Thursday, 20th December 2007
Brain drain vs brain clog
It is indeed ironic that Maltese students are simply using up the taxpayers' money to fund their education and thereafter buzzing off, with no return for our country. Some may lament this situation; the argument is, however, that there is no way to advance in life by staying within the confines of our group of rocks, and therefore the brain drain is inevitable.
In the short-term this may not be to Malta's benefit, as its best people will end up being away for a very long time, however it is hoped that governments present and future do not discourage this, but rather incentivise it. It is something that should be encouraged because the future is out there, Malta's youngsters must not be afraid to leave the comfort of their own homes and fulfilling themselves. And let us not be mistaken, the alternative to brain drain is not mental prosperity, but an emphatic brain clog. Were people who could and should go instead to stay, they would too quickly become set in their insular islander ways. All too often we tend to think that the world is contained within the tiny dot on the world map that is Malta.
It was disappointing to have noted that prior to embarking on my Erasmus adventure, many of my colleagues and friends did not choose to follow in my footsteps, be it for whatever reason, at a great personal loss. For some perhaps it might have been financial reasoning, and it is here where governments really interested in ‘educating' youths should put their money where their mouth is. There should definitely be further financial assistance offered to those willing and brave enough to embark abroad for a good few months. After all, the opportunities that Europe has to offer should not be solely within the grasp of the well-off or well-connected.
Whatever European venture for a good amount of time is always a possible stepping stone to a future life abroad. However it is hoped that the people who choose to do this, will one day return to their homeland after having successfully broadened their horizons, and pass on their experience to the rest of the nation. Yet this is tit-for-tat, and the nation must show that it would be open-minded enough to embrace it, otherwise the brain drainers might seriously consider not bothering. Do we want Malta to remain rooted in its medieval ways? Do we choose a temporary healing drain or a permanent fatal clog?
Mark Sciriha is a former editor of InSite, the students' organisation. He is currently completing the final year of his LLD degree in Oviedo, Spain on an Erasmus exchange.
RSS