Brief Information: Eritrean Youth in the UK Hold Youth Mkete Seminar

“Youth and Country: Consolidated Effort for a Bright Future”

Eritrean Youth in the UK held Youth Mekete seminar under the theme “Youth and Country: Consolidated Effort for a Bright Future” on Sunday, February 17, 2008. Over three hundred Eritrean youth attended the event. The youth centered seminar was conducted on the basis of the presentation of papers from five Eritrean youth dealing with subject matters on Eritrea and its future, and the success and future of the Eritrean Youth in the UK.

After a brief introduction and a welcome message by the Chairwoman of the Eritrean Youth Association in the UK (EYAUK), Mahta Tewolde, HE Tesfamicael Gerahtu, Ambassador of the State of Eritrea to the UK and Ireland, gave a speech highlighting the decisive role of Eritrean youth in the past, present and future, the national goals and strategies that put the participation and sustainable involvement of the youth at the centre of the nation building process and major factors under consideration in  the policy measures by the Government of Eritrea. The ambassador concluded his speech by raising questions that provoked discussion on the practical aspects of mobilizing, organizing and integrating the youth potential as part of our national capacity in Eritrea. The seminar in general was divided into the following three sessions:-

Session One

The first session was allocated for two presentations titled “Eritrea’s Sovereignty and Present Situation” and “Integrated Development for Rapid Nation-Building.” The papers were presented by Huriy Girmay and Netzanet Tesfay respectively.  After giving explanation of National Sovereignty in its complete form, Huriy went on stating the challenges and threats posed to Eritrean sovereignty in historical context including the struggle for independence and preservation of national sovereignty. In the face of the legal conclusion of the border problem between Eritrea and Ethiopia, the Ethiopian regime still remains in occupation of Eritrean territory. Finally Huriy pointed out the role of the Eritrean youth Diaspora in lobbying and enlightening the world about Eritrea.

Netsanet Tesfay, who is a graduate of Harvard University and currently finished her masters in Urban Development at the London School of Economics, presented a very detailed paper, covering self-reliance and balanced economic growth, the vision of a viable Eritrea, commitment to Horizontal Development, economic trends and the challenges of the post-independence Eritrea. Netsanet discussed about investment in infrastructure, industry, human development, promoting food security programs, and the establishment of a Free Trade Zone. She also outlined the strategy and achievements of the Warsay Yikealo development campaign. Her conclusion focued on the role of Eritreans in Diaspora in lobby the UK public and Government for the withdrawal of Ethiopian forces from the occupied Eritrean territories, in investment, disseminating information about Eritrea and exploiting education and skills opportunities to aid development process in the nation. The first session of the seminar was concluded with a speech from Yordanos Tekle who shared her experience in the struggle for independence. Yordanos joined the struggle at a young age. She has authored two books in Tigrina, Hiwet gedli and Eijam.

Session Two

The second session was allocated for three papers titled “Transfer of Values between Generations”, “Social, Economic and Cultural challenges of youth in the UK ” and “The Role of Media and Psychological Warfare”.  The papers were presented by Sirak Bahlbi, Merhawi Weldekrstos and Rishan Beyene respectively. After defining the term “values” in the context of the discussion, Sirak gave a detailed description and explanation of the Eritrean national values, how they were shaped over long period of time and how the transformation of values takes place between the Eritrean generations. The Eritrean national values that were discussed in details include putting national interest first, unity and solidarity, social justice, sacrifice, determination and commitment, self-reliance and self confidence and leadership values and heroism.

This was followed by the presentation on meeting the challenges of Eritrean youth in the UK. This was another topic that was presented in details focusing on fundamental challenges, issues of identity and self-esteem, and family and community development. Merhawi concluded his presentation discussing the future prospect and the way forward which highlighted the preserving of cultural heritage, discharging responsibilities, understanding individual and collective responsibilities and the role of Eritrean institutions and structure in ensuring the proper participation and role of the youth in the nation building process and Eritrean community activities.

Finally Rishan Beyene presented the role of media in psychological warfare. Rishan described how the media has been used to influence the Eritrean people and tarnish Eritrea’s image through disseminating repetitive manufactured information about Eritrea, information detached from the reality and spreading rumor and speculations. Each session was followed by question and answered and open discussion.

Session Three

The final and third session was left open for the floor to discuss the way forward. The attendants of the meeting expressed the need for establishing an Eritrean cultural center, activity and interest based networking among the youth and the need for strengthening the youth association. Highlighting the importance of the seminar, they called for more seminars to be organized and that measures are put in place to make sure its continuity. Issues of resources for youth activities, means of mobilizing funds and creating opportunities for young people to be actively involved in community and national affairs were also recommended.

The seven-hour long event was concluded with cultural and musical performance by Eritrean youth singers, Wedi Hantal, Nigsti, Tedros and Solomon. Solidarity message from the Eritrean National Women’s was also delivered on the occasion.

Information and Communication Committee
Shmagele Hzbawi Mekete
London, 18-02-2008