Fuka Kasuga
IFCA Team Kansai
From the age of zero, I was raised at three types of settings including a baby nursery, a large child protection facility, and finally a foster home. Currently I am studying early childhood education at a junior college
In these out-of-home placements, I was well provided with food, clothing and shelter so I was able to live a comfortable life. Throughout my life, I was cared for by reliable caregivers as well. Therefore, I began to pursue career as a professional care giver so that I could stay close to young people. Having lived in foster care, I felt that I could utilize my experience in communicating with and caring for these foster youth in institutions. So, I started to study early childhood education at the community college, which I attend today. Having considered the cost of independent living, I chose to receive extended care. So, I go to college from a foster home.
At college, I am studying to deepen my understanding of foster care through the internship and volunteer work at independent support homes and mother and infant support homes.
During my study, I encountered a youth with developmental disorder. It gave me an opportunity to compare this youth’s life with those who have the same disorder but living in a regular home environment. From this comparison, I discovered that disabled children in foster care face many more life challenges than youth who grow up in regular homes.
IFCA offered me chances to meet other youths with various backgrounds, which helped me to reflect on myself. I would love to share my knowledge and experiences I gain from IFCA with younger foster youths.
