OREANDA-NEWS. Sumitomo Corporation and Tokyo International School Co., Ltd. have agreed to jointly run an English-based kindergarten and after-school facilities, as well as to market TIS's original global education curricula.

Amid the increasing globalization of business there is a growing need for global-minded human resources. While parents and educators are turning their attention to early childhood English, they are acutely aware that English is merely a means of communication. The real challenge lies in fostering the ability to effectively make use of any acquired language skills. Under this new joint business initiative Sumitomo Corporation will leverage their marketing expertise, nurtured through business activities targeting diverse consumers, to market TIS's English-based learning curricula across Japan. An authorized International Baccalaureate (IB) World School, TIS developed a curricula for the program by applying its original methodologies aimed at fostering a spirit of discovery in young learners. The curricula provide an opportunity for children aged three to ten to not only acquire solid English language skills, but to also develop the skill sets required to work in the global arena. These skills promote independent thought, confidence, empathy, risk taking, self-expression, and creativity. 

Under the agreement, Sumitomo Corporation will acquire a 50% stake in Global Institute Co., Ltd., a TIS group company. Starting in April 2013, Global Institute will open two schools in response to rising social needs of Tokyo. The Nakameguro branch will offer kindergarten and after-school programs, while the Mita will offer an after-school program. These schools will be positioned as model schools in the field of global human resource development. Sumitomo Corporation will exclusively market the curricula developed at these two locations, targeting tutoring schools, children's daycare service providers, English conversation language schools, kindergartens, and primary schools. At the same time, Global Institute will also provide educational institutions with consulting services specializing in the hiring and training of native English-speaking teachers.

Based on its extensive experience, TIS estimates that about 2,000 hours are needed to acquire solid English skills. By spending three to five hours a day at the kindergarten or in the after-school program, this requirement can be fulfilled within roughly three years. Through education, Sumitomo Corporation and TIS are determined to contribute to fostering truly global-minded individuals who are equipped with English skills and a spirit for discovery.