As part of the continued effort to organize and unite Eritrean parents in Seattle, Eritreans in Seattle held a meeting on Sunday December 9. The meeting was held at the new Eritrean Community Center (Mahbere Com) in Seattle.

In this meeting several Eritrean experts who are active in the education sector (Yowhanse Solomon, Abraha Zeray and Okbay Kidane) gave presentations touching the following subjects that help Eritrean parents deal with the challenges of raising our kids in the mixed Eritrean American culture:

ü Overview of the education system in the Washington State

ü How to manage and control your kids

ü How to follow the progress of your kids at school using available tools like the internet access to the school system

ü How to deal with unfair treatment of students

ü How to know the friends of your kids and the influence they have on your kids

ü How to pay attention to your kids by improving your communication skills and spend more time with them

In addition Dr. Tekie Mehari also gave a brief presentation and he noted the importance of the parent’s movement and the healthy child to parent relationship. He urged parents to help kids to excel in Math and science. He pledged his support to the parents and indicated that he is very happy with the progress the parents are making.

Miceal Tkabo gave a brief report on the meeting that took place with Home Land Security on Dec 7. He said that the Eritrean participants asked the officials in the meeting why Eritreans are being deported to Ethiopia. Although the officials could not give a response they promised to investigate the issue. Micael urged Eritreans to participate in these monthly meetings in order to make a difference.

The meeting reviewed the progress of the various activities including the sports coordination and information dissemination. Parents are urged to register their kids in the sport activities that are being organized.

In line with the desire to hold meetings in both communities alternately, the next bi weekly meeting will take place at the Seattle Eritrean Community Center (la’leway community). The date will be announced soon.