Moving abroad

AN estimated 3,600 Majorcans under the age of thirty moved abroad last year in search of employment, according to government figures. Britain and Germany were the most popular places for unemployed Majorcans and many quickly found jobs. This is a sad state of affairs that young people are being forced abroad in search of  employment because of the long economic recession but also underlines the importance of young people learning English and German in schools. The education system in the Balearics at the moment is in a poor state of health, hit by the dispute between teachers and the Balearic government over the introduction of the new three language education system. The government wants lessons in English, Catalan and Spanish but teachers say that they do not have the necessary resources or facilities to introduce the system. While teachers have now abandoned their strike the dispute is certainly not settled. Unemployment in Spain is expected to remain high for some time especially amongst young people. Young Majorcans are going to have to go abroad in search of employment for some time to come but at least the Balearic government and local teachers should ensure that they get a decent education and are able to speak and write a foreign language. Obviously, English is vital. This teaching dispute needs to be settled sooner rather than later. Future generations need to be prepared for future challenges.