Could you tell us something about yourself?

 

My name is Rahel Weldeab and I work in the Foreign Affairs Department at the National Union of Eritrean Youth and Students (NUEYS) Central Office. I am also member of the NUEYS Central Council. I’ve been a staff member of NUEYS for about six years and a core member for a couple of years. My educational background includes having a Bachelors Degree in Public Administration (minor in political sciences), which I received from the University of Asmara.

 

When did you come to Eritrea?

 

I came to Eritrea, with my family, in September 1998.

 

Was it your or/and your family decision to come to Eritrea?

 

It was my family’s decision to come back (my whole family moved back), although I have to admit that I was quite enthusiastic about it. I thought that it would be a great adventure to come back to my country of origin. While growing up, my relatives were always telling me about Eritrea; since I was young, my intuition had always told me that I would go back to Eritrea one day. To move to Eritrea from the United States was very hard in the beginning, but after doing my military service, my whole outlook on life changed and now I think that coming back to Eritrea was the best thing that ever happened to me.

 

What is your driving force towards being active person on national affairs?

 

It is true that with the advancement of information communication technology, people can communicate easily with other people from different countries, cultural backgrounds and ideological ways of thinking. This in turn can develop into an idea that nationalism is over-rated; fading away and that we now live in a world without borders. Those who agree with such a concept are often people who do not feel an intimate connection with their country, identity and history. This is simply not the case for me as I cherish these things very much. In other words, I feel blessed to claim citizenship, as well as a history and identity that I am most certainly proud of. Moreover, my nationalistic feelings define the values and principles I believe in, the decisions I make on a daily basis and how I want to shape my future. As a result, I think that nationalism could not fade away; on the contrary, nationalism is a way of life.

 

You grew up in a different culture; are there any challenges you face in your daily life here?

 

I tend to be more independent and determined than the culture allows for women. This is the main challenge I face in my daily career—that I would be discriminated against or that I would intimidate people because of my gender. The way I see it, despite such a challenge and in lieu of people judging me unfairly, as a young Eritrean woman I have to acknowledge a special responsibility. It is important that young Eritrean women stay motivated and advance themselves because they have a pledge to uphold for the sacrifices women had made to bring independence and defend the country’s sovereignty. We have so many more opportunities and rights than our mothers and grandmothers did because of such sacrifices.

 

Despite growing up in a different culture, being in my own culture has had plenty of advantages and it’s been an amazing learning experience. I have a very high appreciation for the cultures of all the nine ethnic groups in Eritrea and the principles and values that make them a united people. I’ve visited almost all the cities and towns of Eritrea. Through my studies and work experience, I’ve gained extensive knowledge on Eritrean development policies. Moreover, due to national service and various field works, I am able to resist harsh weather and living conditions. Ahead of a certain ethnic group, religion or gender, I consider myself Eritrean. I am grateful that I am able to claim such a beautiful culture and heritage.

 

Can you describe your experience in Eritrea vs. that of the Diaspora?

 

When I used to be part of the Eritrean Diaspora, I had always known that I was Eritrean. Still, there were only a few occasions that I could fully express or feel Eritrean, like during independence celebrations and when I used to bring Eritrean artifacts to school for ‘show and tell.’ Coming back to Eritrea and especially after completing both military and national service, there is nothing anybody could say that would make me doubt my identity or my Eritrean citizenship. In the United States, I was always an immigrant. In Eritrea, I am a full citizen with the right to play a pivotal role in my country’s affairs. Being an ardent believer in public service and volunteerism, I feel a huge responsibility when it comes to how I can contribute to the development of my country—something I don’t think I would have ever felt in the United States. As an Eritrean living in Eritrea vs. in the Diaspora, I have plenty of opportunities to serve my country even after I’ve completed national service. In turn, this has given much meaning to my life.

 

What are the major activities of NUEYS’s foreign department?

 

The NUEYS Foreign Affairs Department works in two major areas: activities related to Eritrean youth in the Diaspora and relations with other youth around the world. With the latter, we ensure our participation in international youth unions, the global youth movement in general, and we have bilateral relations with youth from other countries. When it comes to working with/for Eritrean youth in the Diaspora, we conduct many activities, especially during the summer when many of them come to Eritrea for vacation. Besides, the bi-annual national youth festival (the Eri-Youth Festival held in Sawa), every year the Foreign Affairs Department organizes the Zura Hagerka (Know Your Country) tour program. NUEYS also has external branches and we coordinate activities and share information with them. Whether for Eritreans in the Diaspora or young foreigners, the FA Department also facilitates for youth to volunteer, do research, and conduct national service in Eritrea.

 

Do you have the real situation in SWOT analysis form of Eritrean youth in the Diaspora?

 

We have conducted situation analyses when it comes to our branches abroad and Eritrean youth in the Diaspora in general. Still, it is difficult to conduct a SWOT analysis on their situation because 1) Eritreans in the Diaspora live all over the world, in different socio-economic situations; and 2) their environment can be quite different from that of Eritrea.

 

A major strength of Eritrean youth in the Diaspora, especially as witnessed in the past several years, is the degree of nationalism felt among them. An example of such nationalism is their participation in the Eri-Youth Festival—each time, the number of participants from the Diaspora increases. Although their nationalism is considered strength, their weakness is identifying opportunities to participate in their country’s affairs. They don’t necessarily have to come to Eritrea and do national service—although it is a perfect way to not only contribute to Eritrea’s development but also to learn more about their identity, culture and history. Being active in their communities and advocating for Eritrean issues is also a viable way of actively participating in Eritrean affairs. Although this might be a weakness, we have witnessed an increase of young Eritreans from the Diaspora coming to Eritrea to volunteer and /or do national service; there are also many who are very active in the Eritrean communities abroad. There are many opportunities to be realized when it comes to Eritrean youth in the Diaspora. By educating themselves and becoming familiar with their home country, they can play a major role in the development of Eritrea. A threat would be the lost of Eritrean identity among the youth in the Diaspora. The Eritrean community has a major responsibility in ensuring that the youth do not loose their sense of Eritrean identity. The NUEYS Foreign Affairs Department is also working hard so that this doesn’t happen.

 

How do you evaluate the impact of the activities?

 

Our activities have had a great impact, especially with the Eritrean youth in the Diaspora. After participating in the 3^rd Eri-Youth Festival and the Zura Hagerka tour program this past summer, there are many youth still talking about their experience and planning their next trip back to Eritrea. Honestly, we weren’t anticipating such a huge, positive impact. I know of youth who are seriously considering moving permanently to Eritrea. I don’t blame them; besides having constructive experiences this past summer, just being able to witness the charm of Eritrea and her people is enough to motivate anyone to move back and become vital actors in their country’s development.

 

Could you please tell us of the future programs of your department?

 

The Foreign Affairs Department of NUEYS is willing to include and increase any activity that will motivate young Eritreans to come back to their country and contribute in any development initiative. The department is also working vigilantly to have a positive impact on the region, especially in the Horn of Africa. This past summer had also witnessed the Regional Youth Peace Forum where Horn of Africa youth came to Asmara to discuss peace and sustainable development for the region. This forum saw the establishment of the Horn of Africa Youth Initiative (HAYI), which is a network for youth organizations of the Horn to come together and play their role in peacebuilding as well as in the development of the region.

 

What do you think is the role of Eritrean youth in the Diaspora in nation building endeavors?

 

First and foremost, the youth have to educate themselves. Once they’ve equipped themselves with an education, they should come back to Eritrea to practically use their knowledge towards the development of their country. How they contribute to nation building processes would depend on what field they’ve completed their studies in. Since Eritrea as many untapped resources, opportunities and potential, I cannot imagine any profession that could not be highly appreciated in our country.

 

If there is any, what do you think is the main hindrance Eritrean youth in the Diaspora face not to participate in their national activities?

 

The main hindrance for their participation would be if they lack the feeling of Eritrean identity or nationalism. As I’ve mentioned, the general Eritrean community has a major role to play when ensuring that their children and youth know about their Eritrean identity. Eritrean communities should encourage the participation of the youth in all activities and include them in planning, organizing, implementation, and decision making processes. By actively participating in their community affairs abroad, the youth will be more equipped to contribute to national activities in their country of origin.

 

Parents have an important role to play when it comes to having their children identify themselves with Eritrea. Parents should take time to teach their children their mother tongue. They should teach their children about Eritrean culture, heritage and history. Moreover, parents should encourage their children to visit Eritrea and see things for them selves, not only to witness all the development taking place but also so that they know their family and roots here in Eritrea.

 

What is your message to the Eritrean youth in the Diaspora?

 

Go ahead and take the initiative to learn more about your country by coming to Eritrea to do either national service or volunteer work with NUEYS. Although it takes a village to raise a child, it takes personal aspiration, motivation and commitment for you to get to know and develop yourself. Knowing your country, culture, heritage and history is essential to learning more about yourself and how you’d like to shape your future.

 

What is Eritrea or Eritrean-ism to you?

 

Eritrea for me is a beautiful country made up of very beautiful and determined people. Eritrea is a country of great potential. Eritrea is my home. Eritrea is the core of my pride and existence; I wouldn’t be who I am today if it weren’t for my country. I am a very proud Eritrean and I remember everyday the sacrifices that has brought us to this point. Driven by the fact that so many have died for freedom, Eritrean-ism to me means taking on the full responsibility so that the sacrifices of our martyrs would never be in vain.

 

Any thing you want to add?

 

In upholding the legacy of our martyrs, it is important to take on the responsibility of supporting their children. Accordingly, not just because it is an honorable and noble thing to do, but also to keep us reminded of the legacy we have towards our beloved martyrs, it is important to contribute in any way you can to the martyrs/fallen heroes trust fund.