Commentary
Observations from Sawa!
By Mike Seium
Jul 27, 2004, 16:24

It has now been a week since my arrival to Eritrea from the U.S and after an immediate tour to Massawa with over 85 kids ranging in age from 13-25 from mostly the East coast of the U.S, through Semenawi Bahri and back to Asmara and on to Keren and Barentu on the way to Sawa! Yes SAWA! The back bone of the Eritrean Nation I am back to Asmara. I can't describe in words the whole trip but I will attempt to keep you all updated since this is an opportunity to do so before I get access to the Internet again.

Sawa's 10th year anniversary was just marvelous and I must say that the attendance was something that no one ever expected. Eritrean youth the future of the nation gathered from all over the globe together to witness one of the most memorable moments in Eritrean History. The reality on the ground about the place that was created to educate and defend Eritrea's sovereignty was eye witnessed by thousands and thousands of people. Seminars organized by government officials and the NUEYS-Eritrea that included many other youth groups from the Diaspora and within Eritrea were playing major roles in the enhancement of the role the youth have played in the past and will continue to play in the future. It was an amazing display of Unity that can never be matched by any other country.

Eritreans once again proved that when it comes to their nation no one can get in the way. Sawa is truly a unique place but most of all a place where one can appreciate the value of hard work and dedication. The President of Eritrea, his Excellency Issias Afwerki and the many other government officials including Defense Minister General Sebhat Ephrem, along with Foreign Minister Ali Said Abdella, Information Minister Ali Abdu, PFDJ Secretary Alamin Mohamed, Justice Minister Fawzia Hashim, Labor Minister Askalu Menkerious just to mention the few were all in attendance with thousands and thousands of Diaspora Eritreans as well as many from within during the opening day ceremony. Awards were given to the best of the best while the parade showed a display of unity never seen before. The whole event can be seen on ERI-TV. It was truly a moment that showed that Eritreans will overcome any obstacles and the term "Against all Odds" was truly a deserving title for a proud nation.

Because of my limited time I hope that I have been able to express my feeling about this particular time and event taking place in Eritrea and I want to assure everyone that the "INSTITUTION WITH WHICH THE ERITREAN NATION IS BUILT ON IS STRONGER THAN EVER". No one can stop a determined army of people conjoined with a leadership quality that is the best of it's kind. Eritrea is truly in good hands.

>From Sawa/Asmara, Eritrea
Mike Seium saying so long until next time.


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