My name is Aleksander Zerom, a current student at the London Metropolitan University and I am writing with regards to my campaign “USBs for Eritrea”.

I am originally from Eritrea which is situated in the Horn of Africa, a relatively young country which only gained independence from Ethiopia in 1991. It has a total population of approximately five million with a very young age structure of the population. Therefore much investment is needed in education to meet the needs of Eritrea’s population. Furthermore, education plays an integral role at both the macro and micro level despite resources being rather limited.

I look forward to the opportunity to visit my homeland this summer and also being able to take part in a tour across the country for young Eritreans living abroad to learn more about our heritage. In a meeting with the organizers of this adventure, it was mentioned that there is a high demand for USB sticks in Eritrea. Due to their portability and usefulness charities, teachers, schools use this device to store large quantities of information which proves extremely practical for academic learning but also education concerning issues such as national HIV prevention.

Everybody at this meeting was asked to donate one USB stick each, however, as the son of migrant parents and having had many relatives and fellow citizens alike sacrifice their lives for our freedom in the longest war in African history, I feel obliged to give something back to those less fortunate than me.

This is why I would like to approach UK businesses to ask for donations of the devices since they are relatively cheap and plentiful. Nevertheless, memory sticks are really effective devices to have and any donations I can obtain collectively from various businesses will make a difference. May aim is to collect a thousand in total.

I am aware that businesses tend to manufacture promotional USB sticks, therefore may have an existing surplus. If this may apply to your firm I would kindly ask that you donate however many you wish to the course. Alternatively, if you your firm does not have an existing stock of new memory sticks, I would ask if you may consider donating unwanted used USB sticks.

In any case, please bear in mind that my trip to Eritrea is scheduled for 12th July 2010, therefore if your company wishes to participate in the course I would appreciate to contact me as soon as it is most convenient.

Any help would be most gratefully received. Thank you for your time, I look forward hearing from you.

Yours sincerely,

Aleksander Zerom