Imagine having all the pieces in your life just falling into place. Imagine your dream coming true. Imagine that after all your hard work and perseverance, you have attained the goal you have yearned for.
77 students, from 16 Middle East countries, experienced this adrenaline rushing thrill, having received confirmation from the Youth and Exchange Student Programme (YES); giving them the green light to head to various American universities for a year long study programme.
They underwent rigorous training complete with interviews and examinations for six months gearing up to the challenge.
Four days before their departure, when their bags were packed and the goodbyes had been said, the unforeseen happened. Their visas were cancelled.
They were left devastated, reeling from shock. Disappointment, disbelief and hopelessness came crashing down whilst their dreams were shattered and their faiths were shaken.
Inadequate housing was the poor reason given to these poor unfortunate youths.
While the 77 were left behind, the remaining 913 applicants from other parts of the world will descend upon the United States of America to embark on a new journey.
Isn’t this the height of unfairness? Not only do these unlucky teens miss out on ‘their opportunity of a lifetime’ but they have to carry the burden of seeing their fellow counterparts living the dream they once fantasized.
Further implications pursue this dilemma as these 77 applicants require re-registration at their old schools, half way through the academic year, to complete their education in their respective countries.
This programme that intended to give aspiring academics hope instead has left them heartbroken. Alternative arrangements or compensations are definitely due to these students.
Deferred participation for the next academic year, a six month YES programme starting next January and a short term four-to-six weeks YES summer leadership programme are some of the suggestions put forth by the authorities who hold the reigns of the YES programme.
However, for the Middle Eastern students, these options are not viable as it insinuates that they will remain idle for up to six months or worse, find it difficult to get a diploma.
As a student, I realize how important it is for these teenagers to fight for their ambitions to guarantee a propitious future. They cannot afford anything that jeopardizes their chances of reaching that ultimate aim.
So I propose that the committee responsible for the YES programme look into this issue seriously and provide them with temporary housing or at least pay them compensation with a guarantee that they will participate in their exchange programme in the near future.
I wish all 77 of them the very best of luck and hope that they will be requested to jump aboard the YES express once again!
They are indeed upcoming future leaders, fighting for their rights and will no doubt have a bright, successful future!
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