Renad Ghanem Saudi Gazette JEDDAH — Some expatriate parents living in Saudi Arabia prefer to send their children back to their native country even when they are still young. The parents fear that if their children are brought up in a foreign country, unwittingly they might lose their identity. A father, who spoke to Saudi Gazette, said that even though it is very difficult to part with their children at an age when they need them the most, ultimately it is the children who are going to benefit. Some parents, stating the reasons behind sending their children back home, said they want their children to be attached to their culture and feel proud of their heritage and traditions. Children have more opportunities to nurture themselves not only in academics, but also in sports and other extra curricular activities in their native countries as compared to living here. A graphic designer by profession, Mohab Nabil, 33, is father of two young children who currently live in Egypt. Nabil wants his children to grow up in their country as it will make them close to their people and environment. “I have lived in Riyadh ever since I was born and when I went to Egypt upon turning 15, it was so difficult for me to adjust in the Egyptian environment and with the people. Everyone treated me as a foreigner. And although I was at home I felt homesick,” said Nabil adding that if his children live in Egypt, they will also have friends that will last a life. “I do miss all the important occasions/festivals, happy or sad, because I live here far away from my country. But I want my children to enjoy their lives and grow up with their cousins, uncles, aunts and all other relatives.” Father of two children Zuhier Ali, said it wasn't easy for him to leave his children in Lebanon. But he believes that both his children will thank him when they grow up because it was for their better upbringing that he had chosen to send them to their native country. “ I really miss my children who are only eight and 12 years old. However, if they study in Lebanon they will be more aware of its culture and have their own identity. They will not be strangers in their own country,” said Ali. Ali also said that he frequently travels to Lebanon to meet his children and their progress in school makes him very happy. Another Egyptian national, Ahmed Shawki, father of two daughters, also echoes the sentiments of parents who send their children to their native country for a better future. Today, Shawki's daughters excel in sports and Shawki feels that it was only because both his daughters were educated in Egypt, where there are plenty of opportunities in every field. He said that had his daughters been living here, they wouldn't have been able to become good athletes. Most of his friends children, Shawki said, faced a myriad of problems when they went back to their native country.
