SWITZERLAND

1st Conference of ENADE was held 2012

In 2012, ENADE hosted its inaugural conference in the city of Geneva. The event gathered together 90 participants, including deaf individuals from various European countries such as the UK, Germany, Norway and Sweden. Over the course of three days, attendees enjoyed vibrant festivities and demonstrated their support for the growth and development of ENADE, aiding deaf Eritreans in Europe keeping pace with EriAND.

SWEDEN

2nd Conference of ENADE in city Stockholm 2013

In 2013, the second ENADE conference convened in Stockholm, spanning three days within the halls of the Swedish Deaf Federation (SDR) in Stockholm. The discussions primarily focused on the amendments of ENADE's constitution, the formulation of regulations. Three new board members were elected during the conference. On the inaugural day, Tv Rahwa, Hanna the President SDR and many guests were participated and joined the proceedings. Their presence was greeted with enthusiasm as they engaged with deaf individuals from various backgrounds. In last Sunday, the event culminated in a vibrant cultural exchange, with deaf Sweden generously volunteering to host foreign attendees for a traditional Eritrean party. This provided an opportunity for guests to immerse themselves in Swedish culture, fostering camaraderie and meaningful conversations. Notably, Swedish Sign Language shares similarities with Eritrean Sign Language, owing to the influence of Swedish missionaries who established schools for the deaf in Eritrea which is known as their first school opened in East Africa.

Germany
The 4th ENADE Conference, 2017 in Frankfurt

The 4th ENADE Conference was held in Frankfurt, where 45 deaf individuals gathered for a three-day event. Attendees enjoyed authentic Eritrean cuisine prepared by our members in Germany and served in the hall of the Frankfurt Deaf Center. At this conference, ENADE elected six new board members to represent the organization, along with a management member to support ENADE members. Two key proposals were also introduced by the attendees: first, relocating ENADE to another European country, and second, renaming ENADE to EDSE to better represent the Eritrean deaf community in Europe. These proposals were noted for voting at the next conference.

Swiss & France Border
5th ENADE Conference, 2019

The 5th ENADE Conference was held on the border between Switzerland and France, near the city of Geneva, in April 2019. During this event, attendees voted on the two proposals presented at the Frankfurt conference. The vote resulted in full support for renaming ENADE to NSF and relocating the organization to Sweden as a member state of the EU to gain support from the European Union.

Additionally, five branch leaders were elected in Germany to serve until the next election. It was also decided that the next conference in 2020 would be held in Frankfurt, and the newly elected German board members were enthusiastic about hosting the event

SWITZERLAND

6th Conference in Fiesch and the first under new name of EDSE 2023

Due the COVID-19 pandemic we cancelled the conference of Frankfurt 2020, we had not shared any official events, instead we used zoom meetings until we held the 6th EDSE conference in 2023. The 6th conference unfolded in the scenic local of Fiesch, Switzerland, nestled amidst breathtaking mountains. Fiesch, located in the district of Goms in the canton of Valais, served as the backdrop for this three-day event, hosted in Feriendorf (Hotel accommodation). Fifty adults and CODA (children of Deaf Adults) participated in the conference, which featured sessions on Friday evening and Saturday afternoon, climinating in the election of a new board member.

Saturday morning was abuzz with various activities, including running, football, swimming, jumping, house climbing, volleyball, basketball, and hunting. On Sunday, attendees embarked on a memorable journey via cable car from Feriendorf to the Eigghorn restaurant. Although they didn't ascend to the Alp mountain, typically accessed by cable car from Fiesch, the group relished the experience. The picturesque setting provided the perfect backdrop for celebrations, including a baby's first birthday, where CODA kids organized a joyful mountain party. Against the backdrop of snow-capped peaks, two and a boy,CODA children, enjoyed skiing before returning to Feriendorf, concluding the conference on a high note.

Sweden

The 7th Conference of EDSE 2024 in Leksand, Sweden

From August 2nd to 5th, 2024, the 7th EDSE conference took place in Leksand, Sweden. Leksand is located in southern Sweden, within the Dalarna province, on the Siji River. It is renowned for its rich traditions, stunning natural beauty, and ice hockey. Leskand is also home to a special campus for the deaf where both deaf migrants and deaf Sweden have access to various educational opportunities, including language learning, professional training, driving licenses, workshops, weekend conference, and more. Some Eritreans studied and settled in Leksand drawn by its peaceful, relaxing environment, which makes it a unique and charming village compared to other parts of Sweden.

During the conference, 32 deaf individuals from Eritrea attended, staying at a local hostel for three days. Saturday was the main conference day, filled with discussions, while outside, CODA children engaged in activities traditional food was served, with grill set up outdoors. Deaf participants enjoyed coffee, chatting, laughing, and signing, creating a warm and unforgettable atmosphere. It was a memorable gathering filled with joy, connection, and cultural exchange.