Shabait.com (Asmara)
3 September 2008
Asmara — Over two hundred young Eritrean-Americans participated in the 2008 YPFDJ - North America Conference in Washington DC. The three-day conference began Friday with opening ceremonies from the hosting committees and group presentations from chapters around North America and Europe. Over thirty YPFDJ chapters were in attendance from countries spanning the United States, Canada and Europe combined.
Honored guest and speaker Mr. Yemane Gebreab, discussed pertinent topics concerning the state of Eritrea and the role of youth. The program began with oral histories of the various organizations including the youth organizations that developed during the liberation struggle and their evolution within Eritrean society.
He also stressed the importance of community organizations, developing ideas and Diaspora youth being participatory and active in Eritrean affairs and securing Eritrean sovereignty. The youth also discussed the challenges faced in organizing while living in the Diaspora.
The closing ceremony included a surprise visit from active members in the struggle and parents from the Washington DC area from organizations such as NUEW, ECCC, and ENHOC planning committees. Each parent gave all youth in attendance a medal with a flaming torch to symbolize the inheritance of what was dubbed by attendees throughout the weekend, Eritrea - land of dreams.
Over four hundred youth were in attendance. This is the second time Washington DC has hosted the YPFDJ - North American conference.
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