MIGRATION OF AFRICA MINORS AND YOUNG ADULTS TO EUROPE

 

Minors and young adults in transition is generally seen to be the period in an individual's life when they move from childhood to adulthood, facing a variety of challenges and adjustments along the way coupled with the fact that they move away from their place of abode to uncertainty guided or unguided.

Minors and young adults move with or without their families; sometimes by force and sometimes by choice. There are times they migrate because their parents have migrated before them. Improved evidence on these different factors is important for more effective policies on this group of people in migration. Although, some primarily migrated with their families but recently many don’t. This situation is really complicated as some on these minors and young adults are moved into discreet boxes and moved.

 

Photo credit: The International Catholic Migration Commission

Why they migrate? Sometimes it’s the only thing they can do and sometimes it’s because that’s the best thing they can do very seldom because it’s the worst thing they can do. When there is a civil war, when there is an oppressive government on occasion it is a wise decision to leave home as young as eleven, twelve, thirteen etc. because if they stayed home, they are going to be fast tracked into an immovable situation like early marriage for the young girls. Despite the fact that they can face abuse, being trafficked, most often victims of exploitation or abuse. They still take this migration decision.

Some of them their families pay huge amounts to agents to relocate them and along the line they get hijacked by some adults and exploited and no one is intervening along this migration routes.

Significant changes in their physical, cognitive, emotional, and social development occur during that crucial age, which may have a ripple effect on their general development and wellbeing. The difficulties migrating young adults and minors confront are highlighted below.

1.Physical Changes: Young adults may struggle with body image issues, changes in sexual development, and managing physical health which they don’t get help within refugee camps or their new country of destination.

2. Cognitive and Emotional Development: Young adults and minors can think critically as well as abstractly as their cognitive powers increase. But this transition can be rather stressful, which increases the risk of mental health issues, confusion, and difficulties forming an identity.

3. Social Adjustments: The influence of peer interactions grows, and young adults aspire for autonomy. The process of establishing their identity, navigating social structures, and managing peer pressure can lead to conflict, loneliness, and challenges in preserving positive relationships with the peer groups in their new environment.

4. Education and Career Choices:  Transitioning minors must make important decisions about their educational and professional pathways, but this can only be done if the children of migrants have access to school. Tension and apprehension might result from the stress of academics which can lead to anxiety and indecision.

Understanding the unique challenges faced during this period is crucial in providing effective support. Therefore, all through this transitional phase, government family services must play a vital role in offering emotional support, direction, and stability. Young people and minors who are migrants should be assisted in overcoming obstacles by open communication, understanding, and a supportive atmosphere. Educational institutions can offer migrant students in particular resources including career counseling, mentorship programs, and assistance in making decisions regarding their education and potential professional prospects.

In summary, minors and young adults in transition can thrive in an environment that supports their overall growth and well-being by providing a support network on peer support, mental health services, education, mentoring, family support, and community involvement. We can help kids get through this stage with resilience, confidence, and a better chance of success as adults by identifying and meeting their needs. This will enable them to be useful and contribute positively to their host countries.