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From: awetnayu@hotmail.com
Date: Sun Aug 01 2010 - 03:25:19 EDT
A Week in Eritrea and SAWA Graduation
Amanuel Biedemariam
In just a week, starting from July 10, Eritrea
experienced transformative and historic moments. Eritrea showed her beautiful
colors. It showed that Eritrea
is a family and run as one when it comes to domestic affairs. It showed her
diplomatic prowess and economic importance. In the global scheme, it showed how
important Eritrea is due to
her strategic location, unflappable political positions and untapped human as
well as natural resources that bless Eritrea. Most importantly, Eritrea did it
with joy by creating memorable moments that will remain seared in the hearts
and minds of Eritreans forever.
Moreover, what is impressive is how Eritrea is
blossoming in the face of all types of pressures from outsiders with means and
unparalleled determination to destabilize her for their own exploitation. And
that was all anchored in the epicenter that is - SAWA.
Twelve years passed-by like a day with every day bringing
calamitous challenges that would have brought any nation to its knees. In every
turn, the enemies of Eritrea
kept upping the ante from one level to another bringing all they have, short of
their nuclear arsenals and failed. They ignited wars, created legal hurdles,
made alliances in order to encircle Eritrea and suffocate her to
submission. They placed economic and diplomatic hurdles to frustrate the will
of the people of Eritrea,
to encourage them to revolt against their own government and they failed, and
failed miserably. They waged unprecedented campaign to defame, demoralize,
dehumanize the people and government of Eritrea and, there again, they
failed. They waged the most sophisticated campaigns to demonize Eritrea by
using religion, “Freedom of press” and “human rights” issues as excuses and
there too their fate fared no better. They used every tool at their disposal in
order to subjugate Eritrea.
They recruited any one or thing that they believed could help them on such
quest. That included religious zealots, pedophiles, criminals and those who
parade as Eritreans while they have no legal connection to Eritrea and
failed. In short, no other country faced such vicious targeted campaigns, with
one aim to destabilize her, like Eritrea. There is no country in the
world that faced the determined and well-orchestrated systemic campaign like Eritrea and survived.
Only Eritrea!
Contrary to their expectations and planning, Eritrea
rebuffed their efforts and stood strong in the face of all these pressures.
Moreover, Eritrea came-out-of-it
stronger, more focused, determined and with a collective vision of Eritrea that is for all and everywhere in Eritrea. The
reason for that is three pronged. Firstly, it is because Eritrea is an
experienced nation. Eritrea
experienced all types of hardships, colonial oppression and civil strife during
the liberation struggle. Secondly, Eritrean leaders are principled and have
remained true to their cause, consistent, determined to succeed, undeterred and
undaunted. They remained true to their martyrs’ wishes – building and
safeguarding a nation that is for all Eritreans. Thirdly, and most importantly
it is the people of Eritrea
stupid. There is no nation more patient; determined and focused like Eritreans
in and out of the country. Eritreans know how to remain seized in order to
achieve the highest living standard there is. Therefore, Eritrea
operates on autopilot with every one doing their part in order to achieve that
success.
Fortunately, that is revealing itself to the world at the
highest levels. And contrary to all efforts that were unleashed by the US to demonize and subjugate her; the world is
rebuffing the misguided US
policies and joining Eritrea’s
principled stand. On July 12, “Eritrean Ministry of Finance and the Chinese
EXIM Bank concluded a loan agreement amounting to $60 million that would be
channeled to mining activities. Likewise, the Ministry of Public Works and Chinese Road and
Bridge Corporation signed a memorandum of understanding for economic
cooperation.”
Why is this significant? The EXIM Bank of China is state
owned and guarantees credit to exporters. In other words, those who want to
bring their products into Eritrea
will have no concerns of payments. In addition, China’s
interest in mining is a sign that Eritrea’s mining industry has arrived.
Moreover, the memorandum of understanding regarding roads and bridges is a
testament of Chinas deep commitment to the nation. Eritrea
is a perfect hub for all types of products that could come through the ports of
Eritrea for dissemination
into Central Africa. Therefore, it is crucial
that Eritrea
endows herself with transportation infrastructures that are conducive for that
endeavor. This will certainly make a difference in the lives of Eritreans for
good. Eritrea
is a true hub and served well by looking outward.
The same day, His Excellency, President Omar Hassan El
Bashir of Sudan met with
President Isaias Afwerki in Asmara
and addressed bilateral issues. In addition they talked about Sudan’s unity, addressed the South
Sudan referendum and a host of other issues. This underscores Eritrea’s
positive role towards the stability and economic development of the region.
However, all these achievements including the graduation of
639 students from the Business College of Halhale and other colleges was
overshadowed by the 23rd Round National Service Graduation and 4th
Eritrea-Youth Festival that took place July 16 through the 19 in what is
quickly becoming the Youth Center -Sawa. This year, the occasion meant a lot
more than any other for many reasons.
Thousands of Eritrean youth flocked to attend the Festival
from the US, Europe, Middle East and everywhere. What is impressive is that
the youth spent a great deal of money to attend the festival. We all know such
a trip costs a great deal. The youth could have spent the money for a host of
selfish reasons but they chose to spend it for something that means a great
deal to them, Eritrea.
Some made a great deal of sacrifice to attend. A determined young woman who
comes from a divorced family in the US did all that she can to raise
the funds necessary to attend. She was able to collect $500 from her parents.
To come up with the rest she conducted a car-wash fundraising event and still
came up short. The beauty is, this young woman belongs to YPFDJ and the local
chapter found out about it. They said that any one who wants to attend this
festival should not be left- out because of money and, came up with the rest funds
necessary and covered all the expenses. This story is just the tip of the
iceberg.
The youth flocked to witness the 23rd round
graduation of SAWA. As Col. Ezra Woldegebriel in his opening statement stated,
“To build this special nation SAWA is producing select graduates.” SAWA
graduated 400,000 youth in 16 years in all fields. The youth flocked to
congratulate their friends, families, relatives and to experience SAWA. They
came to enjoy, give their support and solidarity. They came to actively
participate in the events and play a part in the nation building effort. They
came to learn and expose their talents.
Throughout the week, ERiTV conducted town hall meetings and
interviews with the youth. Their answers, comments, reactions were nearly
identical. However, what mesmerized the viewer was the sense of duty and
obligation they exhibited; their eloquence in describing it, the firmness of
their commitment and the sacrifices they are willing to make. Most importantly,
it was touching to hear their gratitude to Eritrean martyrs and their
obligation to them.
New Platform
Whom are we talking about when we talk about Eritrean youth
in the Diaspora? The majority Eritreans that reside in the Middle East, Europe,
Scandinavian countries and North America and particularly the US, heavily
emigrated between 1978 until the independence of Eritrea in 1991 and on up to
this new generation. We are talking youth that immigrated to these areas as
children with their parents or kids that were born in their respective adopted
countries. They are approximately between the ages 16 to about 35 years olds.
They grew up listening, feeling and experiencing their parent’s raw emotions
about Eritrea.
They grew up with parents that suffered a great deal of loss and hardships due
to the loss of their homes and ways of life they left behind. They inherited
all the love for Eritrea
from their parents, their neighbors and other Eritreans. They grew up knowing
nothing but Eritrea.
They associated with Eritreans, went to various Eritrean activities, festivals,
wedding and other cultural activities. In other words, they grew up with
Eritreans as Eritreans interestingly identified less with their adopted
countries. While that is the general premise of their connection to Eritrea, what is intriguing is the level of
their commitment to Eritrea.
A young woman from Boston, Massachusetts said, “I have been coming to Eritrea every
two years and, those were the best years of my life. Every visit I see and
learn new things and I have a career path as a result.” Her dedication to Eritrea and the
exuberance in her expressions was infectious. She said, “There is a saying in
my circles; I did not chose to be Eritrean I just got lucky.” That is the kind
of spirit expressed by the youth time-and again. A young man from Sweden expressed his commitment to contribute
into the nation building however, what resonated was the way he conveyed what
his obligations are to Eritrea.
He said,” No matter what we do here-now, it would be nothing compared to what
our parents sacrificed to free Eritrea.”
That dominant spirit resonated and reverberated repeatedly.
This was a defining week in the history of Eritrean youth
from the Diaspora and their connection to Eritrea. For those who may have
questioned the identity of the youth it is time to put it to rest. They did not
go as guests to experience a vacation, they went to participate and contribute
what they can. They want to share the sacrifice and repay the martyrs’
debts in any way. They came with unparalleled enthusiasm and understanding of
their responsibilities. It was defining because it is setting precedent for
generations of Eritreans. It showed that Eritreans, no matter where they were
born or reside, would always have unique attachment to their country. They know
their strength is-based on love for Eritrea and their unity. They know
how to have fun with each other and have camaraderie unseen with other
communities. They are action oriented and they do it with joy. Eritrean youth
know that they have a special thing and they know most of their friends from
other communities do not have the nationalism they have. They are very
consistent. This year their dedication was tested and, they came through with excellence.
The Fourth Youth Festival came on the hills of one of the largest demonstration
Eritreans ever held on February 22. Eritrean youth were on the forefront
leading their people and played a key role in its success. They invested a
great deal of time and money. Yet, they built on-that momentum and carried that
success to Eritrea.
The youth is Eritrea’s
future. These are young talents and skilled professionals with varied
interests. They are well experienced in the politics of their country and the
region. They are determined to see a successful country and have taken a
holistic approach to achieve maximum impact. They are always willing to go the
distance to defend and forward the interest of Eritrea. In fact, they have taken a
lead on issues regarding the Horn of Africa and the region. Eritrean youth have
taken a lead on organizing other youth from the region. They have done rallies
and seminars to forward the agenda of peace in the region.
This year as in the past, they invited fellow youth from
other countries to join them at the 4th Eritrea-Youth Festival and the seminars
that followed. Youths from Sudan,
Chad, Libya, Yemen,
Zimbabwe, Egypt and other
countries attended. The reaction of delight was transparent on the faces of all
the attendees. The women attendees were more impressed by the role Eritrean
women play in the nation building and armed forces; impressed by the nation and
the level of nationalism they witnessed. However, what was unmistakably clear
was their genuine connection to Eritrea,
the feel of confidence, ease and comfort they displayed. The best way one can
describe their attitude is to liken it to kids that went to spend the night
over at a family friend’s house.
Here is the beauty; these attendees were truly home, and it
is certain that they will always carry-on respect for the people of Eritrea. These
are the types of efforts nations in the region need to make for the sake of
peace, in order to establish camaraderie amongst the future generations and, to
foster impenetrable relationships by foreigners. The governments and the youth
organizations deserve a great deal of praise for their efforts and stunning
success.
The Icing
Graduating from Sawa has become Right of Passage for
Eritrean youth. It is also a link to the past. Most importantly, it is a family
affair. Gone are the days when people tried to use Sawa for political gains as
an obscure place that is abusing youth. It has become the anchor and the
foundation for the future. It is a source of inspiration, unity, strength and
undisputable show of continuity. Sawa is cementing the ideals that are the
foundation of Eritrea
by molding, shaping the chosen in order to build a successful country we all
love.
One of the core values of the Eritrean struggle is the no
nonsense approach that the leadership takes. What we witnessed during the
graduation is something that I do not think one will witness in Africa in our lifetime. It was a surreal moment for Eritrea to
witness her beloved President Isaias Afwerki turn to Baba Isaias in a split
moment beaming with a proud glee that only a proud father can display. It
was a testament of Eritrea’s
destiny. It screamed Eritrea
is one big family destined to move forward together as one, with the aim of
living the highest standard of living in peace and prosperity and will make all
the sacrifices necessary to achieve it. It was also rewarding to see a young
woman, the Presidents daughter, taking advantage of a moment with her dad,
dancing with all, waiving her Kalashnikov with joy, during a national moment
and in a trance. This is what distinguishes Eritrean leaders and that moment
stands out as a testament that Eritrea
is for all, by all and everywhere! At a moment in the history when children of
leaders around the world have become a show of bad example it was refreshing to
see this joyful occasion graced by a moment in which a president laid his
guards down and spontaneously expressed
his joy as a parent.
Concluding Remarks
The future of Eritrea is certain. Our fathers,
mothers and all the liberators that are the leaders of Eritrea have cemented a foundation that is
rooted deep based on core values that will propel Eritrea forever. And there is
nothing any one can do about that! The thousands of youth that flocked to Sawa
is a vivid evidence of continuity with love. It takes a lot to conduct a major
demonstration and turn around to attend a youth festival in Eritrea. Only
Eritreans can pull that off. While that in itself is impressive, we cannot
forget the parents that are responsible for this and some credit goes to them
as well.
Eritrean parents in the Diaspora have played their role as
nationals by seeding unparalleled patriotism to their kids thus becoming the
link to Eritrea.
They made sure their families understood what Eritrea is-about. They taught them Eritrean
languages; heritage, culture and values. They taught them the sacrifices that
Eritreans made to realize the dream of independent Eritrea that is for all. These parents
dedicated tremendous amount of time, money and energy to make sure that Eritrea
flourished. They became the messengers and protectors of Eritrean interest
abroad. They believed on their fellow Eritreans and trusted them with all the
resources they were sending back home. Eritrean parents tirelessly supported
their fellow Eritrean with confidence. They were certain that they would ensure
victory and ascertain a nation of their dreams. They took their kids to every
Eritrean event, gave them opportunities to meet fellow Eritreans and took them
to Eritrea
regularly. These parents instilled patriotism on the youth by telling them who
they are, where they come from and their history. That was a source of confidence
for the youth because they know where they came from. The parents did it under tremendous pressure
and hardship while in transition As a result their kids came-out strong and
were affected less by all the discrimination they face in the West.
These parents realized their dreams and their hard works was
rewarded in exact the same manner they envisioned. The rewards for these
parents are kids that picked the torch of victory they ignited, rewarded by
dedicated, brilliant and patriotic youth. These parents are happy that the youth
inherited all their passion for Eritrea.
Yes, it was fitting President Isaias to say “Yohanna” to all the Eritrean
parents. The President also deserves “Yohanna” for being THE father of all and
for living and leading by example.
Congratulations to all the graduates and their parents. The
organizers of Sawa deserve all the praise for welcoming these many Eritreans
and for an event that we will remember as a special Eritrean moment.
Wetru Awet N-Hafash
Zelalemawi Z-kri Nsu-Waatna
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