Planning with a Long-Range Perspective

[author][author_info]For this week’s blog, we offer this classic article regarding TCK education by the retired TCK Ministries Director of AIM.  Starting as a teacher at Rift Valley Academy in Kenya, she has spent 29 years working with TCKs and their families, mainly those based in Africa.

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Jeremiah 29:11 is often quoted among those serving overseas. Why? Because they remind us that He has thought about us, He is in control and what He has planned for us is not only for our good, but is for our long-term good. The words encourage us and comfort us. They are the basis from which we have the courage to step out in faith. They are the rock to which we cling in times of trouble and uncertainty.

If, as adults, the knowledge that He has plans for us is an anchor and support, then how good it is for us as parents to offer a similar gift to our children? As He has thought about us and planned for us, so we should think and plan for our children, too, and take time to reassure them that we have thought about their future. We are not taking His place in our children’s lives, but demonstrating his Father-like care to our children.

Our community needs to encourage families to spend time planning their future. They also need to be prepared to help parents find answers – both at the beginning of their service and along the way. Too many decisions are made at the last minute when the choices are limited because lack of foresight has closed other options that might have been possible. Families preparing for ministry overseas should be encouraged to think things through regarding their children’s education, reentry needs, etc. They need to have both a plan A and plan B in mind.

There will always be situations that can’t be planned foreseen. There will be circumstances that change. He will place us on a new path or provide in a special way to meet our needs and the needs of our children. Therefore, we will need to be flexible, obedient and thankful. However, as parents we also must be thinking ahead, planning and preparing for the future. Our plans should never be set in stone, but they need to be in place to provide security for the children.

What Should We Find Out Before Going?

Parents should take time to investigate all the education options available in the host country before they go. If they are planning to use a school: find out about a waiting list, fill in application forms, and arrange to visit. Some families may be able to do this if their organization allows them to make a survey trip. If you want to leave the choice open until you arrive, explain that to the schools you are considering and ask them to hold a place provisionally. Ask other expatriate Christian parents about the long-term implications of the decision you are making. And remember, your kids may care more about what the other kids wear and what they stick on their walls than the subject choices in ninth grade. Be sure to ask about that too!

Where Will the Kids be Educationally Next Time We Are Back?

If the family is going to take a year-long home assignment at the end of a set period of time overseas, it is important to begin planning very early about educational needs of their children. For a child who is currently grade one and above, parents should visit local primary and elementary schools. If children are grade seven or so, parents should visit local secondary schools. If a child is age twelve or older, he or she along with their parents should look at post-secondary options. They should also try to find a contact person who will relay changes in education back home and who will answer questions for your school district. (Later in this book there are overviews of the educational requirements for various home countries as well as contact people listed.

How Should We Schedule Furloughs?

Parents should begin discussing early in their time overseas what school years are important for each child not to miss – either overseas or at home. Is it sixth grade? Is it a child’s first year of secondary school? Is it both years of a two-year program such as the IGCSE? Is it his or her senior year? The family may have to balance the conflicting interests and needs of the children in terms of when to be where. One child may need to be in his home country at the same time that another child needs to be overseas. Sending agencies may need to be flexible about the timing of home assignment, and schools may need to be approached about the needs of kids who are making transitions between countries.

Are We Getting Where We Want to Go?

What is the educational setting to which the children will be returning? Does the local area have special requirements for admission or reentering students? Are there gaps that parents need to start to fill now? Have parents maintained the language skills and proficiency they will need? Are there any courses they need to take early? Will the qualifications they are working for in their present school help them gain entry to colleges at home?

Who Will Pay for Education?

Families need to check if their sending agency provides a support allowance for education. If so, what does it cover? How flexible is their organization about how it is used? Are there residency qualifications to be considered when applying to colleges or in applying for scholarships? How can residency be established? What provisions are there for scholarships, awards, grants in the county where you plan to have your children return? How do students qualify for scholarships? Is it based on need, academic achievement or a specific talent or ability?

Why Are We Doing All This?

The aim for all of our long-range planning is to make good choices at the appropriate time and to reduce unnecessary uncertainty and stress in our children’s lives and our lives too.

Used with permission from SHARE Education Services.

What tips do you have for helping parents to plan with a long-range perspective?

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