Flip through the latest issue of Gulf Weekly.
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 finally attained your goals.
More than 70 students, from 16 Middle East countries, experienced this 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 their goodbyes had been said, the unforeseen happened. Their visas were cancelled.
They were left devastated, reeling from shock. Inadequate housing was the poor reason given to these unfortunate youngsters.
The 77 unlucky applicants require re-registration at their old schools, half way through the academic year, to complete their education in their respective countries.
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 can participate in the near future.
I wish all 77 of them the very best of luck.
