When Precious first arrived in Malta, she was bombarded with tales from fellow migrants about the supposed advantages of giving birth in Italy. "Everyone kept saying: 'You are pregnant; you should go and give birth in Italy. You would have done this and that,'" she recalls. But as she listened more closely, doubts crept in.
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Social Media vs. Reality: Precious noticed that many of her acquaintances in Italy seemed to spend an inordinate amount of time on social media. "Do these people not go to work? Where do they find the time?" she wondered.
After speaking with two women from different cities in Italy, she discovered the truth: childcare is scarce. In Italy, parents often cannot access childcare until their children are six months old, and even then, securing a spot is nearly impossible unless both parents are employed.
Many migrants don’t work until their children are 3 years old, and are eligible to state childcare" she explains, highlighting the systemic barriers that trap families at home.
Financial Support: The Harsh Truth
Precious also learned about the financial support available—or rather, the lack thereof. "They told me they receive just over €100 for two kids," she says incredulously. This revelation was shocking to her; it contrasted sharply with the narratives she had heard.
Malta's Advantages: In Malta, parents can enroll their children in childcare from just three months old. "Here, we have options," Precious says, emphasizing the comparative ease of accessing services for families.
The Dangers of Misinformation
Misinformation can have dire consequences. Precious reflects on how many migrants make life-altering decisions based on false narratives. "If I hadn’t spoken to those ladies in Italy, I would still be thinking there’s a greener pasture there," she shares.
A Personal Experience: When applying for a student stipend, Precious encountered misinformation from a social worker who told her she needed to wait five years to qualify. "But I was only seven months in Malta when I started receiving support," she says.
This experience reinforced her belief that reliable sources are crucial. She emphasizes that even professionals can provide outdated or incorrect information due to systemic delays in updates.
Just because someone has a title does not mean they know everything," she warns.
The Ripple Effects of Misinformation
Precious is acutely aware that misinformation can lead to dire situations beyond mere inconvenience. She recounts stories of fellow migrants who faced deportation after following misleading advice about their rights and opportunities abroad.
The Tragic Outcomes: "Many people have died at sea because they were misinformed about what awaited them in Europe," she states.
Empowerment Through Knowledge
Her journey has taught her the importance of seeking accurate information personally. "I keep telling people: go and do it yourself," Precious insists. She encourages others to take charge of their situations rather than relying on hearsay or even well-meaning social workers who might not have the latest updates.
A Call for Action: "If you want to do anything, go to the reliable source," she advises.
Precious’s story is a powerful reminder of the dangers of echo chambers, as marginalised groups also lock themselves up in those places where misinformation is the master.
"Echo chambers and the dangers of perpetuating misinformation and disinformation related to migration in the southern region of Europe” is part of the Road to Inclusive Narratives project, implemented by ALF, aimed at combating the spread of misinformation and disinformation across selected countries of the Euro-Mediterranean.
Ending Misinformation Before It Begins #StartsWithYou.
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