Meadna’s interview with Diana Seyoum, chairwoman of the Eritrean youth association in Sweden

Meadna is conducting a series of interviews with active young Eritreans who are striving to better their community, country and themselves through education and chosen career. Here is meadna’s interview with Diana Seyoum, an Eritrean from Sweden. Diana is a chairwoman of the Eritrean youth association and currently studying Geosciences at University.

Meadna - Please tell us a little about yourself and your role in the youth activities?

My name is Diana Seyoum and I was born in Sweden , Stockholm . I am 21 years old. Now I’m at my second year at Stockholm University , studying Geosciences. It’s a really interesting program to study, there is so much to learn and be a part in. When people are discussing development for a country they are with out knowing talking about geosciences in a big part of it.

I’m the chairwoman in EUF (youth association). When EUF had its annual meeting in February 2007, a new board took place after elections was held. During the last year I learnt a lot about the organization and the work for the youth.

Meadna – if you could tell us briefly about the objectives of your youth association?

The main goal for us in EUF is to gather the youth and inspire them to achieve their goals. It is in all our interest to encourage them to make use of all of the opportunities that are out there in life. In the end they will know what their main focus will be on and will be the role models for the next generation of Eritreans around the world.

To make these happen EUF has four committees; Sports, Media, Culture and Education from the board of EUF. We focus on the youth in Stockholm but we have a good connection with the other youth organization in Sweden , Scandinavia and Eritrea . EUF also play active role during other Eritrean organizations events in Stockholm , this is very important because they are our role models, “you learn while you work” is what we believe in.

Meadna – What kinds of activities does your association carry out?

The youth organization in Stockholm is always busy during the last couple of months, to mention some of the activities that we have organised include lectures, barbeque and sports activities, graduation ceremony, Zura n’Hagerka, youth camp, festival, and others. Zura n’Hagerka is a trip we organise for the youth to Eritrea . . It’s a fantastic opportunity to really experience Eritrea and our culture. We tour the almost the whole country visiting places such as Keren, Sawa, Nacfa, Afhimbol, Massawa, Green Island, Dekemahare, Quahaito and many more.

We organise manifestation in regards to the border problem, the last one we had was 24th of May and hundreds of persons were at medborgaplatsen in Stockholm . It was a great day where a delegation of 8 youth went to three appointments at the Swedish Parliament and the Ministry Foreign Affairs; we handed over a letter about what we stand for, which is peace and justice. At Medborgarplatsen we had invited speakers from Eritrean assicoations and singers, Helen Paulos, Wedi Sheik and Wedi Teages...  took part in our splendid event to show our stand for our rights as Eritrea and Eritreans.  Martyrs day, the day when we remember all those who gave their lives for us and our country. EUF arranges all for the day with support from NHCC.

Meadna - How was your trip (Zura n’Hagerka) to Eritrea ?

The trip to Eritrea was as good as ever, it's the sixth time I visited Eritrea and for each time I go, I always see new things to appreciate. This time I joined the Zura N'hagerka programme where I was one of the leaders.

Zura n’Hagerka is a very special trip that none of the participants will forget. It was an adventure all way trough. We visited many villages and cities that are far from Asmara such as, Aqordet, Sawa, Keren, Nakfa, Massawa, Adi keih, Quhato. The trip was meant to take 9 days but ended up in 11 days because the unexpected things that weren’t calculated in the plans such as the weather made us delayed. During the trip I learned that Eritrean youth who were born abroad have really strong feeling for Eritrea and Zura n’Hagerka is a good way to make sure that they don't lose interest later on in life. The youth have so many memories to cherish with their families and friends.

Meadna - how you do you manage to both study and actively play a leading role in the association?

With good planning for each day ahead of me there is a balance between school and EUF that works out fine. It’s a lot to manage sometimes but I know that both parts are really importent in my life it drives me to work harder for Eritrea through my education and EUF. 

Meadna – You are studying Geosciences what is it about?

Geosciences is a big subject that involves many subjects. In short it is about everything dealing with the earth, Climatology, Chemistry, Hydrology and many more.

Meadna – How did you become interested in the subject?

I have always been interested in earth history in nature, so I looked it up and when I found a programme that matched my interests and I jumped on it.

Meadna – Geosciences, as a subject important to a development of a country, do you plan to help or work for your country?

It's my goal to be able to not only help Eritrea to develop but to be a part of the community as well. And by having education I can do both at the same time. So as soon I'm done with school and have a chance to work with Eritrea I will do it!

Meadna – what was your impression of the conference?

Fantastic! During the three days I learned a lot, that so many youth gathered at a place abroad was impressive for me. I realised that we, Eritrean youth, are as stronge as any could be. We all have a patriotic feeling though most of us are born outside Eritrea . To be an Eritrean youth is a commitment for me and during the conference I saw so many youth who felt the same as me. It’s an experience that I wish many will have opportunity to be a part of in the future. The conference gives you a chance to exhange thoughts and ideas with others. Eritrea will forever be in our hearts where ever we are.

Meadna – Who are your Mentors?

My dad, Tilahun Seyoum, has always been my mentor. He supports and encourages me whenever it’s needed. It’s from him that I learned about our culture that we have to cherish as gold.  There are many in EUF that have more knowledge than me who are my mentors as well. We all learn from our families and friends and in the future we will do the same for the new generation. That’s how we become who we are today, Proud Eritreans!