From: Mengisteab Tesfamikeal (fwd@dehai.org)
Date: Fri May 22 2009 - 18:40:31 EDT
Sponsor a Martyrs Family
During the struggle for independence, most Eritreans lost their family members and many of these people ended up becoming refugees throughout the world. Despite all the hardship and injustices, Eritreans never lost their identities, self respect or their desire for freedom. Where ever they lived they never forgot their families, friends, and their homeland. Also most Eritreans were in support of the struggle for independence.
After independence many Eritreans returned home in large numbers to help with the rebuilding of the country that was shattered due to the 30 years war with Ethiopia. The countrys infrastructure was totally destroyed. Something had to be done soon. Many of those Eritreans who returned home started their own businesses while others started building their dream homes. Today, many of these people are still working to achieve that dream. During that time many Eritreans were also suffering at home because of loss of family members during the war for independence.
The Eritrean government came up with an excellent idea on how to assist those families who lost loved ones. The idea was to mobilize Eritreans both within and outside of the country to assist those families members who needed help. The program was designed for two years. Same of us accepted the challenge from the government and volunteered to help. I was assigned to help Mrs. Fatima Nasser Mohammed, an 83-year-old mother who lost her son during the war for the liberation of Eritrea. She lived in Ghinda place called Dure Selam, which means place of peace. Actually the area is inhabited by Eritreans who had returned home from Sudan after Eritrea was liberated.
During one of my visits to Mrs. Fatima I informed her that the assistance was designed for two years, but I pledged to continue assisting her even after the two years lapse. This program is one of the most important grassroots movements that assist those in need. We know most of us help our families but we should not forget those who have no family member to help them.
Mrs. Fatima is the mother of Iberhim Nasser Mohammed, one of the many young men and women who have lost their lives during our struggle for freedom. Mrs. Fatima had 12 children, five boys and seven girls. The sad thing is that she lost ten of her children, and she is left with two daughters, one who is living with her and the other daughter is in the Sudan. Her son the martyr was captured at the Robba Hadus in 1983 and sent to Sembel Prison. According to his mother, he was murdered by the Ethiopian Army while in prison. He was married at that time but had no children.
It is clear that the Eritrean people regardless of where they live inside or out side the country are always supporting their homeland. The support the martyrs family program was a great idea that should have continued. It is a wonderful humanitarian program.
Since 2003 I was able to visit Mrs. Fatima on a regular basis. In December 2008 I went to visit her and I was informed that Mrs. Fatima had passed away from medical complication. It was a sad day for me. I was looking forward to spending few hours with her. Her daughter told me she didnt suffer. She passed peacefully. During the last hour of her life, I was told; her two daughters were with her. I was pleased her daughter was able to be with her from Sudan. I am quite sure she was very happy to see her daughter.
I have learned so much from her. Despite her stature of 4 ft 8 inches she was a giant. She was always appreciative of the help. Every time I visited her she used to call me her son. The more I think about Mrs. Fatima I think I was the one who has gained so much from her. I learned the beauty of giving. It is easier to give then to receive. For those Eritreans who didnt participate in this program it is not late to help someone who is in need. Even a small gift will make a great difference to families who are in desperate need of help.
As the world economy is in shamble, Eretria is also facing economic slow down. There are several families in dire need of assistance. Therefore lets us open our hearts and give us much as possible for those who are suffering daily.
Mengisteab Tesfamikeal
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