Parents and community members at AIIAS came together for a deeply meaningful workshop led by Amy Whitsett, a General Conference Missionary Care team member. The session focused on understanding and supporting Third Culture Kids (TCKs)—children growing up in cultures different from their parents; home country, a reality for nearly every child living on the AIIAS campus.

Also in attendance were members of the SPD AIIAS Women’s group, who actively engaged in

the discussion, contributing insights and experiences from their own families and ministries.

Their participation underscored the importance of a shared approach to raising children in

multicultural, mission-driven settings.

“Third Culture Kids live between worlds,” Amy explained. “They are shaped by unique global

experiences that enrich their lives but also come with challenges that require intentional

parenting and emotional care.”

Throughout the workshop, Amy introduced valuable frameworks including ACES (Adverse

Childhood Experiences) and PCES (Positive Childhood Experiences). These tools helped parents and caregivers better understand the emotional dynamics of growing up in international environments, while also offering strategies to support healthy identity development and resilience.

Attendees left the session with practical guidance, renewed empathy, and a stronger sense of community as they navigate the shared journey of parenting globally minded children.