Why Projects in Eritrea?

The early 20th Century was a time of nation building. New nations on the Baltic, in Central Europe and the Balkans emerged from the 19th century empires which had held them. In the sixties, many new African states became independent from their colonial past. At the end of the Cold War, countries controlled , directly or indirectly, by the Soviet Empire, re-emerged as well. It is in the 1990's that Eritrea, after the 30 Year War of Independence, made its appearance as a sovereign state, taking its seat at the United Nations.

It was also in the20th Century that the ideologies of the 19th Century were played out, often in bloody conflicts. This included the Darwinian observations of the survival of the "fittest", the Marxist promise of heaven on earth, and the notion that technological advances would make life "perfect". By the mid century, the Atomic Bomb had exploded, many people were again dispossessed, the dreams of a " better world" had fading and this old planet had become weary, bleary, battle-worn, degraded and disillusioned, especially about "good" works.

Because of this recent chequered past, many of us are wary of grandiose plans but we can still be touched by some practical efforts to do "good" in the world. We feel that it is in small, realistic, concrete ways that one can support positive projects. While Eritrea has many promising conditions to develop into an economically and socially successful state, the perils also hover such as border problems and drought. Judicious support matters in this balance.

In spite of the obstacles, the Eritreans are energetically developing their country based on integrity, good order, efficiency and fairness. Placed as they are on the traditional trade routes of the Red Sea as well as adjoining Djibouti, Ethiopia, and the Sudan, Eritrea can become a center of commerce and international investment. One huge asset is also the fact that Eritreans are a cheerful, enthusiastic, forward-looking and enduring people, determined that daily life should continue productively whatever the hardships. Education has a high priority, with English being the teaching language from Grade 6 onwards. The Eritrean children and young people are fully occupied with their classes and their jobs at home - overall they look healthy, well-fed, bouncy and cheerful. In school they are also learning to protect the environment and the Ministry of Natural Resources is very committed to this end.

The visitors who come find themselves enjoying the walks in Asmara as well as the cafes cum pastry shops which are part of the Italian heritage. At the bus stops there is usually tea and freshly baked bread buns. Many Eritreans are very friendly and they are generous with invitations to their home. In those cases, the coffee ceremony with popcorn on the side is always offered, as well as a traditional meal is circumstances permit. The Eritreans enjoy these get-togethers as they get to practise their English and convey their pride in Eritrea's progress.

Eritrea is a country where events, plans, celebrations, and schooling actually "matter" and where traditional values have retained a firm place. This solid base is one of the reasons that Eritrea is a rewarding country for return visits. Weddings are carried out with gusto and visitors who happen to walk by get invited to join in the meals and the dancing to the sound of powerful loud speakers. Parades for the International Women's Day are upbeat, with a very large participation of women and the inclusion of school girls. Happy drumming continues well into the night. The men are left to do their own cooking that day, in support of their womenfolk.

In summary, the reasons why the Adamek Foundation considers it worthwhile to support the work the Eritreans are already doing for themselves are:
a) Eritrean recognition that serious work overcomes hardships.
b) their dedication to building a solid future.
c) their generosity to visitors and their in carrying on traditional values. 
d) another feature of Eritrean life is that honesty is an expectation all around, from the market place to the government ministries. The commitment of Eritreans is to use the resources, financial and other, properly.
e) in addition, decisions are weighed as to their consequences, independence is seen as "good" and dependence is to be avoided whenever possible, and accountability is ongoing.

Consequently, all donors to the Foundation will have a part in the Foundation's worth-while educational and environmental projects. They will also be able to see regular progress-reports on this web site and in occasional newsletters.