Despite being happy to be home and away from the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia, some students who were studying in Ukraine continue to express uncertainty about their academic future.
Several of the students were months away from completing their studies when Russia launched a military attack on Ukraine, forcing them to flee.
20 of the students arrived in Jamaica, last night (March 2).
They were met at the Sangster International Airport by State Minister in the Foreign Affairs Ministry, Leslie Campbell.
Kavaun Chambers who was in his third year of medical school at the VN Karazin University in Kharkiv, was among the students who landed in Jamaica.
He told Irie FM News that the experience of fleeing war in Ukraine was scary and brought tears to his eyes.
Mr. Chambers said while he is happy to be home with his loved ones, he did not expect to leave Ukraine under such conditions.
He said having chosen to study in Ukraine because of the affordability of the medical programme, he is now uncertain about his academic future.
Noting that at the time of the attack, he was preparing for exams, Mr. Chambers lamented that his studies may be put on pause, as he believes that Ukraine will undergo significant damage in the war.
After surviving the traumatic experience of the war, including life threatening explosions, Mr. Chambers said he will be seeking counselling support.
Meantime, the Foreign Affairs Ministry has assured that efforts are being made to find alternative educational opportunities for the Jamaican students who fled war torn Ukraine.
State Minister Leslie Campbell met the group that returned to Jamaica last night at the airport in St. James.
He explained that the students were exhausted and overwhelmed, so they will be given some time to rest, prior to debriefing sessions.
These sessions will facilitate discussions on the options available.
Responding to questions at today‘s (March 3) Standing Finance Committee, Mr. Campbell pointed out that at least 2 students were devastated when reports came that their school in Ukraine had been destroyed.
He said the ministry is looking at options offered at regional universities.
Mr. Campbell also raised concern about Jamaican students in Russia, pointing to the difficulty the government has in knowing where these diaspora members are, due to lack of registration.
And the Ministry of Foreign Affairs says some of the 18 Jamaican nationals studying in Russia are making plans to leave that country.
This as it says there are now real indications that nationals in Russia and surrounding eastern European countries will be severely impacted as a consequence of the crisis in Ukraine.
In a release today, portfolio Minister Senator Kamina Johnson Smith urged the other students to make plans to leave the country.
She said with the announcement by several countries of the imposition of restrictions on flights entering their countries from Russia, alternative routes out of that country will have to be explored.
Mrs. Johnson Smith added that the Honorary Consul in Moscow and Consular Affairs Department remain available to engage with the Jamaican nationals.