NUEYS Conducted Assessment Meeting NEWS BRIEF Blood Donation for Enriching Blood Transfusion Center in Gash Baeka

Vol 23. No 34 Wednesday, june 29, 2016 Pages 8, Price 2.00 NFA NUEYS conducted assessment meeting NEWS BRIEF Blood donation for enriching blood transfusion center in Gash Baeka

The Voluntary Blood Donors Association in Gash Barka region has reiterated readiness to augment blood donation and thereby reinforce the work of the blood transfusion center.

They made the pledge at a recent meeting in Barentu town in connection with the International Blood Donation Day marked for the 13th time at national level.

Mr. Gebremesqel Embaye, Chairman of the Voluntary Blood Donors Association in the Gash Barka region said that the association is exerting efforts to set up a blood transfusion center in the region.

The sub-zonal administrator, Mr. Awrelio Jakomino said that lack of sufficient blood has been the major cause for mother and child mortality The National Union of Eritrean organizing training programs, the youth to play a vanguard role in the region and underlined the need for adequate number of blood Youths and Students (NUEYS) establishment of branch unions in the efforts to build a prosperous donors to achieve the desired goal. has conducted an assessment at the colleges as well as youth nation. meeting on 25 June at the Mai- participation at the Silver Jubilee The National Voluntary Blood Donors Association in Gash Barka Nefhi Hotel. Department heads Independence Day Anniversary. Mr. Saleh indicated that region was established in 2015. and regional branch offices of the preparations for the 7th National union presented reports during The chairman of the union, Youth Festival and graduation the meeting. Mr. Saleh Ahmedin, said that of the 29th round of the national even though the society at large service are near finalization. Donations to families of Martyrs According to reports, shoulders the responsibility of Eritreans residing inside the country and abroad have donated around commendable activities have been nation building, it is however The meeting drafted action Nakfa 133,000 and 1,500 Swiss Franc among other items. conducted regarding political the youths that assume greater programs for the coming six education, tour to historical sites, responsibility. He also called on months. Reports from Tesenei Sub-zone indicate that the residents of Teseney, Mr. Dawit Amlesom and Mr. Tesfu Shimhalal have donated Nakfa 100,000 and 12,000 respectively to assist families of martyrs. Ministry Similarly, Eritreans residing in Kuwait have donated 1,500 Swiss Halai Technical School Franc among other materials to war disabled war veterans. Likewise Eritreans residing in Germany on their part have donated extends solar graduates 55 students Nakfa 20,800 to assist victims of flooding that occurred in Foro semi- urban center in December 2015. panels to Bededa A total of 55 students including will also have the opportunity to 17 females graduated from the join colleges for higher education. Meanwhile, members of Dubarwa administration donated 17 thousand residents Halai Technical School with Nakfa to 16 families of martyrs. The head of the Social Services in the certificate in Metal Work, Computer The head of Inspection for the sub-zone, Mr. Abraham Yosief expressed appreciation for the initiative Maintenance and Networking. Technical and Vocational Training the member took and that attest to the honor they have to their martyrs. The Ministry of Fisheries branch at the MOE, Mr. Measho has extended solar panels Speaking at the graduation Gebretensae explained that the Similarly the Capitol Friends association visited on 20 June to the to fishermen in Bededa ceremony, the Director of the graduates are an outcome of the families of their martyrs friends. administrative area, Gelalo school, Mr. Rufael Tekle, said that huge investment being made by sub-zone. the technical school is graduating the Government of Eritrea towards students for the 4th time and also human resources development and Popular sanitation campaign underway in Mr. Samson Zekarias, pointed out that the students called on the graduates to play their Asebuy administrative area head of the Minsitry branch received both theoretical and due part in the national development in the region, said that the practical training. He added that endeavors. The graduates on their The residents of Asebuy administrative area, Assab sub-zone, are operational program focuses students who score good results at part expressed readiness to live up conducting popular sanitation campaign aimed at preventing the on assisting fishermen living the National Matriculation Exam to expectations. prevalence of communicable diseases. The campaign is organized by in remote areas to develop the Ministry of Health branch in the Southern Red Sea region and the their capacity activities. Eritrean Red Cross Association.

The beneficiaries expressed The Administrator of the sub-zone, Mr. Girmai Tekleab, said that the appreciation for the assistance strong participation of the residents in the popular campaign attests to and voiced readiness to make the effective awareness raising programs conducted. He also expressed good use of the solar panels readiness that the sub-zone will support their efforts. and thereby enhance their livelihood. Director General of the Social Services department in the region, Mr. Humed Ali, on his part explained that areas with sanitation problems Bededa Administrative are likely to be vulnerable to communicable diseases and that the main area is located 80 km south victims are children. east of Gelalo Sub-zone. The residents are conducting the popular sanitation campaign weekly. Eritrea Profile,Wednesday, june 29, 2016 Vol.23 No 34 2

Touring Eritrea: Salute to Exemplary Achievements

Yosuf Idris the country and witness some of Sea region where, Mr. Yohannes Compiled by Semir Seid Eritrea’s development projects and Ghebreyesus, Director of the achievements. Museum, guided the group by going “Every action has its pleasures through the treasures and remains and its price”, words of the ancient Hence, many embarked on a visit from the time of colonization, the and classical Greek philosopher, to the sub zones of Ghindae, Foro armed struggle as well as evidences Socrates. Everyone wants to see and Massawa. The citizens were able of Eritrea’s ancient history. Besides, what the final results are and how to individually and collectively visit Mr. Yohannes underscored that they are fashioned, just to get various sites of the Northern Red archaeologicaly significant pleasure, feel proud of and admire. Sea region including developmental evidences of the Adulis site date back So do Eritreans residing away projects, historical places, factories, 1400 to 2000 years comprising of from their country. Every time the International Massawa Airport, broken pots, black stones, utensils of they land in their motherland; their the national Museum of Massawa, households and churches remaining Gemdem Cement Factory: Leading the way in a formidable expectations are high. Let us share the port, naval base among other made out of stones, several chairs Cement production with you, in today’s issue, some of developmental sites. The citizens and beds brought from abroad. the experiences of events, which arrived in Eritrea exceeding 80 in Adulis is a historic site located 56km of staff of the naval force of Eritrea, citizens. took place in some parts of the number from different countries South East of Massawa on the coast Colonel Melake Tesfamariam, told One particular and touchy statement nation these past few weeks. of Europe such as the Netherlands, of the Gulf of Zula. At the moment, guests that the naval force of Eritrea was made by Mr. Sebhatleab Simon, Germany, Sweden, and Great Britain the site is positioned 7km from the is working to ensure the peace and a resident of in Australia in which he Indeed, thousands of Eritreans as well as from Australia, Saudi coast line between the villages of stability of the Red Sea by drafting expressed his appreciation of to the residing abroad landed in their Arabia, the Sudan, Canada and the Afta and Zula. its short and long term strategy. He current activities aimed at ensuring homeland to celebrate the Silver United States. further explained that Eritrea has the the long-term vision of social justice Jubilee Anniversary of Eritrea’s The visit went on towards the capacity and strength to protect its in Eritrea. Mr. Teumuzghi Keleta, independence. On this occasion, Throughout the tour, respective cement factory located near Massawa territorial waters and still coopertate stated that even thier stay was a many took the chance to tour concerned parties provided them where Mr. Welday Kidane, Director in agreements with stakeholders short period, positive, they were with adequate explanations on the of the factory gave them clear on sea and coastal area issues. able to notice the social, cultural and information regarding the production Following this visit, they embarked economic impacts that are put on process as well as a briefing on the on three separate boats for a two ground. “The Adulis infrastructural factory’s background and activities. hours’ sea ride. activities, which will advance Mr. Welday, moreover, explained tourism and other achievements that the resources available near Visitors told the Eritrean News shown, are events that surprised and the factory allow it to potentially Agency (ERINA) that “seeing is scared our enemies and proved our produce more than 10,000 quintals believing” and fully enjoyed the existence and potential as nation”, a day comprising three types of clear presentations and the openness he added. cement namely, OPC, Sulphur- in answering any questions in Resistant cement and Pozzolan all places and sites visited. They Citizens from Canada, such as Mr. cement. Currently, the factory has also shared their satisfaction and Hadgu Tesfay noted that, “as far as 300 employees and is exporting astonishment of the achievements the world is focusing on building some of its production to countries made so far thanks to the active and its economy, its productivity and in the region. keen participation of the people and defense; then it is a must for us Government of Eritrea. to strengthen our national pride Visitors also had chance to visit and revolutionary foundations the plastic factory situated at the Mr. Thomas Samuel and Mrs. and march on and the 25 years of heart of the Port of Massawa, the Haimanot Ghebreyesus from the accomplishments were a reflection yet to be finished Gahtelay Dam, the organization of the shipping area, Netherlands addressed that all the of the workaholic government and energy supply of Hirghigo, historical the construction of fully equipped endeavors executed in the last 25 culturally hardworking people of sites in Adulis, the 1394 years old industrial freezer units. The factory years are the foundations of the Eritrea”. Sahaba Mosque, the cement and manager, Mr. Mehari Segid, stated country’s bright future. Further, plastic factories, shipping areas, that the factory has extended its they noted that it is better to see Additionally, Ms. Kristina Published Every as well as the free trade zone. The product lines to pipe assembly rather than to hear from someone. Kiflay from Germany, stated that Wednesday & Saturday Red Sea has become the main joints and wider pipes of 63 to 400 In other words, they emphasized celebrating the Silver Jubilee trading route to and from Europe, diameters. on the significant responsibility of with her people and families “is which makes it one of the busiest The next journey was to the naval all citizens to continue working for beyond words can tell; especially shipping routes in the world and that base of Eritrea in Gedem where a the generations to come. Visitors when looking at the immense Acting Editor definitely adds to the geo-political warm welcome was provided to the promised to share what they have projects, factories constructed, other Amanuel Mesfun and economic significance of the visitors upon their arrival. The Chief seen and to fulfil their duties as infrastructures and social services Massawa Free Trade zone available when compared to 25 years ago, are astonishing”, she P.O.Box: 247 The group of visitors comprising added. On her final words, she stated Tel: 11-41-14 freedom fighters, disabled that all the youth residing abroad Fax: 12-77-49 combatants, youth and children have to be united and fully fulfill E-mail: put their foots into the historical their duties to preserve the national [email protected] site of Adulis, a short background treasures accumulated so as to get to Advertisement: 12-50-13 about the place was given, followed the stages we hope to reach as one by a detailed presentation on the people and one nation. Layout important tourism resources and Azmera Berhane potential. In sum, the citizens’ words Sara Alem simply show their gratitude with Aida Johar Further, the visit continued on to the national achievements within the Museum of the Northern Red the remarkable and spirited quarter Historical Site of Adulis century of resilience. Eritrea Profile,Wednesday, june 29, 2016 Vol.23 No 34 3

Eritrea: Gender Equality and Development

Dr. Fikrejesus Amahazion served in all capacities, including gender disparities in enrolment, destitution and poverty and they Women’s Empowerment and as “ combatants, active organisers, completion, and literacy have become better positioned to thrive Development: the Eritrean Recently, the Permanent teachers and administrators, as improved significantly. The 2013- within highly competitive global Experience Mission of the State of Eritrea well as mechanics, electricians, 2017 Eritrea National Education markets. via African Union Commission to the African Union (AU) electronic engineers, watch Expansion Development Report hosted a seminar on the topic repairers, tailors, barefoot doctors, notes that “female gender parity In Eritrea, National Labour In a bid to contribute to the of women’s empowerment and and village health workers” with males will be achieved in and Land Reform Proclamations success of the AU theme of the gender equality. Titled “Women’s (Firebrace and Holland 1985: 41; elementary and middle education secure legal protection for women year, the Permanent Mission of Empowerment and Development: Hale 2001: 160-161). Ultimately, by 2015/16, and in secondary in employment, guarantee women the State of Eritrea to AU and the Eritrean Experience,” the Eritrean women would prove education by 2016,” and that “in equal opportunities and maternal UNECA in collaboration of the seminar showcased Eritrea’s absolutely critical to the eventual technical and vocational education protection benefits, and ensure African Union Commission (AUC) efforts to improve women’s achievement of independence. and training the enrolment of girls that women are able to purchase, has today organized a seminar empowerment and the livelihood has continued to grow.” Of note, use, or inherit land without under the theme “Women’s of women, underscoring how In honor and recognition of literacy rates for young girls and discrimination. Additionally, Empowerment and Development: the country has, according to Eritrean women’s monumental women in are considerably higher several national initiatives, such the Eritrean Experience” to share the African Development Bank contribution to the liberation than those for adults, suggesting as the Macro Policy, the Interim Eritrea’s experience in regard to (AfDB), “gone a long way towards struggle, the country undertook that the country’s efforts to Poverty Reduction Strategy the policies adopted and the actions achieving gender equality.” This several significant steps after strengthen the supply and quality Program, the National Saving taken to improve the livelihood of article provides a brief historical independence to formally of basic education programmes, and Loan Program, the National women, women’s empowerment summary of Eritrea’s efforts to guarantee women’s equal standing particularly for females, have been Gender Action Plan, and NUEW’s and promote gender equality. promote gender equality and in all sectors of society. It ratified successful. micro-credit programs were explores the important societal the Convention on the Rights of created to guarantee that women The seminar was attended role of women...... the Child (signed 20 December The positive developmental would be adequately supported by ambassadors, diplomats, 1993 and ratified 3 August 1994), impact of improving access to with the requisite resources and Journalists, AUC and UNECA The country’s independence the Convention on the Elimination education for females should vital technical training that would officials. struggle would prove key in of All Forms of Discrimination not be understated. According help them fulfill their socio- challenging existing long held against Women (acceded 5 to the International Center for economic potential. Speaking during the seminar, gender stereotypes and structural September 1995), and the African Research on Women, “Women are Mrs. Mahawa Kaba Wheeler, systems of inequality. The Charter on Human and Peoples’ more likely to control their own The diverse efforts promoting Director of Women, Gender and longest African independence Rights (in 1999), and has worked destinies and effect change in their equality, coupled with gradual Development (WGDD) of the AUC war of the 1900s, and amongst diligently to implement the Beijing communities when they have higher – yet quite noticeable – societal applauded Eritrea’s progress to the most destructive, Eritrea’s Platform for Action. Furthermore, levels of education.” Furthermore, cultural changes, have seen women ensure land ownership legislation three decades long struggle Eritrea legally prohibited harmful, higher rates of enrolment and integrated into many sectors of for women, secure education for was about far more than just traditional practices, including achievement decrease fertility and the economy, allowing them to girls in highlands and nomadic political emancipation. Rather, FGM/C, child marriage, bride improve child health, while also play a vital role in the country’s areas, the criminalization of it sought to usher in a complete price, kidnappings, and dowry. promoting economic growth and development and progress. With the Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and radical transformation of poverty reduction by enhancing majority of the Eritrea’s population as well as the successful multi- society. Accordingly, an important As well, the National Union poor people’s chances of securing residing within rural and semi- sectorial approach on addressing dimension of the struggle – giving of Eritrean Women (NUEW), an a job, raising productivity and rural areas, relying predominantly gender equality. special attention to egalitarian, organization first established in the earnings of the working poor, on agriculture, crop cultivation, popular democratic principles and 1970s and boasting hundreds of and increasing the efficiency and animal husbandry for income, Furthermore, Mrs. Wheeler ideals – was a particular focus thousands of members worldwide, of entrepreneurs (Hauchler and it is notable that many Eritrean underscored that Eritrean women on women’s and gender related has actively coordinated, Kennedy 1994). women now proudly own land. have earned their rightful place issues. No longer would women monitored, and implemented a Women’s ownership also extends in the society through active be narrowly viewed as secondary, broad array of programs, initiatives, Eritrea’s attention to gender to business, with a considerable participation and contribution to the subordinate figures within society; and public campaigns. Importantly, equality has also extended to proportion controlling small struggle for national independence instead, they would stand proudly NUEW’s multifaceted work the employment and economic and medium-sized enterprises. and nation-building efforts. as full equals to men. For example, has substantively helped propel sectors. Globally, women’s Moreover, women now constitute the Eritrean People’s Liberation social transformation, develop a economic empowerment is a large segment of the workforce, “After independence, the Front (EPLF) – which administered conducive environment for gender increasingly recognized as an and they remain very active Eritrean women, through their large swathes of what was then equality, support the empowerment important factor in promoting in the informal sector. While Union, the National Union of Ethiopia – introduced initiatives to of women, and encourage women’s gender equality. Economically women have traditionally been Eritrean Women (NUEW), has abolish female genital mutilation/ equal participation in the political, strengthening women is not only concentrated in manufacturing, worked studiously to ensure the cutting (FGM/C), forced marriages, economic, social, and cultural a fundamental moral imperative, such as the garment, leather, and socio-cultural, economic and bride price, child marriages, spheres. in terms of encouraging the tobacco industries, through steady political empowerment of women kidnappings, and dowries. realization of inherent, inalienable improvements and investment in through various innovative Towards improving gender women’s and human rights, it also education and human capital, and projects and gender mainstreaming Importantly, within the annals equality, Eritrea has made serves to stimulate and undergird greater access to opportunity, they in government institutions,” the of revolutionary liberation and the expansion of educational economic growth and prosperity. are gradually transitioning to high- director noted. guerrilla movements, Eritrea’s opportunities for females a A plethora of examples and case skilled sectors. women were set apart upon two national priority. For example, it studies abound – from Bangladesh H.E. Ambassador Araya Desta, dimensions – their role (they has worked to revise curricula and to Bolivia to South Korea and Overall, Eritrean women have Permanent Representative of the performed all duties, even fighting teaching materials to make them Kerala, amongst others – revealing been a fundamental part of Eritrean State of Eritrea to the AU and on the frontlines) and their number gender sensitive, and improved that when families, governments, society. Today, they are active UNECA expressed his honor (they constituted upwards of one- accessibility by increasing the the business sector, communities, within all areas and they contribute and pleasure to welcome all third of the independence army). number of female teachers and and societies invest in girls and in many diverse ways, playing a participants to the seminar. During the war, Eritrean women establishing boarding schools for women, and work to eliminate crucial role in the country’s socio- comprised more than 30 percent girls in remote areas. Notably, inequalities, developing countries economic progress and general of the fighting force and they since independence, national are less likely to be plagued by development. continued on page 6

Disclamer: articles published in this column do not reflect the stance or opinion of Eritrea Profile Eritrea Profile,Wednesday, june 29, 2016 Vol.23 No 34 4

A thing of the Past!

Natnael Yebio W. lay her hands on at us by way of your problems over with a friend reply. The ladies made her their over a cup of tea or coffee. Your Reading alone in a bar and main topic at coffee ceremonies friend cures your depression and deeply engrossed in my favorite and funeral parlors. Some were what’s more, he pays for the tea book, I once got a rude awakening very much afraid of her, especially or coffee. from a friend who chanced to be at night. Anyway, a little pain in the there. stomach and an accident here and You are not happy with your there were sometimes attributed to wife? Go to Adey Mamet and pour “How can you sit there all by her evil powers. your heart out to her. She will brew yourself ‘talking’ to a book” he you coffee and the ‘Psychiatric said, “C’mon, shake off your There is also this bachelor session’ will begin in earnest. You slumber, after all life is there who lived alone in a small rented get cured plus a free coffee. to be enjoyed and not to be house. No wife, no children, no contemplated.” friends, all kinds of excuses when When the American invited, no sign of wanting to get soldiers(G.I’s) returned from In brief, he wanted me to join married. One girl in the compound Vietnam, they were received by him and drink with him, trading made the fatal mistake of falling a hostile people who had been the latest jokes and commenting in love with him. The unsolicited protesting against the war all on current gossip. The lone wolf love made her lose her mind, and along. is held with suspicion in our finally her father, who happened to tradition. If you are of the lonely be the landlord, kicked him out of These unfortunate soldiers who type, you must be either ‘mental’ the house. You love my daughter were victims of their government’s or going in that direction. or you leave the house. mistaken policy and their people’s selfish stance, had nowhere to According to tradition, a The loner, the recluse and all go to heal their trauma, and the person who prefers to be alone types of people with the tendency mental agony was so unbearable is a workshop for demons, who to remain aloof from social life that most turned to wanton murder consults with him and talks to him are frowned upon by the society. and hooliganism. Rambo is a good and laughs with him, with the aim They may be scientists, or creative example. of one day possessing his soul and artists, but still they have to commandeering him to commit conform. Only saints or hermits Thirty years of bloody and criminal acts. are permitted to lead a lonely life. ruinous war for the liberation of as a self-appointed magistrate Gone are the days when this country, has no equal in the from time to time. There is a mothers left their children with The old maid who stays A ‘real’ person has to mix, share annals of history, for its human and drunkard who has beaten his wife the neighborhood women for day home forgotten by the world is and consort. The one who eats social destruction. The victims of the other day. The victim, her eyes care. not considered a witch in our alone dies alone is the Tigrigna war trauma and social disruption wet with tears pleads for mercy tradition as was common in proverb addressed to rugged were the beneficiaries of all the and for justice, for herself and “Why should I spend my time Europe’s Middle Ages. But I individualists. love and respect from their fellow her starving children, which is chasing after her child.” blurts the knew a certain lady by the name The person who gets a lot of countrymen, their smooth and dispensed with tact and firmness. inconsiderate next-door woman. Tsirha who lived alone in the little money has to share with friends, loving integration with the people She is right. She has a lot to do house. Everybody wanted to see for tomorrow may never come is phenomenal. Alas! All this has now become during the day, like drinking her creepy dwelling which was a and life is just a mirage that has a thing of the past. Many reasons coffee with her friends, visiting bit removed from the residential no meaning without love, laughter Ours to some extent is an can be given to the decline of the old acquaintances living on the quarter. She never talked to people and friendship. extended family life. When my extended family and compound other side of the town, and most and worse, she hated little urchins uncle was young, he remembers life. But the main factor could be probably conducting a long legal like us who molested her with our In our tradition, love and living in a compound with five attributed to the capitalist cultural procedure against a relative. quick glances at her half-closed fellowship is given more or six families each occupying domination working through the grimy wooden door. importance than money and fame. a single room, with communal radio, TV, book, video, and now So it is that the specter of The psychiatrists who fleece their kitchen and lavatory. If each the internet. individualism is haunting every From time to time we threw patients in Europe and America family had five to six children, family and household. But, the stones at the house by way of have no place in our country. you can imagine the din created According to the current cultural worst part of it is that people saying, Good-day Mrs. Tsirha. She by 25-30 kids. trend hailing from the west, family consider it a mark of civility. The would throw everything she could You feel depressed? Just talk values are obstacles; obstacles old time tradition where the lone In that small and dark room, to the progress of unfettered wolf or the selfish individualist lived father, mother, which capitalism and globalization. was a curse has now become sometimes includes a story- obsolete. Respect for family values telling uncle, a kill joy of an Now, people have started to and simple and unconditional aunt, an ailing grandpa, and an go Dutch in bars or in tea shops love is now regarded as to rustic inquisitive grandma. The moment paying each one for his or her own and demoded to fit into civilized the mother went to but corn, the consumption. The family that felt social life whose roots are firmly above mentioned members of the elated to receive even unwelcome established in the West, and extended family took over. They guests who pass by at ungodly whose branches and leaves are taught you to be a real man and hours, is now terror stricken when enveloping the whole world. stop bawling or whining. someone knocks on the door at around one o’clock. But, one day, people will get And then there were other fed up with the present life and families in the compound who gave The friend, who used to pay for will regret what they have missed refuge to children who rebelled five or six rounds of drinks ina in life, and will return to the old against their own family, my uncle drunken binge, has now changed tradition that cherishes extended would tell me. The oldest and into thrifty individualist and goes family life with all its noble virtues wisest man in the compound acted to drink alone. and deep human aspiration. Eritrea Profile,Wednesday, june 29, 2016 Vol.23 No 34 5

Giorgis: 50 years in search of a better life

“I just took off, but I honestly didn’t know where I was going”, Giorgis, a man in his late sixties said narrowing his eyes remembering his long and adventurous journey as a young man. His full name is Gebregiorgis Mengistu and worked as a watchman at the regional administration office in Medefera located opposite to where he went for his elementary studies. The journey began back in 1954, when Giorgis was 17. They were the times when Eritrea was in a deep political turmoil with the enforcement of Federation and uprising of young Eritreans for an independent Eritrea. Giorgis was then a student with very humble background, which was a constant cause of restlessness. . This is a true story of a young Eritrean who took off from his home during his teenage times and wondered around the world in search of something he didn’t really know and only to come back home old after around 50 years. The story was written by Abdulkader Ahmed and published in Haddas Ertra in 2005.

“I just took off, but I honestly departure. Apart from the political she noticed the writing which only didn’t know where I was going”, tensions and disadvantaged said, ‘I love you’, but she didn’t Giorgis, a man in his late sixties said lifestyle he was leading. “I was like it and was infuriated. She then narrowing his eyes remembering a sixth grade student at a small went to tell the Swedish teacher, his long and adventurous journey missionary school. We were ten who always looked for a reason to as a young man. His full name is students including one girl. That whack somebody. He found out it Gebregiorgis Mengistu and works very day, we were learning about was Giorgis and didn’t hesitate to as a watchman at the regional the New Testament from the Holy punish him in front of the class and administration office in Medeferea Bible. Our teacher was an old humiliate him. located opposite to where he Swedish man who usually kept went for his elementary studies. smacking us around. As a matter of “I couldn’t sleep that night. I The journey began back in 1954, fact, he destroyed my enthusiasm didn’t want to go back to class the when Giorgis was 17. They were for education and I had to find a next morning and bear the shame. the times when Eritrea was in a way from all the troubles in my The feeling of embarrassment, deep political turmoil with the life, which is when I decided that I together with the problems I was enforcement of Federation and would rather live a drifter searching encountering in daily life made me uprising of young Eritreans for an for a better life.” think of taking off and never look independent Eritrea. Giorgis was back again. So at dawn the next then a student with very humble One time after a class break, morning, I started my long journey, background, which were a constant Giorgis was seated in the first row which bore me nothing except cause of restlessness. where the only girl in the class sat loneliness and regret”. next to him. A couple of his friends Giorgis nodded his head and took from the class told him to write a deep sigh recalling the very day something naively stupid on the The next morning, Giorgis wore he began the journey that lasted girl’s desk and he agreed to do so his school uniform and carried Giorgis at 65, back at where it all began! around 50 years. He groans when for fun’s sake. When the girl came his bible as if he was heading to he recalls the reason behind his to her seat a couple of minutes later, school. His school was some five border, but still he didn’t want a few kilometers from Gonder. kilometers away from where he to rest. The sun was about to set, The village is surrounded with lived, so Giorgis had to walk at but Giorgis kept on marching. mountains and the forest in the area least 10 kilometers a day, which he He passed through Rama, Daero is very thick. Upon my arrival at the thought would help him endure the Tekli, Adi Abun and finally called village, heavy rain started to pour distance of the journey awaiting it a day when he reached Adwa, and I had to go to one of the many him. “I didn’t even have a penny a town in the Tigray province. He small stone houses in the village to pay any transportation fare but was fortunate to find something to find shelter. A woman invited I wanted to cross the border to to eat and a place to sleep in the me to get in and I entered with all Ethiopia that very day, to where, town. Again the next morning, my clothes wet. The moment I got I didn’t know. Wherever my feet he set off once again towards the into the house I froze with shock led me and I would rest whenever west, where he crossed a number and started running back to the rain I exhausted”. of villages and wouldn’t stop at again. I looked at a huge fat man nothing. Sometimes he would find inside who was wearing no clothes Luckily, he traveled some of the a ride to help him some of the way at all. At that hour, at a village I way hitchhiking with some truck and sometimes he does some labor have never been before and being a drivers and managed to reach work for a couple of days and earn stranger; that would scare anybody somewhere around Kisad Ika, a some money for his food. Still he and of course I preferred the rain.” village only few kilometers from continued his journey towards he laughed remembering that the border with Ethiopia, before Gonder and only rested during event. sunset. Giorgis’s journey was going the night-time. But where was he Giorgis kept on walking to the smooth, but there at Kisad Ika he heading? “I just started walking next village and decided to rest encountered a handful of armed every time the sun rose and there. He didn’t want to settle in men and was shocked at what he stopped whenever it sets. I really the province because he was scared was looking. “I was trembling, didn’t have a clue where to end my of the people that wore no clothes, but I didn’t want to show my journey and settle down”. which apparently is part of their fear. They asked me where I was culture. That is why he wanted to going, and I said to the neighboring Giorgis encountered a number go a little further until he reached village. Again one of them asked if of natural and social hurdles along Gonder, a relatively bigger town I saw any police on my way, I said his way, but he says he endured and more or less, modernized ‘No’. Incredibly, they told me to whatever happened because he people. “I would rather stay here disappear from the area and let me was tough, “I am not a quitter”, for a while”, Giorgis said and go”. he would say. He kept on his decided to do so for a while. But his journey and one day, “I went by journey doesn’t end there; he will He crossed the Ethiopian a village called Emba Giorgis, travel more and explore more… Eritrea Profile,Wednesday, june 29, 2016 Vol.23 No 34 6

Team Dimension Data Picked Two Eritrean Riders for Tour de France

After naming a 13 rider long list my team for the confidence and du Dauphiné, and he is joined for the Tour de France less than a the chance to be at the start of my in the Dimension Data team by week ago, Team Dimension Data first Le Tour De France.” fellow Eritrean Natnael Berhane, for Qhubeka is extremely happy who is making his Grande Boucle to announce its final selection of 9 Daniel Teklehaimanot, after debut. riders that will take on the 103rd winning the Eritrea Road Race edition of the Le Grand Boucle – Championships Title, said, “I Reinardt Janse van Rensburg of the first ever for an African World am very happy for this victory. South Africa completes a trio of Tour team. Today the race was really difficult African riders in the line-up, while though, it was a flat course so we Belgian Serge Pauwels returns to Three African riders form part had to be on the attack all day to the Tour hoping to replicate his of the team. Newly crowned make it hard. 13th place finish of a year ago. Eritrean Road and individual time trial (ITT) champion Daniel “The Eritrean jersey is “We have picked a very balanced Teklehaimanot will once again something I am really proud to team to be competitive and to Riders for Team Dimension Data at Le Tour De France! be on the start of the race. After wear and now, I can show the represent the Qhubeka charity a strong month of racing, that jersey off at the Tour de France on every single stage the Tour underway in Mont-Saint-Michel Source: www.Tesfanews.net/ also saw him winning the King of on every stage and not just the de France offers this year,” said on July 2. cycling news.com Mountain (KOM) classification for a second time at the Criterium du Dauphiné, he will again try to make the fans of our African team Eritrea: Gender Equality ... proud.

Daniel Teklehaimanot will be continued from page 3 Ambassador reiterated that with joined by his fellow countryman the full support of the government of the State of Eritrea, the National Natnael Berhane, who will race Continuing his deliberation, he Union of Eritrean Women has made his first Tour de France, and stated that during the days of the the empowerment of women a South African Reinardt Janse van armed struggle for independence, national priority, and committed to Rensburg. the National Union of Eritrean a development agenda grounded in Women (NUEW) was established social justice and gender equality. Steve Cummings, who won the in the liberated areas. The African team’s first ever stage at Natnael Cruising at Tour Switzerland enhancement of the role of Eritrean Coordinator African Centre women in all aspects of life, and the Tour de France on Mandela for Gender social Development guaranteeing their equality has Day 2015, will spearhead the policy division of the UNECA, been a top national priority. Women rest of the line-up together with timetrial like last year.” Rolf Aldag, the team’s Head of Ms. Thokozile Ruzvidzo in her empowerment remains at the center Mark Cavendish, who will seek Natnael Berhane was the Performance. “The first few days remarks recognized the efforts of Eritrea’s development strategy to add a 27th stage win to his undisputed Eritrean National will be dominated by the sprinters undertaken by the AU Head which is firmly anchored in social- illustrious palmares. The Manx Champion last year. But this and we are confident to be right of States and Government for justice, self-reliance, and popular Missile will be able to count on year, Daniel Teklehaimanot does up there with Mark Cavendish, dedicating this year’s theme, participation and ownership. his lieutenants Mark Renshaw the double by winning both the Edvald Boasson Hagen and the “this is an acknowledgement and Bernhard Eisel, with the Individual Time Trial (ITT) and committed lead out around Mark that African governments put Furthermore, he underlined, the latter one also being our team’s Road Race Championship Title Renshaw and Reinhard Janse van significant recognition on the success Eritrea has registered in the road captain. Serge Pauwels and to become this year’s National Rensburg. importance of the rights of women empowerment of women include, Norwegian Road and time trial Champion. This means that he will and that it’s important to ensure inter-alia, increased participation (TT) champion Edvald Boasson proudly wear a jersey that dons the “Serge Pauwels, Daniel that women enjoy their rights as of women in the socio-economic Hagen will round out the 9 rider Eritrea’s national flag throughout Teklehaimanot and Steve any citizen of the continent”. and political life of the society, line-up for the Le Grand Boucle. the 19 stages of the 2016 Tour de Cummings proved in the past achieving in advance the MDGs The debutant Natnael Berhane, France that is starting next week. that they can be very successful Ms. Ruzvidzo congratulated target of reducing maternal after his selection for the Tour de Daniel Teklehaimanot will arrive from breakaways and that is what the State of Eritrea for organizing mortality by two-third, ensuring France, said “I’m happy and proud at the Tour fresh from claiming we try to repeat. Bernhard Eisel the seminar to share with the right of women to own land to announce my selection for the a second successive king of the will serve as a road captain, while participants and the rest of the and property, and effectively world how Eritrea is progressing next tour de France. Thanks to mountains title at the Critérium Natnael Berhane will learn a lot combating violence against women in empowering women as well as in his first Tour as well as he will and harmful traditional practices. get his own chance on selective addressing gender inequality. stages.” However, in patriarchal society, This year the scorecard will emancipation of women for social focus on women’ political, social Dimension Data team for the revolution and finally earn the right and economic rights, Ms. Ruzvidzo Tour de France: Natnael Berhane place was not easy, according to appeal to the Ambassador of Eritrea (Eri), Edvald Boasson Hagen Ambassador Desta, like many of the that his country will be one of the (Nor), Mark Cavendish (GBr), countries of the developing world. countries that will be awarded. Steve Cummings (GBr), Bernhard Hence, the experience of Eritrean Eisel (Aut), Reinardt Janse van women is not much different from Participants had the chance to Rensburg (RSA), Serge Pauwels the other developing countries. watch a short documentary film (Bel), Mark Renshaw (Aus) and It is in that regard that more titled the ‘Eritrean Women’ have Daniel Teklehaimanot (Eri). efforts and a continuous struggle Frenzied Fans witnessing Daniel’s spectacular 1st place finish at the had the opportunities for lengthy The Tour de France gets must be enacted. Moreover, the 2016 Eritrea Road Race Championships. interactions. Eritrea Profile,Wednesday, june 29, 2016 Vol.23 No 34 7

JOB VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT Invitation for Bids African Assay Laboratories Eritrean Limited is inviting applicants for Country: Eritrea CHEMIST Name of Project: Project Management Unit – Ministry of Educa- tion (PMU - MOE) AAL (E) manages and operates on-site-lab of BMSC (Bisha Mining Share Company) providing sample preparation and analysis in support of its mine and process plant operations and exploration program. Procurement of PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES Science Demonstration Items • Perform analysis of samples according to the standard operating procedures and work for instructions provided. Eritrean Middle Schools REPORTING ICB No: PMU-MOE/GPE/G/ICB/003/2016 • Reports to Site Manager DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 1. The Government of the State of Eritrea has received a grant from • Provide clients with accurate and timely analytical data following established methods, the Global Partnership for Education toward the cost of Enhancing Equi- analytical procedures and techniques, and proper quality control protocols. table Access to Quality Basic Education for Social Justice, and it intends • The work includes the preparation of reagents, usage of standard analytical glassware and to apply part of the proceeds of this grant to payments under the contract instrumentation (AAS, ICP, Carbon Sulfur Analyzer, etc.), calculation of results, review of work, and entry of data into laboratory information management system (LIMS). for the Procurement of Science Demonstration Items for Eritrean Middle • Prepares reagent required in the analysis. Schools, ICB No: PMU-MOE/GPE/G/ICB/003/2016. • Perform the shift supervisor duties in his/her absence. • Aid shift supervisor to ensure the shift operates under safe and clean environment all time. 2. The Project Management Unit of the Ministry of Education now • Performs other duties that maybe assigned from time to time when required invites sealed bids from eligible bidders for the supply of Science Demon- REQUIRED SKILLS AND ATTRIBUTES stration Items to be delivered between November 1, 2016 and December • Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry or equivalent 30, 2016. • Preferably experienced in mineral laboratory practices • Excellent in English language (oral and written) 3. Bidding will be conducted through the International Competitive • Computer literacy, preferably with driving license Bidding (ICB) procedures, and is open to all bidders. GENERAL INFORMATION AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS FOR THE POSITION • Place of Work: BMSC (Bisha Mining Share Company) Site • Type of Contract: Indefinite period 4. Interested eligible bidders may obtain further information from • Salary: As per company salary scale Project Management Unit – Ministry of Education (PMU - MOE), As- • Additional Requirement: mara, Eritrea, Tel: 291-1-151614, Fax: 291-1-152181, Email: mgilagab- • Provide evidence of completion or exemption of National Service. [email protected], and/or [email protected], and inspect the bid- • Present release paper from current/last employer. ding documents at the address given below during working hours Monday • Date of Closing: 10 days from day of publication or notification. Please attach all testimonial through Friday. documents (photocopy only) together with your resume/CV and submit to: Address: African Assay Laboratories Eritrean Ltd., 5. Qualifications requirements include: Asmara, Eritrea. P.O.Box 3446. Note to non-Eritrean Applicants: Please send a copy of your application to: a) Financial Capability: - The Bidder shall furnish an audited finan- • Aliens’ Employment Permit Affair, P.O.Box 7940 Asmara, Eritrea. cial statement for the years 2013, 2014 and 2015. b) Experience and Technical Capacity: - Minimum of three (3) years in operations, prior to the date of bid submission. Additional details are provided in the Bidding Documents.

6. A complete set of Bidding Documents in the English language may be purchased by interested bidders on the submission of a written Ap- plication to the address below and upon payment of a none refundable fee Eritrean Nakfa (ERN) 750.00 or equivalent, starting Tuesday, July 5 2016.

7. Bids must be delivered to the address below at or before 10:00 local time on August 23, 2016. Electronic bidding will not be permitted. Late bids will be rejected. Bids will be opened in the presence of the bidders’ representatives who choose to attend at the address below at 10:00 local time on August 23, 2016. All bids must be accompanied by a Bid Security of USD 4,500.00 (Four thousand five hundred US Dollars) or equivalent in other freely convertible currency.

The address referred to above is:

Project Management unit – Ministry of Education (PMU - MOE) Street Address: Hday Street 748-1 Floor/Room number: Dembe Sembel, Block “A”, First Floor, RH P.O.Box 1099 Tel. 00291-1-151614 Fax 00291-1-152181

Asmara, Eritrea

Eritrea Profile,Wednesday, june 29, 2016 Vol.23 No 34 8

Intelligence + Imagination = INNOVATION

Billion Temesghen

Today’s Q&A gives you a young man, with big glasses, and tall with an incisive mind power. He is a computer engineer, computer programmer, graphic designer and an advertiser that, seemingly, enjoys putting his nom de plume (Nyork) at the bottom of the mind-blowing big ads-posters he designs. Our guest Negash Mussie, in his early twenties, is a young computer virtuoso that creates almost whatever he can using two ingredients: intelligence and imagination!

You have multiple jobs; is there impressive and have gained We live in a world where there and undeniably are outstanding a specific profession that you you fame. We see them almost is little need of a physical presence novelties. Let’s talk about yours. would to be addressed with? everywhere: posted on buses, of a teacher; basically I read and public places, magazine covers practiced, plus I did have my My friends and I studied and I address myself as a professional and all. Can you explain what’s computer engineering college developed an automotive irrigation based on the works that I do; I so special about your graphic years to augment my knowledge system for our senior project. won’t deny or be humble at that, design? about computer and its magnificent Agriculture is a hard task and to think little of what I do. Either spreads. physically demanding, as such ways, I graduated in computer I commonly use a technique we came up with this automotive engineering from EIT (Eritrean called ‘flat design’, meaning a Back to the first of your graphic system to ease the work load. We Institute of Technology) so I am technique that enables you to cre- artistry looked for ways to tackle humidity a computer engineer. As for the ate light illustrations. The harmony and gear up auto-commanding programming, that has been a field of multiple agile and frivolous col- I presented a graphic design sensors for irrigation. We got of deep interest of mine for many ors gives a beam of enjoyable ra- exhibition not long ago. The theme awarded for it. years, that is another profession. diance, I also enjoy playing with was: ‘Graphic Design World’, And because I love simple art, I do several new fonts, all to add up to a and it included works that raised You have your hands in many graphic designing as well. simple Avant guard kind of wonder several topics and depicted quite places, isn’t it hard? in my works. a lot of techniques. The exhibition Of computer engineering was an initiation to launch my It is for sure, but rewarding as Simplicity ‘artistry’ and work out an official well. There were times in which When I was a kid I wanted to introduction to the society. It went I wanted to drop studying and do go on with my studies. I’m quite be a doctor, as such I grew up There are multiple reasons as to well and it surely did introduce me part time jobs to earn some money. thankful to them, because, had I studying to eventually become why I choose to make simplicity to a wide range of publicity; it was I was raised by my mother as my dropped from school I wouldn’t one day. However after Sawa I the core of my designs. We are in practically since then that I have father had passed away when I have been able to be where I am started having second thoughts an era where ‘complex’ is not so been working on ads. was very young and later on when today. and for a while I was not sure what much favored. When you are send- I was a third year college student education-path to pursue. Until one ing a message, people don’t want Who do you do the ads for? my mother passed away too. Nyork day, when I was downloading an to spend much time in searching Therefore my grandmother took the email and a sudden thought came for it, they rather choose an easy Well, whoever has anything to responsibility for my family, and ‘N’ is the initial for my name, to my mind urging me to follow and appealing delivery. Moreover be publicized. Be it enterprises, that was when I was almost ready and ‘Y’ for my mother’s: her name computer technology. I consulted I opt not to disturb the view with businesses, firms, organizations to quit school, give up my dreams is Yirgaalem. As for the ‘ork’ I will with older friends and seniors, and an overloaded illustration; I want and what not. and do metal and wood works to tell you some other time. here I am! to give the spectators a clean, easy somehow help my grandma. and light conveyance. College students often times What is the thing you want to The ads fliers, posters and come up with great projects that However, I was encouraged by achieve the most? billboards you design are quite Where did you learn graphics? are relevant to local matters, my cousins and best friends to just Whatever is that I do, I want to be able to bring out new things. I hate to do replicas or innovate things that are not mine. I definitely give a lot of space of my mind and time of my days to aptitude and imagination to be as original as possible. I strive to be a game changer.

And at the end

To my fellow Eritrean youth in all undertakings; I hate competitions, I think of them, nothing more than knock-downs. While competing we measure our capacity based on the challenger’s pace. On the contrary, what we need to do is assist each other and serve one other as stimulus, influences and Some of the Negash’s work promoters… you know, a driving billboards & ads force. I am intensely convinced that we will be able to achieve greatness!