- What are Youth Sponsorship and Student Transition Programs?
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Military-connected children move six to nine times before they graduate high school. Moving means learning a new culture, meeting new friends, and attending a new school.
Youth Sponsorship and Student Transition Programs connect inbound youth to local military youth to ease their transition to Okinawa. These programs come in many formats, however, traditionally offer a school or youth center tour, orientation, or buddy system.
Find these programs at your base youth and teen centers and schools.
- FOR KIDS: Welcome Videos to Okinawa
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An online video library was created for youth to excite them about their PCS to Okinawa. Videos may also be used by youth centers, schools, and unit family readiness groups to enhance existing platforms dedicated to military children transition (i.e. newcomers orientation). These videos feature real military-connected children living in Okinawa.
Video Library:
- Youth Sponsorship, Finding Your Yuimaru: In Okinawa, there is a concept called “Yuimaru” which means the "spirit of cooperation". It describes how Okinawans take care of their neighbors to ensure all feel connected and valued. Our military community also embodies this life style. To help PCSing children find their "Yuimaru" and feel welcomed in their new community, there are youth sponsorship and student transition programs at on-base youth/teen centers and schools. Ask your school liaison officer, youth/teen center, or school what programs are available. Yuimaru video
- My Okinawa Experience: Check out this mini documentary featuring real Military Children sharing their unique expedience living in Okinawa.
- Things to Do in Okinawa: There are many fun activities for kids in Okinawa. Parents and units can share this video to inbound families before they arrive to the island.
- We are Unique: Military kids rock! This heartwarming video was created by military teen and youth video contest winner, Keanu Saechang, while stationed in Okinawa to celebrate military children.
- Youth Sponsorship, Finding Your Yuimaru: In Okinawa, there is a concept called “Yuimaru” which means the "spirit of cooperation". It describes how Okinawans take care of their neighbors to ensure all feel connected and valued. Our military community also embodies this life style. To help PCSing children find their "Yuimaru" and feel welcomed in their new community, there are youth sponsorship and student transition programs at on-base youth/teen centers and schools. Ask your school liaison officer, youth/teen center, or school what programs are available. Yuimaru video
- For Professionals: Spread the Word
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Use the graphics below to help build awareness of Youth Sponsorship and Student Transition Program for U.S. Military Families moving to Okinawa or within the Pacific. We included several options to accommodate various needs, including an informational flyer (Okinawa-only) and several charming social media teasers that will help draw attention to any written post. Schools, family support centers, youth programs, Family Readiness Officers, or anyone supporting military children are welcome to use our graphics.
- Pacific Student Transition Information Flyer
- Social media teaser graphic - Rice to Meet You
- Social media teaser graphic - Donut Worry
- Social media teaser graphic - Let's Hang Out
- Social media teaser graphic - We'll Owl-ways have your back!
- Social media teaser graphic - Get Connected
- Social media teaser graphic - Better Together
- Social media teaser graphic - Student Ambassadors can help
- Social media teaser graphic - We want you to Avo Good Day
- Contact Us
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To get connected, contact your school liaison officer (SLO) or these programs or individuals:
- Kadena Youth Center, DSN 634-0500 or visit Facebook
- Kadena Teen Center, DSN 634-3866 or visit Facebook
- Your child's school counselor
Leaving Okinawa? Contact your receiving SLO for youth sponsorship programs at or near your new installation.
