Special Edition

No. 23 Saturday, August 22, 2020 Pages 6

New schools under construction NRS Region: Governor’s tour of inspection in Forto Sawa su- zone Two new elementary schools are the schools has been finalized, the under construction in Ribda and report added. Alet administrative areas, Forto Sawa sub-zone. The construction Pointing out that the progress of the schools is expected to play of education has been hampered significant role in reinforcing the in Forto Sawa sub zone due to teaching and learning process remoteness of villages, nomadic in the area, Mr. Abubakar Idris, lifestyle, and backward traditions administrator of the sub zone among others, Mr. Abubakar Idris, indicated. administrator of the sub zone said that thanks to the integrated efforts Each of the schools that are being being made, encouraging results constructed with the cooperation of are being registered and that the Ministry of Education branch students’ school enrolment is on in Gash Barka region and the the increase. Western Command Development Documents of Forto Sawa sub Front include 4 class rooms, zone indicate that there are 28 administrative and teacher’s educational institutions including Ms. Asmeret Berhane, Governor are making efforts to renovate the schemes with the view to offices, as well as storehouse and two boarding schools ranging from of the Northern Red Sea Region, damaged water diversion schemes increase agricultural produce, Mr. toilet. 90% of the construction of preschool to high school. called on agriculture experts to on their own. Abubakar Ibrahim, administrator come up with permanent solution of the sub-zone, said that the to the damaged water diversion The Governor also commended damage is beyond the capacity schemes in Shieb sub-zone. the farmers for their strong effort of the farmers and called for Community based soil and water conservation activity in soil and water conservation machinery support. The residents of the sub-zones of Afabet and Shieb, Northern Red Sea Ms. Asmeret made the call activities as well as renovation of region, are conducting soil and water conservation as well as construction during an inspection tour she water diversion schemes. Mr. Hasen Jimie, head of the of water diversion schemes. conducted to the sub-zone Office of Agriculture in the sub- on 13 August to oversee the Indicating that farmers in zone on his part, stating that 24 Accordingly, the residents of Afabet sub-zone are engaged in the flood damaged water diversion Shieb sub-zone are involved in water diversion schemes have been construction of terraces, water diversion schemes as well in renovation of schemes. Farmers of the sub-zone constructing water diversion damaged due to heavy flooding, dirt roads that have been damaged due to flooding. said that only 660 hectares of the potential 8272 hectares of farm Similarly, the residents of Sheib sub-zone are also engaged in similar land is being cultivated. activity with a view to enrich the soil and underground water there by Support to disadvantaged families boosting agricultural production. Financial support has been extended to disadvantaged families in the sub- zones of Gala-Nefhi, Mai-Temenai, Akria and Paradizo, Central region.

According to report, in Sela’e Daero administrative area, Gala-Nefhi Construction of dams in Adi-Keshi and Adi-Gebru sub-zone, over 355 thousand Nakfa was distributed to disadvantaged Two newly constructed micro- in the areas. of the dams in the development families in the area, in Mai-Temenai sub-zone 67 thousand Nakfa, in Akria dams in Adi-Keshi and Adi-Gebru, The project coordinators effort in general and agricultural sub-zone over 139 thousand Nakfa and in Adi-Sogdo, Paradizo sub-zone, Central region, were inaugurated on Eng. Abel Woldegabir and Eng. development in particular, said that 69 thousand Nakfa. 15 and 16 August. Abraham Daniel commended the 124 dams and micro-dams in the the strong participation the Centaral region have the capacity of Similarly, 149 thousand Nakfa contributed by Tesfa Sport Club was The dams that have the capacity residents remonstrated during the holding 74 million cubic meters of disbursed to war disabled veterans in 11 sub-zones in the Central region. of holding from 35 to 50 thousand construction. water. cubic meters of water will have The residents on their part significant contribution in ensuring Speaking at the inauguration expressed readiness to expand Announcement from the water supply both to the residents ceremony, Mr. Zerit Tewoldebrhan, vegetables and fruits farming and and livestock as well as in the managing director in the Central play due part in stabilizing the Ministry of Health development of irrigation farming region, indicating the significance markets beyond their areas. Two patients have been diagnosed positive for COVID-19 in tests carried out on August 20 at Adibara Quarantine Centre in Gash Barka Region.

The two patients are nationals who returned from Sudan recently.

On the other hand, thirteen patients who were receiving medical treat- ment in hospitals in Gash Barka Region have recovered fully and were released from these facilities.

The total number of recovered patients to-date stands at 274.

The total number of confirmed cases in the country to-date is 306.

Ministry of Health 20 August 2020 Profile, Saturday, August 22, 2020 No.23 2

Memories

music, dance, poetry, and drama debris as they move. They are is reflected in other ways as well; performances. Generally, these are common to the region around in Sawa, for instance, everyone conducted by students although Sawa, and also are found in parts of is treated equally, regardless of (Part 1) special guests from around the the countries surrounding Eritrea. age, gender, ethnicity, religion, country sometimes visit in order When a camseen is approaching, socio-economic status or other to perform. Cultural nights, which your best bet is to quickly run distinctions. Dr. Fikrejesus Amahazion it would be a bit easier and more showcase our country’s rich history, inside for cover. Once safe inside, fun to “organize” and present my diversity, identity, and culture are make sure that you have shut the F is for Forto Sawa: Forto Sawa I recently read Billion Temesgen’s memories alphabetically. Thus, the about far more than “just” fun windows! is a small town located not far article, “How must Sawa have been following presents the first part and entertainment. They also have from Sawa. For the town of Forto in 2020”, which was featured in of my experiences, with entries other important benefits. I will never forget my first time Sawa, Sawa is very important. It is the last edition of Eritrea Profile categorized from the letter A experiencing a camseen. Seeing a source of employment for many (published on August 19). I found through to the letter H. Part II and For one, they help to instill within it increase in size as it rapidly people from the town, and it also the piece extremely insightful and Part III will be presented in the next us a strong sense of pride in being approached from the distance, I significantly contributes to the life very enjoyable. Eloquent and well- several editions of Eritrea Profile. Eritrean. As put by the prominent ran inside, following close on the and economy of the town in other written, it presented a detailed Black social activist and civil rights heels of several of my friends. In ways (e.g., purchases from local and interesting perspective of life A is for Addes: One of the campaigner Malcolm X decades my rush to get inside to shelter, businesses). in Sawa. It also evoked a flood of staples of the Eritrean diet is addes, ago, “Just as a tree without roots is I totally forgot that my clothes, memories of my own experiences or lentils. The same is true of meals dead, a people without history or which I had washed and hung up F is also for Fisca: When you at the institution. As I was reading, at Sawa. Addes is extremely easy to dry not long before, were still hear the sound of the fisca, or I found myself being transported on the clothesline outside. After whistle, it means that you have to back into time, reliving some of the camseen had passed, I spent quickly get to where you need to the things she discussed and also several hours sheepishly tracking be – in line, class, study, chores, being reminded of so many other down socks and shorts that had exercises, field, or a meeting. things that made my Sawa journey been blown away and strewn to During the traditional midday nap, so special. some of the farthest reaches of the fisca serves as an alarm clock, Sawa. Lesson learned! telling you it is time to wake up. Taking the cue from Billion’s G is for Gash Barka: Sawa is recent contribution, the following D is for Dikas: In Sawa, dikas, located within Zoba Gash Barka. article briefly shares some of or sleep, is deep and peaceful. There are six zobas, or provinces, my own memories of Sawa. I In fact, I don’t think I have ever in Eritrea: Anseba, Maekel, Debub, should point out that many of the slept as well anywhere else as I Gash Barka, Northern Red Sea, experiences I discuss here are of did in Sawa. It may sound trite and Southern Red Sea. Gash things that are often forgotten, less and clichéd, but “like a baby” is a Barka is located in the west of the recognized, or do not instantly pretty accurate description about country. In addition to Sawa, other come to mind. Additionally, with dikas in Sawa. big towns and cities in Gash Barka so many different things to share include Barentu, Agordet, Haikota, about my experience, I thought Eritrea is blessed with rich diversity. D is also for Dinesh: Another Tessenei, Goluj, Shambuko, and of the staples of the diet in Eritrea, Omhajer. Of course, it should not to prepare, healthy, full of protein, cultural roots also becomes a dead and in Sawa, is dinesh (potatoes). be forgotten that Badme, one of and very tasty. Personally, I had to people.” Additionally, cultural Personally, I loved when dinesh the triggers for the destructive ensure that I always had a small nights significantly contribute to was on the menu for lunch or 1998-2000 war between Eritrea towel and a large cup of cold water social cohesion, tolerance, and dinner since they usually were and , and which remains to drink nearby, since addes was understanding by exposing us all to not drowned with berbere – my under illegal occupation by foreign usually prepared with different different aspects of our country’s longtime nemesis. forces, is also located in Gash Published Every types of spices (including red hot colorful culture. For me, seeing Barka. Published Every berbere, the undisputed king of the SaturdayPublished & Wednesday Every and learning about the history E is for Equality: The promotion Wednesday & Saturday spices) that left me sweating, open- and culture of the Nara, Kunama, of equality is a fundamental goal in Interestingly, shortly after Saturday & Wednesday mouthed, and panting. and Hedareb, for instance, helped Eritrea, and Sawa is a key part of Eritrea’s independence, the strengthen my appreciation and achieving that aim. For example, country’s existing administrative Acting Editor B is for Bitsainet: Bitsainet understanding for those ethno- Sawa promotes equitable access regions were restructured into AmanuelActing EditorMesfun can be roughly translated as linguistic groups. and equality of opportunity for all, the current six zobas. This was Amanuel Mesfun “camaraderie” or “comradeship”. [email protected] Mesfun which is important for traditionally done in order to promote socio- [email protected] In many ways, it is a term that C is also for Camseen: Camseen marginalized or minority groups economic development, ensure perfectly encapsulates much of our are large, powerful, swirling winds (such as females, low-income equitable distribution of and P.O.Box: 247 time in Sawa. We do pull through P.O.Box: 247 that gather dust, sand, and other individuals, and others). Equality access to resources and services everything – classes, lessons, Tel: 11-41-14 and eliminate harmful divisions Fax: 12-77-49 assignments, work, exercises, along ethno-linguistic or religious Fax: 12-77-49 drills, and chores – together. E-mail: lines. The great importance of this E-mail: Moreover, we make sure to support latter focus is highlighted by the [email protected]@[email protected] zena.gov.er and take care of the person next to mayhem, upheaval, and terrible Advertisement: 12-50-13 us, calm in the knowledge that our conflicts related to sharp ethnic comrades will likewise support and divisions and hatred currently take care of us. Bitsainet malet! Layout occurring within many parts of Layout Africa. AAzmerazmera BerhaneBerhane C is for Cultural Nights: Among my most favorite things in Sawa are AidaSaraSara JoharAlem the cultural nights. Several times continued on page 5 per month we all gather for live Eritrea Profile, Saturday, August 22, 2020 No.23 3

Eritrea’s National Service –A national rite of passage

Sara Tesfay service…” and individuals that are referenced background. As in Eritrea, programs take time to assess the exact toll and in the Special Rapporteurs reports like the National Youth Service redress the wrongs perpetrated on Thousands of Eritrean youth, who That sentiment was echoed by and which received funding from (NYS) in Kenya, National Youth Eritrea’s youth. In this respect, the make up the 33rd round of National the representative of Germany, western agencies will suffice. Service Corps in Nigeria, and ‘core group’, neither have the moral Service (NS), completed the last speaking on behalf of the European Labeling them “human rights Umuganda in Rwanda, are meant to authority, nor the legal mandate to year of high school and military Union, who also feigned concern defenders” will not hide their true help foster national unity, promote point fingers at Eritrea, the victim of training, and added to the large pool for the “indefinite national service”. agendas. development in neglected areas, and their wrong policies for the region. of their compatriots who graduated As for the original sponsors, acting foster understanding in ethnically before them. The annual graduation on behalf of the TPLF regime in Unfortunately, the Special and religiously diverse populations. Eritrea’s right to self- activities that take place at the Sawa Ethiopia were Somalia, Djibouti, Rapporteurs have not been able to But each has its own unique history determination, defense, Training Center keep both young and Nigeria- the “African faces”. maintain their independence from and its programs vary. Some have development and preservation of and old, those both in the country, With the TPLF regime removed, the pipers, and their reports remain a military component, and some do cultural rightsare all enshrined and in the Diaspora who are unable the dynamics in the region have a compilation of unsubstantiated not. Eritrea believes that in addition in the UN Charter, as well as to participate in person, glued to changed, hence the change in the allegations made by the pipers to basic skills, academics, technical, the UN Declaration on Human the television screen to watch the stance of the original sponsors. It and their anonymous informants. discipline, and citizenship, it is the Rights. Article 27 of the Universal ceremonies. The fact that the much Declaration of Human Right maligned training center was not (UDHR) says the following: interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic engulfing the globe, and “…Everyone has the right was able to complete its programs to freely participate in the with even greater results, added yet cultural life of the community, another example of its significance, to enjoy the arts and to share as a source of resilience of the in scientific advancement and society at large. The two events, its benefits. Creation draws on graduation from the technical the roots of cultural traditions, school and completion of the but flourishes in contact with specific round of national service, other cultures. For this reason, are important national celebrations, heritage in all its forms must the magnitude of which is annually be preserved, enhanced and evidenced by the presence of handed on to future generations President Isaias Afwerki, and other as a record of human experience senior Government and Peoples and aspirations, so as to foster Front for Democracy and Justice creativity in all its diversity and to (PFDJ) and the public at large inspire genuine dialogue among although the format was somewhat cultures…” adjusted this year for obvious was clear from the very beginning Eritreans have witnessed these values and principles instilled in the reasons. that it was a politically motivated conferences, wherein groups and youth that will help them the most And UNESCO says: ill-gotten mandate. As the individuals opposed to the Eritrean in their development. While the people of Eritrea representative of the Philippines government are given platform “…Cultural heritage does not celebrate the NS, it has become the accurately stated: to disseminate unsubstantiated It is interesting that, in all the end at monuments and collections target of intense vilification and allegations. Eritreans know about the 20 years since the signing of the of objects. It also includes misinformation, and remains the “…no matter how we frame various campaigns, demonstrations Algiers Agreements between traditions or living expressions most maligned institution. At the this resolution, it is a still a and petitions organized by these Eritrea and Ethiopia in December inherited from our ancestors and UN Human Rights Council hearing resolution that does not enjoy the individuals and groups, who do not 2000, agreements which were passed on to our descendants, such on 16 July 2020, the NSP seemed to consent of the country concerned, enjoy the support of the majority witnessed and guaranteed by as oral traditions, performing be the issue mentioned the most by we must examine the rationale of Eritreans in the country, or in the European Union, the “core arts, social practices, rituals, those who insist on misrepresenting of sustaining this mandate…we the Diaspora, where their regime group” voiced little concern for its festive events, knowledge and Eritrea. The statement read by call on the Council to avoid being change agenda, using human rights implementation. Indeed, until 2018, practices concerning nature and Ms. Nathalie Olijslager the ossified in agendas that have as a pretext, was dead on arrival. they instead provided the minority the universe or the knowledge representative of the Netherlands taken a life of their own, out of As the popular adage says, “he who regime in Ethiopia the diplomatic, and skills to produce traditional was very telling. She said: tune with developments on the pays the piper picks the tune”, so it is economic, and political support and crafts…The importance of ground…we call attention to the no wonder then that their reports do shield as it flouted international law intangible cultural heritage is “…On behalf of the core group fact that mandates on Eritrea not reflect the truth about Eritrea - and the Eritrea-Ethiopia Boundary not the cultural manifestation consisting of Australia, Austria, have cost nearly 5 million US they are and remain out of tune with Commission’s final and binding itself but rather the wealth of Belgium, France, Germany and dollars from 2015-2020 alone…” developments on the ground. So the delimitation and demarcation knowledge and skills that is Netherlands, I have the pleasure chances of the Council receiving decisions. For all their repetitive transmitted through it from one to introduce Resolution L8 on She then went on to say that accurate and substantiated reports feigns of concern for Eritrea’s generation to the next…The the human rights situation in half a million dollars were needed on Eritrea remains a pipe dream- youth, they omit the root cause importance of intangible cultural Eritrea…last year the original for 2021 for salary and travel, and pun intended. for the “indefinite service”, the heritage is not the cultural sponsors were no longer in a conference services. These costs do belligerence and lawlessness of the manifestation itself but rather the position to present this initiative, not include the millions spent on the National Service did not begin TPLF regime that they propped up wealth of knowledge and skills the core group stepped in…we various groups and individuals hired with Eritrea, and there are many for 20 years. The damage caused by that is transmitted through it are worried with the continued to produce the various reports on countries that have such programs, TPLF and its handlers cost the lives from one generation to the next. practice of indefinite national Eritrea. A cursory look at the NGOS and each with its own historical of thousands in the region. It will continued on page 5 Disclaimer: articles published in this column do not reflect the stance or opinion of Eritrea Profile Eritrea Profile, Saturday, August 22, 2020 No . 23 4

August in the history of Eritrea

Simon Weldemichael

In the historical calendar of Eritrea, the month of August is filled with major events that have great significance in the course of history of the Eritrean people. For the moment I have selected four historical events that happened in August.

August 2, 1889 -- the occupation of Asmara by Italy: In 1885 Italians expanded their control from Assab to . The desire to expand their colonial possession and control of the highland was met with stiff resistance, and it took them additional four years to reach Asmara. Finally, the Italians entered Asmara on August 2, 1889 and occupied much of the southern and western parts of Eritrea. By a decree issued on January 1, 1890, Italy proclaimed Eritrea her colony. their supporters. Asmara Theater Association Earth’, Fanon wrote: “To fight for with double meaning that have In their march to Asmara and toured across Eritrean towns national culture first of all means serious political messages against their attempt to consolidate After 52 years of Italian and Ethiopia. In describing fighting for the liberation of the Ethiopian hegemony. their rule over Eritrea, the occupation, Asmara was taken the performance of the theatre nation, the tangible matrix from Italian colonial army was by British Forces on April 1, association in Addis Ababa, which culture can grow.” Eritrean Tikabo Weldemariam and confronted by the local people. 1941 and was ruled by them for Mengistu Gedamu, an Ethiopian artists as cultural combatants have Tewelde Redda, veteran Eritrean The traditional political elites of a decade. On May 24, 1991 the journalist, said: “There were fired liberator cultural bullets to singers, were regarded as important Eritrea organized their people Eritrean People’s Liberation army thousands of people crowded liberate the nation- culturally, figures in the establishment of and showed considerable amount liberated Asmara and Eritrea around the entrance to the hall… psychologically and politically. Asmara Theater Association. of resistance. But the resistance became independent. Women who had paid 25 Birr Today many young artists sing the The cultural association played of Eritreans did not last long for for their hairstyles found their 1960s and revolutionary songs of a great role in the development lack of effective organization and August 3, 1961 – Establishment hair disordered by the crush. Eritrea. of national culture and served coordination. At that time, the of Asmara Theater Association: The entrance fee was 5 Birr but as an outlet to express Eritrean Eritrean people were suffering In the same year that Eritrea’s many people were willing to pay August 4, 1984 – Launching identity and nationalism. The from famine, known by Eritreans armed struggle started by Hamid 25 Birr to enter the hall… Even Eritrean Festival in Bologna: association included artists from as zebene akahida, that lasted Idris Awate, though I could not understand Before Eritrea’s independence different ethnic groups and gave until 1892. Besides the social Association was established. This the language (Tigrinya) or the the annual Eritrean festival was appropriate attention to women’s and economic strife caused by historical coincidence is indicative message, I enjoyed the way held in Bologna, Italy. Eritreans participation. Some of the well- the famine, the Eritrean people of the association’s future role the play and the music were from all over the world used to known Eritrean women singers in became victims of various Tigrean in the cultural front. It provided performed. In fact, it was the best assemble in Bologna to celebrate the association include Tebereh warriors, notably Ras Alula, who an outlet for the frustrated I have ever seen. Alemayo Kahsay the Eritrean culture and to express Tesfahuney, Tsehaytu Beraki, inflicted enormous damage. War Eritrean population. Asmara performed the Italian Toto and their support for the struggle for Algenesh Kiflu, Amleset Abbai, and famine drained the strength Theater Association was the most Tebereh Tesfahuney sang like the independence. The festival served Genet Teferi, Hiwot Tedla, of the population, and it was successful cultural association in American Doris Day.” as a vehicle of mobilization and Letebrehan Dagnew and Tegbaru under such circumstances that Eritrea that left an indelible mark construction of Eritrean national Teklai. Italy occupied Asmara. on Eritrean society. Although the Members of Asmara Theater identity. The festival in Bologna works of the association were Association lived under constant has a symbolic value in the history The association had in its When the Italians occupied subjected to censorship by the surveillance of Ethiopian colonial of Eritrea. It was not merely a membership well-known the highland and the western Ethiopian colonial authorities security authorities. Almost cultural event or celebration; it singers, writers, musicians, lowland they eliminated the the artists were usually able all were sent to prison for some was rather a continuation of the and comedians, including Eritrean traditional political to skillfully mask the political time. Through their performance struggle for independence in a Solomon Gebregzhiabhier, elites. According to Zemhret content of their works. Songs of the artists were able to influence diplomatic frontline. The festival comedian and playwright, Asres Yohannes’s Tigrinya book, ‘The veteran Eritrean singers such as the public to join the liberation provided a common ground for Tessema, musician, Asmerom Italian colonization’, between Tewelde Reda’s Shigey habuni struggle. During 1970s, the interaction and strengthened Habtemariam, playwright and 1890 and 1891, the Italians (give me my torch), Atewebrhan majority of the members of the Eritreans’ solidarity. As a cultural announcer, Osman Abdulrahim, killed 800 Eritreans, twelve of Segid’s Aslamay Kstanay, Alamin association joined the ELF and event, it gave an opportunity singer, Negusse Haile, a whom were traditional political Abdelletif’s Fatuma Zahra, the EPLF. The Eritrean revolution to celebrate and appreciate the playwright, and legendary singers elites. Through summary Osman Abdulrahim’s xebhi produced many revolutionary diversity of the Eritrean culture. such as Yemane Gebremichael execution or imprisonment, the xom and Tebereh Tesfahuney’s artists that fought against the After independence, the national (Baria), Alamin Abdulatif and Italians eliminated the leading Abi Hidmo are some of the colonial and decadent culture. In festival is celebrated annually in Tebereh Tesfahuney. traditional political elites and immortal songs of the 1960s his book, ‘The Wretched of the Asmara. Eritrea Profile,Saturday, August 22, 2020 No. 23 5 Photo: Aklilu Zerezghi Photographers Corner Kerkebet, August 2020

Eritrea’s National Service . . . Memories

on their volition. There were no and principles transferred from enforcing moral conduct, building continued from page 3 rifle slinging, gun trotting law one generation to another? Social social cohesion, and expressing continued from page 2 enforcement forces patrolling scientists tell us that it is through forms of community culture… H is for Hedareb: Eritrea is The social and economic value of the streets, nor were people seen education, information and social Knowledge about the Gada a country that is blessed with this transmission of knowledge defying calls by the government norms that cultures and traditions system is transmitted to children rich diversity. The population of is relevant for minority groups and health officials. The UNDP are passed on from one generation in the home and at school…” approximately 3.5 million people and for mainstream social Resident Coordinator in Eritrea in to another. The National Service is split almost evenly between groups within a State, and is as his May 2020 article explained: Program is one way of transferring Cultural heritage is a representation Christianity and Islam, with each important for developing States these national values - intangible of our history and our identity; our representing nearly half of the as for developed ones…” “…COVID-19 has so far defied national assets, inherited from our bond to the past, to our present, and population. As well, there are nine logic by voraciously impacting forefathers. Indeed, while certain the future, and it is not only limited ethno-linguistic groups dispersed The NSP in Eritrea is an poor and rich countries with values and principles were refined to material objects that we can throughout the country. The intangible cultural asset that should equal measure. But in Eritrea during the 30 year long struggle for see and touch, like the UNESCO Hedareb mostly reside within Zoba be respected by all. Nobody can only 39 infections and zero deaths independence, they find historical World Heritage structures found in Gash Barka and in the areas in and define for Eritrea which cultural have been reported so far, this roots in Eritrean society. But cultural Asmara, the Eritrean capital, but around Sawa. Mainly nomadic rites are of importance to Eritrean may be largely due to the country values cannot be preserved and also consists of immaterial things or semi-nomadic pastoralists, society, or how they should be harnessing its social capital… transferred to the next generation like Eritrea’s harmonious culture the Hedareb typically migrate practiced. In Eritrea, it is a birth In the African context, social without sustained education and of ethnic and religious respect and seasonally with their herds of right, a rite of passage, a cultural capital – also called ‘Ubuntu’, nurturing. tolerance, and the knowledge and camels, donkeys, goats, and sheep. heritage that needs nurturing and ‘Undugu’ or ‘Ujamaa’ - means the skills transmitted from generation Having the opportunity to meet and development, not denigration and interpersonal relationships and In neighboring Ethiopia, to generation; and, preserved. interact with some of them was a mal-information. For the few that network that give people a sense UNESCO placed the Gada System special privilege and is something decide to dodge service, there are of identity, shared responsibility in its list of intangible cultural Nobody has the right to dictate that I always cherish. thousands more participating with and collective accountability…” assets. For those who do not know what is important or beneficial pride and valor. As for results, the of the Gada system, here is a brief for Eritrea’s development or the H is also for Hikea: Hikea can world took notice recently. Social capital in Eritrea is a result description: development of its people. The generally be understood as getting of cultivation and preservation of people of Eritrea recognize the together for chatting, short stories When the COVID-19 pandemic time tested values and principles “...Gada is a traditional system National Service Program as a and jokes. Usually after dinner reared its ugly head, Eritrea’s engrained in the hearts and minds of governance used by the Oromo birth right, a rite of passage, and a and studying many of us gather response for containing and of all in Eritrean society. It is about people in Ethiopia developed from cultural heritage and nobody can together outside in a field, where preventing its spread was to expectations and obligations and knowledge gained by community decide for them whether or not such we sit or lay down in a circle under pursue a raft of necessary most of all, it is about trust. experience over generations. practice is part of their heritage, no the calm evening sky. Then, one by measures including “stay-at-home” The system regulates political, more than they can decide for them one, we each get up, stand in the guidelines in the entire country. Much has been said about Eritrea’s economic, social and religious what constitutes as their culture, middle, and tell a short story, share The successful implementation of harmonious culture of ethnic and activities of the community religion, history etc. High time the a joke or raise some question for these measures depended fully on religious tolerance and respect, dealing with issues such as world respected the aspirations and everyone to ponder. Hikea time is Eritrea’s impressive social capital; but how is this culture nurtured conflict resolution, reparation wishes of the Eritrean people… all about laughter, friendly debate, on the readiness of the citizens to and passed on from generation to and protecting women’s rights. and not that of the pipers and their relaxation and having a good time. adhere and respect the guidelines generation? How are these values It serves as a mechanism for sponsors. Eritrea Profile, Saturday, August 22, 2020 No. 23 6

habtemichael sirakDate Palm: The Nutritious Side of Food Security

Abdellah Al Swahil is a farmer from the outskirts of the town of Shieb. He has been practicing date palm farming since 1994, when not many Eritrean farmers had the slightest knowledge about the importance of date palm and the fertility of the vast planes of land that have recently been proved very rich in soil content suitable for date palms.

Abdellah Al Swahil first became interested in growing the nutritious, sweet fruit when he left Eritrea as a teenager to find work in Saudi Arabia. When he returned to Eritrea, he became one of the first date palm growers in the country, having to build his knowledge from scratch. Currently, he has close to 500 date palm trees in his farm. During a brief stay in Shieb, we had a very interesting conversation with Abdellah Al Swahil.

Can you please tell us about What future plans do you your experience in date palm have? farming? I have achieved my first plan. It was during my teenage years I saw the independence of my when I was in Saudi Arabia that I country and I am growing my started to know about date palm own date palm plantation on my farming. I always believed that I land. What remains now is to turn would bring back my knowledge the entire coastal area of Eritrea and experience to my country green with date palm. Now and share the harvest of this that many individual farmers sweet and nutritious fruit with and organizations are engaged my own people. I came back here in date palm cultivation I am a couple of years after Eritrea’s convinced we can achieve this by independence and started my collaborating with one another own farm. and spreading the knowledge of much better for the farm. Another From my experience, it is important thing to know is the growing date palms to the rest of Was it easy to manage the farm good part about date palms is always good to know the type time and frequency of watering the eastern lowlands. Dates are at the beginning? that they can desalinate sea water of tree you plant. As I told you, the farm. You also need nets rich in nutritious contents and I and feed from it. In this case we during the initial stage of my and other protection coveralls to always want to be a part of the I take growing date palms very should know that the entire 1,200 experience, I had to wait years protect the fruits from birds. Like contribution these trees can make seriously. For me, planting one kilometers long coastal area that till I knew the type of trees I had. other plants, date palm also needs to my people. I also want to advise date palm is the same as having we have here in Eritrea is good In this case, the farmer always continuous care and spray of my fellow countrymen, not only a child; it needs my utmost care for date palm. needs to know his trees and pesticides, especially against red farmers, to plant at least two date and input. But, of course, I had pollinate them accordingly from ants, which are particularly very palms at home. That way every to get through a handful of What was the knowledge of the the good, sweet breed. Another harmful to the trees. household could be food secure. challenges to be where I am at farmers in Eritrea like when you the moment. Besides, it was hard first came? to differentiate between male and female plants, good or bad dates. Date Palm is a relatively new I had to wait for ten years until plant in Eritrea, with only a the trees were fully-grown and few varieties being grown in a started to bear fruit. Then I kept handful of orchards. So, with the the good ones and cut off the bad little experience that I brought to ones. Eritrea, I couldn’t find date palm farmers. I always believed that in How did you find the quality of any kind of farming in addition land and the climate in Eritrea to the experts’ advice and for date palm? assistance that you can get from the Ministry of Agriculture, it is Starting from my time in Saudi always good to share experience Arabia, I have always been with other farmers. I would dare optimistic about the fertility say that I have come a long way of the land in Eritrea. So I as a lone farmer in this particular believed all the eastern planes area, but the number is increasing of Eritrea, including the coastal these days and the cooperation is area, are good for date palm. growing accordingly. The soil is rich in content and the underground water is plenty. What are the essential things The place that I worked on was a that need to be known about date desert, but here the atmosphere is palm?