Copy of HIS-20021-XF101 Worldviews Committee Brief Third Submission 9.12.2022
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HIS-20021-XF101 Worldviews
Committee Brief
Minnie L. Thompson-Jordan
September 12, 2022
HIS-20021-XF101 Worldviews - Committee Brief Third
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Minnie L. Thompson-Jordan
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The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has awarded Agua Sin Fronteras (ASF) funding to expand
our services into new countries. Eritrea was one of the possible countries to be considered for this
expansion as a committee member responsible for making recommendations. Despite the challenges
faced by nonprofits operating in Eritrea, the programs of ASF are critical.
This country is located in East Africa, a strategically important region of the Horn of Africa. It covers an
area of 101,000 square miles, ranging from mountains to coastal plains. Droughts are common in this
arid country. Sudan, Ethiopia, and Djibouti share the borders of Eritrea. (BBC News, 2018).
Eritrea has over 600 miles of coastline, which also borders the Red Sea (Splinter, n.d.). A significant part
of the country's history and culture can be traced to its coastline. There were many valuable trade routes
accessible from the coast's ports. Through the Red Sea, Islam and Christianity were introduced to the
region. After the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869, Eritrea became an Italian colony (Markakis, J. et al.,
2020).
Significant growth and modernization took place in Eritrea during this period of colonialism. Several new
towns have been formed, and ports have been improved. However, Eritreans benefited little from this
growth, mainly benefiting the Italian colonizers (Markakis, J. et al., 2020).
During World War II, Italian rule in Eritrea ended, and Britain administered the country for the next
decade. A federation was formed between Eritrea and Ethiopia in 1952, allowing Eritrea to maintain its
government. Despite this, the union lasted only a short time. Annexed by Ethiopia in 1962, Eritrea
gradually fell under Ethiopian control (Markakis, J. et al., 2020).
During Ethiopia's predominantly Christian rule, Eritrean Muslims suffered the most. An almost 30-year-
long war for Eritrean independence began in the 1960s with the creation of the Eritrean Liberation Front
(ELF). In the 1960s, Eritrean Christians also joined the ELF significantly due to Eritrea's economic and
political conditions. Eritrea achieved independence in 1993 following three decades of war (Markakis, J.
et al., 2020).
Peace did not come to Eritrea after independence. On the contrary, conflicts occurred with surrounding
states, including one with Ethiopia that began in 1998 and was declared over only in 2018.
HIS-20021-XF101 Worldviews - Committee Brief Third
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Minnie L. Thompson-Jordan
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As a result of Eritrea's independence, the leader of the Eritrean People's Liberation Front (EPLF) became
president of a transitional government. Despite this, President Isaias Afwerki's government is still in
place. Per the law, the EPLF was renamed the People's Front for Democracy and Justice. The national
press was closed by the government. Public officials are often also military officers, resulting in a highly
militarized society
(Markakis et al., 2020).
The government has been accused of violating the human rights of its citizens. Citizens are often
conscripted into national service for indefinite periods by the government. (Markakis et al., 2020).
Eritrea has suffered a devastating economic impact due to decades of conflict. The number of primary
school-aged children enrolled in school is only 39%. It is estimated that 73% of those enrolled will finish
primary school. Approximately 25% of the population eligible for secondary education enrolls. On
average, secondary school students can expect to spend five point two out of seven years of schooling.
More than 40% of the population is under 15 years old. The number of people fleeing the country for a
better life has increased significantly over the last few years. (BBC News, 2018).
The agriculture sector accounts for the majority of the economy. Crops are mostly grown on small scales,
or livestock is herded. Farmers use most of the product for their own subsistence, with little left for
trade. The climate, soil erosion, and rough terrain limit the amount of land suitable for cultivation
(Knoema, n.d.).
In the last year for which data is available, the poverty rate was 69%. It seems unlikely that the number
has significantly improved with over twenty years of conflict since then. Only 11.9% of Eritrea's
population has access to basic sanitation and only 22% of its urban population. At least 51.8% of the
population has access to essential water. Surface water is the only water source for 17.1% of the
population. (Knoema, n.d.)
Eritrea has a limited number of healthcare resources. For every 100,000 people in Eritrea, there are
approximately six doctors and 75 midwives. Most of Eritrea's healthcare providers are located in urban
areas, but 80% of its residents live in rural areas that are often excluded from healthcare. Malaria is one
of the most severe public health concerns. Nevertheless, life expectancy is increasing, and infant
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Minnie L. Thompson-Jordan
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mortality is decreasing. Even though private doctors are present in rural and urban areas, they are
usually costly and only serve a small percentage of the population.
(Daniel, 2020).
There are two largest ethnic groups in Eritrea: The Tigray, which constitute 55% of the population, and
the Tigre, which comprise 30%. There are two main languages, Tigrinya and Tigre. In addition to Arabic
and English, Italian is also widely understood. (Markakis et al., 2020).
There is a close 50/50 split in religious affiliation in Eritrea. The Muslim population is about fifty percent,
and the Christian population is about fifty percent. Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church is the largest
Christian denomination at 40% (Markakis et al., 2020).
I see a few potential sources of conflict ASF could face in Eritrea based on its political and social culture.
The cultural differences between Eritrea and other world cultures, as well as that between Eritrea and
the United States, are revealed as we explore some worldview-based conflicts. In a hierarchical society
such as Eritrea, power can be distributed unequally due to inherent inequalities (Hofstede Insights, n.d.).
By contrast, in the United States, hierarchy is established out of convenience, superiors are readily
accessible, and managers rely on the expertise of individuals and teams.
Compared to the United States, it would be best if you didn't talk about religion, politics, or the war until
you have established a strong relationship. The more you get to know people, the more likely they will
open up and speak honestly. It is common to begin a conversation with lengthy greetings, how are your
family, friends, how is work, etc. These questions might include where you are from at an initial meeting.
After asking about one's family and job, it is customary to be very direct with one another. The culture of
Eritrea tends to be very open and welcoming, especially once you meet people.
Despite vast differences between the US and Eritrea, certain aspects of each culture may not change in
the way people interact in groups and at work. As an example, in the U.S., "workers will often prioritize
career advancement even if it means getting ahead in their personal lives" (Markakis, J. et al. (2020). In
Eritrea, however, work groups are treated like family (Culture Crossing, n.d).
In group settings, Americans tend to interact as equals. Workers listen to their leaders because they want
to, not because they are forced to listen. There is a sharper divide between leaders and followers in
HIS-20021-XF101 Worldviews - Committee Brief Third
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Minnie L. Thompson-Jordan
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Eritrea's strict, militarized society. It is expected that a leader's orders will be obeyed. The purpose of this
is not to begin a discussion.
To avoid conflict, I recommend that ASF meet with the various Eritrea groups to clarify our purpose. Our
goal is to improve access to clean water and sanitation. Be clear to the Eritrean groups that there is no
political or religious agenda within the country. Our stated purpose must be understood and abided by
anyone representing ASF. There are instances in which an ASF worker may feel compelled to fix the
situation after witnessing it. In such cases, they must keep our mission in mind and not risk jeopardizing
it.
It is also crucial for ASF to maintain close relationships with different factions. When getting things done,
involving people from each culture can make the difference between success and failure (Shebib, 2003).
A representative from each major religion and a representative from the government would be a
minimum requirement. It would also be helpful to get input from rural and urban populations.
Lastly, I suggest that any ASF personnel assigned to work on the Eritrean project, whether in-country or
not, undergo training on various worldviews. Knowing what to expect in advance will reduce the chances
of conflict when one of the personnel encounters a worldview that is contrary to their own.
My opinion is that ASF intervention is appropriate for Eritrea. It is possible to positively impact many
children's lives if we plan and implement it properly.
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References:
BBC News. (2018). Eritrea country profile.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-13349078
Culture Crossing (n.d) Eritrea
https://guide.culturecrossing.net/basics_business_student_details.php?Id=8&CID=64
Daniel, Hannah (2020, September 16). 5
Things Everyone Should Know about Healthcare in Eritrea
https://borgenproject.org/healthcare-in-eritrea/
Knoema. (n.d.). Eritrea.
https://knoema.com/atlas/Eritrea
Markakis, J. et al. (2020). Eritrea.
https://www.britannica.com/place/Eritrea
Shebib, B. (2003). Choices: Interviewing and Counselling Skills for Canadians, 2nd edition.
https://opentextbc.ca/projectmanagement/chapter/chapter-6-culture-and-project-
management-project-management/
Splinter, H. (n.d.). Background to the border dispute between Eritrea and Ethiopia
http://www.eritrea.be/old/eritrea-ethiopia.htm
U.S. Department of State. (2018). U.S. Relations With Eritrea.
https://www.state.gov/u-s-relations-with-eritrea/
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Submission
Minnie L. Thompson-Jordan
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