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Hope on the horizon-Eritrean youth conference in Seattle a huge success! Last Sunday was the
closing of a weekend-long youth conference in Seattle, where over 60 young
Eritrean-American youth from all over the United States and Canada, gathered
for an exchange of creative ideas and thoughts on leadership skills. The National Union
of Eritrean Youth and Students in Seattle put on this professionally
organized conference and it was a huge success. It was indeed a beautiful
thing to see many brilliant young Eritrean minds come together to learn from
and grow with each other. As one of my good friends and mentor, Dr. Millie
Russell, once said, "We are only smarter collectively." To that, I
also must add: We are wiser and stronger collectively. This weekend made us,
of the older generation, witnesses to our youth translating this
saying into action with professionalism and the utmost respect for each
other, their heritage, and the community of their host city. They
showed their capability to make moves toward positive change and development
by taking their roles very seriously as today's organizers and tomorrow's
leaders. This is the moment many of us have been waiting for, our young
adults picking up the pieces of multi-cultural living, and putting it in a
place that fits within their own lives and that of their motherland. We as adults have
tried to do many good things for ourselves and for our people. In the
process, we have also made many mistakes. As a result, instead of moving forward, we either remain
stagnant or even take a few steps backwards. I believe the moment has come
for us to regain our hearts and souls through our youth. They are our hope
for now and the future. We must listen to them and support them in anyway we
can. Responses from
participants were also very positive. Those I had a chance to talk to
expressed their satisfaction with the efficiency and flow of the conference,
and the professionalism of its organizers. Many also commented on the beauty
of the brotherly and sisterly bonding that took place between all the
participants. Let us not make any mistakes. We all
understand that there is always a challenge when you start to organize
people, and it seems this youth group has already overcome that first
obstacle to positive change. When you keep your minds and hearts focused on
your vision, you will ultimately reach your destination with success. I believe, at least
60 "Shingrwa" (stars) finalists were discovered in this weekend’s
youth conference. I also have a feeling that many more will shine through
with their collective efforts. To those who organized this outstanding conference, I salute you for a job well done. To those who came from different corners of the United States and Canada, to learn and/or share leadership skills, I commend you for your dedication.
Lette Hadgu Seattle 
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