Dear Atsbha,

Well, your assessment and conviction is right.

Before we go to assessing the merits and dimerits of such issues let's see first how the administration system is built in Tigrai and in Ethiopia. Neeed less to say, I do believe in ensuring the rights of nations and nationalities at any cost. But the system of Federalism is gaining a different moment in the mind of many individuals. To some people traveling to other regions for sake of work is almost impossible and unthinkable though there are handful experts from other regions here in Mekelle.

Coming back to our Awrajas, the feeling is almost the same. This is not to exaggerate the reality but to let you know the real tendency. Some consider it as a potential threat others view it a process of harmony. When those individuals and groups argue on the two points they are almost all emotional rather than rational, tolerance is deteriorating even if it had been a culture in the battle. The upheavals are alarming and they need immediate solutions. The old trick is still functional. Legally you can be a major of Adigrat, Axum, Adwa being from Mekelle but practically impossible.

I raised the same question like yours in a big professional gathering , the reply was that everything should be under the umbrella of TDA.While TDA is one of the corrupted association that lacks transparency and strategic direction and the reaction of participates were "NO". They unequivocally said we do not believe TDA under its current leadership.Because in Tigray there very many rumours and facts about corruption, there is no fair judgment from the politicians or if they evaluated such finding through their cells they send to some other places but no punishment according the law. But if you are considered as potential enermy, them are lost even if you did commit any corruption acts.

For quite some years establishment of alumini and development associations were banned. Let me tell one Example. Because according to the politicians in the regions such organizations are divisive. On the other hand individuals who need free thoughts and certain supports in their schools profoundly adhere to the establishment of Alumis. They banned in Mekelle and some went into Addis and establish an Alumini, that is, in Addis you are free to exercise your rights to organize or do other activities based on the constitution.

In the western World, you can do things in different ways as long as you are free to exercise your fulrights but as to people like us if we complain about administration you are labelled like big political opponents.

The feeling of Awraja is in everyones mind unless we openly solve the issue of Awraja we might not succeed in creating unambrella organization and bring all actors aboard to play their constructive role.

As to your suggestion, I am utmost welcome.
Regards

Yordanos hafti Sara, Mekelle

Creation of Umbrella Organization

As many of you know, there are five Alumni Associations and three Civic (Developmental) Organizations of Tigrai that are operating from the United States. These eight organizations technically represent the eight regions (Awrajas) of Tigrai. Directly or indirectly, one organization belongs to one Awraja. The point is, is the existence of these organizations good or bad for Tigrai and Tigrians?

One may say it is bad basing his/her argument that the creation of these organizations may create a division among us tigrians. On the other hand, others may say it is good because these organizations create a computation among the regions, and when we have a healthy computation, we all grow together. As a result of that growth, Tigrai can prosper.

Even though I personally believe on the second thought, it is fair to say both sides of the argument have a valid point. Having said this, some people may wonder why am I asking for the creation of an Umbrella Organization if I believe the existence of the current organizations is good? Here is the reason why:

1. While I believe the existence of the current Alumni and Developmental Associations is good for Tigrai, I also strongly believe that we can do better if we have an Umbrella organization that accommodates the need and interest of all tigrians.
2. When one Alumni or Civic organization hosts and event, the guests of the event are not only the members of that particular Association. Instead, all tigrians are invited and expected to contribute financially for that Association. This means if we want to participate in all of the eight organizations events, we have to dig our pockets eight times a year; and I do not think that is easy for most of us. As a result, many people may get frustrated or tired of participating in these different events and totally give up. When that happens, these Associations may get weaken and not go much further. With that thought in mind, I want us to stay ahead of the game and have a second plan.
3. Unless we want to deny it, we know that many people still think that these organizations are divisive. Because of that mentality, these people are not doing any thing to support the currently existing organizations. They are waiting to see these organizations forming a bigger and stronger organization that represents the whole tigrai instead of one school or one awraja. Therefore, I like to see these people also aboard and contribute their shares to the betterment of tigrai.
4. Last but not least, many elementary or junior high (7th & 8th) are becoming high schools in many parts of Tigrai. If we make it a habit of organizing our selves under the names of our schools (high schools), then many more Associations will be created with the newly emerging high schools; and I do not think that will do us any good. Therefore, we, all Tigrians, should be wise and start looking for a better alternation before things get out of hand.

In General, because of the above points, I feel that a creation of an Umbrella Organization is important. I understand this is not an easy task and I am not expecting this to happen over night but if we put our minds together, I am sure we can do it. I also want to make sure every body understand that I am not calling for the dismantlement of the currently existing organizations. Instead, I am asking for all Tigrians to come together and start talking and discussing about the idea of a bigger picture as one people from one place with love and respect to each other.

Finally, to help us facilitate and discuss this idea, I have created a discussion Forum at yahoo groups. Please subscribe to UmbrellaTigrai@yahoogroups.com and post your ideas for discussion. Or if you prefer to contact me directly, please send your e-mails to atsbha22@yahoo.com.

Let’s have a new sprite for the new Millennium!!!!!!!!!!

Thank You,
Atsbha Gebru