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Almost every Eritrean has sacrificed at least one family member during the 30 years armed struggle and post independence defense of the country. The government and individuals are supporting the families of fallen heroes. Excerpts of the interview on the aid by Eritreans in the Diaspora with Ms. Abrehet Arefayne, Head of PFDJ Foreign Zone, follow.
How did the project start and what is its objective?
The project was started in 2003 by concerned Eritreans. During their meetings, they suggested on collecting a dollar per day to aid families of martyrs. It was decided in one of the meetings that the project should be established and studies to be done. The project, under PFDJ Foreign Zone and the Ministry of Labor and Human Welfare, studies to select needy families. 28,000 families with lowest incomes were selected and categorized into five levels. 10,400 were in the first level and lists of their names were sent to 24 countries.
The objective of the project was helping as many families as possible and assisting the government on the same issue. Its main objective is to create relations between the supporters and the martyrs’ families.
How many supporters and how many supported are there under the project?
8,386 families are being supported by individuals and communities. For instance, Eritrean Social Community members in Saudi Arabia provided one percent of their salary for three years, which at first was planned for two. Every sponsor is supposed to give $720(10,800 Nakfa) within two years.
Compared to the number of Eritreans living abroad, do you find the number of supported to be low?
After the official announcement of martyrs’, the government provided 10,000 Nakfa to every martyr’s family and is monthly providing them 500 Nakfa. This project is a support not a replacement to what the government is doing. Poor families being its target, the two year project is in its first stage of performance.
Considering that Eritreans abroad are providing financial aids in many sectors and other financial issues, I don’t think the support to the families is low.
Why isn’t much campaigning conducted to this extensive project?
Campaigns have been conducted but not specifically on this project. The issue was often raised in meetings among higher officials and often broadcast through media outlets.
The first stage is in its completion with all the challenges and will be evaluated to see its positive and negatives for the success of the next stages.
Where is the contribution highest?
This project is initiated by the people to the people. Despite the prevailing economic challenges, every one abroad is willing to assist. But the degree of willingness differs from place to place. Eritreans living in Saudi Arabia, Denmark, Belgium, South Africa, Sudan, Israel, Qatar, Bahrain, Yemen and Italy are providing more than the expected amount.
Are there any special individuals?
For instance there is an individual in Kuwait supporting 20 families and another in England assisting ten. In most places an individual helps a single family but some have from three to six families to support. Despite their limited ability women in Arab countries also contribute individually and in groups.
How do you see the relation between the supporters and the supported?
I would like to explain this in two ways. The first is to see how the support is proceeding. After the supporters and the supported are introduced to each other, the money sent goes to the bank and reaches the family through MLHW. The second and main job is establishing a good relation between them.
Five years have passed since the project started and it is still in its first stage. Is this due to less effort for its expansion?
As I mentioned before, there is a body taking care of the project. This body and PFDJ Foreign Zone is striving for the success of the project. Despite this effort, financial and transportation barriers hinder its success. The project covers the whole country and required more skill and experience.
What should be done to expand the project and alleviate problems of many families?
Concerning its expansion it was suggested that the project should be considered as a duty to every Eritrean, not the volunteers only. Much more could be done if enough budget and man power is allocated, and the committees in the project have influential members. Committees in England, Holland, and others have performed a lot.
In addition, the project needs wide spread campaigning, good work relations with MLHW, and a well organized evaluation and continuity.
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