EPLF HGDEF Vision Pal-talk Room was created in 2015 by a couple of Eritreans in the USA with clear vision and strict policy toward the members and their activities. The primary goal of the room has always been to contribute monetary and essential equipment to war disabled Eritreans and families of martyrs.
The EPLF Pal-talk has also been serving as a platform for Eritreans to get connected to one another and engage in various social, political and economic affairs pertaining to Eritrea, the Horn of Africa and global issues. Scholars who have extensive knowledge and experience give lectures on a variety of topics that allow Eritreans to deepen their knowledge of history and current affairs of their country and countries in the region.
The pal talk operates 24 hours a day to reach Eritreans all over the world who live in different time zones. As the room can accommodate only a limited number of people at a time, a maximum of around 500 participants, it is made available through face book so that many more people can access the lectures and discussions.
Like many Eritreans, I, too, have been interested in listening to lectures and discussions in EPLF pal talk room and enhancing my knowledge about Eritrea and the Horn within the context of world politics. Mesmerized by the dedication and determination of other members of the group, I have always wanted to be an active member of the group. That day came when a number of the members visited Eritrea from different parts of the world, including Sudan, Germany, Canada, USA, Italy, UK, Sweden, Australia, and Switzerland. While they were visiting, they also engaged in recruiting new members, including myself, by inviting them to their meetings and activities they were carrying out in Eritrea.
I sought tangible information from the pal talk’s admin, lecturers and participants and was impressed with the quality of relationship they have. Since its founding, EPLF pal talk has contributed substantial economic support to the War Disabled fund and to the Martyr’s fund. I was impressed not only by the amount of money raised but also by the trust and bond that exists among the members.
When asked how they managed to raise the money, one of the members of the admin said, “We are transparent and have representatives in various cities who collect money from members while others send their contribution through Facebook and Pay Pal. Members make regular contribution twice a year– one for Martyr’s family fund (June 20-July 20) and another for the war disable (October 20- December 20). Members also make contributions for Eritreans, at home or abroad, that need assistance for basic needs or seek medical assistance.” He expressed his gratitude to all those who contributed money and told me about an Eritrean woman who donated 500 Swiss Francs and essential equipment for the war disabled but didn’t want her name to be disclosed.
Another member also said they are all eager to announce their support once the admin mentions the name and nature of assistance the individual needs. Giving such a big amount of money at a time of financial crises worldwide and expressing readiness to assist those in need of support demonstrate our value still exists among Eritreans.
The contribution of members of the EPLF pal talk is not limited to donating money but includes engagement in various activities, individually or in groups, during their stay in Eritrea. For instance, in the recent past, in addition to their financial and material assistance to the war disabled, they participated at the Martyr’s Remembrance Day, spent a couple of days cleaning the kitchen and clinic of the place where the war-disabled live, and had lunch and fun with the war-disabled at an event members of the pal talk organized.
Spending time with those gallant individuals is an amazing experience. Listening to their stories and experiences is, indeed, uplifting. Inspired by the courage of the war-disabled, the EPLF pal talk group implemented a pilot project in collaboration with the Ministry of Labor and Human Welfare (MLHW) a couple of years ago. The project’s objective is to encourage the neediest individuals to be self-sufficient. Although MLHW gave names of 30 potential individuals, the group was able to raise sufficient fund for 65 individuals. During our conversation a member of the admin proudly said, “Gezana (our family of the pal talk) are so generous they raised fund enough for 65. Not only that, last year we also raised fund to buy 12, 000 crunches.”
EPLF HGDEF Vision Pal-talk Room is an exemplary platform for many Eritreans who live abroad and would like to make contributions to support groups such as the war disabled and families of martyrs. It is exceptional for at least three reasons. First, although members live in different places, they have managed to establish a viable organization via high tech. Second, they have time and again proved their commitment to give their support regardless of their situation and in times of crises. Third, they have been able to maintain and transmit the culture of trust and other values to the younger generation.
Eritreans abroad, in general, and those who are active participants in the activities of Eritrean communities at their places of residence, in particular, aren’t new to extending their hand to support their people and government. However, to get organized via pal talk room and create a conducive atmosphere to the participants and followers as well to raise money regularly in all major cities via their representatives is exceptional. This type of organization is reminiscent of the civil society groups that made history during the armed struggle for independence.
Like other Eritrean organizations, the EPLF pal talk room motivates Eritreans of all ages and gender to be knowledgeable about their country and contribute towards efforts for its development. Through the concerted efforts of the government and the people at home and abroad, Eritrean values can be said to have been internalized by the young generation of Eritreans who were born and raised abroad. When the young are encouraged to get involved in activities of Eritrean communities at a young age, it becomes a norm for them to voluntarily engage in any Eritrean cause just as their parents have been doing.