Migration as transformation: the journey of faith, culture, and transformation

By Kingsley LARBI( Rev. Prof.)

 Migration has been a recurring theme in global history, a pathway that people from all walks of life embark on, seeking better opportunities, education, and an improved standard of living.

Chapter 16 of Born to Win by Rev. Prof. E.K. Larbi highlights the personal journey of faith, ambition, and culture as the author migrates from Ghana to Europe in search of higher education and new experiences.

This journey, filled with both hope and challenges, mirrors the contemporary global phenomenon of migration, brain drain, and the pursuit of better livelihoods, particularly in the developing world.

In today’s world, migration has evolved beyond mere geographical relocation. It involves navigating complex systems, adapting to new cultures, and managing the expectations of family, society, and personal goals.

This article will delve into the historical context provided by Born to Win and analyze modern-day brain drain, livelihoods, and the spiritual and cultural transformation migrants often experience.

The Historical Context: Larbi’s Journey in 1983

In April 1983, Rev. Prof. E.K. Larbi embarked on a life-changing journey from Accra to Europe aboard Ghana Airways’ DC10. His journey symbolized not only a physical shift from one continent to another but also a spiritual and cultural transformation that shaped his future path. His determination to study at Oral Roberts University (ORU) in the United States drove him to first work in Europe, where he found both hope and uncertainty.

Upon arrival in Rome, Larbi encountered the unfamiliarity of European life. The weather, the cultural differences, and even the disconnect between his African evangelical Christian perspective and the liberal European Christian outlook were challenging.

A notable incident was the experience of a Pakistani gentleman in Amsterdam who, despite his smoking habit, eventually found Christian conversion through patient acceptance rather than confrontation. This highlights how transformation is often subtle and gradual.

In contemporary terms, Larbi’s narrative speaks to the resilience of migrants as they navigate unknown terrains, both physically and spiritually. Migrants, even today, often face cultural shocks, isolation, and spiritual dilemmas, yet they persevere to achieve their goals.

Modern-Day Brain Drain: A Contemporary Parallel

Today, the issue of brain drain continues to affect many developing countries, particularly in Africa. Skilled professionals, especially in sectors like healthcare, education, and technology, leave their home countries in search of better economic opportunities abroad. According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), Africa loses an estimated 20,000 professionals annually to Western countries. This mass exodus of skilled labor significantly hampers the development prospects of home countries.

Ghana, Larbi’s homeland, is no exception. In 2021, the Ghanaian Ministry of Health reported that 4,000 nurses and midwives had migrated to the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada between 2020 and 2021. This brain drain has left Ghana with an increasing shortage of healthcare professionals, with 2024 projections showing a 40% shortfall in critical healthcare roles.

Similarly, in education, Ghana continues to lose skilled teachers and academics to more lucrative positions abroad. The Ghana Education Service estimates that nearly 10% of university lecturers have left the country in the last five years. This has left institutions struggling to provide quality education, contributing to a vicious cycle where students also seek higher education abroad, further accelerating the brain drain.

Migration and Livelihoods: The Dual Impact

Migrants, while escaping economic hardships, often find themselves in precarious situations abroad. As Larbi experienced, the excitement of being in a new country quickly fades as the realities of employment, accommodation, and cultural integration take hold. In his case, while he worked at a Christian hostel in Amsterdam, many migrants today face exploitation in low-paying jobs, often below their qualifications.

For instance, a report by the World Bank in 2022 revealed that 70% of African migrants in Europe and North America were overqualified for the jobs they held, working in sectors like caregiving, agriculture, and retail. Many face systemic barriers, including language proficiency, legal status, and racial discrimination, which hinder their ability to access better employment.

However, migration also presents growth opportunities. Like Larbi, who was involved in global evangelistic conferences and forged important connections, migrants today are creating significant networks in their diaspora communities. In 2023, remittances from the African diaspora amounted to $95 billion, with Ghana receiving $4.5 billion. This has become a vital source of income for many families and the national economy, contributing to development projects, healthcare, and education.

The Emotional and Cultural Impact: Bridging Two Worlds

Migration is not just a physical journey but also an emotional and spiritual one. Larbi’s experiences in Europe, especially his encounter with a chain-smoking Pakistani gentleman and his observations of cultural differences, reflect the broader challenges migrants face in reconciling their identity with new cultural norms.

Modern migrants often find themselves torn between two worlds, trying to maintain their cultural heritage while adapting to the demands of a new society. In Larbi’s case, the African Pentecostal understanding of Christianity collided with the liberal European approach, where inclusivity was prioritized over strict adherence to religious norms.

This mirrors the contemporary experience of many African migrants, who struggle with cultural adaptation in increasingly secular societies.

In 2024, migration has also reshaped religious practices. Churches in Europe and North America are seeing an influx of African migrants, who are bringing a new vibrancy to Christian worship.

African Pentecostal and Charismatic churches are among the fastest-growing Christian movements in Europe. This highlights the evolving cultural exchange, where migrants, like Larbi, are not just passive receivers but active contributors to their new environments.

The Path Forward: Reversing Brain Drain and Building Livelihoods

As governments in Africa grapple with the challenges of brain drain, policies must focus on creating better opportunities at home. In recent years, there has been a push to reverse brain drain through initiatives such as the African Union’s Continental Education Strategy for Africa (CESA), which aims to create sustainable job opportunities for African professionals in their home countries.

Ghana’s government, for instance, has launched the Diaspora Engagement Policy to attract Ghanaian professionals back home. Since 2019, nearly 2,000 professionals have returned to contribute to the healthcare, technology, and education sectors.

However, much more needs to be done, especially in ensuring that returning migrants have the support systems in place to reintegrate and succeed.

Conclusion

Rev. Prof. E.K. Larbi’s journey, as detailed in Born to Win, offers valuable lessons for contemporary discussions on migration, brain drain, and livelihoods. Migration, while fraught with challenges, is often a journey of transformation—spiritually, emotionally, and economically. Today, as many continue to seek better opportunities abroad, the key is to ensure that migration becomes a two-way street, where both home and host countries benefit from the exchange of skills, culture, and knowledge.

As we reflect on modern migration trends, it is essential to create policies and systems that value the contributions of migrants while addressing the root causes of brain drain. By doing so, we can turn migration into a force for global development, ensuring that the aspirations of people like Larbi are not lost, but rather celebrated and nurtured.

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