More Than A Movie

Here in Jamaica, we recently took 19 of our primary school Samaritan Scholars to watch the movie Migration. The film features a family of mallards on an adventurous journey from New England to Jamaica, and it captured the imagination of our young scholars.

Their laughter and excitement were particularly vibrant when the movie mentioned Jamaica—a familiar place in an unexpected context. This connection made the animated characters’ journey feel more relatable and sparked joy among the scholars as they saw a lighthearted portrayal of migration.

This outing also served as a catalyst for a more serious reflection on the theme of migration, which holds a different weight in the context of our scholars’ experiences in Jamaica. While the ducks’ journey in the movie was portrayed as an exciting and voluntary adventure, the reality for many in developing countries, like Jamaica, is that migration often involves difficult decisions and dangerous routes. Migration is frequently seen as a path to better opportunities, but it comes with significant risks and challenges.

Many of our scholars express their desire to travel or migrate to the USA in hopes of better educational and economic opportunities. These discussions underscore the importance of addressing the broader implications of migration within our educational programs. By incorporating discussions about migration into our curriculum, we can provide our scholars with a more nuanced understanding of this global phenomenon. This includes exploring the reasons behind migration, the challenges migrants face, and the impact of such movements on both the home and host countries.

Furthermore, it’s crucial to empower our scholars with knowledge and skills that can either help them thrive if they choose to migrate or enable them to build fulfilling lives in their home country. Enhancing their educational experiences and providing them with tools for critical thinking and resilience can prepare them for all kinds of futures.

Our outing to watch Migration turned into more than just a trip to the cinema; it became a reflective learning experience that connected cinematic storytelling with real-world issues. It highlighted the dual narrative of migration—as an adventure and as a necessity—and opened up a space for meaningful conversation among our scholars about their dreams, fears, and the complex realities of the world they navigate.

International Samaritan is a Christ-centered organization built on Catholic Social Teaching. Our mission is to walk hand-in-hand with people who live and work in the garbage dumps of developing nations to help them break out of poverty.

We provide holistic scholarships for students from kindergarten through college, and we’re currently supporting 950 scholars in Central America, the Caribbean, and East Africa.

Would your church or school group like to partner and travel with us? Learn about our Learn, Serve, Grow program.

Empower our scholars to change their lives. Become a monthly supporter.

Sonja M. Robinson, Program Director

Sonja holds a Ph.D. in Workforce Development and Education from Pennsylvania State University and a Master’s in Communication for Social and Behavior Change from the University of the West Indies. She has played the roles of counselor, mentor, trainer, and educator. Sonja believes in living a life of purpose and service.