“Third culture kids” have spent a portion of their formative childhood years (0-18) in a culture different than their parents’. Typically, they develop their identities while living abroad, blending their ‘home’ culture with the culture of the world around them. (Denizen for Third Culture Kids)
My niece just graduated from high school in Nairobi, Kenya – less than 50 miles from my high school located above the Great Rift Valley in Kijabe. Witnessing her ceremony reminded me of the huge impact being a TCK has on a young person’s life.
Like everything else, education is changing. We recognize that our youth must become more exposed to world cultures. Young emerging leaders are called to broaden their horizons and understand more about the myriad of challenges and possibilities in other areas of our world.
No child left behind? Most of our youth in less advantaged neighborhoods have already been left behind the critical educational trend toward greater international exposure. Many children may not have the opportunity to live or travel abroad. So, imagine if we create more programs that provide eye opening ‘journeys’ designed to encourage global citizenship and discovery. Imagine youth around the globe communicating and interacting with each other for transformative change in our world.
Do you consider yourself a global citizen … or otherwise interested? Let’s talk!
