Integrate migrant kids in European schools

By Simon Mone

After many attempts aimed at securing solutions to the problem of population exodus to Europe, some thin ray of hope could be due soon. Authorities may have started a practicable solution. A school in Scotland is offering paid education to refugee kids. This good piece of wit might be more sustainable in assisting people in need.

Though coming after damage has been done, it is still none-the-less, welcome. Disadvantaged youngsters have been presented with a splendid opportunity to resume their education that was interrupted by war.

They can now get renewed hope and begin proper progress towards attaining a bright future. For the lucky kids that have had to pass through the sieve and be admitted, I am quite sure they might snap somebody's hand in trying to grab this chance. A good consolation, especially after fleeing from homes to resettle in a difficult unpromised land, to overcome misfortunes.

This will try to erase the miserable look that engraves many refugee faces. Great news, thanks to an initiative of George Heriot's School. Providing education to displaced children has more advantages than just handing out money to needy people, who will use the money to buy smart phones!

Now, youngsters will be looking forward to entering the classroom again. It is the type of assistance that every other refugee-hosting country ought to adopt and replicate. And provide more meaningful assistance.

A lasting solution, because it leaves an impact on needy people. After a disrupted life and messed-up education, children must be helped to forget their traumatic past. There cannot be money enough to offer education bursaries to every kid every compassionate soul must think hard, how to do more. And see how to get on board this great initiative.

Our single prayer is that we should further this ‘education for refugee kids' project. Publicise it and its advantages in order that countries that have been spending their money on less sustainable solutions can stop immediately and re-direct their money in actual change-causing schemes. Migrant unfriendly countries now have a chance to turn tables. And throw some of their money at refugee kids who are desperate for education. In fact, let us put it this way. Supposing we manage to persuade every European city to offer paid places for refugee kids, what impact will it cause? Enormous. I guess there will be increased visibility. And more sponsors will join the project big time. And I believe the impact could be unbelievable.

We must do this because helping refugee children fits well within the overall objective of building capacity of displaced persons that they may, upon return home, be useful in picking up the rubbles. And will be in position to cause the much needed change and development of destroyed homes.

For sure, this is definitely a better mission to try and achieve, than locking up migrants in squalid conditions. It is so much better than trying to push migrants towards another country. And definitely, is better than trying to build up perimeter fences to try and stop migrant inflow - how much money is this? More so, it is a better deal than beefing up borders with police guarders.

In that way, we can lift up our heads and thump our chest in enjoyment of a significant contribution towards humanity. Unless the world does something remarkable, the song about development aid and all will only remain in stuck the echo. The thought of money that has so far been thrown in clandestine migrant-stopping initiatives can drive you nuts. If spent better, could change the world for displaced children.

There would be less migrant deaths across seas. And smuggling would also stop as there would be no kids to smuggle or traffic. A humble cry is to integrate migrant kids to those prestigious European schools. After all, it is among the best measures one can think of --  bring a lasting impression on youngsters on the move.

The writer has an interest in humanitarian development