The National Union of Eritrean Youth and Students (NUEYS) is among the oldest organizations in Eritrea that has a vast membership of youth and students. It was established in 1979 and played a great role in mobilizing the Eritrean youth in the struggle for national liberation. It operates throughout the country, as well as among Eritrean youth in diaspora. NUEYS strives towards the full realization of its mission that is “to build a strong youth that participates in all national affairs with responsibility, enlightenment and dedication.” Toward that end, the organization has planned and implemented a diverse set of activities that could contribute to the betterment of Eritrean youth.
The department of culture and information is one of the branches of the organizational structure of NUEYS that makes every effort to inform, enlighten and reach Eritrean youth through different media outlets. It has a program within the national radio program, Dmtsi Hafash and Eritrean television, Eri-Tv. In print media, it has secured a column in Haddas Ertra- a daily newspaper. Besides that, the organization has its own magazine called Menesey which literally means youth.
Article 5 of the constitution of the National Union of Eritrean Youth and Students (NUEYS) states that “the official publication of NUEYS shall be Menesey. Menesey is a bimonthly magazine published in Eritrean languages and is circulated throughout Eritrea in print form. It can also be accessed on its web: www.eriyouth.org. The magazine, as mouthpiece of Eritrean youth, started in 2004 and since then has gained popularity and credibility amongst a wide range of its readership. The magazine also serves as platform of discussion and participation.
The magazine, as an instrument, has a modest contribution to the realization of the objectives of NUEYS including but not limited to “Building enlightened youth that know and respect their culture and history, are proud of their identity and possess a broad way of thinking and culture.” The magazine has numerous columns include commentaries from readers, voice of the organization, analysis, ideas, panel discussion, exemplary youth and students, society, art and culture, science and technology, sports and so on.
Written by Simon Weldemichael