YWAM, planning student-centered gatherings and educational programming to support personal development and faith formation for future flourishing.
Why is ICS important?
The successful future of YWAM Japan TCK children in their passport country is largely dependent upon the strength of their faith in Jesus Christ, emotional and relational security and preparation in academics, life skills and required qualifications for further education and training. Research shows faith development is supported by strong emotional and relational security, especially between parent and child. It’s important for TCK to build relationships with other TCK who have the same cultural experience of living ‘between the cultures’ of Japan and their parents’ passport culture. These relationships can strengthen children when they experience the particular emotional and relational needs TCK can face in their developmental years of grieving the loss of friends when either moves away. Finally, the incorporation of YWAM Values in ICS curriculum supports YWAM Japan parents’ discipleship of their children and strengthens their sense of belonging and identity, helping children thrive towards becoming adults who love Jesus.
ICS・TCK Team
The principal of ICS Japan holds a current teaching certificate, Masters in Educational Leadership (Thesis: For the Sake of Missionary Children - What is important in education and life?), certification as a Teacher Trainer for Educating for Life (University of the Nations College of Education), completion of Teaching Every Reader 2.0 and has taught in international and Japanese schools where her children attended, homeschooling them part-time and full time to university entrance level.
YWAM Japan staff serve as teachers, either certified or experienced in education, and TCK support, with background experience or training in supporting TCK.
Join ICS
DTS graduates who love children are welcome to join ICS either part time or full time to strengthen TCK emotional and relational security through in-person or online fellowship. Those with academic qualifications are invited to enquire about teaching opportunities with ages 3 - 16! To know more, contact [email protected]