MONTEGO BAY, St James – ALICIA Malcolm has always wanted to be a teacher, and even though some are leaving the profession, she can’t wait to get in the classroom. The Welcome Hall, St James, native is now enrolled at Sam Sharpe Teachers’ College in Montego Bay.

A grateful Malcolm was among a group of 30 students and future teachers who recently received between $50,000 and $200,000 in bursaries from Member of Parliament for St James Southern, Homer Davis

“I am elated as this is a dream for me. Finally fulfilling my goal in becoming a teacher and to be a recipient of this year’s grant has shown me how much our Government is willing to invest in us as future educators of this nation,” Malcolm told the Jamaica Observer West.

She pointed to the importance of the profession that has the ability to shape so many lives.

“I believe strongly in remaining in my country and building what we have. I am very patriotic where my country is concerned and so I don’t support brain drain,” Malcolm told Observer West.

The loss of experienced teachers who accept more lucrative opportunities abroad has been a challenge over the years; this year has been no different. In the 11 days leading up to August 31, more than 400 teachers resigned ahead of the new school term which began in the first week of September.

However, like her colleague and fellow bursary recipient Malcolm, first-year student Tia Griffiths has no plans to leave Jamaica for greener pastures once she completes her training.

“I would stay in Jamaica and see if we can make it better,” said the Sweet Water resident.

Griffiths views the exodus by some educators as an opportunity for her and her peers.

“Even though we would want them to stay, them leaving creates more job openings for those coming up,” she posited.

She is looking forward to completing her degree in primary education and having a long career as a teacher.

For the second-time bursary recipient, being an educator is much more than going through the lessons that make up a curriculum. Griffiths thinks it is just as important to provide support for students – and this is one of the reasons she has no plans to look for a job overseas once she completes a bachelor’s degree in primary education.

“I would want to stay and help the country. The kids nowadays, they don’t get the attention at home and so they need more attention at school,” she said.

A total of $2.7 million dollars in educational support was dispersed by MP Davis.