Special Edition

No. 50 Saturday, 12 December, 2020 Pages 4 Preserving cultural heritage Support to rehabilitate disadvantaged citizens Disadvantaged citizens in Senafe sub-zone said that their livelihood has improved with the material and livestock support they were provided by the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare.

According to report from the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare in the sub-zone 19 disadvantaged families were provided each with livestock worth 10 thousand Nakfa.

The beneficiary families expressed appreciation for the support the Government of is providing to disadvantaged citizens and families of martyrs.

Indicating that financial support was extended to 30 members of Bidho association, Mr. Gebriel Kahsai, head of the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare in the sub-zone, said that the support is part of the initiative the Government is taking to improve the livelihoods of disadvantaged citizens and enable them become productive members of the society.

Noting that the Government has been extending financial and material support to disadvantaged citizens with a view to improve their livelihoods, Mr. Tadesse Teame, head of Social Service in the sub-zone, called on the public to play part in the effort. Members of the Culture and were provided on the significance preserving the historical sites and Sports Commission visited of preserving cultural heritage transfer them to generations. Mr. Tadesse also called on area administrators to identify needy families in cultural sites in Daero-Paulos and and transfer them to posterity. their areas so that they become beneficiaries of the program. historical sites in Himbirti and Noting that preserving cultural called on the public to strengthen Indicating that ancient heritage heritage is a task that should be participation in preserving the is a manifestation of development given priority, Dr. Tsegay Medin Contribution to augment National Fund cultural heritage. and identity, Mr. Endrias from the Culture and Sports Eritrean nationals inside the country and abroad are continuing their Asmerom, head of Culture and Commission said that Eritrea is support to augment the National Fund to combat the spread of COVID- During the visit in which Mr. Sports branch in the Central rich in tangible and intangible 19. Fisehaye Haile, Governor of the region, called on the public cultural and archaeological , took part briefings to strengthen participation in heritage and that preserving them According to report from the Ministry of Health, ‘Dibnet’ cooperative is not to be left to one institution association contributed 5 thousand Nakfa, members of Naval Force only. Dr. Tsegay also called on former Revolution School cooperative association 5 thousand, and other the public to play part in the effort cooperative associations in Keren, Adi-Quala and contributed a to identify and document the total of 11 thousand Nakfa. cultural and historical heritage in their areas. Likewise, a number of nationals inside the country contributed a total of Announcement 70 thousand Nakfa. from the Ministry of Health Ministry of Agriculture distributing chicks Seven patients have been diagnosed positive for COVID-19 The Ministry of Agriculture 47.5 million chickens have been families and poultry farmers in tests carried out on 10 December at Q/Centers in Adibara is distributing about one million distributed to about 5.1 million across the country. (5), Barentu (1), and a resident in Tesseney (1) in Gash Barka chickens to 40 thousand families Region. with fare price.

The six patients from the Quarantine Centers are nationals According to the program that who returned recently from Sudan. will be conducted for a year, the Ministry is distributing about 27 On the other hand, eight patients who were receiving thousand chickens per a week and medical treatment in hospitals in Gash Barka and Central so far 12 thousand 386 families Regions have recovered fully and have been released from across the country have become these facilities. beneficiaries.

The total number of recovered patients to-date accordingly The Ministry of Agriculture stands at 525. indicated that the objective of the program is to encourage nationals The total number of confirmed cases in the country to-date introduce modern way of poultry has risen to 656. farming and play due part in the effort to ensure food security and Ministry of Health improve their livelihoods. Asmara 10 December 2020 According to document from the Ministry of Agriculture, in the past independence years Eritrea Profile,Saturday, 12 December, 2020 No.50 2

Transforming Arid Zones into Wetlands

Kesete Ghebrehiwet irrigable land, abundant water, electricity and roads is transforming It is quite breathtaking to see the living standards of the people human made lakes in areas that in the remote areas of the Western were once arid and dramatic change lowlands. Pilot agricultural projects in the ecosystem and the lifestyle around the dams have demonstrated of people who live in such areas. that the Gash-Barka region is The development endeavors have suitable for the cultivation of a triggered a chain of transformations wide range of fruits, vegetables, in infrastructure, which are obvious cereals and cash crops and ideal for in the Gash-Barka region. livestock. The farm products have been satisfying the needs of not The Gash-Barka region is known only the communities living around for its hot climate. Fanko-Tsumu’e the dams but also the markets across is a place in the region. Tsumu’e the country. Livestock and dairy roughly means “arid.” Some places, products have been increasing in including Fanko-Tsumu’e and amount and in quality. Kerkebet, were hardly conducive for farm activities due to scarcity water conservation activities such thousands of hectares of land to the construction of dams in the Gash- Bademit and Aligidir dams of water. This natural barrier has as afforestation and the construction grow cereals and cash crops and Barka region, which have also been have also been constructed for now been overcome with the of water catchments. raise animals. creating employment opportunities agricultural development and for for new graduates, has become livestock. Pastoralists, who used to Fanko Tsumu’e, Fanko-Rawi and a platform for human resource travel to Tekeze River in search of Gerset are earth dams that were development. The farm areas under water for their cattle, have now been constructed by Segen Construction the dams have been ideal workshops making use of the water resource Company between 2003 and 2011 as for graduates from colleges and impounded in Bademit Dam. part of the Government’s intensive vocational training centers to hone The “can do” spirit of the Gash-Barka dam construction their skills and increase their know- government and the people has plan. Kerkebet dam, which was how through hands-on experience. transformed arid areas into ever constructed by Red Sea and Bidho green wetlands. The construction construction companies is Eritrea’s It is not only the construction of of dams and the farm activities biggest concrete and rock fill dam. dams that needs to be emphasized are stepping stones for a chain The construction of these strategic here. Roads have been constructed of other developments that led to dams has been instrumental in to help with the transport of urbanization of some villages in redressing the natural environment construction and irrigation materials the Western lowlands. The dams of the localities in which the to the dam sites, and once the dams have also created a mesmerizing dams have been constructed and a are constructed, these roads link beauty to the natural scenery. The construction of dams and soil and driving force for an improvement the farm areas with market places, dams are generating a vibrant The construction of dams takes in the living standards of local leading to a chain of development ecosystem and paving the road for the lead in bringing about the multifaceted achievements that are being registered. The construction of rock fill and concrete, earth and masonry dams has been a driving force for the transformation of arid Published Every Published Every areas in to agricultural hubs. This SaturdayPublished & Wednesday Every development opened a venue for Wednesday & Saturday agro industry, such as Banatom Saturday & Wednesday (banana and tomato processing plant), pre-cast factory, general Acting Editor metal, vehicles and farm machinery Acting Editor Amanuel Mesfun maintenance workshops and cold Amanuel Mesfun stores in Alebu. [email protected] Mesfun [email protected] As Eritrea’s rivers are seasonal, P.O.Box: 247 lack of water dams in the past was a P.O.Box: 247 major cause of wastage of abundant Tel: 11-41-14 Fax: 12-77-49 water and fertile soil during the Fax: 12-77-49 rainy season. Research carried out E-mail: E-mail: from 1992 to 1997 at different sites a prosperous future in the country’s [email protected]@[email protected] zena.gov.er of the Western lowland, particularly communities. in a wider area of the Gash-Barka agro industry. Advertisement: 12-50-13 in the Mereb-Gash River basin, region. Power stations have also to explore water resources for the The Gash-Barka region is known been installed in the areas where In a series of articles, we will development of agriculture and the as the bread basket of Eritrea. dams are constructed and farm Layout present major development Layout supply of potable water in rural Therefore, the construction of activities are flourishing. These undertakings in Eritrea’s Western areas reflects the far-sighted vision the dams is expected to take the developments have become the AAzmerazmera BerhaneBerhane Development Zone, which is part Sara Alem of the Government of Eritrea. The region’s potential to new heights of reason for a growing population in of the development programs being AidaSara JoharAlem construction of dams in different prosperity by augmenting its water the previously less populated areas implemented to ensure an even areas of the Gash-Barka region resources. of the Gash-Barka region. distribution of resources across the has triggered farm activities over Besides progress in farm activities, Overall, the availability of nation. Eritrea Profile,Saturday, 12 December, 2020 No.50 3

Natnael Yebio W. wishes and to be bribed by the excess flow of creams, balms One day a missionary met a and various types of oil enough manOn in a remote r African place.eflection: t he figure in them to keep Egyptianirror mummies intact He took out a mirror from his bag for another one million years. and held it in front of the man. Mirror, Mirror on the wall, who “Oh, Ah” sighed the African. is the fairest of them all?

“We call it a mirror,” replied “Clearly not you” the missionary proudly but at the same time started to wonder Smash………! why the man did not bolt off the moment he saw his face’s Past the age of sixty, the answer reflection in the mirror. to this question is vague, but in fairy tales this ambivalence is “I know it is a mirror,” asserted translated by the cracking of the the man in perfect Oxford mirrors with subsequent heart English. “What I want to know ache of the one who refuses to is whether it is a Venetian or an give up the fight against old age Ordinary glass?” and senility.

On that day, our missionary The other day, this writer was learned that mirrors had been attires, while women decorated clarity. And it has been years you look more healthy today told by a friend that women tend to invented by Mesopotamians 5000 their faces and necks in front of since he last saw his face in a than yesterday….you look use smaller mirrors as they grow years ago while the ancestors of small circular mirrors in order to glass mirror. depressed….did you put much old. At the age of 17, they enjoy a this Bible slinging missionary look as much different as possible oil in your hair….there is a red generous reflection of their entire were still living in caves clubbing from the lower class. Another story has to do with a spot in your teeth, have you been physique in the mirror. At the age each other to death for mere certain man who wanted to join eating raw tomato.” of 40, they glance only at half procurement of dried bones and Eritreans probably used the church friars. One day as he of their body. At 50, a quarter of plump women. polished metals in the past as was still under examination prior If done within bounds of their failing constitution, at 60, mirrors the way ancient Egyptians to full acceptance as a Franciscan propriety I consider this a only their face, at 70, a fraction It is told that ancient Egyptians did. Failing that they must have friar, he was discovered lingering praiseworthy culture. In such a of their face, at 80, their wrinkled used mirrors (probably polished availed themselves of still waters more than was proper in front of a society, who needs a mirror? eyes and noses, at 90, they hate metal) to reflect the sun’s rays whose surface mirrored their mirror that hang in the communal their reflected images. And after into the dark chambers of the images with high fidelity. toilet. The next day, the father However, there is danger in that, they can only see death pyramids. They knew that superior sent for him and when such a game. The same remarks reflected in the mirror. They see working under a burning torch But mirrors are for the the latter reported for duty he was or observation directed at women the world they are leaving behind. inside the pyramid left little vainglorious. Our villagers, being told to pack up and leave. might result in offence and all out Good-bye cruel world. oxygen to breath. anything but narcissists, tend to conflict. lean towards self-abnegation with “What is the reason for my But what do we really see However, legend has it that more interest in their inner than permanent dismissal? What did In Europe such comments in a mirror? Perhaps, the other it was a Greek who first used outer perfection. That’s why you I do wrong?” pleaded the young only produce an unexpected and side of the universe, where we the mirror as a weapon of war. see more mirrors in towns that in spiritual recruit. painful response such as boxing continue to live on when we die Archimedes built a big mirror, villages. in the ear or sharp slap in the as reflections, without body. fixed it on a big structure and “You have been with us for only face. In the case of old ladies, by turning it to face the sun at Once upon a time a certain a day or two, yet you couldn’t brace yourself for a good bang on They say that only man is an angle, he was able, it is said, village went to town to visit a resist the temptation of vainglory the head with an umbrella. conscious about his reflection in to burn many Roman ships that cousin. After identifying the and self-attachment. The mirror is a mirror. Animals seldom care dared to approach the Greek house, he knocked on the door one more window for the devil to When the Italians arrived to give a second glance at their shores. which opened promptly. Just enter your heart,” said the Padre. in Eritrea, Eritreans learned reflected images. Since man is opposite the opened door was something new about the old a self-contemplating animal, Joannes Zonaras, a Byzantine a wardrobe fitted with a large One more reason why our mirror. The first was that breaking can it be that the mirror is one historian of the 12th century, mirror. country people are not interested a mirror entailed seven years of good instrument to be used for wrote: “At last, in an incredible in mirrors is that the society is trouble. Setteanni di guai, as they separating the animal kingdom manner, he burned up the whole “Good day, my dear friend their mirror both in physical and put it. The second elevated the from human kingdom? Roman fleet. For by tilting a Sheka….” shouted the villager psychological sense. mirror to the status of a woman’s kind of mirror he ignited the air blithely and was about to shake Go out with unkempt hair and trusted counselor as regards You just hold a mirror before all from the beam and kindled a hands with his own reflection friends are there to tell you about beauty and all that goes with it. living things, and those who gaze great flame, the whole of which in the mirror when his stretched it. Stop a friend in the street and at their reflection for more than a he directed at the ships at anchor fingers, in a collision course with greet him warmly and he will Alas, the mirror is too honest second should then be identified in the path of the fire, until he the mirror, stopped in mid-air as tell you everything you wanted and straightforward to remain as human beings and those who consumed them all.” the real people sitting inside the to know about your dress and woman’s best friend after the don’t care a damn as animals or room broke into a loud laugh.” looks. age of fifty. How many a woman plants. As for those who stare at Mirrors might have been turning fifty is at this very moment it for more than a minute, they favorites of Feudal lords who The villager had seen mirrors “Are you okay, you have smashing mirrors because they should automatically be identified cared about their looks and battle before, but not of such size and bloodshot eyes today…….. refused to be dictated by her as women. Eritrea Profile,Saturday, 12 December, 2020 No.50 4

better and inclusive world by alienating discrimination

Lwam kahsay employment and to participate in different aspects of their lives. in the community. An integrated Taking that into consideration International Day of Peoples approach is required to ensure the Eritrea government played its with Disability (IDPwD) that persons with disabilities are role in providing all the necessary was honored on Thrusday, 3 not left behind. support and is still fighting to December, under the theme Persons with disabilities must fulfill some necessary gaps. The “Building back better toward a be able to fulfil their role in Ministry of Health, in cooperation disability: inclusive, accessible society and participate on an with other ministries, worked and sustainable post COVID-19 equal basis with others. It is on giving information about world”. It is observed annually important to focus on the ability COVID-19, how it is transmitted to increase public awareness, and not on the disability of an and the prevention mechanism. understanding and acceptance individual. Often, the societal Consultations were given to of people with disability and image of persons with disabilities families of the disabled and other celebrate their achievements and is impacted by attitudes based on responsible institutions on how to contributions. It gives information stigma and discrimination, as well step to accede to the convention within society. Furthermore, it is act and take care of them during on how to get involved in the day as archaic ideas about disability on the rights of persons with more cost- effective than separate this pandemic. For example, as an individual or organization and persons with disabilities that disabilities and its optional schooling and institutionalization how to interact with a visually and how to break down barriers are often the greatest barrier to protocol (A/RES/61/106), and can encourage inclusive labor impaired person by keeping the (both structural and attitudinal) their full and equal participation adopted on 13 December 2006 markets which lead to a more social distance within a family for people with disability. in society and development on and opened for signature on efficient social economy. or in a neighborhood, or how to an equal basis with others. It is 30 March 2007. Importantly help disabled daily workers by According to World Health important to note that disability this reflects the firm political Another area of focus is working minimizing the frustration made Organization, disability is any hand in hand with the international by the lockdown. Providing quick condition that makes it more community, civil society groups, health facilities like ambulances difficult for a person to do concerned individuals and and other urgent medical services certain activities or interact with organizations. This cooperative were some of the activities made the world around them. These movement can alienate the during the nine-month lockdown. conditions, or impairments, may stereotypes over peoples with be cognitive, developmental, disabilities, the fact that disabled Generally, the Eritrean intellectual, mental, physical or a individuals are often shackled by government and relevant combination of multiple factors. restrictive, narrow, labels which stakeholders can develop or Disability is a contested concept, only serve to patronize them as expand public awareness through with different meanings in limited objects of pity or charity mass education, support of local different communities. According or undesirable others. Rather than advocacy groups or community, to the world report on disability, view and categorize them within and encouragement of social 15% of the world’s population, these narrow frames, individuals mobilization to help reduce or about 1 billion people, are with special needs or disabilities and eliminate social stigma and affected by disability. should first be seen as human isolation specially during this beings. Seeing them as human pandemic of COVID-19. Disability inclusion is an is part of the human condition, commitment towards ensuring beings leads to viewing them as essential condition to upholding and that all of us either are or will that all Eritreans, regardless of individuals to whom human rights With a great hope, as the world human rights, sustainable become disabled to one degree or whether they are disabled, can and dignity are to be afforded. recovers from the pandemic, we development, and peace and another during the course of our fully realize their rights without must ensure that the aspirations security. Leaving no one behind lives. discrimination. However, it Thus, a reformulation of and rights of persons with is central to the promise of the is crucial that ratification is the ways individuals with disabilities are included and 2030 Agenda for Sustainable By promoting empowerment, translated into adequate and disability are perceived can be accounted for in an inclusive, Development. The commitment real opportunities for people are appropriate measures for an influential and effective step accessible and sustainable post to realizing the rights of persons created. This enhances their own implementation and enforcement, in supporting and accepting COVID-19 world. This vision with disabilities is not only a capacities and supports them lest it becomes a hollow gesture. them as empowered, efficacious, will only be achieved through matter of justice but also an in setting their own priorities. As a result it is necessary to and active members of society. active consultation with persons investment in a common future. Empowerment involves investing change harmful societal attitudes Likewise, during this Pandemic with disabilities and their in people – in jobs, health, and behaviors towards those with they really need more attention representative organizations. The global crisis of COVID- nutrition, education, and social special needs and disabilities. 19 is deepening pre-existing protection. When people are inequalities, exposing the extent empowered they are better Another area of possible of exclusion and highlighting prepared to take advantage of focus is the education sector. that work on disability inclusion opportunities, and they become While the Eritrean government is imperative. People with agents of change and can more commendably extends free disabilities—one billion readily embrace their civic education (across all levels) to people— are one of the most responsibilities. every citizen, individuals with excluded groups in the world and special educational needs require are among the hardest hit in this The stigma and discrimination further support, including a crisis in terms of fatalities. that disabled people face disability-friendly environment is immense, especially in and inclusive curriculum, specially Even under normal underdeveloped countries. In a trained teachers and learning circumstances, persons with nation like Eritrea, despite the aids, amongst other measures. disabilities are less likely to societal prejudice the government Inclusive education promotes access health care, education and took a significant constructive tolerance, enables social cohesion and promotes equal participation