Vol . 26 No. 21 Saturday, May 11, 2019 Pages 8, Price 2.00 NFA

Senior Eritrean delegation concludes ITUC Delegation visits Eritrea A delegation of International Media and Communication, met productive visit to China Trade Union Confederation and held talks with the National (ITUC) led by Mr. Mamadou Confederation of Eritrean Workers Diallo, General Secretary of ITUC, executive committee on bilateral has conducted an official visit in cooperation. Eritrea from 7 to 9 May. Noting that the objective of their The delegation comprising visit was to identify areas of Mr. Jeroen Beirnaert, Director of Human and Professional Rights, and Ms. Jemma Stewart, Head of continued on page 2

Senior Eritrean delegation The delegation also met with Head students in Beijing is still low comprising Foreign Minister Osman of the International Department of but growing with 63 receiving Saleh and Presidential Adviser Mr. the Communist Party of China and scholarships this year. Yemane Gebreab has concluded heads of various enterprises. The productive visit to the Peoples meeting with the Republic of China. Communist Part of China focused Eritreans abroad conduct various public During its stay in China the on strengthening relations with PFDJ delegation met with Chinese Foreign and cooperation between the peoples diplomacy activities Minister Wang Yi and discussed of the two countries. bilateral relations and mutual Eritrean nationals residing community in Germany. Detroit, Minnesota, Colombia, cooperation as well as regional and Likewise, the delegation met with in Germany, United States and Indianapolis, St. Louis, Kansas global issues of interest to both Eritrean students on scholarship in Italy conducted various public In related news, seminar was and Cincinnati. countries. Beijing. The number of Eritrean diplomacy activities. organized to nationals residing in Mannheim, Germany, on Mr. Berhane Gerezgiher, According to report, the the objective situation in the Charge d’Affairs at the Eritrean Central region: Schools Independence Week National Committee in Germany homeland and the region. Embassy in the United States on 4 May organized a seminar to gave a seminar to participants national organizations in various The head of Public and on the objective situation in the cities of Germany including Community Affairs, Mr. Kahsai homeland. Stuttgart and its environs, Ulm, Tewelde, gave briefing on the Nuremberg and others. opportunities and challenges the Meanwhile, the Eritrean prevailing peace in the region Community in Parma, Italy, on 5 At the seminar briefing was creats. May colorfully celebrated the 28th given on the structure and mission Anniversary of the Independence of the National Committee in Likewise, annual congress of Day under the theme “Resilience Germany, as well as the principles, the National Organizations in for Higher Progress”. regulation, short and long term Central and Western parts of the objectives and programs. United States was conducted At the celebration in which on 4 and 5 May in the city of nationals and friends of Eritrea Speaking at the seminar, Dr. Columbus, report indicated. from Bologna and Milano took Schools Independence Week in the Central region in connection with the Ablelom Tesfay, Chairman of the part, message of the day was given 28th Independence Day Anniversary commenced on 9 May under the theme national committee, stated that The congress was attended by Mr. Girmay Habtemichael, “Resilience for Higher Progress”. effort is being made to establish by representatives from the US Head of Public and Community strong and coherent Eritrean cities of Chicago, Grand Rapids, Affairs. At the opening ceremony held at Deb’at Hall in Akria sub-zone, Maj. General Romodan Osman Aweliay, Governor of the Central region, officially opened pictorial exhibition.

Mr. Estifanos Gebrehawariat, Head of Culture and Sports at the Ministry of Education branch in the region, indicated that a total of 134 pre-schools, 105 elementary, 52 junior and 23 high schools are participating the Independence Week.

The head of the Ministry of Education office in the region, Mr. Degol Okbaselasie, on his part said that this year’s Independence Day is being celebrated following the new era of peace and development and that is the result of the strong resilience of the Eritrean people.

The opening ceremony was attended by Mr. Zerit Tewoldebrhan, Managing Director in the Central region, and Mr. Belai Habtegabir, Head of the Ministry of Education branch in the region as well as administrators of sub-zones. Eritrea Profile, Saturday, May 11, 2019 Vol . 26 No. 21 2

Speech by Dr. Nicole Miller, Charge D’Affaires and Acting Head of European Delegation on Europe Day (Excerpts)

… the surrounding villages. This has a the Khartoum Process. On all these strong impact on boosting income journeys, the EU looks forward to Excellences, generating activities as well as on working closely with Eritrea. . . . improved social services such as . . . Another year older – and wiser. access to schools for children and This is how we view the EU today, as youth. Ladies and Gentlemen, it turns 62 years old… or young. The initial call on the nations of Europe Dear Guests, We find ourselves in an uneasy to unite in order to make war on our world. Global challenges show no continent impossible still stands. It is An important branch of the signs of abating. Yet, none of these for this reason that the EU remains EU’s relationship with Eritrea challenges can be tackled by any the most successful peace project in is the Political Dialogue, held in single country or region in isolation. recent history. Nevertheless, for the the framework of Article 8 of the Security, peace and prosperity European Union, it is not enough to Cotonou Agreement. I am pleased to demand a strong international be the biggest investor in international share that, together with the Member partnership, and that is what the development cooperation, and to be States, on the 20th of March of this European Union continues working the world’s biggest humanitarian year; we concluded a very fruitful towards. donor by a wide margin. Alongside political dialogue with Eritrea. . . our achievements, the EU always As any other political entity, the strives to ensure that its fundamental Excellences, Ladies and European Union is a living project, values of respect for human Gentlemen, adapting to and taking on new dignity and human rights, freedom, challenges with each passing year. democracy, equality and the rule of . . . The start of 2019 has seen a We are determined that our project law are continuously upheld. These flurry of activity for Eritrea in the should continue to be a force for values unite all the member states field of Human Rights. Eritrea is now good in the world, and look forward and our collective commitment to a member of the UN Human Rights to working with all our partners to them is the driving force of our work Council, no doubt an important this end. worldwide, and the benchmark by responsibility. Eritrea has recently which we measure our efficiency, positive developments, which in turn Commission’s President Juncker undergone her Third Universal I thank you for your attention, results and credibility. is just the beginning of a new era launched the Africa – Europe Periodic Review within the Human and I would like to propose a toast in the Horn of Africa, and beyond. Alliance for sustainable investment Rights Council UPR process and has to the Government and the people of Ladies and Gentlemen, The July 2018 historic agreement and jobs, which proposes a paradigm also assumed the Chairmanship of Eritrea! between Eritrea and Ethiopia and shift for the relation between both The Horn of Africa is the rapprochement between Eritrea, continents. currently undergoing a profound Ethiopia and Somalia offer an transformation. We are witnessing unprecedented opportunity, not only At the same time, and in the a new reality, a reality of peace, for Eritrea, but for Eritrea and its same spirit, the European Union is LOCAL NEWS stability and economic integration immediate neighbours, as well as for re-engaging with Eritrea on jointly in the region, of which Eritrea is the Region as a whole. agreed priority areas for development at the core. The last months have cooperation, including infrastructure, Anseba Governor conducts brought with them a number of Bringing in its own historical job creation, culture and economic experience of achieving peace governance. inspection tour and economic integration, the European Union steadfastly I would like to highlight the The Governor of Anseba region, of the residents and members of supports the regional developments. recently agreed financial contribution Mr. Ali Mahmud on 5 May the Eritrean Defense Forces, and Consolidating peace and towards the procurement of conducted tour of inspection to that so far 15km long road has been strengthening economic cooperation machinery and equipment for the construction of 35km long dirt finalized. They also said that the can only bring mutual benefit to all emergency rehabilitation of main road linking Hawash, Erota, Eran remaining 20 km is mountainous the countries of the Horn of Africa arterial roads between the Eritrean/ and Asneda in Asmat sub-zone. area that needs machinery support. Published Every and to their people. Ethiopian border and the Port of Published Every Mr. Ali was provided briefing In related news, soil and water SaturdayPublished & Wednesday Every Massawa. Through this project, Wednesday & Saturday The European Union, the World the European Union directly by the coordinators of the program conservation popular campaign Saturday & Wednesday Bank and the African Development supports the peace process as well on the progress of the construction has been conducted in Asneda and Bank have initiated an inclusive as economic development in the and he said that the Anseba Erota administrative areas. Acting Editor process which will lead to a high- country, thus also paving the way regional administration will Acting Editor level conference in July 2019 (one for further reforms. The initial 20 reinforce support in facilitating the The aim of the popular campaign Amanuel Mesfun Amanuel Mesfun year after the historic agreement million Euro contribution is just the construction work. that is being conducted five days a [email protected] week is to redress the environment, [email protected] between Eritrea and Ethiopia) on starting point of this re-engagement. promoting economic integration in We are looking forward to agreeing According to the coordinators, enrich potable water sources, P.O.Box: 247 the Horn of Africa. The overall goal on various other activities that could the construction of the road is being tackling erosion and renovation of P.O.Box: 247 conducted by popular participation dirt roads. Tel: 11-41-14 of this initiative is to agree on a set start already this year, as well as to Tel: 11-41-14 of specific priority actions, including discussing with the Government and Fax: 12-77-49 policy reforms and investment, all relevant stakeholders the medium E-mail: focusing on three key areas: regional and longer term priorities, beyond ITUC Delegation . . . [email protected]@[email protected] zena.gov.er infrastructure, trade and economic 2020. The delegation also met on 9 May integration, and human capital Advertisement: 12-50-13 continued from page 1 with Ms. Leul Gebreab, Minister development. At the same time, we shall keep of Labor and Social Welfare, and focusing on effective implementation. cooperation with the NCEW; the visited the Zaer Textile Factory and Layout For decades, the European Union An example in this regard is the delegation said that the Association Asmara Brewery. Azmera Berhane has been and remains a longstanding recently completed installation of is initiating programs benefiting the AAzmerazmera BerhaneBerhane development partner of the African two standalone mini-grids fed by trade confederations of Eritrea and ITUC has 207 million members AidaSaraSara JoharAlem Continent, including Eritrea. solar power providing electricity Ethiopia in accordance with the worldwide and Eritrea established to over 40.000 beneficiaries in the new era of peace and cooperation relations since 1980 and became In September 2018, the European towns of Areza and Maidma and between the two countries. full fledged member in 1994. Eritrea Profile, Saturday, May 11, 2019 Vol . 26 No. 21 3

an overview of eritrea’s health progress

Randa Osman Health Care. Since then the Ministry to 1: 17,000 in 2016, while nurse to of Health (MOH) and partners have population ratio has increased from The roots of significant health been making countless endeavours 1: 9,500 in 1991 to 1: 3,386 in 2016 progress in Eritrea can be traced towards the “provision of sustainable (HSSDP II, 2016). In line with the to the years of the armed struggle quality health care that is effective, MOH’s principle of equity, Eritrea against Ethiopia’s rule. The Eritrean efficient, acceptable, affordable and is one of the few countries in Africa government, officially known as accessible to all citizens” (NHP, to decentralize health services, the Eritrean People’s Liberation 2010). This led to the construction allowing no disparities in health Front (EPLF) at the time, had or rehabilitation of a total of 28 personnel allocation between urban recognized the necessity of health hospitals, 13 community hospitals, and rural settings. for the cultivation of a productive, 53 health centres and 186 health economically developed and stations (HSSDP II, 2016) nation- According to the government’s resilient society, which led the front wide to attain universal health Macro policy, “the overall vision of to take responsibility and establish a coverage. The MOH’s mantra of Eritrea’s future progress is ultimately parallel state system in the already “Health for All” further led to the to tone up the human capital, liberated areas. As a matter of fact, introduction of the nominal user’s particularly through strengthening the war for independence wasn’t fee scheme which allowed the the education and health sectors” focus on Primary Health Care, which success rate has increased and just aiming to liberate the Eritrean society to enjoy health care services (GoE 1994 in ODI, 2011). The key includes cost-effective interventions Eritrea has entered the elimination people from Ethiopia’s domination for free or with nominal charge. elements of Health and Education capable of offering the greatest stage for Malaria. However, non- but also from “illiteracy, ignorance, This scheme holds anyone with together with the government’s health impacts. The strategy of basic communicable diseases, especially disease and backwardness” very low economic status eligible principle of self-reliance, enshrined health care has helped the country the incidence of hypertension and (Findlay, 1989 in ODI, 2011). for exemption if he/she brings a at the core of this policy, proved eliminate maternal and neonatal diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, Thus, the EPLF developed mobile poverty certificate from the Local to be mutually reinforcing and tetanus and reduce measles incidence chronic obstructive pulmonary clinics, fully equipped underground Government. Moreover, the MOH served Eritrea well in registering to less than 90% of the 1991 levels diseases and cancer, are on the rise, hospitals, a drug manufacturing connects the three-tier health care commendable progress in the health (WHO, 2017). Eritrea has also been indicating Eritrea is no exception factory and skilled health workers delivery system it follows through a sector. certified as “Dracunculiasis-free” to this global phenomenon (WHO, with an eye towards the future. free referral network. (guinea-worm disease) and has 2017). Overall, the health status With advancements in all sectors, Eritrea has been one of the few achieved polio-free status (WHO, of the population has improved Ethiopia’s rule was forced to come In addition to the inheritance countries to achieve Millennium 2017). Recently, the country has significantly with the increment of to an end in 1991 with only 5 of of a devastated infrastructure, the Development goal 4 by reducing also been able to maintain over 95 life expectancy from 49 years in the 31 heath facilities constructed, country’s skilled man power was under-five mortality rate by two- percent coverage for nation-wide 1991 (MoH, 2006) to 64.7 years in accredited to its name (MoH, 2006). not sufficient to meet the scale of thirds between 1990 and 2013 (two immunization programmes, with the 2016 (HSSDP II, 2016). the society’s health needs. Thus, years earlier than the due date), that help of UNICEF (UNICEF, 2019). After the sovereignty of the the government put its emphasis is from 150 to 50 deaths per 1000 Another factor contributing to under- Eritrea’s progress health care State of Eritrea was ratified by the on human capital investment by live births (MoH, 2014). This figure five mortality is malnutrition which is striking and very surprising to world, the government expended establishing unprecedented colleges has further declined to 44 per 1000 the Ministry is tackling by setting up many given the contextual barriers further efforts in promoting the for the production of new health live births in 2016 (WHO, 2017). health facility-based and community- it has faced. The country has health of its people by constructing, cadres and pioneering in-service and Likewise, infant mortality rate based therapeutic feeding centres been able to show improvements rehabilitating, equipping, furnishing on-the-job training to strengthen the has decreased from 93 per 1,000 throughout the country. Through this in the health sector prior to its and staffing the dilapidated health existing workforce. Consequently, live births in 2010 to 33 per 1,000 initiative, supplementary feeding independence, during the 30-year system without losing sight of its the doctor-population ratio has births in 2016 (WHO, 2017). These is being provided free of charge war of liberation, and has even main focus: Comprehensive Primary increased from 1: 37,500 in 1991 declines are owed to the Ministry’s to children with mild and acute made greater advancements in malnutrition. the post-independence period. It has survived and was capable of Primary Health Care services have maintaining its progress during the also assisted Eritrea in improving national recession brought about by maternal health by increasing the renewed border conflict with antenatal coverage from 19 percent Ethiopia and later on by the UN to 95 percent and skilled delivery sanctions. Thus, these remarkable from 6 percent to 59 percent from achievements are a tribute to the 1991 to 2015 respectively (HSSDP titanic resilience, willingness, II, 2016). These factors helped readiness and responsiveness of decrease the maternal mortality the government and the people of rate from 998 deaths in1995 (MoH, Eritrea. 2006) to 485 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2016 (HSSDP II, 2016). In conclusion, although the MOH has been on a very successful Furthermore, communicable journey, it still has a long way to go diseases like HIV, TB and Malaria as neonatal mortality rate, maternal have been controlled successfully. mortality rate, unskilled delivery According to the World Health and a bunch of other indicators Organization’s global health data are still high and need immediate observatory the prevalence of HIV/ and effective interventions. AIDS is showing a declining trend Efforts are underway to push these as it has reduced from 1.3% in 2005 accomplishments to new heights and to 0.84% in 2015. TB treatment achieve better standards of living. Eritrea Profile, Saturday, May 11, 2019 Vol . 26 No. 21 4

It’s all fun and games until Murphy law strikes and your team loses 4-0 to Liverpool!

Natnael Yebio W. got a name: Murphy’s Law, they in the middle, it simply becomes you venture. The reply will come piece of toast particularly long call it. negligible. There is a boat ready from behind, from a man who and wide. But fell upon the sanded You are familiar with Murphy’s for rent and people take it to reach socks it to you real hard and floor, and always on the buttered Law, right? The law which states The word was enunciated the other end of the lake safely. you simply pass out for a few side. Thank you, Mr. Payne for that everything that can go wrong, by Mr. Edward A. Murphy, an But, there are people who take the seconds. enlightening us on the effects of will. Enter Barcelona’s [the team American Engineer (1917) who, boat and in the vast immensity of Murphy’s Law. I support] Murphy’s Law evening most probably, had seen a lot of the lake, they choose the outcrop Most of the time it is when at Anfield. Everything that can things go wrong before his eyes and sail right towards it on a you are in the bathroom that the Now let’s see what insurance possibly go wrong on a football in his profession. collision course. Wham! telephone rings and it starts to companies and banks had to say match in a Champions League rain the moment you remember about this strange law. We have night went wrong. The early What is Murphy’s Law, you After winning the first leg by you have forgotten your umbrella already seen that if there are two goal, the second, the third and, might ask. It is a supposed law of three goals to nothing, thanks to in the last shop you visited to buy ways of doing things and one of of course, the nail in the coffin nature expressed in an amusing an inspirational display of football cigarettes them is surely going to cost a fourth, a corner kick which caught way by those who become its wizardry from the game’s greatest lot of money, someone will do the entire team napping like a victims. More explanation? Okay, ever Lionel Messi, Barcelona had The French describe Murphy’s it. Since life is full of choices bunch of school kids, sealed the if there are two ways of doing a three options on Tuesday night’s Law as: La loi de l’emmerdement between doing things the right team’s exit before reaching the thing and one of them leads to game. Win, draw and lose only maximum, meaning the law of way and the wrong way and final. catastrophe, then someone will and only by less than a three goal maximum vexation. They are since most people, according to surely choose it, probably an difference. One thing they weren’t right, Napoleon was a good Murphy’s Law, are anyway going There are many ways of idiot. supposed to have done was lose example. There were a lot of to choose the path of destruction, making things go wrong, but the by a four goal difference. Well, lands to be concurred in his insurance companies will be with most efficient and the one often Let’s say there is a lake so wide they despicably lost by four goals time, leaving England aside. us for a long time to come. chosen by sore losers has even that if there is an outcrop (rock) to nil. Murphy’s Law! Why did he choose Russia of the entire civilized world, a Take the titanic, for instance, It is 1920’s. The members of land with horrible weather in why did the captain of this your family are hungry because winter and inhabited by unruly colossal ship choose to hit an harvest was poor last year, Cossacks? What was wrong with “Innocent” iceberg floating your mother sends your brother Mesopotamia or Persia? peacefully in the ocean, when Temelso to Mendefera with loads there was already a vast body of of money to buy wheat for the Our tradition seems to be water stretching all around him! family. Two days have passed and aware of Murphy’s Law although If our mind is like that, we surely he is nowhere to be seen. “Which it doesn’t know it as such. In need medical help. road did you tell him to take?” Tigrigna we have such words asks the neighbor to your mother as ginti, mekhalf to signify a Have you noticed that lotteries a bit worried. “Why? I know situation when things go wrong are often won by someone who only of one route and that’s the and look as if they are going has already a lot of cash in the shortest and the safest as far as I right. bank? know,” she replies. But, unknown to you, there is also another route Take the misadventure of one Murphy’s Law should not long and dangerous and infested city-dweller who, during Derg however be taken seriously. There with shiftas waiting to pounce on era, fled to the countryside by is nothing scientific about it. But, the unwary. The next day a rumor night to escape arrest by the the way the people of the world goes around in the village to the Derg’s secret agents, and you tend to do things the wrong way effect that Temelso, your brother, know what? Of all the villages all the time, it may not be long had been held up by highwaymen, scattered in the countryside he before someone will come up beaten and robbed. had to ‘choose’ the one that had with enough clear proofs to put recently become the headquarters it on par with other famous laws, Why did Temelso choose that of the enemy. They welcomed such as the law of averages or the particular route when the much him with open arms and he was probability theory. trodden one was the safest? never heard of since. Because according to Murphy’s Finally, for a cynic who this past law, anything that can go wrong Here is another example. week saw his favorite team suffer will go wrong. Someone sets fire to your house. through the rather unfortunate A rescue squad arrives and perfect case of “Anything that There are hundreds of hotels in subdues the flames. You are can go wrong will go wrong” on town and you choose the one that lucky because your belongings an all-important football match, gangsters have chosen as their are all intact, except, of course, Murphy’s Law applies perfectly. hideout. And you chance upon a the box in which you hoarded At least that is what I’m telling beautiful lady in the bar. your money! myself to help me sleep at night after the nightmare that was “What is a beautiful lady like James Payn, a British writer, my team’s atrocious debacle at you doing in a place like this?” once wrote: I had never had a Anfiled. Eritrea Profile, Saturday, May 11, 2019 Vol . 26 No. 21 5

Do your Child’s Feelings Matter at School?

Abrahaley Habte “Both teachers and parents need to find ways”, Andreas Schleicher In ‘World Class – How to Build comments, “[to] encourage students’ a 21st Century School System’, motivation to learn and achieve Andreas Schleicher, an education without generating an excessive fear expert and an author, writes about of failure.” our educational myths, our beliefs based on our distorted understanding On the other hand, Mr. Schleicher of education. In it, he maintains some argues that simple activities have far- of our pet ideas about education reaching effects and may produce could be off mark, and that we unexpected and surprising results. could be misguided in our beliefs To encourage their children to about education in many ways, succeed, parents should spend some putting our trust about our children’s time talking to them, discussing education in the wrong principles. how they are doing at school daily, He illustrates our beliefs on such which produces “high levels of life matters as educational spending, satisfaction”, which in turn influences background and performance, talent students’ school performance. and class size and a number of other issues that could be erroneous. “Spending time just talking” is Mr. Schleicher explains children the parental activity most frequently of the poor do not necessarily and most strongly associated with perform worse than their affluent students’ satisfaction with life, Mr. counterparts, and that the amount of Schleicher argues. “And it seems to money countries spend on education appreciate its complexity, showing tended to report positive relations relationships with students matter. As matter for performance too. Students is not directly related to the success of the various factors that influence it. with their teachers, and students in a matter of fact, students give a lot of whose parents reported ‘spending their education systems. Moreover, After reading the book, we come out “happy” schools (schools where weight to their teachers’ actions and time just talking’ were the equivalent he argues smaller class-sizes do not with a much better understanding of students’ life satisfaction is above think lightly of their words. It won’t of two-thirds of a school year ahead automatically produce good results. education, as a system, and are much the average in the country) reported be surprising, therefore, if students in science performance. Even after Talent doesn’t determine results, he better informed than we were at the receiving much more support from don’t see any good in the lessons of accounting for socio-economic further clarifies. Rather, it is effort beginning of our reading. their teachers than students in the man or woman that treats them status, these students were still one- that determines student success at “unhappy” schools reported.” with disrespect or if they have traced third of a school ahead. The results school. One of the things Mr. Schleicher any attitudes of disrespect. Such are similar when considering parents discusses in his book, an issue I think Students do well in various subjects teachers’ words fall on the students’ who reported that they eat meals Mr. Schleicher is the Director should receive more attention, is if their teachers understand their [the deaf ears. with their children. This relationship of the Education Directorate at students’ well-being at school. This, students’] feelings and respect them is far stronger than the impact on the OECD (the Organization I think, more than any other factor, and their views. Such an attitude on This doesn’t mean that the students’ performance of most of the for Economic Cooperation and determines student success, for it the part of the teachers encourages students’ wellbeing overrides the school resources and school factors Development), a club of rich affects their motivation and may the students to work harder and put in contributions of the other factors to measured by PISA.” countries. In 1995, he suggested motivate or de-motivate the students their best efforts into the subjects. In the students’ success. It only means that a global test that compares the depending on how they are treated at turn, the students respect the teachers that students’ wellbeing plays such Now, do children’s feelings performance of students from around school. It is true that different factors and are convinced that their teachers a vital role (in student success) matter? If they do, then what can the globe begin. This test developed affect success of a child (at school), have the welfare of their students that by excluding it you guarantee parents, teachers, and schools do? into PISA (Program for International but often the child herself receives at heart, and want them to succeed. their failure. Students’ attitudes and Here is Mr. Schleicher advice: Student Assessment) in 2000. PISA, little attention, and the child’s role in In such an atmosphere of positive feelings are as important, if not more as a programme that compares the her education, often, is not given the relationships, states Mr. Schleicher, important, as the other factors. True, “All in all, a clear way to promote performances of various educational attention it deserves. Quite often, it is teachers respond in a supportive other factors contribute. Student students’ well-being is to encourage systems, tests 15 year olds from the teacher’s capacity or training, the manner towards their students. efforts matter. Their concentration all parents to be more aware of their different countries in Science, curriculum, or the teaching materials Taking their students’ weaknesses matters. Their interests matter. But, children’s interests and concerns, Mathematics, and Reading. ‘World that grab the attention of educational and strengths into account, teachers this could be the crucial factor that and show interest in their school life, Class’ is a discussion and an analysis experts, and take up their time, become more willing to help and determines their success, provided including in the challenges children of the data gathered about these energy, and their resources (and the “adapt their lessons so as to meet the that basic things are delivered. face at school. Schools can create an students (using different means), and interest, time, energy, and resources students’ needs.” environment of co-operation with the education system of the countries of governments). True these factors But, student wellbeing should be parents and communities. Teachers which they come from. affect the performance of children On the other hand, students, as seen in perspective. Parental concern can be given better tools to enlist at school, but it is the student’s human beings, find it hard to listen to for their children’s wellbeing should parents’ support, and schools can In it, Mr. Schleicher discusses wellbeing that determines his or her someone they don’t like or respect. be tempered by the parents’ desire address some critical deficiencies such vital educational issues as success at school. It is in human nature (whether that to see their child succeed, which among disadvantaged children, the prioritization of education, human being is an adult of a child) to could have disastrous effects on their such as the lack of a quiet space for teacher education, educational “For a start, PISA finds that one ignore someone that looks down on children’s education, if taken too far. studying. If parents and teachers leadership, school autonomy, equity major threat to students’ sense of them. In other words, they judge their In an attempt to encourage their establish relationships based on in education, and other themes. belonging at school is their perception teachers by their actions, and not by children to succeed, Mr. Schleicher trust, schools can rely on parents as Through it, he helps us see education of having negative relationships their words, which underscores the explains, some parents become very valuable partners in the education of from a new angle, and lets us with their teachers. Happier students fact that teacher behaviour and their demanding about good performance. their students”. Eritrea Profile, Saturday, May 11, 2019 Vol . 26 No. 21 6

THE STATE OF ERITREA THE STATE OF ERITREA MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL PROGRAMME (NAP) PROGRAMME (NAP)

INVITATION FOR BIDS (IFB) INVITATION FOR BIDS (IFB)

1 The Government of Eritrea has received a Grant from the International Fund for Agricultural Development towards 1 The Government of Eritrea has received a Grant the cost of National Agricultural Project(NAP) and it is from the International Fund for Agricultural Development intended that part of the proceeds of this Grant will be towards the cost of National Agricultural Project(NAP) and applied to eligible payments under the contract for the :- it is intended that part of the proceeds of this Grant will Supply of Office Stationeries Supply Sanitary Material, be applied to eligible payments under the contract for the :- Supply of Photocopier, Supply of Vegetable Seed ,Supply Lot.1 Supply of Formulated horse feed lot 2. Barley and of Different Seed Varity and Seedling , supply of honey Sorghum Lot. 3 poultry feed processing and filling machine and honey container, supply 2 The Eligible bidders should have a renewed License of milk container ,supply of class lll climatologically station for 2019 appropriate for these supplies. equipment and materials . 3 Bid shall be Valid for a Period of 120 days after Bid 2 The Eligible bidders should have a renewed License for opening, and must be accompanied by a bid Security of 2018/19 appropriate for these supplies. 2% at any Eritrean Bank and delivered to Procurement and Supplies Management Unit Office on or before 11/06/2019 3 Bid shall be Valid for a Period of 120 days after Bid opening, local hours 14:30 PM and will be opened on the same date at and must be accompanied by a bid Security of 2% at any 15:00 PM Local hours in the presence of the Bidders or their Eritrean Bank with ERN or any convertible currency and Representatives who wish to attend. delivered to Procurement and Supplies Management Unit Office on or before 11/06/2019 local hours 14:30 PM and 4. Eligible bidders may bid for a complete lot. will be opened on the same date at 15:00 PM Local hours in the presence of the Bidders or their Representatives who 5. A complete set of bidding documents may be collected wish to attend. by any interested Eligible bidders from the address below. Ministry of Agriculture, Procurement and Supply management 4. Eligible bidders may bid for a complete lot. Unit, Sawa Street, P.O.BOX 1048, Tel: 00291-1-189266/00291-1-180699 5. A complete set of bidding documents may be collected by Fax: 00291-1-181415 any interested Eligible bidders from the address below. E-mail: [email protected] / sinadostesfay@gmail. Ministry of Agriculture, Procurement and Supply com/ management Unit, Sawa Street, Asmara, Eritrea P.O.BOX 1048, Tel: 00291-1-189266/00291-1-180699 Fax: 00291-1-181415 6. Bids will be opened in the presence of Bidders or their E-mail: [email protected] /sinadostesfay@gmail. representatives who choose to attend at 15:00 Pm Local Time com/ hrs on June 11, 2019. Asmara, Eritrea The Ministry of Agriculture reserves the right to accept or reject this bid fully or in part if it finds any option better 6. Bids will be opened in the presence of Bidders or their than this IFB without needing to justify the grounds for it representatives who choose to attend at 15:00 Pm Local doing so and Compensation which the bidder may incurred Time hrs on June 11/2019. in Preparing its bid. The Ministry of Agriculture reserves the right to accept or reject this bid fully or in part if it finds any option better than this IFB without needing to justify the grounds for it doing so and Compensation which the bidder may incurred in Preparing its

bid. Ministry of Agriculture

Ministry of Agriculture Eritrea Profile, Saturday, May 11, 2019 Vol . 26 No. 21 7

Specific Procurement Notice Invitation for Bids

SPN No 06.2/ST/2019 Loan/Financing No: 2100150032395, 200155028969 IFB No: 06.2/02/NCB/ADF/DRSLP II/HAC/YT/1/2019 IFB No: 06.2/02/NCB/ADF/DRSLP II/HAC/YT/2/2019 The State of Eritrea, Ministry of Agriculture 1. This Invitation for Bids (IFB) follows the General National Agricultural Project (NAP) Procurement Notice (GPN) for this Project that appeared in

United Nations Development Business online (UNDB online) Agricultural Sector No.AfDB510-07/15 dated 30 July 2015, and on the African Supply of Beekeeping Equipment, supply of Laboratory Development Bank’s Internet Website (www.afdb.org). Equipment , supply of Single Cap Pick-Up and supply of Vaccines, Veterinary Drugs and Instruments . 2. The Government of the State of Eritrea (GoSE) received IFAD Grant No. 8107 ER a financing from the African Development Bank (ADF) in various currencies towards the cost of Drought Resilience and Sustainable Livelihoods Programme-IV Eritrea Programme. It is intended that The state of Eritrea (SOE), Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) has part of the proceeds of this loan/financing will be applied to eligible received a grant from the International Fund for Agricultural payments under the contract for: Development, (IFAD) toward the cost of the National Agricultural 1. LABORATORY EQUIPMENT and 2. SMALL SINGLE HEAD Project,(NAP) and it intends to apply part of the proceeds SPIKE THRESHER toward payments under the contract for Supply of Beekeeping Equipment , supply of Laboratory Equipment , supply of Single 3. The Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) now invites sealed Bids Cap Pick-Up and supply of Vaccines, Veterinary Drugs and from eligible Bidders for the supply of the above mentioned goods Instruments (hereinafter called “the Goods”). National Competitive Bidding will be conducted in accordance with the Bank’s Rules and Procedures Bidding will be conducted through the International Competitive for Procurement of Goods and Works, May 2008 edition, revised Bidding (ICB) as specified in the IFAD’s Procurement guidelines. July 2012. Bidders shall submit a bid security of 2% from total amount of 4. Interested eligible bidders may obtain further information from bid price. and inspect the bidding documents at the office of PSMU–MoA, Sawa Street, P.O. Box 1048 Tel. 002911189266/ 002911180699, email: Eligible bidders may obtain further information from and [email protected]. inspect the bidding document from the Procurement and supplies Management Unit of the MOA at the address below 5. A complete set of Bidding Documents may be received by during office hours Monday through Friday 07:00-12:00 and interested bidders upon the submission of a written application to the 14:00-18:00 Asmara local time. said Executing Agency. 6. The provisions in the Instructions to Bidders and in the Bid shall be Valid for a Period of 120 days after Bid open- General Conditions of Contract are the provisions of the Bank’s ing, and delivered to Procurement and Supplies Management Standard Bidding Document for Procurement of Goods. Unit Office on or before_June 25,2019 local hours 14:30 PM and will be Opened On the same date at 15:00 PM Local hours 7. Bids must be delivered to the above office on or before 14:30 in the presence of the Bidders or Bidders’ Representatives who pm local time on 11/06/2019 and must be accompanied by a security of USD 1,700.00 for LABORATORY EQUIPMENT and USD wish to attend. 400.00 for SMALL SINGLE HEAD SPIKE THRESHER respec- tively. Bids shall remain valid for 120 days after the deadline for bid Procurement and supplies Management Unit (PSMU) submission prescribed above. Ministry of Agriculture P.O.BOX 1048, Tel: 00291-1-189266/00291-1-180699 8. Bids will be opened in the presence of bidders’ Fax: 00291-1-181415 representatives who choose to attend at 15:00 pm hours local E-mail: [email protected] /[email protected] time on 11/06/2019, at the offices of Ministry of Agriculture of Asmara, Eritrea the State of Eritrea, Procurement and Supplies Management Unit, Sawa Street, P.O. Box 1048, Tel. 002911189266/ 002911180699, [email protected]. The Ministry of Agriculture reserves the right to accept or reject this bid fully or in part if it finds any option better than this 9. The Ministry of Agriculture reserves the right to accept or IFB without needing to justify the grounds for it doing so and reject this bid fully or in part if it finds any option better than compensation which the bidder may incurred in preparing its this IFB without needing to justify the grounds for it doing so and bid. compensation which the bidder may incurred in preparing its bid.

Ministry of Agriculture Ministry Of Agriculture Eritrea Profile, Saturday, May 11, 2019 Vol . 26 No. 21 8

Merhaba Tigrinya app, an exciting way for

Billion Temesghen Eritrean children to learnpositive; the app hasTigrigna! a rating of 4.6 and use their mother tongue? What A fun way for Eritrean children to learn their Tigrigna Fidel is now through out 5 and has been ranked as high as kind of efforts do you think should the Merhaba Tgrinya application, an iOs app rated at 4.6 that will soon be #39 in the Education Category out be laid out on the ground? available in its android version. Mr. Biemnet Kibreab, an Eritrean from Los of hundreds of Educational App’s. Angeles, USA, developed the app to be used as an interactive educational I was also pleasantly surprised by I think it’s very important for young application that provides a comprehensive curriculum helping children to the use of the app by young Eritrean Eritreans in the diaspora to learn to build their skills to read and write in Tigrigna. The App will give Eritrean adults. speak, read and write in Tigrigna children modern learning tools so that they can read and write in Tigrigna. and/or other Eritrean languages. With the help of animated letters, rich images and audio, users will be able to Did you come across any setbacks Language is a key part of connecting go from learning letters/syllables to being confident with reading and writing while developing the app? with the Eritrean culture and identity. full words and sentences in Tigrigna. Although having modern learning I really did not face major tools like the Merhaba Tigrinya challenges while developing the app. app helps, the most important way Thank you for your time, Mr. make. For the listening, users will at all. The idea to do it came in I felt that it was important to make to learn to speak Tigrigna is for all Binemnet. Tell us first about be presented with a game where August 2018 as a result of enrolling the design, the look and feel of the Eritrean parents to speak to their kids yourself. each alphabet family is presented in my 8 year old son in the community app modern and attractive so that the in their mother tongue. Looking back a random order. The sound of each Tigrigna School in Los Angeles users would feel that it looked like at my childhood, I am able to speak My name is Biemnet Kibreab and alphabet family will sound in order called School of Eritrean Languages any modern app they would buy in Tigrigna today because, growing I was born in Asmara, Eritrea. I and the user is supposed to identify in Los Angeles (SELLA). The school the App store. In addition, I had to up in Sweden, my parents spoke currently live in Los Angeles, United the right alphabet by clicking it. meets once a week on Sundays. I figure out, pedagogically, how to to me and my siblings in Tigrigna. States. I moved to Los Angeles from This section will help users identify started volunteering as an assistant design the flow of the learning to But achieving the goal of teaching Uppsala, Sweden, to study Economics the sound of each alphabet which teacher in my son’s class. After make it interesting and fun for the Eritrean children to speak, read at the University of California at Los is likely to reinforce learning the about two months of interacting users. Therefore, I spent a lot of and write in Tigrigna is becoming Angeles (UCLA). After completing alphabets. Auditory learning of the with the students and helping as an a degree in Economics from UCLA, alphabets will help users memorize assistant teacher, I realized that our I have been working in the world of the phonetic sound of all the alphabets community needed modern learning Investment Banking and Finance. and facilitate the learning of reading tools that made learning to read and writing. As for reading, after and write in Tigrigna more fun and Can you please introduce learning an alphabet family, the interactive using technology that the the application you built to our user is given an opportunity in this kids were familiar with. Since the readers? section to identify words that start SELLA meets only once a week, the with specific alphabets. The user children needed learning tools that The iOs app is called Merhaba is presented with a multiple choice would be fun and interactive to use Tigrigya and it is designed to make option game of alphabets and words at home. learning Fidel (the alphabets), that utilizes those alphabets. As the reading and writing Tigrigna fun and user progresses in the game, the I initially went to the Varies interactive. The app uses animated multiple choice options will increase app stores to see if any interactive time working with a User Interface more and more difficult with each Fidel letters, rich images and audio, in difficulty. Tigrigna app existed that could meet (UI) designer to design the interface generation born in the diaspora. It is, and reading and spelling games to After learning an alphabet family the goals of supplementing the class of the app. Other than that finding therefore, more important to support teach users to go from learning Fidel and completing the Listening and room education and provide a fun the time to finish the app in a timely and get involved with community letters to being confident with reading Reading section, subsequently, the way to learn to read and write in manner while having a regular job schools like SELLA and to be more and writing full words and sentences user will have opportunity to combine Tigrigna. After days of research, was a minor challenge. creative with new learning tools like in Tigrigna. Merhaba Tigrigya letters into simple words. Image I came to the conclusion that there apps, well designed children’s books, learning app is a safe environment and audio are presented alongside were no apps developed that fit the Do you plan on developing the and YouTube video etc. for children and all users as there spelling to provide hints to the user. needs I was looking for. So I decided app any further? is no advertising or ability for an As the user progresses in the game, to spend my own money and time to What are your future plans? external party to contact the children the spelling options will increase in develop an app to benefit my son, Yes! Currently, I am in the final or teen users. difficulty. This is the spelling part of the kids at SELLA and our broader stages of working on the Android My short term plan for the app is it. Lastly, there is a Word Puzzle that Eritrean community. version of Merhaba Tigrinya. I plan to finalize and release the Android Learning in Merhaba Tigrigna when the user has finally mastered to continue to improve the app by version of Merhaba Tigriyna app. app is grouped in five categories: the 32 levels of alphabets, and each What kind of response did you incorporating any improvements My long term goal, in addition to Fidel Alphabet, where the users are of the above categories, he/she gets receive after you first launched it? suggested by users and others that continuing to improve the app, is to introduced to each Fidel alphabet, to play the Tigrigna word puzzles. have fresh ideas for improvements. use the architecture and code of the the sound corresponding to each There are several levels of word The response to Merhaba Tigrinya In addition, I plan to add more app to develop an Amharic version alphabet and a word associated puzzles with varying degrees of app has been super positive and interactive features and games to of the app. Since the Fidel alphabet with that alphabet. In addition, to difficulty. has exceeded my expectations. teach numbers, colors and Tigrigna is essentially the same for both teach users the order of the alphabet Social media like Instagram and grammar. Anyone who would like Tigrigna and Amharic, I will be able family, a user is given a game to What urged you to build such an Facebook have been instrumental to suggest improvements or ideas to use most of the app work that is sort randomly ordered alphabet app? in spreading the existence of the should feel free to send me an email already done. family in its proper order. Animated app and also in receiving feedback at [email protected] ordering of random letters will help I had never imagined myself from users all over the world. The Good luck! users memorize the names of all the developing an app and therefore feedback through user ratings on the How important do you think it is alphabets as well as the sound they did not set out to develop an app Apple App Store has also been very for young Eritreans abroad to learn Thank you!