Our children and youth abroad
The United Nations defines youth as those between ages 15-24. For the purposes of this write-up, let us consider those below 15 to be children. While adopting these definitions, we recognize as well that so much variation in definitions exist.
Our focus today is on the future of our children and youth abroad, those with Filipino heritage. These include those born to both Filipino parents and those with a Filipino and a foreign parent. So much of migration discussion has focused on the first-generation migrantstheir migration journey and the impact of migration on them.
What do we know about our children and youth abroad? What is their situation abroad?
Among them are those who were born in the Philippines, those born abroad, those born in the Philippines but raised abroad, or those completely raised in their present country of destination. There are also those born in a foreign country where they live now but were raised in the Philippines. This information is crucial to recognize as the birthplace and the place where our children and youth are raised influences their life opportunities later.
Education can also be affected by migration. Among our children and youth abroad are those schooled in the Philippines or abroad. There are those who are educated in both the Philippines and in foreign country. Again, where they were educated, especially for elementary and high school, is an important factor affecting their language proficiency, among others. Studying in a foreign environment also entails more adjustment and hurdles for our children and youth abroad.
They may find their foreign environment supportive or challenging. Often, our children and youth abroad find themselves bullied, discriminated against, or unaccepted, without supportive friends and caring people, classmates, and teachers. The environment, again, is another important