Festival Review Meeting Concludes On a Very High Note

Meadna News

A review meeting for the Eritrean Festival UK 2008 was held on Saturday, September 13.  The meeting was attended by representatives of Eritrean women, youth and other associations, leaders and committees of Hzbawi Shimagle Mekete, and individuals who took an active role at the festival and was chaired by HE Tesfamicael Gerahtu, Ambassador of the State of Eritrea to the UK and Ireland.

The meeting discussed in detail the many aspects of the recently held festival and concluded on a very high note. The Eritrean festival UK, which aimed at children, youth and families was successful and has left a lasting impact for the future events. The feedback received from the wider Eritrean population in the UK in particular families has been extremely positive and one that will shift the ongoing effort to a higher gear. The review also looked at the technical aspects of shortcomings and the wealth of experiences that had been gained during this event.

Some of the points Ambassador Tesfamicael stressed included; the importance of preparation and having a year-long plans of programs in advance, working at the grass roots level through connection with every Eritrean family in the UK and that a festival must not be viewed as a single event, it is rather a reflection of the events and achievements of a whole year.

Ambassador Tesfamicael also expressed message of appreciation to all individuals, associations, organizations, businesses and Eritreans communities who came from Scotland and cities in England such as Manchester, Sheffield and others.

Here is one of the messages to the committee of the children’s Mekete Shimagle from the Eritrean children who took active part at the festival: “We all really appreciated everything you have done for us. We really enjoyed the festival and are very grateful for the things you have helped us achieve. We are all looking forward to next year's festival, we’re thinking of it now. Thank you for everything you have taught us about Nakfa and to stand up for yourself, we will never forget about it.”