Our Mission

YPFDJ Oakland is a progressive, grassroots young peoples organization serving the social, cultural, political, and economic needs of the Eritrean community. In a safe and nurturing environment, we aim to build and sustain a self-reliant and empowered community. We do so through youth development, political education, and services that are responsive to community needs and aligned with our core values. 

Why YPFDJ?

Today’s Eritrean youth in the Diaspora are at a crossroads in Eritrean history. Eritreans in the Diaspora have traditionally played a vital and dynamic role in the Eritrean struggle for self-determination. Since the first Eritrean student organizations were established in Europe, North America, the Middle East and Africa in the 1970s, young Eritreans abroad had been actively engaged in setting the course for Eritrea’s revolution. These youth had the enormous tasks of propagating information to the outside world about Eritrea’s unique revolution, contributing the funds required for the continuation of the armed struggle in addition to sending the supplies needed for the unmatched health and political programs implemented by the Eritrean Peoples Liberation Front (EPLF) that were literally carried out underground in order to avoid detection from Ethiopian bombers. Even though the Haile Selassie and Mengistu regimes had the military and economic support of the world’s greatest powers, it was the dedication of the Eritrean people inside the country and abroad that led to the revolution’s eventual success. This was one of the few instances in history in which an oppressed people’s struggle had succeeded while being outnumbered, outgunned and out-financed.

The success of Eritrea’s struggle lies in its focus on the political consciousness of its people and the strong ideological foundation of its political organization. These priorities were present in the organization around the revolution both inside Eritrea and abroad. While it may be more or less obvious how these factors were essential in achieving victory in Eritrea’s isolated armed struggle, the continual role and importance of these priorities becomes more ambiguous in post-independent Eritrea where we have become members of a hostile world community that stresses the ideologies of neo-liberalism, globalization and modernity. Understanding that our armed struggle was fundamentally about the people’s right to self-determination, we now as a people realize that our new task is to construct a nation with a foundation of social justice, social democracy and away from the economic dependence that appears to be ubiquitous in the “Third World.” Today’s generation of young Eritreans abroad must therefore assume their role as their predecessors before them had and arm themselves with the knowledge of the past and the tools to maneuver Eritrea to achieve the noble visions of its martyrs.

YPFDJ in Oakland

YPFDJ has existed in the Bay Area since 2008. Currently, our local chapter serves the Eastern San Francisco Bay Area including Alameda and Contra Costa counties. The East Bay contains one of the highest concentrations of Eritreans in the United States and our members include a variety of young Eritreans from various backgrounds. As a mass organization, our programs and initiatives aim to identify and serve the diverse needs of our young community while creating safe-spaces that can harness the potential of our youth in a value, and principle driven way. We welcome anyone who is interested to make a positive impact in our community in line with the principles outlined in the National Charter (1994).

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the YPFDJ Jebha or Shaebia?

Both. The PFDJ and YPFDJ espouse a hybrid of the traditions and aspirations of both the EPLF (Shaebia) and ELF (Jebha).

Who chooses limits on what topics are discussed?

There are no limits on discussion. Rather, conversations are directed to develop a comprehensive knowledge on subjects. This is done through readings, videos and most importantly discussions with other group members. You will only gain from the activities as much as you put into them.

What special privileges will I be granted in Eritrea as a member of the YPFDJ?

None. Although the YPFDJ will introduce you to critical thinking Eritrean youth who are passionate about Eritrea, while in Eritrea you will not be granted special privileges. Please remember that as a member of the YPFDJ you represent the organization as a whole; therefore please be humble and respectful.

I am only part Eritrean, can I still join?

Yes. The YPFDJ will provide the tools to help you connect to your Eritrean heritage and develop your connection to the community at large.

I don’t know Tigrinya or Arabic (Tigre, Kunama, etc.), can I still participate fully?

Yes, although as a component of our programs we hope that we will improve our ability to use the Eritrean national languages.

Should I join the YPFDJ?

If you agree with the Vision, Goals and Charter of the Y/PFDJ the answer is simple, yes. If you don’t know but would like to know more the answer is also yes. If you are fundamentally opposed to these principles, then you will not find membership fruitful. If you would like to discuss and debate these topics however, then you should also join.