TIGRAI SCHOOLS ALUMNI ASSOCIATIONS
Tslal Tegaru
Tslal Tegaru Organizers
Jan. 02 2008
Dear Brother/Sister:
It is to be recalled that Tigrians of all walks of life are involved in promoting the development of our region. We are proud to say that we are never tired of dreaming and acting to uplift the livelihood and image of our people in everything we can. Hence we heartfully welcome the organization of Tigrians in their respective Alumni and Development Associations and contribute their share. Without a doubt, the Alumni and Development Associations of Tigrai are doing a superb job not only by helping the needy students of Tigrai and encourage them to do better but also by rebuilding the old and building new schools and libraries in Tigrai.
We believe that these Associations have proved successful in mobilizing resources, offer a social space and this speaks volumes about the agility of our compatriot Tigrians to act to the development of Tigrai in times of need. These Associations and its members deserve the credit for their commitment and for a job well done, but most of all, each and every one of us needs to realize that it is our responsibility to keep these Associations going forward and stay alive with full vibration. Hence we whole heartedly safeguard the presence of these Alumni and Development Associations.
We believe that these Associations have proved successful in mobilizing resources, offer a social space and this speaks volumes about the agility of our compatriot Tigrians to act to the development of Tigrai in times of need. These Associations and its members deserve the credit for their commitment and for a job well done, but most of all, each and every one of us needs to realize that it is our responsibility to keep these Associations going forward and stay alive with full vibration. Hence we whole heartedly safeguard the presence of these Alumni and Development Associations.
While we are blessed to have many Associations that work and contribute to the betterment of Tigrai, it sometimes seems something is missing from that blessing. Yes, it is true we are more united than ever at the level of our school Alumni or Awraja Development Associations but as tigrians in general, our unity is in question. Now days, many tigrians including members of the Alumni and Development Associations are deeply concerned about the fact that our unity and solidarity as Tigrians is being compromised, not by the existence of the Associations, but only because of lack of a platform that brings us all together. This is a reality Tigrians of all walks of life share. We need a non-political platform that brings us all together regardless of our political belief so that our destiny as unified and strong people is guaranteed and our children inherit a better and united Tigrai.
Don’t freeze the discussion
By Mengistu Hailu
Dec. 20 2007
It has been already weeks since Atsbah Gebru of Awlaelo Alumni posted an article on creating an umbrella organization of Tigray’s Almuni Associations. I have also read a couple of papers from other people following suit in posting their opinions. Similarly I thought that it is high time to discuss the issue given the renewed interest of many Tigriyans to come together to deliberate on the development future of our region. Hence here are my thoughts. I will be dealing more on the concerns of merging the associations to umbrella org than the solutions of overcoming them. Primarily because I don’t have the solutions, but also because my intention is to continue and encourage the discussion already initiated by Atsbaha and co. But in the end I will try to outline my thoughts (talking points) on how we may proceed.
There seems to be little doubt about the importance of having a bigger and inclusive organization, and thus consensus of many can be assumed as real. But, I personally feel that, the process of how this inclusive organization should be brought into being needs some thinking and talking. Through that, the practical concerns of many of the existing associations and perhaps of individuals may be addressed. I guess we need to boldly start talking about the concerns of the associations so that they reach at some comfort level to talk about it. Creating a comfort zone for these associations should be a prime task.
From my perspective, some of the following, but not limited to, are concerns of the associations and individuals when thinking about having a bigger organization:
Creation of Umbrella Organization
By Atsbha Gebru
Jul. 31 2007
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:
