Vol 23. No.84 Wednesday, December 21, 2016 Pages 8, Price 2.00 NFA

Inauguration of Housing Project In line with a plan to regroup stated that the housing project scattered villages in Sel’a sub- was implemented in collaboration zone, over 150 residential houses with Zara Mining Company, Segen constructed at a cost of 10.6 million Construction Company and the Nakfa were recently inaugurated. Anseba regional administration.

Mr. Ali Mahmud, Governor of Eng. Zeregabir Hidray from Anseba region, explained that the regional Department of every national is entitled to have Infrastructure, pointed out that access to social service and that the a total of 15 million Nakfa was construction of residential houses allotted for the housing project. and regrouping of villages is part Preservation of Societal Values and parcel of the Government’s The beneficiaries expressed efforts to ensure social justice. satisfaction with the implementation of the housing project and said that In a recent meeting with Mendefera Sub-zone, Ms. Fawzia for the preservation and transfer Mr. Wuela Mohammed Ali, they look forward to the launching representatives of communities in Hashim, Minister of Justice, called of noble societal values to future Administrator of Sel’a sub-zone, of similar facilities. generations.

She pointed out that ’s Rehabilitation of Needy Families traditional legal system has been the source of stability and maintaining The branch office of the Ministry of Labour and Human Welfare in a society proud of its cultural Anseba region has rehabilitated 20 needy families from the sub-zones of identity. Ms. Fawzia further noted Hagaz, Elabered, Halhal and Adi-Tekelezan with livestock. that the Ministry of Justice has been giving utmost priority to the The Head of branch office in the region, Mr. Girmai Bokretsion, said that prevalence of transparent, speedy the rehabilitation involving 600 thousand Nakfa was part of the initiative and efficient judicial service. She taken to support needy citizens become self-supporting. further called for inculcating the prevailing valuable Eritrean social Meanwhile, this year the Ministry has extended financial support to a values so as to ensure sustainable total of 110 victims of HIV/AIDS and 200 students with 500 Nakfa each and peaceful resolution of in support for buying school materials and uniforms. conflicts.

Training for Disabled Nationals Health Awareness Campaign in Gogne Sub-zone Health awareness campaign in Gogne sub-zone has registered commendable outcome as regards control of communicable diseases in general and malaria in particular.

Representatives of the Ministries of Health and Education in the sub-zone stated that such campaigns in schools and districts of Gogne have borne the required outcome. Reports indicate that students have played commendable role in the effective implementation of the program.

Popular Participation in Development Undertakings

Mr. Haile Tewoldebrhan, employees in , Mr. Massawa, explained that a number PFDJ Secretary in the Northern Haile indicated that development of development projects such as Red Sea region, commended undertakings worth 23 million leveling of farmlands, regrouping Nakfa were implemented through of villages, augmenting the A total of 60 nationals with development. the active popular participation popular campaign. Martyrs Trust Fund, tree planting hearing disabilities received two- in development undertakings and environmental hygiene as well year training in cloth design and Expressing the EU’s readiness to implemented in 2016. likewise, Mr. Kidane as construction works have been weaving. The program conducted support future programs, Ms. Nicola Woldeslasie, Administrator of accomplished in the port city. in line with regular academic Miler from the Union’s In a meeting with government education was jointly organized by Office, called on the general public the Asmara and Keren School for to back up the newly graduating the Deaf and the European Union. batch to obtain work opportunity.

Director of the Asmara and The President of the Eritrean Keren School for the Deaf, Mr. Lutheran Evangelical Church, Medhin Yohannes said that the Rev. Simon Gebrekristos, on his program was aimed to enable part commended the graduates for nationals with hearing disability completing the training course and become self-supporting in called on them to upgrade their addition to contributing to national skills through practice. Eritrea Profile,Wednesday, December 21, 2016 Vol 23. No 84 2

Tamoil Eritrea Promoting ‘SHE’ Values

Mela Ghebremedhin to be an important consumer as and a new one is planned to be Manager with further questions. well as supplier of petroleum built in the outskirt of Asmara He explained to me that the vision, Part of development is surely the and without a doubt, Eritrea and named Mahala. mission allows the company to work of companies operating in its growing urban dwellers and meet the ‘SHE’ principle. Indeed, the country creating jobs, a culture middle-class citizens fervent of Through its well established Tamoil Eritrea envisions a key of competitiveness, and a sense of cars is showing an increase in oil structure and support from its two player and for an African-born work ethic in line with international demand. Let’s see how Tamoil, the groups Tamoil Eritrea is associated prosperity while fulfilling its standards as well as supplying the leading oil company in Eritrea, is with, it respond to the demand of mission to the people, providing demand. One of them, Tamoil, is a responding to this demand and its various clients both individuals responsible efficient products, a well-known oil company leading working method. and commercial entities such as good return to shareholders. the market in Eritrea after taking Segen Construction, Massawa over Shell Company in 2004. In In doing so, Mr. Simon Port Authority, and the Red Buses With a gender ratio of one in today’s issue, after an organized Weldemichael, Sales and Marketing among others. The loyalty of its five employees being a female at staff training by the company Manager, took the time to discuss clients is surely a reflection of managerial and secretariat level, the Mr. Simon Weldemichael, Sales at Asmara Palace, on Thursday, and answer some of the points the company’s willingness to number has room for improvement and Marketing Manager of 15 December; yesterday, thus, I written in my notebook. In fact, as maintain high standards of services and surely the appointment of a Tamoil Eritrea decided to walk down to their office Eritrea has a social approach to its and supplies as well as ensuring new female Sales Representative National Diabetes Association located just by one of my favorite policies, important part of products the safety of its workers and is a step forward. Most employees (ENDA) while working in harmony coffee places, Asmara Sweet Café. and supplies are subsidized in order costumers. have either years of high experience with local legislations and the While sipping my usual macchiato to meet the need of the people and within the oil industry or are building of a very strong ethical before meeting them, I roughly especially to the poorer layers of Accordingly, under the motto of degree holders in areas such as and fair working environment wrote some questions I had in society. Yet, industrial companies the ‘SHE’, which is the abbreviation accounting, management, finance while providing the best services mind and especially as regards to such as Tamoil has to combine this of ‘Safety-Health-Environment’; as well as mechanical engineering to clients and the respect of the the incentives of Tamoil towards aspect as well as ensuring that its the company organized a workshop among others. As many companies environment by ensuring that the the people of Eritrea and its supply costumers’ demand are met. Mr. to its staff as well as owners and in Eritrea are facing an aging staff, required equipment is in place such of this black gold. Simon managed to give a brief of managers of gas stations on safety, Tamoil Eritrea has already worked as wasting system, safe disposal his company as well as sharing health and environment as well as on a succession plan by ensuring system through period testing Indeed, this black gold known his 23 years strong professional on work ethics. “We consider our that youth are given opportunities and in working with concerned as oil is one of the raw material experience within the oil industry. stations owners the ambassadors for employment. “We have many government bodies. that the world cannot live without, When Shell withdrew its station of Tamoil as they are in direct young employees who have been and despite being a non-renewable from East Africa, Tamoil bought contact with costumers and they released from national service and As one of the international energy; its consumption worldwide its facilities in Eritrea in 2004 and are the image of the company thus, holders of specific education such companies operating in Eritrea, continues to be significant. In fact, acquired about 43 stations as well they should reflect the company’s as engineering which are important Tamoil Eritrea is showing its the International Energy Agency as two terminals; one based in values and principles”, stressed to us”, Mr. Simon highlighted. positive impact in providing (IEA) stressed that according to Assab and the other in Massawa, Mr. Simon. services and supplies to the Eritrean the Oil Market Report of 2016, the without failing to recall the aviation In terms of values, as one people and national institutions by forecasts in terms of oil consumption fuel and service under a 50/50 In regards to this important social knows, most oil companies do not ensuring strong working ethics may be close to 96 million barrels share with Total at the Asmara aspect of the company, I continued necessarily have a good reputation, and respect of national policies. of oil and liquid fuels per day or International Airport and a fully asking the Manager on the staff and particularly on the African soil for Thus, the strength of the company about 35 billion barrels a year (a owned aviation terminal in Assab. the outcome expected from such damaging the environment and is surely its ability to access the barrel is equivalent to 159 liters). As such, Tamoil Eritrea, under the training. This training is a sample having a negative impact on health most remote areas through a retail The African continent continues umbrella of Tamoil Africa Holdings of other training given on a regular of local communities. Nonetheless, networks covering areas passing Unlimited and Libya Oil, is able basis to all employees in terms of as Tamoil Eritrea worked under by Nakfa, Afabet, Tesseney, Senafe to operate nationwide, ensuring safety and general management, the national guidance of the EPC, to Assab. the coverage of all the six regions making safety a culture, ensure the company engages itself in of Eritrea. The company works that international standards are met respecting its values which are The work of international closely with the Eritrean Petroleum as well as enhancing awareness, excellence, fostering innovation, company and importing oil made Corporation (EPC) in the provision improve knowledge and update. creating new ways of doing me think of the possibility we have of oil, however, Tamoil imports Hence, every new employee has things, good relations with society here in Eritrea by exploiting our own resources and perhaps being Published Every to the local market other products to go through a specific induction and engagement with local such as marketing and trading of training as well visiting sites in associations by sponsoring events, able to respond to the demand of Wednesday & Saturday automotive, industrial and greases addiction to on the job training. sport activities or specific civil the people by ‘Made in Eritrea’ types of lubricants, kerosene, gas, Further to these, Tamoil Eritrea has society groups such as the Eritrean black gold. jet fuel among others. a strong monitoring and evaluation Acting Editor system which allow the company to The company operates through update its work and specific training Amanuel Mesfun its four distinct departments, the as he underlined, “Sometimes the Sales and Marketing, Operations, practices which have been going Terminal stations, Human on for long may not meet the P.O.Box: 247 Resources and Finance, and professionalism we want and this Tel: 11-41-14 Commercial under the management is important for us particularly in Fax: 12-77-49 of 52 locally recruited staff and the customers’ handlings, management, E-mail: Libyan General Manager as the housekeeping etc. It is important [email protected] only non-Eritrean staff. The 43 that we continue to improve these Advertisement: 12-50-13 operating stations are certainly not aspects”. sufficient, as such, the company Layout is planning to expand in the near As I was sitting in Mr. Simon’s Azmera Berhane future, subject to demand and office, I noticed the well maintained Sara Alem infrastructure possibilities. For infrastructure and professionalism. Aida Johar instance, an important station is What comes into mind is the being renovated in Segalet, near working environment, staff and Massawa as well as three others incentives as I bombarded the Eritrea Profile,Wednesday, December 21, 2016 Vol 23. No.84 3

Fascinating Keren

Looking at the architectural area and tourists all over the was built in Keren. structure of the buildings in the country every year. At present, city of Keren make one understand the numbers of people visiting the Between 1906 and 1916, the that this was a town frequented site reach around 40 thousand. Italian colonizers constructed by the Turkish colonizers in the the Administration building, by region. But it was also a town In 1872, the Egyptians took Feyorcardo Vitorio. frequented by the other colonizers over the Turkish, but unlike the that occupied the Eritrea. Turkish, the Egyptian didn’t This building was built at However, it was the Turkish that leave any remnants in the area. the times known as to be the first constructed modern buildings Later, when the Italians took over town’s modernization period. in the town along with introducing the country in around 1896 they Jacobo Givonti, an Italian trade activities. constructed one of the largest businessman constructed the mosques in the country. present Commercial Bank as a In 1881, nuns from France store in 1916. Cinema Impero and established the St. Mary Monastery The coming of Italians from the the residential complexes in the North of Keren, which made the coastal area and the Middle East area were constructed in the same town famous. The land was given was followed by the emigration year, 1916. to the nuns so they can support of thousands of Arabs, Jews, plan and infrastructure begun to Sudan. themselves through agricultural Greeks and Armenians to the Later with the coming of fascist be put in place in developing and activities, and they put the statues Horn region. Majority of those Italian rulers to Eritrea, Caza expanding the town of Keren. By The soldiers of the Union of St. Mary in the largest tree in migrants were engaged in trade Del Fache and Caza Del Majori the end of World War II, the town forces were engaged in a tough the area which results repeated activities especially the Greek, were constructed in 1920 to be was used as the main military battle in North Africa and sending visit from the inhabitants of the and as a result a Greek church the recreation and residential base for the Italian colonizers in additional troops to Eritrea was buildings respectively for the the country. The Italians were not a far cry, not only that the WW Italian officials in the country. only using the town as the military II being fought in Eritrea was base to defend its enemies but also vital due to the fact that if In 1911, the railroad was also to build East Africa Italian Eritrea end up in the hands of constructed to connect Asmara Empire in the region. This plan the Axis forces then it would end and Massawa which later was to expand beyond Somalia, the existence of the Germans in continued to reach the town of Eritrea and to the British the Red Sea. North East from the Keren, and in 1918 a train station colonies of Uganda and Kenya. town of Keren, there is a place was constructed in Keren. In As a result, Italy joined WW II called Tenkuluhas where WW 1920, the train station started to planning to occupy the British II in Eritrea ended. This place render service to the inhabitants Somali land, Djibouti and Suez is named after the bloody war of the area which resulted to the Canal. between the Italians and British expansion of the agricultural in the area, and has its name from activities by the local inhabitants Hence, administrator of the the Bilen language meaning the in the area. The establishment of Italian colonization in the area, place where the soldiers of the the railroad and train station also Dachosta, deployed his best gigantic forces wipe out. made vital contribution to the soldiers in Keren to protect the town’s growth. British attack coming from the Yishak Yared Starting from 1938 a new master

Eritrea’s historical sites Boosting tourism

Culture oriented research is a discovered. These findings have in the human development. One cornerstone in a nation building international significance; ancient of its prehistoric sites in Buya process because it serves as a civilizations which predate includes a one million year old driving force to economic, social the civilizations in our region; paleontological site believed to and political development in any evidences of first Christian and be the early hominids and large- nation. The National Museum Islamic intrusions…. etc, were sized prehistoric mammals. of Eritrea has been conducting documented throughout the researches nationwide for over country covering a wide range of The fossil findings belonging two decades in collaboration with time in history. to this period of our evolutionary different foreign partners. As a history make the Buya and result, considerable findings that Eritrea is exceptionally endowed Muluhuli-Amo findings highly show evidences of ancient traces with archeological remains of human settlements have been spanning all temporal segments continued on page 6 Eritrea Profile,Wednesday, December 21, 2016 Vol 23. No 84 4

The Mobile Entrepreneurs

Semir Seid dwellers. And above all of these, their high pitch voices they flow there comes the kind of early into the streets of the city for half When we were kids we used morning women, commonly of the day, either riding bike or to repeat after their striking known as the Bealti Hamli, the walking. voices. They call upon people to Veg sellers. perform their activities. They are While still hearing the voice of workaholics, known by travelling These people are, I claim, deserve the beal teramuz, the cloth carrying every corner of the capital. They the title of entrepreneurs, and they man Billaroba’e man jumps in, have the habit and passion of are indeed. They travel many kms literally alerting people least earning by working. Locals might a day to deliver their respective priced cloths are here, voicing out have spotted these individuals services to the public in need. The Billaroba’e! Every ten seconds. He by the end of this sentence. I can recyclable items collector or beal publicizes every yarn for people confidently name them the “mobile teramuz tries to get items with to take it from him, he claims entrepreneurs”. The individuals I minimum costs. He plays ‘hard to his cloth are more affordable. All will reveal vary in their respective get game’ and pays customer with women literally cooking inside activities and their nature of one up to five Nakfa for every their homes quite rashly go out to activities separate them on how empty bottles he receives and up see what is new from the last time much they can earn in a day. to twenty for a broken Member this man brought, if not actually (a traditional chair) which is to buying it. One thing is obvious When an idea is converted into a be taken for fixing in a site like in here, the ultimate tradition concrete set of actions or even an Medeber (a market for variety of and habit of bargaining power of action, then a person is crowned as metal and woodwork recycling). buyers, it is quite phenomenal. an entrepreneur. Two things remain People never take a product unless factual. Earning certain amount of The collections of empty exact or somehow relative price money and following a passion, bottles, worn out Shidas, empty to their demands. The Billaroba’e that is the preliminary fuel that oil containers and even chaff are man walk in the streets with a pushes people start certain activity. the main ingredients found in the buffet of cloths and yarns thinking If I may mention these individuals, bag behind his back. Surprisingly, these materials are going to be the recyclable items collector, the such individuals are students who demanded by everyone. Likewise, Iron man, the mattress modifier, attend their schools in the other consumers see this chance as a the cloth carrying man, the vegetal hours. They engage themselves shortcut to all means, distance to be other mattresses are available for saucepan) but that disti brings seller and others. All of them are in part-time business so they can the market and price wise but I in the neighborhood which need so many other metal items to keep mobile entrepreneurs. help themselves and their families. doubt on quality. same pimping. him on the same spot for the rest They got only half of the day to of the day. Even this guy as others Locally, they own a respective accommodate and collect what All of these happenings could be The Iron man (my favorite) is more likely to use a bike with a entitlement, the former is beal may seem insignificant but hugely in the morning and even late hours. is unpredictable. When you say metal luggage behind him carrying teramuz since he collects empty important items. The result would The women with Veg family on I want my big saucepan fixed his hammers, tar and other tools bottles and other recyclable items be personal and national economic her back uttering Hamli lo Hamli for today’s pasta, he is absent, which help him fix materials. walking or riding on the streets benefit. These personally employed comes in to divert the attention of when you buy new, he shows up. asking loudly if people have them. people have their stakeholders her customers from the buffet of Regardless that, this man fixes Numerous other entrepreneurs The next one is the Iron man (I whom they interact after their cloth man. “How much is Hamli and amends metals and kitchen are also part of the days people prefer calling), since he fixes collection where they sell their Adri (charlock)”, asks one woman. utensils, since it is not common would need to hear and taste every metals and metal works people gatherings. The seller replies, “Of amount you with our people to buy a new day. Some others are also even usually use as kitchen utensils and can afford, there is of five box, of one every time utensils wear out. pleasing to only listen to their containers. The mattress modifier, Some of these guys visit Medeber ten”. Hearing this, all the women Zilaham Zelewa (a voice he utters) voices, such as the man frequently loudly voices frnash alo frnash, to sell worn out products like the think why not some for lunch or is his primary tool to connect him makes himself present in our streets is a personality who manages Member, since this site is home salad to accompany it. with his customers. Beyond that, loudly voicing Tsahli lo Tsahli, to modifying baggy mattress, and for metals and other recyclables. most of such guys are funny. They sell his traditional clay made black as others he asks if people have Their journey of the day starts When a family feels a little know what they do and makes saucepans. I am always pleased to any. The man carrying a bunch early morning or afternoon hours backache or the bed turns in an you feel social long as they do hear his voice as if I am watching of cloths is the Billaroba’e a from a spot named Enda Wedi ‘M shape’ with many members their work superbly chatting with ‘The Voice’ TV show. name commonly known by local Shekei in Edaga Hamus. And with sleeping over the center, day and one of their customers. They night, then the idea of mattress proactively declare prices of fixing The initiatives of these people modifying pops in. The man in to customers and do their activities simply allows one to comprehend charge for that is not frequently under a tree or wherever shade that the Eritrean society is more found in the streets yet revolves they find in the surrounding they active in creating jobs rather the streets in a while. This man is are in. than waiting for, which you may whom we referred as the frnash alo find these type of jobs are done frnash man earlier: the mattress All neighboring women follow by companies in other countries. modifier. He walks or rides in the the one woman who gives her The beal teramuz, the Iron man streets having a stick besides him. utensil to be fixed and that keep or Zilaham Zelewa, the Mattress When business is on, all he does him to sit in the street for extended Modifier Guy, the Billaroba’e is kneel and beat the mattress as hours. They bring their saucepans, guy, are simply the samples and hard as he can and separate the coffee utensils, metal barrels representatives of the entire society folded ones to evenly distribute it. (because he coats tar to those whom define life as a matter of As he beats the mattress he covers perforated or rusty ones). Most of hard work. And if small steps are his nose so he is not found dead the time this man works at around taken, regardless the job, it would in it trying to earn for his living. ten o’clock to later hours. He just definitely beat misery into ground Medeber: a recycling site for the gathered items by the Entrepreneurs He beats as fast as he can, if may doesn’t sit for one disti (local name ensuring fulfillment. Eritrea Profile,Wednesday, December 21, 2016 Vol 23. No 84 5

Jokes and laughing out loud

Natnael Yebio W. my fellow readers about a village and make it fast,” drooled the man who one day upon a visit to peasant. Sense humor varies from place the city, had humorously tried to to place. Arab humor may make shake hands with his own image When the zucchini stew was Eritreans laugh most of the time, reflected in a mirror. For the old brought to our friend from the but English humor does more often man had never seen his own image country side, he took one morsel, than not tend to leave us cold. I don’t before. Jokes like that would bring rolled his eyes and murmured to know what would be our reaction about uncontrollable laughter to himself: to Japanese or Malay Humor. It all villagers. depends on culture mentality and “You dirty old cucumber; I universality of mind. In our culture, one is supposed knew that once in town you would to laugh at jokes or funny incidents change your name…” There is refinement in humor. told by the elderly. Not doing so is The joke section in the reader’s a breach of propriety. Most of the Some jokes have to do with digest is not for the simple. You time, the jokes are stale and do not modern technology, like this one: need to be well-read and somehow relate to the young generations. Keshi Tesfasilasie lived alone in conversant with American culture But you laugh just the same, using a small village in the 1950’s. One to get the joke and laugh or smile the wrong facial muscles. At least, day his son who happened to live like a crazy person. Some people the respect is in its place. in the UK sent him a radio, which simply laugh at the jokes and if you was a rarity in Eritrea at the time. ask them what made them laugh Have you heard this one? It society. These are jokes about the stop, the friend stepped forward: they are afraid to explain. They made many an Eritrean double up Keshi Tesfasilasie was beyond poor, the dead, the ailing and the “Dear mourners,” went on, the laughed, because they had to. It is with laughter in the past. It is about himself with joy and exhilaration. underprivileged of this world. And over confident friend, a humor section after all. the peasant who went to town and they are jokes made at their cost. imitating the city dwellers strolled “How’s the radio, Keshi They are cruel jokes. “This day we have lost a dear Eritreans in general tend to into a restaurant and asked for the Tesfasilasie?” asked a neighbor Woman, Almaz(fictitious name) laugh more at foolish incidents menu of the day. If there was one one day. There is one that I know which is was not only the wife of Tekle, but or anecdotes. It has to be simple dish the peasant could not stand, remotely related to sick jokes, and the wife of all who are mourning at and culture oriented. But here it was cucumber stew (dubba), for “What can I say, the entire world which is commonly told without this very moment……” also one can discern between city he ate it all his life and he hated it wants to talk to me telling me this raising eyebrows. It is about a and village jokes. The former are from the depth of his heart. and that, one in English, another in certain man who went to a funeral The mourners were flabbergasted mostly copies from western jokes Arabic, still another in Hindi, and of his friend’s dearest mother and by his speech, and felt, starting books or films, the latter are deeply “Potato, shiro, hamli, quanta, I tell them, will you please stop was told to deliver a speech, a sort from the husband, like punching rooted in the surrounding customs silsi, zucchini,” shouted the waiter. talking to me at the same time!” of a funeral oration, like a elegy. him in the nose. and traditions. Foreign to his ear, the peasant Keshi Tesfasilasie had problems He stood up and went on to Humor is the best medicine, and For example, to a peasant the asked what the last one was. tuning his radio. praise the deceased mother for her this biblical statement antedates the story of the mirror would solicit wisdom and generosity. Readers Digest. The combatants more laughter than the histrionics “ZUUUCCHINI!” reaffirmed And when his wife, who suffered have used it to good use during of Charlie Chaplin. the waiter sounding out the letters. from motion sickness, boarded an “This very day we have lost a the 30 years of armed struggle In my previous article I told you “Okay, bring me ZUUUCHINI air-plane to go to visit her son, it dear woman, for Kedes (name for liberation. Most of the time is said that she asked the hostess chosen for expediency measures) they laughed at the enemy, and to allow her to sit with the co-pilot was not only mother to Tekle sometimes at themselves. as she always sat in front when she (complete fictitious name), but traveled to Keren. the mother of us all here gathered This writer remembers being today to pay our last respects.” told by his uncle the following field Although most of the time dirty joke: A teacher was one day giving jokes which are funnier than decent The mourners were all amazed math lessons to his students under a jokes are frowned upon by people by his speech and congratulated tree. Thinking he was being savvy of good breed, they are mostly him for his presence of mind. But and witty by putting Ethiopian used by people with acute lack worst was yet to come. soldiers into an equation, he asked of creativity and are usually told his rather smart little students, how in funeral parlors by people who It so happened that the same many coffee cups would be left come to console the bereaved. In a person had just lost his dear if Ethiopian soldiers invading a society where sex and all that are wife. Again funeral procession. house took five coffee cups from related to it, is taboo, dirty jokes Wailing. Burial. Speech again. The an old lady who had fourteen in are sort of emotional release. The same friend was asked to deliver her cupboard. girl, who had been crying her eyes the speech as he did it superbly out the day before for the loss of before. The answer to the quiz given by a loved one, is now shedding tears one of his students was not nine caused by excessive laughter. If the “You can do it,” encouraged but simply zero. How come? There loved one was a descent person, he his friends, “you have done it last were fourteen coffee cups and the would be turning in his grave. time.” “Plus you are good with Ethiopian soldiers’ took only four words.” cups, wondered the teacher. The As to sick jokes, they neither answer was again simple: When exist in our culture nor are they When the officiating Priest Ethiopian soldiers’ barge into a welcome by the majority of our rebuked the wailing women to house, they take everything away. Eritrea Profile,Wednesday, December 21, 2016 Vol 23. No 84 6

Requirements The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is seeking to fulfil the following position for its delegation in Asmara: • Secondary school level or technical college • 2 years work experience in a similar field of activity WATER AND HABITANT (WatHab) • Good knowledge of spoken and written English TECHNICIAN • Good computer knowledge • Capacity to adhere to and to implement procedures Position Offered • Good communication skills • Well experienced in the installation of solar powered sub- • Rigorous and methodical person with strong analytical skills mersible pumps which has a capacity of up to 7.5kw. • Must have accomplished and been released from National • Well experienced in appropriate configuration of the solar Service panels to fit the required amount of voltage, current and power of a given pump. Personal skills

• Well experienced in the installation of HDPE and GI pipe • Team spirit, ability to deal with people and resistant to stress- lines, fittings and valves of sizes 2 inches and above. ful situations

• Experience in metal works such as welding and cutting is • Ability to learn quickly, to take initiatives and to work inde- advantageous. pendently

• Is experienced and qualified technician who can execute • Interest in field activities technical tasks independently Interested candidates fulfilling all requirements are kindly asked to • To gather technical data in the field send: • To plan, organise and carry out field trips • To executes a variety of tasks which require technical skills 1) a motivation letter with the copy of the ID number for the implementation of WatHab programs (drilling, measure- ments etc.), according to given instructions 2) a detailed CV (max. 4 pages, including year of birth, highest quali- fication; total number years of practical experience, of experience • To draft written reports in relation to the project with international organization, of experience in technical task, refer- ence papers, copy of diploma, recommendation, etc). • To report regularly the stand of his work to his superior • To supervise and coaches a junior technician and the manu- 3) a copy of the demobilisation card and release letter al workers executing a specific technical tasks Attn: Administrator • To execute administrative and office work related to the ICRC Delegation in Asmara project P.O. Box 1109 • To maintain contacts with municipal authorities and suppli- ASMARA – ERITREA ers Closing date: 15 days from the day of publication Only short listed candidates will be contacted. Eritrea’s prominent historical ....

of Qohaito, are for example, contemporary Among the most recent cultural resources continued from page 3 to the Greco-Roman period. of Eritrea are the unprecedented trenches and underground constructions of Nakfa significant. It is worth noting that the They are among the biggest sites in Sub- which are unfortunately under significant area studied so far is a small part of the Sahara Africa. According to some ancient stress. Danakil depression and there are extensive historians, they were thought to be major areas with the potential to put Eritrea in its destinations of trade between Adulis and As the center of liberation activities, rightful place paleontologically. Axum. At this time Qohaito and Adulis Nakfa symbolizes the triumph of await confirmation as UNESCO World Eritrean perseverance over adversity and Rock paintings and engravings of Eritrea Heritage Sites. oppression and as such is symbolic of a that belong to the prehistory and proto- culture of independence, self-reliance to historic periods represent most remarkable Medieval sites are also part of the oppression that is central to the cultural aspects of Eritrean archeology. major Eritrean cultural resources. Many fabric of Eritrea today. In this sense Nakfa Churches, monasteries, and other vestiges is a cornerstone of national history as it Historical remains of Eritrean associated with the establishment of has figured so deeply in the formation of a archeological sites embrace vestiges of Christianity in the 4th century and the national cultural identity. classical and ancient civilizations. The development of Islam by the 7th century ancient port of Adulis and the ancient city are spread across the country. By: Tsegay Medin Eritrea Profile,Wednesday, December 21, 2016 Vol 23. No.84 7

o Administrate the Licenses for different software’s. o Ensure Licenses are requested and updated on schedule. • Storage Management • Ensure and inspect the health of the HP Storage Area Network (SAN)

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT o Oversee the Seagate NAS Management system. o Software Management Bisha Mining Share Company PLC is inviting interested applicants for the Installing or Upgrading of Company software’s. following position. o Position: Systems Engineer o Oversee the administration of License Control. Department – FITS Number required (01) • Server Room Security

Control the server room Temperature. TASK DESCRIPTION EXPANDED TO CORE PERFORMANCE AREAS o o Conduct a physical inspection of Server Room according to schedule • Ensure all servers function correctly. • Qualification o Manage and maintain Active Directory Server. o Degree / Diploma in Computer Science o Manage Users, Groups and Security. • Knowledge and experience o Control the DNS, DHCP. o Diploma requires 3 years working experience. o Managing IT group policy for end users, computers and servers. o 3 Years Data administrator in Warehouse environment. o Manage Database servers and maintenance of all records for end users. o 7 Years IT Administrator. o Manage Exchange / Messaging server. Control Email security. Users Mailbox and Distribution Groups • Technical Skills. • Behavioral skills

management. o Good knowledge of o Interpersonal Skill Server Operating o Manage the Share Drive, SharePoint server. Systems, Active Directory Manage anti-virus servers, Monitoring Server, Windows Update Services o o Computer Literacy (MS o Organisational skill Server and optimize distribution Office e – Advanced) Computer Hardware Communication (English & local to computers. o o • Backup Management (Server, Desktop, language) Laptop) o Attention to detail, o Results oriented o Schedule Backup of all data; databases, User mail boxes, Configuration Accuracy, Accounting files, Virtual devices. skill o Planning, Organising, Manage the two backup systems: Physical Drive and Tape. Executing skill o o Basic Networking skills, Basic Linux Operating o Manage the Tape Storage, Tape Rotation and Tape overwriting according System to policy. o Basic computer knowledge ,Basic o Manage the DR (Disaster Recovery) process. Manage annual data backup process. knowledge of C#,VB.net o o Programing Language • Data Integrity Management skill for coding (PowerShell) o Problem Solving, Project o Manage Permissions levels of end users. management skill o Manage the data flow in order to optimize the system. General Information and other requirements: • Manage Printer Servers • Place of Work: Bisha o Manage Printer connecting policy. • Salary: As per Company salary scale. Manage all the printers connected to the network. • Type of contract Indefinite Period o Additional requirement for Nationals: o Manage printer errors and resolve timeously • Having fulfilled his/her National Service obligation and provide evidence of release paper from the Ministry of Defense. • Manage Virtual Technology • Present clearance paper from current/last employer. • Testimonial documents to be attached (CV, work experience credentials, a copy o Manage Templates for virtual machines via PCoIP. of your National Identity Card etc.). • Only shortlisted applicants would be considered as potential candidates for an o Manage Hypervisors (Bare Metal for VMs). interview. • Application documents will not be returned to sender. o Updating VM software’s. • All applications should be sent through the post office. • Deadline for application: 10 days from the day of publication in the • Manage the Helpdesk System Newspaper. • Address: Please mail your applications to; o Action Helpdesk queries delegated by Superior. Bisha Mining Share Company, P. O. Box 4276 Asmara, Eritrea o Backup Helpdesk data and manage data integrity. • Note to non- Eritrean applicants: Please send a copy of your application to o Assist in generating solution for the user support team. Aliens Employment Permit Affairs, P. O. Box 7940 Asmara, Eritrea. • License Management Eritrea Profile,Wednesday, December 21, 2016 Vol 23. No 84 8

A conversation with Dr. Massimo Zaccaria

Billion temesghen

During the ICES 2016 many research papers were presented on several subjects about and of Eritrea. Interestingly even on the first forms of industrializations particularly that of food canning! Q&A presents you today, from Kemey Blog spot, a very interesting interview Issayas Tesfamariam conducted with Dr. Massimo Zaccaria, while ex- ploring his latest research on the ’s first canneries.

Would you tell us about your recent Were there any interesting presentation at the International discovery that you found while Conference on Eritrean Studies doing a research on the history of Conference in Asmara, Eritrea? canned meat industry in Eritrea?

I have presented a paper about The period 1914-1918 will mark the history of the canned food in the celebration of the First World Eritrea from the creation of the first War Centenary. It seems to me that canneries, in 1914, up to the 1960s. most of the people is unaware of the impact the WWI had on Eritrea. My Could you please elaborate it a bit presentation has tried to highlight one more for us? of the most dramatic way in which female workers: in Asmara, halfway WWI affected Eritrea. During the My article explores the history through the 1960s, SOPRAL (food) war demand for canned food raised of the canned food sector which, and Barattolo (textiles) mainly and most of the European countries alongside the salt industry, can be employed female workers. At the started looking for new sources of considered one of the first industrial height of its activity, Barattolo, a cheap meat to feed their soldiers. sector to take root in Eritrea. My cotton factory, had a workforce of aim is to highlight the social and around 3 thousand workers, 70% In 1914, the Torrigiani canneries cultural changes produced in the of whom were women. Strong started operating in Eritrea, according country by the arrival of the first female contingents were employed to the contract that was signed with in the industry for the processing industrial activities. The introduction the Italian army, the canneries were cost of this success had been a general organization/timing/importance of of agricultural products, such as of industrial production in a new supposed to provide 1 million tins impoverishment of one of the most the conference? the Azienda Casciani – De Nadai environment required a series of per year. Italy’s entering the war in important Eritrean resources. The di Elaberet and the AMAP match modifications and adaptation at 1915 conferred a strategic value to local livestock was almost depleted ICES has represented a turning factory. The factory offered women various levels: modern and scientific the Eritrean production that rapidly and it took several years in order to point in Eritrean studies. There is workers a job that was often soul- techniques of livestock breeding gained fundamental importance for reach to pre-war levels. the need to strengthen the relations destroying but that provided them were introduced, local breeds were the destiny of the Italian army during between scholars working on Eritrea. with a salary and so the possibility to improved, “rational” techniques the First World War. As a result of the For the canned and frozen Among the presenters there were renegotiate her role in the family and were adopted but also factory urgent requests from Italy, the factory meat industries, the early 1960s many young and talented Eritrean in society. workers were demanded to adopt in Asmara had committed to supply represented the golden era. Between scholars, I hope that in the future new ways of conceptualizing labour 24 million cans up to 1921-22, 16 1962 and 1965, investments in the there will be spaces for working How was your presentation and time, while a new work-ethic million of which were to be provided sector underwent an increase of together. received? was introduced. in the two years period from 1917- 547.3% with 6 industries active in 1918 alone. In the space of a few the sector: SOPRAL, INCODE, Any final comments? What is I think that the participants were The study of the history of food years, the Eritrean administration SARICE, AIMCO and EMCO. your next research project? a little bit puzzled by the apparent industry in Eritrea offers also an was requested to provide more than The canneries’ boom was based on oddity of the topic. But once they invaluable perspective on how seven times the original provision. Ethiopia providing the raw material I’m working on the history of realized that this is just another way gender relations have changed over Unable to find the cattle needed in (cows) and Eritrea the technical Eritrea in the period 1896-1913. I will to talk about Eritrean social fabric, I time. Eritrea, the Italians administration expertise (processing and canning). use the life and work of a professional hope they enjoyed the presentation turned first to Yemen and then to During the 1960s Eritrea was photographer based in Eritrea in and the following discussion that The food industry has always Ethiopia. The many difficulties exporting canned food everywhere: those years: Alessandro Comini. A was very inspiring. accommodated large number of encountered during the six years Yemen, Sudan, Saudi Arabia, Israel, few years ago I was able to locate of activity did not prevent the Britain and Italy. part of his photographic archive. Torrigiani to produce more than 12 Working on some 300 original glass million cans of meat, i.e. about 120 What is the importance of plates I will try to illustrate how thousand tons of meat. Beside that, knowing about the canned meat Italian colonialism conceptualized Eritrea supplied the Italian war effort industry in Eritrea? Eritrea and how it made use of its hides for a value of 20 million Lire, natural and human resources. The 50 thousand tons of dum palm and This study is a further step in pictures of Alessandro Combini are 60,000 tons of potassium chloride the direction of understanding the astonishingly beautiful and details (used in explosives). Eritrean troops reactions of the Eritrean society many aspects of Eritrean life at the were deployed in Libya, one of the to the vast changes brought by beginning of the 20th century but many WWI’s fronts. colonialism. For good or ill, Italian the real challenge remains how to colonialism had an impact on contextualize that photographs. At the end of the war everyone environment, social relationships, acknowledged that the Torrigiani the economy and the cultural life of Thank you for your time. Always Company had “made remarkable many Eritreans. fascinating research! efforts” in order to meet “the army’s Pre-independence canneries, in 1914 - 1960s. meat requirements”. However, the What is your opinion about the You’re welcome.