Supporting Career Development of Children with Foreign Roots

Current Initiatives of Elementary and Junior High Schools

Abstract

　This paper examines the support and educational measures necessary to promote the career development of elementary and junior high school children with foreign roots. As more children with foreign roots are residing in Japan for the long term, supporting their career development from an earlier stage and helping them build their careers is essential. However, there are difficulties they encounter as they pursue their careers. This paper first demonstrates that to support their career development, it is necessary to provide resources, including human resources and career information, and an environment that promotes a sense of belonging. Special attention to social justice and life-course perspectives is given. Next, career development is discussed from the following four perspectives: self-development, social relationship building, long-term planning, and social participation. In doing so, current challenges to be addressed are presented. Finally, the role of Japanese language education in promoting their career development is discussed.