EDUCATED YOUTH
My sojourn began at Asmara Palace Hotel, where I encountered a young Eritrean woman whose sharp intellect and linguistic prowess left an unforgettable impression on me. At not more than 22 years old, she effortlessly conversed in four languages, seamlessly transitioning between Tigrinya, Arabic, English and Italian.
Her command over each tongue was not merely a display of linguistic aptitude but a testament to the country’s commitment to education and infusion of worldliness to its young population.
I wouldn’t have known what languages she spoke had she not spoken to me in Tigrinya, to which she saw through my initial perplexity. I resorted to my favourite line whenever ethnical ambiguity engulfs my person: “I am Somali.”
After establishing that, she quipped, “Are you the only one who looks like us or do all Somalis look like us Eritreans?”
Without much thought, I jokingly replied, “No, I think it is you guys who look like us, I was wondering the same thing.”
She proceeded to tell me tales of how the older generation are fond of how much Somalia and the Somali people lent a helping hand to Eritrea in its long history of the struggle for independence.
As one of the first encounters in the country, I was pleased with the young lady’s social grace and mannerisms. And I enjoyed every bit of the small talk, which resulted in my finding out she was indeed a competent polyglot.
After a well-deserved rest, I woke up early the next day and ventured out onto the street at 5.25am, thinking it would be ideal to stroll around before the city woke up.
I was surprised to find that I was among so many people in the streets. I later learned that normally, the work day starts early in this part of the world, and there is a national cycling culture with bicycles galore.
With an intriguing and illustrious cycling heritage, Eritrea has produced many cyclists who dominate on big international racing platforms. Cyclists from Eritrea have participated in and won significant victories from both regional and international cycling races. As a result, Eritrea is widely regarded as Africa’s cycling superpower.
It was outside the confines of my hotel room that I continued to truly witness the essence of Eritrea’s societal fabric. Each morning, as the sun rose up, I observed groups of young schoolchildren embarking on their daily journey to education.
Clad in neatly worn red shirts with black necks and sleeves, black trousers and black boot uniforms, they navigated the city’s streets on bicycles, sometimes two students on a single bicycle on the dedicated bicycle lane along the city’s main roads.
HOPEFUL PEOPLE
The sight of these young cyclists traversing the streets of Asmara stood in stark contrast to the narratives often propagated about Eritrea. Far from being a nation of gloom, here was a land brimming with youthful energy and optimism.
Walking around the marketplaces of Asmara, Eritrea with visiting acquaintances was an enriching experience filled with vibrant colours, diverse aromas and an overwhelming palpable sense of community.
The markets boast a large assortment of fresh, locally sourced produce that reflects the rich agricultural strength of the region. From plump tomatoes and crisp greens to sweet fruits and aromatic spices, the bounty of Eritrean soil is on full display. With its farms feeding its population, food sovereignty is a leaf to be borrowed from this wonderful place.
Walk out of the stalls of produce and you will encounter an ingenious local industry, which caters to the varied daily needs of the Eritrean society.
Skilled artisans craft everything from intricately woven fabrics and traditional handicrafts to essential household items and modern appliances. The ingenuity and craftsmanship evident in these products speak to the resourcefulness of the Eritrean people, who have mastered the art of self-reliance.
A striking aspect of the marketplace is the presence of a well-equipped workforce, comprising competently educated, trained and talented youth, who are equally balanced between males and females.
In this country, you will find a high degree of equitable distribution of both genders in almost every sector of society, a feat only achieved by few societies in the world, let alone in the African continent.
These young individuals, armed with knowledge and skills acquired through a well-catered education and vocational training programmes, contribute significantly to the local economy. Whether managing businesses, providing services or innovating new products, the youth of Asmara exemplify the promise of Eritrea’s future, which has been well taken care of in my estimation.
As one navigates through the bustling marketplaces, it becomes clear that they are not just places of commerce but also bustling points of social interaction and cultural exchange.
Conversations flow freely, laughter fills the air and bonds are forged over shared experiences and common values as well as local customs that are uniquely African.
I have taken keen interest in the manner the young greet the elderly with such reverence that you wish you were an Eritrean elder. Walking through the marketplaces of Asmara offers a glimpse into the heart and soul of Eritrea, the like which you find where tradition and modernity coexist and the spirit of community thrives.
Source link : https://www.the-star.co.ke/news/big-read/2024-05-27-eritrea-a-hidden-gem-that-defies-gloomy-narratives/
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Publish date : 2024-05-27 07:00:00
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