Keren High School Reunion Event Report:
By Bahlibi Tekle (July 20, 2008)
On behalf of myself and the organizing committee, I would like to extend my gratitude and thanks to all who participated on this nostalgic occasion, either by travelling from all corners of USA and Australia or from all parts of Canada. Our special thanks also goes to our members in Toronto, who helped us financially and morally without which the success would not have happened. Many of you had been communicating with us constantly with constructive advice.
Our thanks goes to Mr Rajan and Mrs Indira Rajan, who travelled from Philadelphia and whose presence enlightened the whole event. Thanks to Mr Roger and his wife Barbara, and specially the slides they shared with us gave a true meaning to the Reunion. Our appreciations and congratulations to the organizing committee who sacrificed their time for the last eight months for a good cause (Bahlibi Tekle, Hassen Feraj, Tesfagabir Mesghina, Zaineb Warah, Yacoub Abdella, Gimaiy Abdella Alishek, and our webmaster Adel Omer .Although Yohannes Ferdinando is in Ottawa, he was an important member of the committee).
The first ever high school reunion from Eritrea held in Seneca College from July 4th to July 6th in Toronto was very successful which went well way beyond our expectations. The objectives of the reunion as was stipulated at its inception were all met. We said it will be a meeting for people from all walks of life and indeed it was. Our slogan was “We learned together and we will bond for ever”. It is a blessing to see every one happy, enjoying them, focusing on old stories, events, jokes, and constructive ideas for the future of our children. The following is a summary of day by day event.
Friday July 4: Our guests out of Toronto started to arrive to their assigned hotel rooms at Seneca College. At about 8:00 p.m dinner was served for every one in the OASIS hall thanks and admiration to our own ladies from and others who managed to prepare the dinner. The nostalgic Mr. Roger’s Keren slides were seen with enjoyment and laughter. After Socializing and getting together for about four hours, music and entertainment was followed until 12:30 a.m. This evening was attended by about 200 people.
Saturday July 5: This was the main day which focused on the main purpose of the event. Registrations and coffee started at 10 am in the lecture hall. The volunteers who helped the registration process were our sons and daughters. Our conference started at 10: 30 am. The high light of the event was the lighting of three candles by three members who were part of the first group of high school students, namely, Medhin Ferdinando, Saadia Aman, and Asfaha Woldemicael. They lighted the three candles in memory of our classmates who couldn’t be with us, our deceased elementary and high school teachers, and in memory of all Eritreans who gave their lives for the sake of freedom. After that one minute silence was practiced.
A brief introduction outlining the objectives of the meeting was given by a member of the organizing committee, Hassen Feraj. A short welcome speech by a member of the first group of Keren high school students, Asfaha Woldemicael, was followed. Elsa Eman delivered her congratulatory note on behalf of our daughters and sons. Mr Rajan and Mr Roger gave excellent speeches focusing on Keren during their stay. Congratulatory letters from Zeresenai, from Dr Demsas, from Dr Mansura and Teclu, and from Ghirmay Hadembes were read. Unfortunately, we received letters from Letti Hadgu and Beimnet Zaid one day later. Mr. Mahmod Kanoni our former director and
Mr. Osman Omer Omran,our former librarian teacher sent their best wishes greetings.
Mr Omran tried so hard to get a Canadian visa to join us here. We thank him for
his willingness and consideration. A member of the organizing committee, Tesfagabir Mesghina, gave detailed analysis of the activities of Keren students during high school years. Dr. Woldemariam Ghebresselase gave a nice lecture on prevention and control of Kidney disease. This was followed by Yohannes Ferdinando‘s speech on social relationships in the past, in the present, and in the future. Lunch was served in the OASIS hall courtesy of the organizing committee. After lunch Saleh Johar gave a speech on tributes to the town of Keren. Dr Ogbay Mesmer’s lecture on heart disease and heart attack was followed. The last official speaker was Dr. Mesghina Yasin reminding parents to act as teachers and friends to their children. On the free period many members gave a concrete advice how to deal with our children and how to make ourselves healthy and happy. Even though every one was equally important in this meeting, Wolday Abbe with his jokes and professional dancing gave salt and pepper to this important occasion and Afeworki Tesfazghi (shehen) entertained the audience with the old Tigre songs. The meeting was concluded peacefully with every one affirming the desire of continuing this kind of event .The meeting during day time was attended by 230 people. Again dinner was served courtesy of the organizing committee at about 8:00p.m. Dancing and entertainment followed until 1:00 a.m.The evening was attended by more than 300 people.
Sunday July 6: This was a picnic day open to anyone. The picnic and BBQ was in a municipal park at Dufferin and Finch. BBQ was served courtesy of the organizing committee from 11:00 am to 6:00 p.m. Many children enjoyed playing soccer, volleyball, and Frisbee. Adults were engaged in nostalgic talks and laughter.
An additional 150 people who were not part of the previous two days participated in this picnic.
In conclusion, the event was very successful and ended peacefully with mutual respect with whatever political ideology one followed, or whatever religion one belonged to. This is the kind of meeting we need which unites us as one people with sole objective of making Eritreans happy and successful wherever they go and whatever ideas they have. Many members who didn’t go to Keren High School participated with good will with purpose of unity and desire of getting together.
We didn’t get an opportunity to choose new committee members from the floor, but some members were nominated as task force members to give ideas when and where the next event would take place. I personally believe we should add more names from all geographical parts of USA and Canada. As the organizers of the first reunion we can not ignore and escape from this cause without having a concrete alternative. I am sure every one of us will collaborate for the success of this cause.
A professional videographer shot the entire event and a copy will be available soon to every one for purchase. A professional photographer also took the entire event.
See you in the next event!!!!!!!!
Bahlibi Tekle
You can send your stories through email to :
webmaster@sweetkeren.com