The education of missionary children is always an interesting topic.  There are many opinions about the best way to do things.  Every family has to find what works for their family.  Sometimes you might feel that you have issues that are complicated and difficult to unravel. 

I wanted to share about three websites that provide answers for missionaries and their unique situations with the schooling of their children.

The first organization is SHARE.  Their website is www.shareeducation.org.

Their main office is located in Hungary, but they are available to help missionaries in Europe, Russia, Central Asia and the Middle East.  Their goal is to keep families on the field, since many missionaries end up leaving the field due to issues with their children and their education.

As you browse through their website, you will notice they have conferences and seminars.  They also offer consulting services, evaluations and assessments. 

Some of the services they offer relate to selecting a home education curriculum, developing a plan, learning a second language and preparing for college.

Safe (Services in Asia for Family Education) Asia is another website with lots of resources.  Their website is www.safeasia.org.  Their services are geared to families in Asia, but their website is for anyone.  Their “Helpful Books” page lists many resources under the topics of Family, TCKs, Education, Special Learners, and Stories (books for younger and older children to teach about being a TCK or moving or living in another country).

They have SAFE resource centers in Thailand, Malaysia and India.

If you find you have some questions regarding the education of your child or children, look through these websites and see if they might offer something that could be helpful.

www.Interactioninternational.org This is an organization that has been around for many years and has lots to offer the missionary family.  Under the resources tab there are recommendations for books for children and adults.

You can also find information about an online educational planning seminar if you feel that is something that would be helpful for you.

There is also information about events for older MKs to attend, known as cross cultural transition retreats. 

You can even find information on locating a therapist that is familiar with the TCK/ missionary lifestyle if the need ever arises for those services.

We are blessed to live in an age when so much information is available at our finger tips.  If you are looking for resources and information to answer questions concerning your child’s education, I hope this might get you off to a good start. 

God bless,

Pam Konnerup