Brain Drain: Solving the Rural State’s Dilemma

 

There are eight main islands that compose the Hawaiian Islands. The main ones, Oahu, Maui, the Big Island (the island of Hawaii), and Kauai are those that most visitors are aware of, but still quite populated yet somewhat unknown are Kahoolawe, Niihau, Molokai and Lanai. All eight islands have a unique interest in maintaining a Hawaiian culture and allure, but all are facing a similar situation: brain drain among the youth.

 

It’s a relatively similar problem that rural states all over the country feel. How do we keep our youth invested in our state, while the resources to keep them here – quality education at affordable prices, specialized education, jobs that fulfill the need of a variety of professions – are so difficult to maintain?

 

Here in Hawaii, the problem is particularly challenging because the youth are spread out over these eight islands and rarely have the chance to stay within their home community in order to achieve their educational goals. Those who stay behind are usually relegated to positions that are low paying and unrewarding, while those who move off island, or to the mainland, are given educational opportunities that their island may or may not have positions for. The result is a greater gap in poverty from island to island, or from state to state.

 

Another aspect of brain drain is the lack of cultural opportunities. Ever since the Hawaiian Renaissance in the sixties, a cultural revolution designed to retain the Hawaiian culture and identity, many have been working towards a greater sense of Hawaiian culture and identity, particularly within the youth. Youth are taught about their culture and do a great job of practicing it, but once the golden age of eighteen comes, those who move to the mainland rarely find opportunities to practice or bring to mind the essence of their cultural identity.

 

The University of Hawaii, having recognized the problem, have recently started to put in place a program that will challenge the issues of brain drain and will bring about a greater sense of equity from island to island. Seeing the need to keep youth within the state they have developed a distance education program that uses a combination of online classes, evening and weekend classes, and interactive television courses. The result is that students from any island, and potentially, any country can still participate in their studies, though physically separated from their instructor.

 

Brooke, a senior at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, is the perfect example. Having been raised here on the island of Maui, Brooke wanted to spend time traveling throughout his educational career. Now after four years of school, he has traveled to Brazil, Mexico, Australia as well as other countries, all while continuing his studies. When he chose this program his instructor was keen to assist him, so much so, that he was challenged to create his own program, to fulfill the requirements that were needed to graduate. The result is that while Brooke is spending the next three months of his life in Australia working with underprivileged kids, he’s also working on his final classes via internet. He is able to fulfill his scholastic requirements, while also fulfilling the real life requirement that more and more employers desire upon completion of a four year degree.

 

“I have spent the last four years traveling the world while gaining the education that I need to graduate. All while staying at Maui Community College to fulfill the educational requirements.”

 

For the ever changing college student, these are the types of courses that are making a difference between getting a degree and being a part of the ever increasing problem of brain drain. It means that life can continue, something that is necessary in the financial climate that we find ourselves in today, while still getting a degree to better that life.

 

Distance education has changed the educational climate for many, making college not only a dream, but an actuality. From island to island, or state to state, students are able to continue their education even in the remotest of islands, with the help of an internet connection.