Vol 24 No. 89 Saturday, January 6, 2018 Pages 8, Price 2.00 NFA

Local Government Ministry Reviews 2017 Work Accomplishment

In a meeting it conducted this farmland preparation for week, the Ministry of Local cultivation, land disputes Government reviewed work management, village regrouping, accomplishment of 2017 and forestry and wildlife protection, mapped out programs for 2018. vegetables and fruits development, election of area administrators During the meeting, the and managing directors as well Governors of the six regions as strengthening the role of the presented activity reports of 2017 administrations in redressing the vis-à-vis their implementation, environment. the challenges encountered and the participation of the public. Noting that the year 2017 was Government, Mr. Woldemichael major development programs with the success of the charted out The programs accomplished in a springboard for the second Abraha, explained that initiatives a view to improving the livelihood development schemes, village 2017 include research on land quarter of the post-independence have been taken to establish of citizens. regrouping, the putting in place of management and allocation, period, the Minister of Local development zones and map out social service provision facilities, Regarding the development development of irrigation farming, programs for 2018, the Minister strengthening water management said that conducting pertinent and preventing illegal trading study on development programs activities are among the programs Meetings on Development Programs and seek solutions, working for for 2018. Meetings aimed at discussing that satisfactory achievements and Area administrations. development programs for 2018 was registered in preventing In a similar meeting in the were conducted in the sub-zones communicable diseases and Dubarwa sub-zone, the sub-zonal of Serejaka and Dubarwa. During promoting environmental Administrator, Mr. Abraham Teka, the meeting in Serejaka sub-zone, sanitation, construction and stated that praiseworthy activities the Administrator of the sub zone, renovation of roads, soil and including land allocation, tax General Secretary of Synod Mr. Tesfu Fissehatsion, explained water conservation as well as collection, installation of potable that the active involvement of the planting thousands of tree water pipelines and agricultural Gives Benediction parents, school management seedlings. extension activities were personnel and teachers had a undertaken in 2017. His Holiness positive impact on the students Mr. Tesfu also noted that the The participants on their part Abune Lukas, interest in education. programs for 2018 would be expressed readiness to reinforce General Secretary implemented and called for contribution to the success of the of the Eritrean The Administrator stated integrated activity of the public set out development programs. Tewahdo Orthodox Church Synod, gave benediction in connection with Resolve to Strengthen Participation in National Development Geez Christmas.

The Eritrean Community members stage by foiling external conspiracies Israel to fulfill their obligations and The General in Israel held a meeting and pledged through unyielding determination ensure their rights. He also called on Secretary of the to reinforce participation in national and said that major development the nationals to increase awareness, Synod wished development programs. achievements have been registered. strengthen organizational capacity a merry Geez and reinforce participation. Christmas to the Speaking at the event, the Charge Regarding consular services, Mr. Eritrean people the needy and assist families of d’Affairs of the Eritrean Embassy Solomon underlined the importance Recently, the Eritrean Embassy in inside the country and abroad, martyrs. in the country, Mr. Solomon Kinfe, of active engagement of the leaders Israel organized a similar meeting members of the Eritrean Defense said that the people and Government of the Community in the effort being to the Eritrean nationals residing in Force, as well as the sick. His Holiness also wished of have secured a promising made to enable citizens residing in Eilat and Beersheba. Christmas to bring peace and His Holiness Abune Lukas called prosperity as well as success to on the faithful to extend hand to national development programs.

Eritrea Profile wishes a Merry Geez Christmas Eritrea Profile,Saturday, January 6, 2018 Vol 24 . No 89 2

Social Services development in Southern Denkalia Sub-zone

habtom Tesfamichael archeological sites and discovering new ones. The southern Denkalia sub- zone is the biggest sub-zone in Tourism in the sub-zone is the Southern Red Sea region in helping to ignite business for the terms of population and size. This underground hot springs in Sireru, strategically situated sub-zone archaeological sites such as a along the Bab el Mandeb is home buried city of Hasereba (situated to the majority Afar ethnic group. near Rehayta), and ancient It has ten local administrations: Mosques of Tio and Edi. There Abo-Kiloma, Harsile, Debeshima, are also historically important Beilul, Berasuli, Wede, Sduh-Ela, paintings and stone scriptures in Sireru and Mindg. The southern Ayumen, Beylul and other places Denkalia sub-zone stretches about of the region. Along the coasts 300 KM from Ascoma to Ras of the Red Sea the Berasole, Dumeira and has a population Halib, Gdr and Fatima are rich of over 27,000. The sub-zone in maritime resources such as includes around 30 islands the Dugongs. This sub-zone is among which Halib, Fatma, located in the middle of the East Berasuli archipelago are islands African rift valley where several where most fishing activities are cases of volcanic eruptions conducted. Most of the islands and tectonic movements occur. have spectacular landscapes As some historical evidences suitable for tourism activities like The southern Denkalia sub- produce fruits mainly date Italians were initially stationed show there have been several swimming, diving and camping. zone hardly had social service palms and vegetables in Rehaita, in this region in an area known as volcanic eruptions in the region. The coast is rich in mangroves and provisions before Eritrea’s Abo-Kiloma, Harsile, Beilul, Harsile Mergabla. It was there that The recent volcanic eruption at a wide variety of fish. independence. Therefore, all social Berasole and Bhaita. The Rehaita the Italians encountered their first Sireru is a good example for the service provisions had to start agricultural site was founded by indigenous opposition from the volatile nature of the region. The The majority of the population almost from scratch. In the last the Afar Sultanate of Rehaita Afar in Beilul and Sireru where volcano that erupted in 1856 was lives on fishing, pastoralism and 26 years, the government, as part Abdeelkaader Dawud. Mr. Abdu many of the colonial army were felt beyond the region in some trade while subsistence farmers of the strategic rural development Ali, governor of the southern killed. One can find archeological parts of southern Yemen and deep engage in agriculture. The sub projects, has laid numerous Denkalia sub-zone says that the remnants of the Turkish around inside Ethiopia. The incident is zone has hot and temperate social service institutions which farmers are encouraged by the Berasole. Moreover, the PLF1 was still remembered as “the year of climates. Most of the land in the include water supply, education Ministry of Agriculture branch founded in Sduh Ela by Eritrean smoke.” That of 2010 was also sub-zone is covered by palm, and healthcare services that have in the southern region to increase fighters who escaped from the deeply felt and had an impact acacia and other indigenous trees enabled the people to lead better their produce both in quantity and ELF and crossed to Yemen. One of on lives in Ethiopia, and the ash that serve as a habitat to different life conditions. Today, solid quality. the renowned battle ground in the reached many parts of the species of wild animals such as foundation has been laid out to 1998-2000 Ethiopian offensives and northern African countries. the Zebra and Ostrich. Palm trees facilitate future undertakings. Here Tourism known as the Burie Trenches Besides, it is well placed in the known for their multi-purpose we will see some developments. where the Ethiopian regime map of important archeological cover most of the land, and local This sub-zone is one of the areas suffered a heavy loss is found in sites in Africa. people use them for making huts, Agriculture rich in history in the Southern this sub-zone. The Ministry of carpets, as well as for food and Red Sea region. Before their Tourism in the Southern Red Sea Education drinks to people and animals. Farmers of this sub-zone expansion towards the north, the region is engaged in protecting the Education is a fundamental human right and the main driver of development. A nation with higher percentage of literacy is likely to have better economy Published Every and is necessary for social Saturday & Wednesday empowerment. Educational service, though inadequate, was Acting Editor given until 3rd grade during the Italian colonial era and remained Amanuel Mesfun so until independence. Thanks [email protected] to the government’s investment P.O.Box: 247 in education, 18 schools from Tel: 11-41-14 kindergarten to high school have Fax: 12-77-49 been opened and are rendering E-mail: service effectively. There are profile@ zena.gov.er more than 2500 students enrolled Advertisement: 12-50-13 in 2017 and these students are taught by teachers who speak their Layout mother tongue. Furthermore, in order to reduce student dropouts, Azmera Berhane Aida Johar continued on page 5 Eritrea Profile,Saturday, January 6, 2018 Vol 24 . No 89 3

A note on

What need to be done to become a tool for nation branding?

Mela Ghebremedhin give her the price list?” he asked However, all routes to Europe kindly. She seemed bothered “I were suspended in 2012. The Branding a nation is a complex am working on something else”, sanctions imposed on Eritrea and concept that remains new to the she replied. But I stood there and the flying conditions had impacted African continent. It allows a kept asking and she finally gave Eritrea’s only international country to sell its image through me the prices and some other airline company. The resumption strategic communication. In the information. One can imagine my of flights by Eritrean Airlines to globalized world, being able first impression in the first five Europe provides more options to brand a nation can attract minutes at the office. to travellers. However, there are investment and tourism. Airlines some hick-ups I have witnessed companies, thus, have been A one-way ticket to Assab costs such as last minute changes of useful in branding a nation by 1,000 Nakfa. For the trip back to date of flight, making tourists promoting a country’s hospitality, , travellers have to buy a and Eritrean diaspora angry as for instance. Like other nations, ticket in Assab. , , their stay in Eritrea is abruptly Eritrea needs to promote its image Dubai are other destinations cut short against their wish, for through different tools including offered. In the advertisement example. its airline company. published in local newspapers, it showed Rome-Asmara and Going back to the few minutes After the announcement made Cairo-Asmara are included. I was exchange with the travel agent, by Eritrean Airlines of the surprised to find that there are no a return ticket to Milan costs commencement of its flights to flights to Rome but Milan; it was travellers 602 US dollars, to Cairo various cities in the region and a mistake in the advertisement. 670 US dollars and to Dubai 450 to Europe including discounts, US dollars. Although I had more (despite not being able to reach Nevertheless, Milan is a good questions to ask, the agent was in the civil aviation) I just decided destination for the airline as a rush to close our conversation to walk to the travel agency of the many in Europe can easily travel by saying, “Are we done now?” airlines right by the Cathedral at to Milan to fly with Eritrean Wow, very attractive! The price the city centre in Asmara. From Airlines. I remember a few years is fine for Milan; however, the outside, the office looks back when flights to Europe used it does not seem to be at that attractive with posters showing to be packed, especially during the competitive price with foreign destinations and prices. But summer holidays. Many members airlines companies operating in inside the quite vast office was of my family actually chose the the country. Besides there is only somehow empty. A young man airlines and always shared the one flight to and from Milan on was sitting behind his computer great hospitality on board of the Saturdays. This may be risky for After the very short experience overall perception of a country and he was actually the only one flights. The suspension of all a traveller who needs to change at Eritrean Airlines office, many according to six areas including who noticed me standing there flights was a disappointment to his/her flights as he/she would would wonder why write about it. governance, exports, investment, waiting for someone to welcome the people. have to wait a minimum of seven Actually, the idea here is not to tourism, people and culture. On me. days to board on the next flight. criticise the company but instead the African continent, nation Eritrean Airlines was founded Other airlines have at least three to show that a little experience branding remains unutilised and I went to the airline’s office as in 1991 and began its operations to four flights a week. However, of one customer can impact few countries have endorsed as a customer asking for prices and in April 2003 but discontinued in Eritreans like their brand and I the image of the company as a part of their policies. destinations. The young man was 2008. It restarted in 2011 under a believe that with good customer whole. Thus, the young company busy working on a stack of papers, new management in which , services and lowered prices, the needs to strengthen its customer The continent has been suffering so he quickly referred me to one a privately owned company, company will be popular. services by, for instance, having from negative reputation made of his colleagues “can you please merged with Eritrean Airlines. a unique uniform. In addition by outsiders for far too long to giving high quality customer and obviously, for Eritrea too, services, once those aspects are it is of concern. Branding a taken seriously, business will be a nation, is about communicating success and flights may increase strategically to promote a country with time. Eritrean Airlines can aiming at boosting investment, be seen as a tool for branding the tourism and development. Eritrea nation as it flies on international could use its airline company to airspace with the Eritrean flag. promote the nation as part of a Its role is much bigger than broader strategy, understood by just flying; it is important for policy makers, in shifting the the tourism industry and nation reputation that the world has branding. created around the country.

According to the Anhold-GFK Communication is key to Roper Nation Brands Index branding the nation through a (2013:8) ranking 50 nation brands, a nation brand depends on the continued on page 4

Disclaimer: articles published in this column do not reflect the stance or opinion of Eritrea Profile Eritrea Profile,Saturday, January 6, 2018 Vol 24 . No 89 4

Natnael Yebio w. Easter was more important than among the grazing cattle and Christmas because “that’s when when the enemy came to kill him In my pastThe special Christmas our saviorFast rose from the dead!” of for Our Lady carriedDecember him on her back and Christmas edition articles I mentioned that all she cared Christmas was just a and disappeared. Eritrea celebrated two Christmas feast like the rest. The priests get events in a space of two weeks, up at midnight and conduct mass “Where did they go?” I the reason is, many Orthodox and the villagers, mostly women, interrupted. Christians annually celebrate spend the night there, praying. Christmas Day on or near January First she vanished from their 7 to remember Jesus Christ’s “Is that all? I asked. sight. Then she wandered all birth, described in the Christian over the world for seven years. Bible. This date works to the “What else do you expect,” she When she reached Mount Sinai, Julian calendar that pre-dates said. Gabriel the Announcer and the Gregorian calendar, which is Michael the Archangel met her commonly observed. “Do people fast before and accompanied her to her Christmas?” house keeping her safe from the In the past, traditional Christmas bloodthirsty Jews (the Jews had was celebrated just like any other “Of course they do, it is nothing to do with this as a people religious holiday in Eritrea. And called Tsome Tahsas (the fast of in fact they lost their children as if you now go to the villages on December)” she replied. a result of the wild hunt). O how one bit. Christmas. Eritrean Christmas day you don’t many children were killed by the see any difference in the manner It is astonishing to note the enemy just to get at Jesus! She I think Christmas trees arrived I remember my Dad telling me of celebrating Christmas, Easter number of days our Christian sighed. with the Italians and foreign some Eritreans using Eucalyptus or even New Year. population fast during the year. missionaries who accompanied trees for Christmas. It looked very Although not all together them. The Swede who brought ugly he said. But if you wanted a Just to check I asked my very “Okay, what do they preach in authentic, I like her story just the Protestantism (in its European real one, the only way of getting old aunt who has all her life lived the church?” I asked going back same, because it was told with version) to Eritrea must have them was to go on a nightmare in her home village: to the previous topic. love and innocence. If I were to contributed a lot to the popularity looting safari to Bet Ghiorgis, tell her the true story she would of pine trees here, and then a city park on the outskirt of “How do you celebrate The old lady told me that have liked it. they miraculously found Eritrea Asmara. But the problem was Christmas in your village?” most of the mass is conducted in version of pine trees near that the park was heavily guarded Ge’ez, our Latin, and it is meant “How about Christmas trees? I Beleza and Adi Nifas. This was by forest wardens who, if they “Those who have money to sooth the soul. But from time continued. an answer to a long prayer and caught you red handed, beat the slaughter a sheep or a goat, those to time they preach in Tigrigna Christmas tress was her to stay. daylight out of you unmoved who are poor, kill a chicken.” and tell the congregation to “We know nothing about However I still find it strange either by Christmas spirit or love one another and follow the Christmas trees,” she replied. why the Swedish missionaries Christian piety. And what’s more “How about those less straight path to salvation. But on didn’t introduce Santa Clause to they had no means to associate fortunate? I ventured. Christmas night they narrate a And then she went on to say their humble congregation. The the birth of Jesus with mundane special version of the nativity. that as regards using plants laughing old man from the North tree growing in a park designed “They go hungry or wait for for decoration, the villagers Pole rarely appears in Eritrean by Europeans. some bleeding hearts to send According to the old covered the floor of their houses them some food.” lady(probably she must have with setti(bulrushes). The first mixed various biblical stories), Christmas trees she saw was in The old lady told me that Jesus was born in the wilderness Asmara and it didn’t impress her A note on Eritrean . . .

continued from page 3

good marketing strategy of its could become an important transit airline. According to Ngozika point between Gulf countries and Amalu’s research paper entitled the African continent. Nation Branding in a More Competitive Africa (May 2013), Eritrean Airlines can be one strong logo, slogans, magazines instrument among many others and the presence on social media in branding Eritrea. The country platform are part of nation would own its image and reputation branding. Actually, with Asmara to the international rather than entering the UNESCO World letting others portraying the Heritage list, the airline business image of Eritrea and its people. can take it as an advantage to In other words, Eritrean Airlines attract people to come to Eritrea. isn’t just an airline company but Through strengthened and the only Eritrean flag carrier on improved communications, the international routes transporting airline could grow and, one day, the reputation of the whole Asmara International Airport nation. Eritrea Profile,Saturday, January 6, 2018 Vol 24 . No 89 5 Social Services development . . .

each of the local administrations. There are solved the problems of a number of villages provide communication services to the continued from page 2 two ambulances that serve in the six health and particularly that of areas that stretch remaining administrative areas. The source centers. along the coastal lines like Rehayta to of energy for this sub-zone is the port city Beylul. Varied administrative areas that of Assab. students of the sub zone are taught in the “FGM and underage marriage are the have become beneficiaries of solar and fully equipped boarding schools in Assab, cultural practices that needed attention in motor pumped water supply services include Social justice Wede and Beilul. Female participation has our sub-zone” says Mr. Abdu. To enforce administrative areas of Berasuli, Rehayta, also improved after independence. In order the laws against this kind of practices, a Abo-kiloma, Harsile, Beylul, Berasole, Communities have always developed to increase their participation, a committee committee was formed from associated Debaisima and Wade. Other villages of this rules and procedures for settling disputes composed of members from NUEW, Ministries such as the NUEW, Ministry of sub-zone in which deficits of water supply is that arise among their members. The NUEYS, PFDJ, and their respective local Health, administration and religious leaders. prevalent have been getting access through Afar people has a long tradition of local administrations was formed. Besides, a wide Since the people have been getting viable the construction of underground water dispute resolution in accordance with their spread campaign is carried out to enlighten healthcare access, behavioral changes that reservoirs that could accommodate surface respective customary laws. This tradition is communities about harmful practices of come along with such developments have water sources. considered part of the day-to-day life of the Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), underage been playing major roles in the reduction of communities and is a reflection of the desire marriage and the like. Adult education is maternal and child mortality rates. Transportation and communication to maintain peace among all of its members. introduced in the sub-zone with a special There are three community courts in Beilul, focus to help parents and those who do Water resources There were three main routes in the sub- Rehaita and Wede. Before the introduction not get the chance to be educated, which is zone that connected Assa-Burrie-Adis of community courts, people had to travel bearing satisfactory results in reducing the Poorly sanitized water sources were Abbaba, Assab-Beilul and Asab-Rehaita- long distances and spend a large amount of illiteracy level. also causes to poor health conditions for a Djibouti. Today additional roads have been money and time to make use of the legal number of people. Providing secure potable added and the transportation problem has system. This long distance together with Health water supply has been one of the necessary been minimized. time and money involved heavily restricted requirements for promoting a healthy poor people from having access to state There was only one health center in Abo environment and a well-protected society. Regarding communication services, justice. Today, however, this is no longer a established by a religious institution in 1981. Mr. Abdu says through the establishment of Mr. Abdu says that from Assab to Abo- problem. After independence, six health institutions solar pumps, potable water supply has been kiloa, Harsile to the south east, Berasuli have been opened in Wede, Beilul, secured in most villages that are endowed administrative area to the north east and Resettlement of scattered villages is one Debeshima, and Rehaita and are rendering with underground water resources. Beilul are now beneficiaries of the mobile of the primary objectives of the sub-zone to the needed services to the locals. Moreover, telephone. Future plan of the Sub-zone in enable the people to enjoy the social service there are mobile health workers assigned to Varied projects of water supply have cooperation with respective partners is to provisions in close proximity.

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

• Communication (English and local continued from page 6 language) • Assertiveness, • Interpersonal Relations • Confidentiality filed properly. • Confidentiality • Ability to work towards strict deadlines Assist accountant during year-end audit. o • High level of accuracy • Qualification • Discretion Degree or Diploma in Accounting/Finance. o General Information and other requirements: • Knowledge and Experience Two Year experience in an Accounting environment. ..Place of Work: Bisha. o ..Salary: As per Company salary scale. o Knowledge of accounting principles. ..Type of contract Indefinite Period of time Additional requirement for Nationals: o Knowledge of accounting software is desirable. ..Having fulfilled his/her National Service obligation and provide Accounting and book –keeping knowledge. evidence of release paper from the Ministry of Defense. o ..Present clearance paper from current/last employer. Technical Skills ..Testimonial documents to be attached (CV, work experience o Computer Literacy (MS credentials, a copy of your National Identity Card etc.). Office– Intermediate, Excel) ..Only shortlisted applicants would be considered as potential candidates for an interview. o Mathematical Ability Attention to detail ..Application documents will not be returned to sender. o .. Analytical skill All applications should be sent through the post office. o ..Deadline for application: 10 days from the day of publication in the Accounting Principles o Newspaper. o Problem solving skill ..Address: Please mail your applications to; o Understanding of GAAP, Bisha Mining Share Company, IFRS & IAS P. O. Box 4276 Asmara, Eritrea o Financial Acumen ..Note to non-Eritrean applicants: o Compliance to accounting Please send a copy of your application to standards Aliens Employment Permit Affairs, P. O. Box 7940 Asmara, Eritrea. Behavioral Skills Eritrea Profile,Saturday, January 6, 2018 Vol 24 . No 89 6

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

Bisha Mining Share Company is inviting applicants for the Behavioral Skills following positions for Bisha site project. • Communication(English),Assertiveness, Interpersonal Relation • Integrity, Prioritizing skills & multi-skilling, 1. Position: Crane Operator (01) Self-motivation Department: Engineering • Ability to work towards strict deadlines, High level of accuracy Major Duties and responsibilities:- • Planning 2. Position: Payroll Officer (01) Responsible for forecasting and planning of rigging/forklift/ o Department: FITS-Finance crane operating. Makes use of “Planned Maintenance Schedule”. o Major Duties and responsibilities:- o Tracks the use of maintenance and repair parts and orders accordingly. • • Implementation of the Plan Processing of Monthly payroll Ensure that hard copy of timesheets are collected from o Identify the highest priority for each week and focus on o completing relevant tasks. Human Resources and are authorized prior to processing. Ensures good housekeeping. o Accurately capture all Payroll related data necessary to o process and meet scheduled deadlines. o Ensure safety requirements are fulfilled at the work place, including leading Field Level Risk Assessment (FLRA) and o Responsible for computing salary and overtime payments, proper use of the appropriate PPE. Report any safety issues/ calculating and recording payroll deductions, maintaining incidents. related records and tax reports. Updates all employee status changes, including terminations o Performs regular inspections in order to detect potential o problems before they cause breakdowns. and calculating paid leave. Ensure that all input documents received are signed-off o Controls downtime by ensuring the best techniques are being o used to repair breakdowns. prior to entering this on the Payroll system. Ensure that cut-off dates for Payroll input are clearly defined o Comply with mine’s cardinal rules and other safety, o environmental or other rules and standards as directed. and that no inputs are done after the closing date. Identifies any hazards in the work place. o All inputs and changes made must be signed off by the Reads Load-out charts on Mobile Cranes Payroll Supervisor prior to finalization of the Payroll. o All changes made must be documented and filed for audit o Operates cranes according to operating instructions and o safety requirements. purposes. Enter payroll data into the payroll system. Run the payroll o Carries out basic slinging and rigging. o Carries out pre-start checks on cranes. and generate relevant reports. o Ensure that electronic transfer payments to employee bank o Identifies ground stability for setting up cranes. o Follows instructions regarding’ ’Lead Charts and Lift Plans’’. accounts are made timeously and that all changes on bank o accounts are processed. o Maintain equipment; parts and supply stocks by carrying out regular stock takes and ordering replacements as required. o Prepare cash salary payments and ensure that staffs sign for • Reporting receipt of salary. Prepare employee’s pay slip and distribute to departmental o Gives feedback for daily progress reports for the department. o (Action Tracker) manager timeously. o Prepare income tax payments per legislation and standard procedures. KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS o Create employee account in Accounting System as required. Qualifications: o Ensure employee loan accounts / expense claims are • Grade 12 for locals (Technical skill). processed in the Payroll system. • Technical College Mechanical/Rigging/Cranes Diploma o Manage the petty cash weekly, ensure all disbursements are done according to procedure and ensure that all payments Knowledge and Experience: are authorized correctly for expense claim payments from • 5years relevant work experience petty cash. • o Daily collections of GJV documents and ensure proper sign- off prior to filing. Technical Skills • • Good eye sight, Attention to detail Ensure Correct Deductions from Salary Payments • Analytical skill o Ensure that deductions are made in line with policies and • Problem solving, Supervisory procedures on statutory deductions. experience continued on page 7 Eritrea Profile,Saturday, January 6, 2018 Vol 24 . No 89 7

Behavioral Skills continued from page 6 • Attention to detail • Assertiveness, • Communication (English and local language) • Confidentiality o Deductions can only be processed with the necessary signed- • Proactive off documentation. • Honesty • Interpersonal Relations Task and deadline • Advisory oriented o Provide an advisory support to employees enquiring about Payroll issues. 3. Position: Accountant (01) o All queries not resolved must be referred to the Payroll Supervisor. Department: FITS-Finance Researches, resolves, and responds to employee questions o Major Duties and responsibilities:- and problems while delivering quality customer service. Keeps abreast of the payroll processing system and changes o • Assisting Accountants in salary and tax laws. o Assist and oversee the accountant with analyzing operating cost variances. • Administration o Assist accountant that journals are done timeously for o Maintain and ensure that Payroll database is up to date at month end closing 9accruals and pre payments). all times. o Assist the accountant in checking transactions and providing explanation to other end user departments. o Maintains company personnel payroll files. o Assist accountant in following up of receivables and back charges. o Advising Payroll Supervisor regarding data integrity as well as required updates on policies, procedures and processes. o Assist accountant in preparation of correcting, adjusting, recurring journals. • Reconciliation o Ensure proper supporting documents for journal are sign- o Ensure that Payroll related reconciliations are done on time off before posting journals and filed. for sign-off by Payroll Supervisor. o Assist the accountant in ensuring expenses are codded to the correct GL account and cost centers. • Reporting o Assist accountant in analyzing over or under budget or o Preparation of documentation required for reporting for forecast items. payroll purposes. o Assist and participate in annual inventory count. Assist and participate in verification of fixed asset o Report weekly petty cash balance & request for o reimbursement. existence. • Assist in Preparing for report writing • Control of Petty Cash and Sales Cash o Provide assistance in report writing as requested by o Manage the petty cash weekly. accountant. Assist in the preparation of month end accounts to strict Ensure all disbursements are done according to procedure. o o deadlines. o Collect and record cash received from Bars and Shop. o Assist in collecting and providing information for reporting requirements o Prepare and post GJV for Bar and Shop sales. • Process Expense Claims • Monthly reconciliations Prepare GL account reconciliation. o Collect Expat Expense Claim, check cost and account o allocation and post to Accounting System monthly. o Assist Accountant in ensuring reconciled GL balance ties back to trial balance. o Ensure all payments are signed off correctly for expense Ensure prepared month end reconciliations are reviewed claim payments. o and approved by finance superintendent. KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS o Prepare the sub-ledger GL accountant reconciliation.

Qualifications: • Process Petty Cash Claims Summary • Grade 12 Accounting o Check receipts from Asmara Petty Cash against the summary • Certificate/Diploma in Accounting or equivalent provided. o Check and specify the GL codes and cost centers and sign Knowledge and Experience: the summary report for review. • 2 Years Accounting knowledge • 1-3 years’ experience in accounting environment o Forward to accountants payable to obtain approval from Finance Department and to process receipts and issue Technical Skills cheque for petty cash. • Computer Literacy (MS Office • Financial Documentation – Intermediate, Payroll software o Assist Accountants in obtaining approval form from relevant package) authorizers. • Numerical Accuracy Assist Accountants in ensuring supporting documents are • Bookkeeping skill o • Recordkeeping continued on page 5 Eritrea Profile,Saturday, January 6, 2018 Vol 24 . No 89 8

Asmait FutsumbrhanThe Passion of Being Eritrean

Being Eritrean is more than just an identity. For young Eritreans, it is literally a passion for life. Different might be their walks of life, but what young Eritreans feel for their country, no matter where and when, is similar. It is the unexplainable sensation of being young and Eritrean. At the age of 13 Joel Tesfamichel fully understood the meaning of identity and dignity. His skin color made him a victim of discrimination while growing up in Koln. At school, black kids wouldn’t get the credit they deserve even with straight As. That was when Joel decided to study in Eritrea. He finally felt respected and loved for who he is. Born and raised in Koln, Germany, in 1988, Joel is now fully committed to give back to the society that gave him so much love. For Joel the fact that he didn’t pay for school all the way through college is a debt he’ll never forget. Meet today, one of the millions of young Eritreans who literally live for the country.

Why did you come to Eritrea the that Sawa has shaped my life in just cover. They are responsible and have faced in their lives. Of course I endured those kids of experiences first time? an unexpected way. It completely work hard to get the information to refer them to other fitting therapeutic make it to Europe with the child of changed my point of view in life. everyone’s’ head. And I appreciate settings if their situation is beyond the rapist or some disease. It is quite I was 13 and a half when I decided It made me realize that we have to that more than anything. For me, my capacity. Also I give workshops hard for them to start over their lives. to come and study here. I was heavily make efforts to make a change in school was easier for me after I went about prevention methods that can So usually, it is very difficult for influenced by the trips I made with my life. I saw the responsibility every back [to Germany] from here. So help them deal with situations that them to overcome those experiences. parents to Eritrea when I was young. Eritrean has and it made me more I would say that we have a strong threaten their wellbeing as in some It is hard to overcome trauma alone. But that wasn’t all. I discovered that I connected to my nation. system here. classes intervention is needed to It is possible and many have done it don’t belong to Germany early. I had correct the group Norm and help but it is hard. So we do our best to to struggle with racism on the streets Why psychology? You do volunteer at EIT College the students overcome the undesired guide them through the process to and the educational system as well. whenever you can… experiences. accept the previous events and help I wasn’t given the credit I worked When I came back in 2002, I them move on. for just because I was black. With all saw many people who were injured During my time in the college At a time when many African this, after coming to Eritrea I felt at during the war; people who were I have seen that teachers were immigrants are facing mental Do you have any future plans in home. I felt like I was with family going through change and who overburden between the classes. challenges, what can you say about Eritrea? everywhere I went. That is why were in stress. War is something I have always wanted to help out. that? I decided at a young age to come that is heavy to process. So I had a So I did my masters research paper Yes. Psychology has been a taboo here and study with my people. My dream to help people in any way I in the EIT college. Also I have The majority of the refugees subject in our country. Currently, parents were very supportive of my can. I didn’t know if I wanted to get volunteered to give lectures and help have faced or seen rape, numerous my friends who are also from EIT idea. Especially since I come from into medicine or psychology but I 4th year students with their research deaths of comrades, torture and college and I are working on a project a mother who was a freedom fighter had the dream to do something to papers for the 3rd time now. I am other hardships. It is no wonder to establish a psychology institution and a father who was a member of help loosen the burden. However, planning to be a regular lecturer for they suffer traumatic stress disorder. in Eritrea where people can come for the Eritrean Mass Organization that by the time I was in the 11th grade, the next semester and teach one or The problem is that the treatment guidance. The main goal will be the was raising money abroad to support I found out that my preference was two courses and supervise council they get in the destination country youngsters because we believe that the freedom fighters. It was hard for to psychology. That is why I went session in college and high school is limited. That is why the suicide currently young people all around the them at the beginning as they didn’t with my first choice, and got my as well. and depression rates are very high world are the ones who are exposed know how my transfer could work degree from the EIT College and among the refugees. When we look to stress, and we need to help them and the fact that they were working did my master’s degree in applied Why do you like to volunteer at the numbers, eight immigrants be productive. in Germany. But they made it work psychology-organizational behavior constantly leaving your job? out of ten suffer from traumatic and I came here to continue my from the University of Applied events during their journey. One can Anything you want to add at studies. Science Fresenius Germany No one gives free education. I am only imagine how the large number last? forever indebted to my country and of troubled individuals, who have You took the matriculation exam How does the educational people. That is why I try to do my experienced a life time trauma, Thank you for inviting me on your in Sawa… standard of Eritrea compare to the best to give back to my society in are getting to Europe. Especially page; I am thrilled to be here. Again European standards? whatever way I can with what I have the female immigrants face rape I want to say to my fellow Eritrean After concluding my high school in learned in Germany and here. And I and sexual assault which result brothers and sisters we shouldn’t Denden Secondary School, I went to Well, I have a lot to say about that. I hope that I can transfer as much as I in pregnancy and various STDs stop dreaming and seize whatever Sawa to do my matriculation exams. can’t say that I know many countries can to my students. including HIV/AIDS. Of course, we open opportunity we can find. Our Sawa has a special place in my heart, that provide free education, which shouldn’t forget that the victims are country is still in its baby shoes; honestly. There I had the opportunity makes it easier for the students to You are currently working as … apart from their families and culture hence, there are a lot of things we of meeting many Eritreans from only focus on their studies. But which makes it even harder for can influence. What I want to wish all over the country, all kinds of in Germany, for instance, I had to I am working as a counselor. them. Most of the victims don’t get for my fellow Eritreans is to see ethnic groups and religions. I had work a full time job to pay for my The main areas I am working on treated simply because of the lack of every window as an opportunity and the opportunity to learn more about master’s program and study at the are intervention and prevention, resources in the countries. work for change. Also to those who my culture and tradition. There, I same time which made it harder. violence, sexual abuse, assault and live abroad, share your expertise. I saw many people from different Also regarding the contents I would group norms that favor delinquencies About the women, do they would like to advise them to come backgrounds and lifestyles living in say that the education system is in schools or other institutions. overcome their trauma somehow here and share their professions with harmony and love. The spirit the excellent. The Eritrean teachers give I work with individuals who are after the treatment? your brothers and sisters. Be a part students have in Sawa is priceless. their best to their students. I haven’t under 27 which most of them are Women are the most likely to be of the development, I am sure that It wasn’t without its challenges, but met any Eritrean teacher who only immigrants and students. I try to victimized by rape, sexual assault they can gain a lot more from our it was worth it. I can certainly say cares about the topics they have to help them with post traumas they and violence. Some of those who society.