Dr. Senait Bahta is an anthropologist at the Department of Anthropology and Archaeology at the Eritrean Institute of Technology, Mai-Nefhi. Although she had ambitions to attain higher level of education when young, the colonial situation in Eritrea was not encouraging. She attended university till 3^rd year in the Department of Business Management. Then she joined the armed struggle. She had an interview with Shaebia.org, excerpts:

 

What forced you to quit your studies?

 

I couldn’t continue my studies, despite my ambitions. Because, after we (Eritrean university students) returned from a one year teaching university service, we were told to say ‘Ethiopia Tikdem.’ Most of the Eritreans who were in the university met to discuss quitting our studies and to join the armed struggle. Some of us joined the struggle and others preferred to stay away.

 

Then how did you attain your doctorate?     

 

It was after long years that I got the chance. First, I joined the armed struggle. Staying there for sometime, I went to England for medical reasons. I had to wait for a while there until I got the medical services. So, I applied in a university believing that I could use my time. Mastering the English language and joining a new department was challenging. But I had the ambition and I believed that I could do it. The system and the way of living in England was also a challenge. In order to improve my performance I had to regularly visit the library and read as much as I could. I spent all my scholarship money in buying books and photocopying notes because I had a plan to take them to Eritrea after completing my studies.

 

Any challenge you faced because you were from Africa?

 

There was that negative picture about Africa and Africans. For example, when our instructors wanted to talk about civilization in Africa they used to tell the students that if an African wears western made cloths, he considers himself civilized and if a woman buys coca cola for her children, she considers herself civilized. It was an embarrassing understanding and I used to spend a lot of my time debating with my classmates and our instructors. Any way, what matters is the skill and resilience you develop in order to face such challenges and accomplish your studies successfully. Someone has always to look forward against all odds---especially the youth.

 

What inspired you to develop that much interest on education? Anything related to family background?               

 

It is an important question. In the Eritrean society education (knowledge) is highly respected. Every family wants to see its children being educated. There are different proverbs and sayings that describe the value of education in the Eritrean society. Growing up in such an environment, you would definitely be interested to acquire higher level of education. So, although my father was a teacher, the main inspiring factor was the society’s interest in education. We had classmates who used to come from remote areas where they had no access to reading materials or electricity, but yet who were outstanding.

 

Education was also considered as the main source of income and prestige at that time. Students strived hard to achieve good results so as to have a better life and there were many who really changed their lives in that way. Families in the villages, even those who were not educated, sold their livestock or harvest to cover their children’s expenses. Thus, the family and the society were the basic motivating factors.

 

What do you think is the main role of your profession in Eritrea?

 

It is interesting in two basic things: first in introducing us with the rest of the world and secondly for the development of the tourism industry. Eritrea is rich in archeological remains. So far, it has about 40,000 known archeological sites. Furthermore, there is a strong scientific belief that life began in our area. So, having experts in the profession, anthropologists, archeologists… is quite important for Eritrea which is rich in unexcavated ancient remains. Researches are more representative and are well interpreted and explained when they are done by native experts. I am not denying the expertise of foreigners; but what I am trying to say is that native researchers should have the upper hand in researches like this one.

 

Human remains that were found in Buya are evident that supports the beginning of life in the region. This alone could attract international researchers and visitors. It is wise, therefore, to have your own skilled professionals in order to avoid any damage, lose or misinterpretation, and to ensure ownership.

 

There are many Eritreans in foreign universities who want to do their masters or doctorate researches here. Therefore, we need to establish a more convenient ground and opportunities for them so as to attract more researchers.

 

What exactly has it to do with the development of ones identity?

 

Knowing your history is knowing your identity. And we have a rich social history. So, it creates a sense of confidence, ownership and social cohesion among the people because it enables them to feel proud of their past. For example, Ethiopia is known for famine and draught. When foreign researchers try to explain the country or its people, the first term they refer to is ‘famine’. So, an Ethiopian would definitely feel unhappy to hear or read that.

 

Generally speaking, if you have an ancient civilization and make your sites noted on the world heritage list, it strengthens your identity and helps you feel proud of it.

 

There are many changes, due to technological advancement, in the world at the moment. How do you think this could affect the issue of identity?

 

The world is getting smaller due to technological advancement. We have to benefit from the opportunity but not get lost in the spread and have negative understanding about globalization. You have to take your part in the game while keeping your identity. Technology has become a big threat to identity and culture. If you develop your awareness, the development could strengthen your social cohesion and identity. After all, we have to be participants in the world development but not always recipients or dependent.   

 

Attributed to globalization, there is a belief that says ‘culture’ no more represents identity. What do you think?   

 

Even though the world gets smaller, there is no one who would not want to have an identity. The notion emerged with the development of the western culture and the information technology that supports it. Of course, there is a threat to many cultures, but it could not stop people from caring about their own indigenous identities. There was always cultural influence; the exchange of customs and the like and there will be in the future among the different cultures in the world. But, it is obvious that culture will continue to represent identities.

 

What is change for you?

 

Change is life, I think. If something is static there must be some thing wrong. If societies don’t change either way that means there is no life. People do change over time. They have to choose the best thing for them to acquire the best change.

 

For example, the experience I passed through and the educational opportunity I had, changed my way of thinking considerably. Most of the time I keep thinking about the decisions some people take which is contrary to their interest. Life is about choices. You have to be careful to choose the best thing for your life; if not you would live in regrets.

 

You told me that you are a friend of books. What are the main advantages that you gained from reading?

 

There is peace of mind in reading. When I face something disappointing, I rush to the shelf and pick a book. Reading gives you knowledge, experience and better understanding. So, the youth have to develop the tradition so as to develop themselves and be aware of what is happening around them.

 

You once were a student, a fighter, a refugee and now college instructor in your country. What is your understanding about the Eritrean youth of the present?

 

Well, people do change over time. The former Eritrean generation faced the challenges of colonialism and succeeded. There is a different situation and types of challenges that the youth of the day are facing. Our youngsters are fortunate because they live peacefully in their own country. There was not such a chance for the former generation. But, there are much harder challenges that the youth is facing today. Life is becoming more complex and expensive even at international level. Many youths have lost their mortgage in the economically rich countries and the economic challenges youths in the developing countries have is much harder.

 

However, whatsoever might be the challenge, the youth has to be more courageous and self-confident against all odds in order to succeed. You don’t have to lose hope and take unwanted response like what we see now in the west. The youth has to be systematic, flexible, confident and tolerant. For example, when I was doing my Ph. D, sometimes I had to work for 24 hours. Despite this, the advisors overload you or they utter disappointing words. Hence, some of my colleagues either quit their studies or took unwanted measures in their lives. What the youth should always put in his mind is that life is full of challenges, ups and downs, and that he has to be tolerant because there is a better tomorrow. The youth should realize that every challenge brings a better solution.

 

You also give seminars on gender equality. What is the term equality for you?

 

I was raised among boys. I used to do everything they do; cycling, playing games and the like. My mother was so worried about this, thinking that I would be a tom boy. So, she usually advised me to do things that girls do. But, regarding my lessons, she gave me utmost support and especially during exam days she would never allow me to do household chores. My older brother also encouraged me to read many books that developed my understanding. So, growing up in such a situation, I hardly had any worry about gender bias.

 

What basically equality is, therefore, equal access to education, employment and human rights and the like. There is nothing that belongs to him or to her; both genders have the same rights. So, women should ensure their equality by participating and contributing in their community. Now, I can see many optimistic young girls in different places and they have to be role models for the younger ones.

 

What do you have to say to the Youth?

 

Obviously, the youth is the hope of a nation and the society expects much from them. Adolescence is the time when you produce much. The youth have to develop the sense of being independent and self-confident. One might get financial support from a relative or family, but this should not be a means of creating dependency. You have to believe on what you do by yourself. The assistance must be a plus, but not the source of your living.

 

Making good friends and reading are basic things that the youth should exercise. Good friends are important during challenges. Since the world is full of challenges and opportunities, the youth must be wise and patient in choosing the best for them and their country.