Vol 23. No. 53 Saturday, September 3, 2016 Pages 8, Price 2.00 NFA

55th Anniversary of the Armed Struggle for Eritrean and Saudi Arabian Agriculture Ministries conclude Independence Commemorated nationwide accord on assistance of anti-desert locust pesticides

The 55th Anniversary of ’s armed struggle for independence, government’s efforts to ensure food launched on September 1st, 1961, was observed nationwide on Thursday security. this week. The accord was signed by Mr. In a statement issued on this solemn occasion, the People’s Front for Hiruy Asgedom, Director General of Democracy and Justice (PFDJ) underlined that the people of Eritrea were Agricultural Inspection Department, compelled to resort to armed struggle in 1961 to assert their inalienable and Mr. Saleh Mohammed Al- national rights when all the vigorous legal, peaceful and political endeavours Ruhaily, Ambassador of Saudi that they conducted in the 1940s and 1950s, in the heydays of Africa’s Arabia to Eritrea. decolonization, were singularly ignored by the UN and the international community at large. Eritrea is member of the Commission for the Control of In this sense, September 1st (1961) symbolizes an extraordinary historical the Desert Locust comprising 16 juncture in the annals of Eritrean history when the first freedom fighters countries from East Africa and the imbued militant expression to the unequivocal desire, choice and political Middle East. The Commission is at will of the Eritrean people for independence. Still, and as it is usually the present chaired by Saudi Arabia for The Ministries of Agriculture of locust in the region due to the case with any complex historical process, the heroic and arduous path a two-year term. Eritrea and Saudi Arabia concluded abundant rainy season. embarked was characterized by formidable shortcomings particularly in the an agreement on September 30 first decade. Indeed, at the outset, the armed liberation struggle was not fully The countries continuously regarding assistance of assistance Mr. Arefaine Berhe, Minister of equipped in organizational and political terms to accomplish the envisaged affected by the desert locust are of anti-desert locust pesticides. Agriculture, said that the assistance objective. With the founding of the EPLF in 1970, however, the liberation Eritrea, , the Republic of The signing ceremony was held at attests to the existing good relations struggle was put on the right track and managed to galvanize almost the Sudan, Djibouti, Somalia, Saudi the head office of the Ministry of and cooperation between Eritrea entire Eritrean people around the lofty goal of national independence firmly Arabia, Yemen, Egypt and other Agriculture. and Saudi Arabia. rooted on the twin pillars of national cohesion and social justice. In the two countries in the region. decades that followed and despite overwhelming odds, the Eritrean armed The agreement includes the Likewise, Mr. Saleh Mohammed struggle for independence thus became one of the prominent liberation The Commission for Control provision of 20 thousand liters of Al-Ruhaily, Ambassador of the movements in the world. of the Desert Locust is at present anti-locust pesticides as part of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to preparing to celebrate its 50th precaution measures to be taken in Eritrea, stated that the assistance is The long decades of armed struggle that the Eritrean people endured anniversary. The headquarters of the case of the prevalence of the desert aimed at strengthening the Eritrean under the leadership of the EPLF have in turn nurtured core, indispensable, Commission is in Cairo, Egypt. values of self-less dedication and perseverance. The people of Eritrea are proud of and cherish this heritage. The PFDJ statement further highlighted that the liberation struggle provided a robust platform for all citizens to Warsai-Yekealo rally behind a common cause irrespective of religious, ethnic, linguistic and cultural differences and social background. As a result, Eritrea’s armed 2016/2017 academic Za’er Textile factory plans to national liberation struggle ultimately succeeded to vanquish its enemies; not because it enjoyed superior fire-power and men but on the basis of sheer year kicks off double production commitment and resoluteness of the Eritrean people who rallied with one Warsai-Yikealo 2016/2017 academic voice around the values described above. year has begun offering educational The CEO of Za’er Textile of whom 85% are women. service. Company, Dr. Pietro Zambiati, The values and norms nurtured during the armed struggle for independence said that the factory will double In a bid to alleviate the have also become pivotal foundations for the new generation to take up the In a meeting he conducted on 28 its production in the coming few problem of raw material supply, torch and toil with utmost dedication to develop a civilized and modern th August 2016 with members of the 30 years. the company is initiating cotton nation. The fact is the Eritrean people continue to march, in unison, with round of National Service, Mr. Kelit farm project in Kerkebet, reports exemplary social harmony and cohesion, to accomplish the multi-layered Girmai, Director of the School, gave He indicated that at present the added. tasks of nation building amid incessant external challenges and adversities. extensive briefings as regards its overall factory is producing 750 different picture and objectives. He also called types of clothes and has a plan to Employees of the plant explained In this context, the PFDJ statement stressed that the external political, on the students as usual to demonstrate raise production to 1,500 per day on their part that the company economic and security conspiracies waged against Eritrea in the past years excellence in their academic studies beginning in 2018. gives priority to developing human have not been few or insignificant. But these hurdles have and continue adhering to the principles of discipline resource capacity, nurturing work to be scaled because of the staunch unity and solid political awareness of and complementarities among one He explained that the company discipline, ensuring productivity the Eritrean people. Preservation and constant enhancement of the critical another. has created employment as well as improving the living attributes of national unity, equity and social justice is imperative for opportunity to 550 nationals out standard of its employees. continued progress in any society, the PFDJ statement concludes. Moreover, Mr. Kelit voiced conviction that both the School and Sawa Training and National Hagaz sub-zone: Significant reduction Service would jointly make positive in Malaria prevalence contribution for the success of the program. The Head of health facilities in prevalence coupled with the Established in 2002, Warsai-Yikealo Hagaz sub-zone, Mr. Gebremeskel spraying activities and the Senior Secondary School has so far Gebrehiwet, said that comparing clearing of mosquito breeding offered educational service to a total to last year, the prevalence of spots have proved vital in efforts of 180,000 students. In the 2016/2017 malaria has witnessed 89% to cope with the problem. academic year, 13,000 students from reduction. 98 Secondary Schools across the The residents on their part nation been registered to pursue their He explained that sustainable expressed readiness to conduct 12th grade academic studies, and that awareness-raising campaigns weekly sanitation popular 50% of the total number of the students ©MOI/ Henok mokonen regarding the cause of malaria campaigns, reports added. are females. Eritrea Profile, Saturday, September 3, 2016 Vol 23. No 53 2

The Public Legacy: Student Summer work Program

Lidya Sultan, Luwam Beyn Beside the majority and overall The campaign naturally is Compiled by Semir Seid progressive development a platform that embraces programs, greening campaign in individuals of various cultures A simple compound with a Eritrea takes its part in a whole and diversities and enable them bunch of flowers, leaves and a annum, a deservedly task and a to exchange their own values backyard with green scenery fine outcome each successive and share their experiences as is undeniably pleasing matter year. Particularly addressing, nationals. The big picture is for people to live comfortably the 1994 initiated activity of that this gathering is the chance and pleasurably inside their summer work entitled Maetot for these students to attain and homes. The atmosphere within registered an emphatic result in practically demonstrate the the compound creates a sense the country’s green surface. To theories they have grasped in of peace, joy and freshness for overcome the bare land and make their classes. Reports indicate the people living there and a it look greenish and equally that the students’ campaign for simultaneous heavenly mood replenish the trees lost due to development is registering a on earth seems to prevail. In different reasons, this program satisfactory result in the nation our tradition, mothers, take of summer work was initiated on and remarkably in the Maekel Agricultural division and efforts, yet irrespective of such the green color as a sign of the national theme of “student’s region. Within this region, places travelling physicians had also incentives, the major thing harmony and say Beal Qetelya campaign for development” in starting from Serejqa to Adi taken part. The administrative outlined here is, the spirit the Yitaareqena, roughly translated July 1994. Having a main target Akelom are a living example of zones also participated by young individuals build through as let the Green Fellow bestow of the program of instigating a the green developments, finely making their cooperation with time, the work habit and skill Peace on us. They like to have work and teamwork habit in transformed by students, and in the Education Ministry. The they learn in the process. their morning coffees in greener the younger generation from the sub-zone of Berik where an developmental campaign is places, and even the sight of the their early ages and enable them area named Dem Seb’ay that is planned in a way that would not Out of the total numbers of simplest of green places makes to finely contribute to their entitled to five villages which get in the way of the students students participated in this them wish to have and own one country. are Tseazega Adi Bidel, Adi school plans, hence it is made year’s program, 88% were of kind. Yaqob, Hazega and Adi Qunxi, up of each years’ current 9th active in the conservation of The program of Maetot or this area without considering the and 10th grades students from water and soil by forming and When seen in a general summer campaign was organized width it covers, it has a length all over the country, where the rebuilding terraces. Many perspective, greening campaign by sending high school students of 6.8 km which was a bare land 11th grade students are left so holes and seedlings were ready has a young man’s age in the into different spots of the country before, but now thanks to the as they can use the summer for next programs. In line history of Eritrea. Just like throughout the completion summer campaigns persistently time to focus on getting ready with the green clubs already other country’s development of the campaign, necessary followed, it is a striking green for their 12th grade lessons in formed in all levels of schools, programs, greening campaign accommodations, starting from landmark. Beyond this, there is Sawa. The first selection factor in winter seasons this kind of has been taken as one of the materials, to supplies needed also an area near Shimanugus considered is the address of the developmental campaigns are developmental campaigns since by students are arranged Tahtay, a superbly cultivated by students so it becomes suitable main ingredients to implement the early nineties. Indeed, it is accordingly. In earlier times, up the same students’ campaign for for them without having to move afforestation and other similar the fundamental measure for a until the year 2013 students were development. longer distances to do their activities within their respective country’s development policies. made to move to the different work. The participants of this school backyards. Such programs regions of the country. The years In the present year around developmental campaign, apart are one of the main experienced that followed however, students 6807 students with their 365 from what they have adopted as programs of development were placed to work in their instructors participated in a work habit, they are provided where the return on investments respective regions, whilst doing the summer development a bonus of 150 Nkf for their are quite real and tangible. their personal daily activities. campaigns, members of the According to reports, in the Maekel region alone the tasks accomplished, are estimated Published Every at around 10 million Nkf. The Wednesday & Saturday overall campaign executed in 65 spots around 717km of spherical terracing is formed and another 128 spherical terraces were Acting Editor renovated. Amanuel Mesfun The rich and fertile land of the country is constantly P.O.Box: 247 observed and protected as long Tel: 11-41-14 as the yield is for the public it Fax: 12-77-49 holds. Programs such as Maetot E-mail: do have a priceless impact on [email protected] nation building, the future holds Advertisement: 12-50-13 the beauty and worth by itself and for the current moment it is Layout not going to be termed as beauty Azmera Berhane is by the eye of the beholder Sara Alem because in such scenario the eye Aida Johar can’t help but simply wonder ©MOI/ fyamet mesfen since the outcome will remain a public legacy. Eritrea Profile, Saturday, September 3, 2016 Vol 23. No 53 3

Eritrea: Understanding September 1st

Dr. Fikrejesus Amahazion visit to the country, Sir Zafrulla, inequality and subjugation (e.g. tangible, sustainable improvement reflection, however, one may come the Pakistani representative, regarding land) were targeted, with in the lives of its people. For many to appreciate how these vital roads Today, as I walk the streets warned, “An independent Eritrea the aim of producing a more just observers, Eritrea’s approach, are only possible as a result, again, of , highly grateful for would obviously be better able to society. As well, a vitally important particularly toward aid and foreign of the great efforts of so many who the nice, cool, periodic breeze, I contribute to the maintenance of dimension of the struggle, giving assistance, is “unconventional” if remained (and still are) dedicated cannot help but notice the great peace (and security) than an Eritrea special attention to egalitarian, not “misguided” or “wayward.” and perseverant. number of banderas (flags) waving federated with Ethiopia against popular democratic principles Specifically, Eritrea turns down elegantly atop city buildings, from the true wishes of the people. To and ideals, was a particular focus aid when it does not fit the It is apparent also in the apartment balconies, perched upon deny the people of Eritrea their on women’s and gender-related country’s needs or its capacity classrooms, in the elementary storefronts, and from streetlight elementary right to independence issues. No longer would women to use effectively. Eritrea does schools or institutions of higher fixtures. Likewise, taxicabs and would be to sow the seeds of be narrowly viewed as secondary, not reject external support – it learning, filled with young minds merchants’ windows are adorned discord and create a threat in that subordinate figures within society; actively welcomes it, but only eager to learn and acquire the with stickers or posters of the red, sensitive area of the Middle East” instead, they would stand proudly when it complements the country’s means to improve themselves and green, blue, and gold. Today is not (GAOR 1950: 346; Haile 1988: as full equals to men. For example, own efforts. The Government their country. As per an anecdote just another day on the calendar. It 21). How prophetic. the Eritrean People’s Liberation has long encouraged aid that told to me by a proud professor is September 1st - a national holiday, September 1st is a day to reflect Front (EPLF), controlling large addresses specific needs which with experience teaching across an occasion filled with patriotism upon and remember the monumental swathes of what was then Ethiopia, cannot be met internally, which is Africa, the West, and Eritrea, and utmost pride, and amongst the contributions and immensely introduced an array of initiatives to designed to minimize continued most significant days for Eritreans heroic exploits of the thousands of abolish female genital mutilation/ external support, and which “The students here [in Eritrea] of various ethnolinguistic or freedom fighters – those selfless, cutting (FGM/C), forced marriages, complements and strengthens are hungry. In other places, ten religious stripe, young or old, male mythical-like, legendary men and bride price, child marriages, (instead of replacing) Eritrea’s minutes prior to the end of class, or female, and in the country or women who spent over thirty years kidnappings, and dowries. own institutional capacity to papers begin to shuffle, books across the world. in the barren, dusty, rocky deserts implement projects. This approach begin to close, bags and zippers and harsh mountains of Eritrea, Today, although a large number is rooted in a strong desire to avoid are opened, and students’ eyes But why exactly is September 1st persevering in the face of adversity of states across the Sub-Saharan the aforementioned crippling peer anxiously towards the clock. such an important day for Eritreans? and ultimately delivering freedom Africa (SSA) and the Global dependence that plagues many In Eritrea, however, no matter Quite simply, it marks the beginning against all odds. South have been “politically” countries and to foster a clear sense how early or late the class, the of the tortuous, winding, sacrifice- independent for decades, many are of responsibility for the country’s entire classroom remains utterly filled road that ultimately ended As I walk, I think. still mired in economic dependency future among all citizens. transfixed upon my every word with independence and Eritreans and shackled by the oppressive and movement, right until the very having a bandera that they could September 1st is about confronting chains of neo-colonialism. As I sit in Shida square, I realize last second. Not just that, even proudly call their own. In reality, adversity and overcoming it. It is Corruption, nepotism, and theft how it is in this context, as well, after the bell rings, they plead to there is no May 24th without about being faced with challenges reign, while tyranny, subjugation, that September 1st is so very forego recess in order to be able to September 1st. or problems and persistently seeking persecution, and repression are all significant. Not just as the mark continue the lesson!” solutions. It is about perseverance, far too common. Moreover, even of the beginning of the struggle On September 1st, 55 years contribution, and sacrifice. with an abundance of precious towards freedom, but also as an It was also apparent when I ago, the Eritrean independence natural resources, many of these important reminder of the necessary had the opportunity to speak with movement transitioned from street Of all the independence countries remain poor and continue continuation of work towards a young, recent Sawa graduate, demonstrations, non-violence, movements throughout Africa in to suffer from the many blights independence, development, and and a nearly forty-year veteran of and peaceful protest, to active, the 1900s, Eritrea’s was one of the of underdevelopment. Recently, social justice. Thus, September 1st the independence struggle. After armed resistance. After all other few that emerged “victorious” via a prominent international report is additionally about understanding separately asking them each how it options were exhausted, it was an outright military defeat of its found that although sub-Saharan the immense example set by those felt to have played such a positive all that was left. Years before, on colonial oppressor. Importantly, Africa receives $134bn each year before us, and striving to bring role in the country, both smiled 20 September 1949, the United not only was Eritrea’s struggle the in loans, foreign investment and about the prosperous, harmonious and confidently responded (nearly Nations General Assembly longest African independence war development aid, over $192bn nation that was sought so many exactly the same), “I am not done... (UNGA) decided to send a second of the 1900s, the three-decades leaves the region (producing a years ago. Reflecting on September there are still so many things I commission of inquiry into Eritrea long struggle targeted far more than massive $58bn shortfall), through 1st here in Eritrea, one quickly hope to do in order to contribute to to explore a potential “solution [to] just political emancipation. Rather, tax evasion and the flight of profits grasps how the journey toward that building my country.” the problem of Eritrea” (UNGA it sought to usher in a complete and earned by foreign multinational vision continues. 1949). During the delegation’s radical transformation of society. companies. Across SSA and “Yes,” I think to myself, now subsequent report about their Powerful traditional systems of the Global South, resources, It is apparent when visiting the traversing the narrow lanes of the which can and should promote numerous dams that are found shouk (marketplace), quiet today, development, have instead fuelled across the country. Small and large, but often buzzing with a dizzying conflict and bred vast inequalities, they are filled not only with the mix of unique sights, sounds, and while foreign exploitation has much-appreciated rains that fall smells. sustained debilitating poverty. from the sky, but the toil and sweat Sadly, independence has often of thousands of upstanding, hard- September 1st is about confronting only translated to being in – working young men and women. adversity and overcoming it. It is dependence. about being faced with challenges It is apparent on the long, or problems and persistently seeking In contrast, however, Eritrea winding paved roads, so critical solutions. It is about perseverance, has taken steps to control its for development, that connect the contribution, and sacrifice. considerable resource endowments, towns, villages, and cities. Driving firmly grasp the reins to its national along, one may overlook or not Not just within the context of and economic development, and fully comprehend that these roads the long struggle that brought navigate a pragmatic, peaceful path were not always there, their place freedom, but also in terms of the towards true national emancipation, being taken by mountains, rock, ongoing work that seeks to produce social-based development, and a desert, and bushes. After deeper a prosperous, harmonious future. Disclaimer: articles published in this column do not reflect the stance or opinion of Eritrea Profile Eritrea Profile, Saturday, September 3, 2016 Vol 23. No 53 4

The Dagger Experts: Eritrea’s Afar

Natnael Yebio W. of Adal established in Rahayeta, Afar traditional chiefs had initially the kingdoms of Dankali and granted pieces of land on the coasts The Afar people also known as Ankala, the Sultanate of Bidu and of the Red Sea to European ‘guests’ Adal, Adali, Oda’ali, Teltal and other major clan chieftains and who later became colonial masters. Dankali are Cushitic-nomadic sheikdoms successively dominated Ultimately, the egalitarian Afar people located in the East African the traditional administration on society underwent a long-lasting countries of Eritrea, Djibouti, the Red Sea coasts, in the interiors anti-colonial resistance. Somalia, and Ethiopia. The Afar and on the islands as well. Since the (Danakil) claim to be descendants 16th century, the Ottoman Turks Nomadic pastoralism is the of Ham (Noah’s son). They are had controlled the Red Sea coastal traditional form of subsistence for proud people, emphasizing a man’s areas with a minimal influence over the Afar, although some coastal Afar strength and bravery. Prestige the territories. The Ottoman rule are fishers. Livestock consists of comes, as it always has, from killing transferred its nominal authority goats, sheep, and camels where the one’s enemies. over the coasts and islands of the terrain is suitable, and some cattle Red Sea to the Egyptian Khedive in a few places. The Afar subsist The Afar people are a warrior tribe in 1866 but didn’t last long. It mostly on meat, both domestic and and are very good at using knives was after only three years, on 15 wild, and dairy products, along relatives. loads them with the butter, wheat and daggers in a warfare. They love November 1869, that the Ankala with agricultural products mostly flour and mat (Senan) and takes their culture and respect their laws. chiefs, Sultan Ibrahim Ahmed and obtained in trade with villagers in There are several marriage the couple to the place where they There is a proverb in Afar that says: Sultan Hassan Ahmed signed an the Rift Valley or in the highlands. patterns in the Afar ethnicity. will construct their own house. The (koo liih anii macinay kamol ayyo agreement with Giuseppe Sapetto, These include inter-clan marriages wife’s mother usually accompanies mogolla) which means “I accept representative of Societa Rubattino The pastoralism of the Afar is between unrelated people, cross- the couple to help them construct you in my home as a brother but I do Company on the Nasser Majid ship, actually closer to transhumance than cousin marriages (Absuma) and their house and returns home after not accept that you put my authority in which the future Colonia Eritrea to full nomadism. Transhumance is leviratic arrangements (widow three days. When the wife gets questioned”. was first conceived as the piece a patterned movement of people inheritance). It is claimed that pregnant, the husband usually takes of land in Assab possessed by the among several regularly visited cross-cousin marriages are stronger her back to her family for delivery. The Afar consist of two sub- Italian company. locations, at least one of which is than marriages between unrelated The husband would then dismantle groups: the Asaemara (“red ones”), permanently occupied by a part persons because no serious harm the mat house. who are the more prestigious and Soon afterwards, on 10 March of the population, or is improved is inflicted on one’s own blood and powerful nobles living along the 1882, the Rubattino Company by some structure, such as a flesh in times of conjugal conflict. After a period of up to four months coast; and the Adaemara (“white transferred all its landholdings to house, corral, or storage bin. The following delivery, sometimes after ones”), who are the commoners the Italian government and later, encampments established during On the other hand, parallel cousin a whole year, the couple return to living in the mountains and the on 5th June 1882, the Italian King the seasonal migrations often marriages are strictly forbidden their home, which they would have Danakil Desert. Those who live Umberto declared the land the consist of no more than grass lean- for cultural reasons. There is, of to re-erect. The same procedure is in the desert inhabit in one of the Colonia di Assab which later grew tos. The migrating unit has a more course, an explanation for this. A commonly followed at the second most rugged areas in the world. up to Colonia Eritrea after Italian permanent homestead somewhere person cannot marry his father- and third pregnancies. Depending One region, known as the Danakil colonists had entered Asmara in else, with larger dwelling structures brother’s daughter because ideally on the capacity and willingness Depression, consists of a vast plain 1889. Unlike its predecessors, the surrounded by thorn-and-brush these children belong to one of the husband to support his wife of salt pans and active volcanoes. colonial powers of Turkey and Egypt, fences. Often, it is only the younger father. A Father-brother may, economically and socially, a wife Much of it lies 200 feet below sea the Italian colony penetrated to the members of the group who go on upon the death of father, replace may continue to deliver at her level and has daily temperatures as interior portions of the area which the seasonal migrations; they take the biological father and marry the parents’ home even after the fourth high as 51 degrees C. The average led them to direct confrontation the more highly valued camels and widow of his deceased brother. The child yearly rainfall is less than seven with local Afar chieftains. In the late cattle to higher pastures, leaving the same applies for the mother-sister’s inches. 1920s, armed resistance led by the sheep and goats in the care of the children. In short, father- brother The Afar social organization courageous Sultan of Bidu, Yasin older folks at the more permanent and the mother-sister are potential is highly segmented with small In Eritrea, the Afar sinhabited Haysma, became a seed for Afar location. fathers and mothers. Betrothal for social units such as clans, sub- islands and coastal areas of the nationalism planted in the minds marriage engagements may begin clans, lineages, and households. Red Sea that stretched from the of the Afar youth. Particularly the The Afar has a social organization during childhood. This is done One of the most important traits of northern tip of the Boori peninsula banner raised by an Afar nationalist which is similar to that of other following a nominal payment in the Afar Ethnicity is their dance. to the Djibouti border of Obock in Yasin Mohamoda, who was the pastoral societies in Africa such as cash. The actual wedding however Dance supports the important the southern edge of the Rahayeta namesake of Yasin Hysama, became the Somali. Central to the Afar social usually takes place when girls reach moments of life. Dance (LAALE), sultanate territory. a long-standing symbol of courage structure are descent and affined their mid teens during which there is performed exclusively by men, From the renowned Kingdom within Afar. ties. The Afar have a patrilineal a transfer of bride wealth. or dance (MALABO), performed descent system based on which a exclusively by women and dance person belongs to a particular clan. Wedding ceremonies take place (KEEKE) together men and Afar settlements are composed in the house of the bride’s family, women, for example, accompany of a mixture of clans although where friends and relatives enjoy the ceremonies of marriage. In the each locality is identified with a their porridge. Upon marriage, Afar traditional register, there are major clan and affines. According residence is normally patrilocal and games (SAXXAQ and KASSOW), to some writers, the Afar have a the couple may stay there until the songs of praise (GAALI SAARE saying related to intra-clan sharing bride gives birth to a child. If the and FARAS SAARE) and prophetic behaviour: “Sagage’ri nama lakal husband wants to take his wife, he words of the soothsayer (ADAL). masa” (Literally: a cow’s tail is has to pay money to the family. equidistant from both its legs.) This The region where the Afar live means: Those belonging to the same This money is actually used for is often referred to as the Afar group share and share equally, both buying butter (subah) and wheat Triangle. The Afar are not only one the good and bad. flour for the newly married couple. of the most unique ethnic groups This is done on one market day in Eritrea but the Horn of Africa as Hence, residents either belong (Thursdays). A few days later, the well. They are courageous, fierce to the same clan or are marital boy’s father brings two camels, and loyal. Eritrea Profile, Saturday, September 3, 2016 Vol 23. No 53 5

Asmara: Home of Antique Cinemas

Sirak Habtemichael for stage drama performances and work, the sophistication of the ballet shows only to be watched by engineering as well as the interior The history of cinemas in Eritrea the ‘first class’ Italian families. design of each cinema, especially dates back to 1920s during the the big ones, have captivated the Italian colonial period, when the At present, is eyes of a number of tourists over Eritrean people were familiarized used for rehearsals of stage dramas the years. with the culture of cinemas. But and other related cultural shows, not all the Eritrean citizens had the but it is not functioning as cinema. Cinema Roma, , opportunity to watch movies in the The structure of the cinema and the Cinema Capitol as well as the cinemas which were abundant even area it is constructed on is in the Odeon Theatre are four of the back then. The only few privileged main streets of Asmara, down the biggest cinemas in Eritrea. Located citizens who were allowed to watch Harnet Avenue, which provides a in the downtown streets of the cinemas were the ones who worked beautiful scene of vintage splendor Harnet and Semaetat Avenues with the Italians and only with their of art deco to the city. in Asmara, the cinemas have bosses were they allowed to get in. magnificent outer view and a state Almost all the movies back then The Italians then constructed of the art interior design. The first were Italian, especially until the Cinema Hamassen for the local three were constructed in 1937, installation and sound system of the cinemas. The 88 millimeter early 1940s. residents. It was among the first while Odeon Theatre followed a possess a world class standard to projectors and the fade cinema cinemas to be constructed around year after. this day. Although only a few of system which used real players The construction of cinemas the area where there was a dense the cinemas underwent renovation, are abundant in all the cinemas. in Eritrea began in 1920s, where population of locals. This was Records from the Eritrean most of them still retain the genuine The engraved wall sculptures, the the first ones to be constructed around 14 years after the Asmara Administration of Cinemas indicate beauty and system from the time monumental architectural design, were Cinema Emberto and Eritro. Theatre was constructed. To this that each and every single one of of their construction. Among the the stairways to the first class VIP Also among the first cinemas very day, Cinema Hamassen the cinemas was constructed for few that underwent extensive boxes and the red carpet hallways constructed in early 1920s and still provides services for theatrical different purposes. The only people renovation is Cinema Roma, but the especially at Cinema Roma and the standing as one of the finest ones shows and movies. who were allowed to watch movies renovators applied great ingenuity Odeon Theatre are indeed a sight architecturally is Cinema Asmara, at Cinema Impero and Capitol to maintain the classic and original to see. After all these years, the (Theatro Azmara). The cinema has Around 1940s, over 10 cinemas were among the first class from the features of the cinema. cinemas inside Asmara and some a monumental architectural style were constructed all over Eritrea, colonizers, the Odeon Theatre was Back during the days, the cinemas other cities of Eritrea still maintain with a three story classic seats. which makes it among the first, if particularly for the officers’ class were using old equipment, which the original designs and of course During the first decades after its not the only first one to own grand and others. still remain and are displayed as providing public services to this construction, the cinema was used theatres in Africa. The construction The infrastructure, electrical monuments of antiquity in some day.

CHINESE CLASSES TO THE PUBLIC

Confucius Institute at National Commission for Higher Education (CI-NCHE) is planning to offer more classes for the public who are interested in learning Chinese language and longing for knowing Chinese culture. The schedule of the courses is as follow:

Chinese Language Classes (100NKF for Handouts) Chinese Culture Classes (No Payment) Level 1 (Class1) Tue. & Thu. 4:00pm-6:00pm Dancing Mon.& Wed. 4:00pm-6:00pm Level 1 (Class2) Sat. & Sun. 4:00pm-6:00pm Dancing (Kids) Sat. 9:00am-11:00am Level 2(Class1) Tue. & Thu. 8:00am-10:00am Kongfu (Class1 ) Wed.& Fri. 5:30am-7:00am Level 2(Class2) Sat.& Sun. 4:00am-6:00pm Kongfu (Class 2) Sat.& Sun.: 5:30am-7:00am Level 3 Sat. & Sun. 9:00am-11:00am Calligraphy Wed. & Fri. 4:00pm-6:00pm Level 4 Sat.& Sun. 9:00am-11:00am Chinese Song Sun. 2:00pm-4:00pm

Level 5 Sat.& Sun. 4:00pm-6:00pm TaiJi Wed& Fri.. 4:00am-6:00am

More information is available for you on working days at Room 179&181, . CI-NCHE is expecting you to begin the Chinese Journey with us together.

The schedule for registration:

Date: Sep. 13rd—16th, 2016

Time: 9:00am-11:30 am, 2:30pm-5:30pm

Venue: Room 181(CI office)& 183,University of Asmara

The Duration of the Courses: Sep. 19--Dec.18 Eritrea Profile, Saturday, September 3, 2016 Vol 23. No 53 6

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT Bisha Mining Share Company PLC is inviting interested applicants for the following position.

Human Resources Data Clerk Technical Skills Behavioural Skills Computer Literacy (MS Office – Advanced) Communication Number Required (01) (English and Local language) Indefinite Period Accuracy Confidentiality Attention to detail Deadline driven TASK DESCRIPTION EXPANDED TO CORE Knowledge of Policies, Procedures and Ability to meet PERFORMANCE AREAS Processes deadlines Administrative skill Ability to perform under pressure • Administration Analytical skill Innovative thinking o Capture information received from HR Officers on daily basis. o Signing off of captured employee information. General Information and other requirements: • Place of Work: Bisha. o Capture all changes to employee information. • Salary: As per Company salary scale. o Responsibility to update employee files. • Type of contract Indefinite Period o Ad hoc reporting information as per requests received. Additional requirement for Nationals: o Daily activity report to HR Supervisor. • Having fulfilled his/her National Service obligation and o Attend HR meetings. provide evidence of release paper from the Ministry of o Required to relief in the absence of the Data Defense. • Present clearance paper from current/last employer. Administrator. • Testimonial documents to be attached (CV, work experience credentials, a copy of your National Identity Card etc.). • Only shortlisted applicants would be considered as potential • Filing candidates for an interview. o Filing of captured data documentation. • Application documents will not be returned to sender. • All applications should be sent through the post office. KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS • Deadline for application: 10 days from the day of publication in the Newspaper.

Qualifications: Certificate or Diploma in Computer Application / Science • Address: Please mail your applications to; Bisha Mining Share Company, Knowledge and Experience: P. O. Box 4276 Asmara, Eritrea • Note to Eritrean applicants: Proficient in data administration Please send a copy of your application to Aliens Employment Permit Affairs, 2 Years data administration and data capturing P. O. Box 7940 Asmara, Eritrea. Eritrea Profile, Saturday, September 3, 2016 Vol 23. No 53 77

Doctor, as well as nursing staff. o Report the consumption of each medicine for the medical staff o Report on expired drugs to medical staff as well as the VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT Ministry of Health

KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS Bisha Mining Share Company PLC is inviting interested applicants for the following position. Qualifications:

Medical Officer pharmacist Degree in Pharmacy /Diploma in Pharmacy Technician Registered with the Ministry of Health Number Required (01) Currently practicing in his profession Knowledge and Experience: Indefinite Period >2 years’ experience TASK DESCRIPTION EXPANDED TO CORE Experience in procuring, storing and dispensing pharmaceuticals PERFORMANCE AREAS Behavioural Technical Skills • Control Pharmaceuticals in the mine clinic dispensary Skills o Check that the nurse is controlling stock correctly. Make any Computer Literacy (MS Office) Communication necessary changes to stock. (English and local language) o Advise use of alternative medicines Supervisor/management skills Assertiveness o Advise arrival of new medicines Attention to detail Interpersonal Relations o Advise on stock balance Analytical skill Integrity Proactive procurement skill Ability to work • Ordering and ensuring sufficient stock drugs towards strict deadlines o Ensure availability of medicine, medical supplies, Problem solving skill High level of instruments and laboratory agents. accuracy Purchase required stock by following documented procedures o Knowledge of essential drug list of ministry of Discretion and collect it from Asmara. health Team player o Research on a regular basis new drugs and medication on the market o Collect, record and dispose expired drugs General Information and other requirements:

• Supply mine clinics with pharmaceuticals • Place of Work: Bisha. • Salary: As per Company salary scale. o Advise patients on use of non-prescription medication • Type of contract Indefinite Period o Monitor to ensure patients comply with doctor’s instruction when they come for help. Additional requirement for Nationals: o Advise medical staff on drug selection , side effects and • Having fulfilled his/her National Service obligation and provide interaction evidence of release paper from the Ministry of Defense. • Present clearance paper from current/last employer. o Correctly store and handle medicines • Testimonial documents to be attached (CV, work experience credentials, a copy of your National Identity Card etc.). • Only shortlisted applicants would be considered as potential • Records candidates for an interview. • Application documents will not be returned to sender. o Keep stock records of all medication. • All applications should be sent through the post office. Make use of “First Expired First Out” (FEFO) inventory • Deadline for application: 10 days from the day of publication in o the Newspaper. system. o Undertake monthly; quarterly and annual stock takes. • Address: Please mail your applications to; Bisha Mining Share Company, P. O. Box 4276 Asmara, Eritrea • Reporting • Note to Eritrean applicants: Submit monthly; quarterly and annual reports to the Please send a copy of your application to o Aliens Employment Permit Affairs, P. O. Box 7940 Asmara, Eritrea. Eritrea Profile, Saturday, September 3, 2016 Vol 23. No 53 8

The Soira Award goes to…... Asmait Futsumbrhan

Dehab Tafla Qeleta, had featured on Eritrea Profile’s Q&A before, for the commendable work she had done on Animal Science, and now she is back again. This time around as the winner of the prestigious Soira Award at the 7th National Youth Festival. An award given to exemplary individuals, for works they have done in their respective fields.

You participated the 7th National as a medicine but at the same time summer times when it is well countries. Consequently I had Youth Festival at the award given it was obvious it was a source of fed. Since, that is the best time to chosen to do my research on the to winners….. different illnesses. As a result, this yield and make your products. It camel, this is just the beginning, I research paper started from that is scientifically proven, that milk am going to focus on it even more Yes I have. The field I competed point. I started to read and research is a natural medicine for different and study. Camel is a unique and on was Agro industry, with a about camel milk, which is when I kinds of diseases. So, since the amazing creature. research paper that I had presented knew its difference from the other demands are still on the markets, in 2015 when I was completing kinds of milk. I studied on how to why wouldn’t we prepare it in the What was your understanding my masters on Sustainable Animal boil it and make something of it. form of cheese in the summer time of camel milk before your study? Production. The paper I presented and use it for a longer time. This is was on the production of cheese How is it different? the kind of study you have to do on I always thought that if the milk Dehab Tafla from camel milk and how it can the process. was boiled, it would be spoiled. be used for a longer period of It is not that different from other It actually doesn’t. By the way, I for several youths from every time, hence the sustainability. The milks, but, camel milk has “soluble Is it available in other would like to tell people that camel corner of the country and different advantage of the production is that protein” and vitamin C. When countries? milk is just like other milks, but with backgrounds to show their talent boiled, we don’t let it stay at fair much more nutritive advantages and ingenuities. Doesn’t mater With the things I mentioned for long. By nature the milk itself Yes it is. Especially in Sahara and it needs to be boiled. if you invented, innovated, or above, the research paper was is thin. Besides it takes time in areas like Tunisia, there is a big produced, you try to contest at any considered that it can be a source the making process. Because it is factory that produces camel milk. What do you owe this completion field you think will get you the of change in production income thin, its contents are not as much. The milk is cooled down and made to? Soira Award. So, like everybody and was awarded the Soira Award I prepared it just like we prepare to cheese where it is stored. else, I thought that my research as an optimistic work. the other kinds of milk with the My own aspirations got me paper would bring some kind of techniques suitable for the camel Why was your research focused here. I have always had a dream change in production sector. That How did you come up with the milk producers. only on camel milk? to change my life with education. is why I participated representing idea? That is what I always had in my my region. Studying process….. Here in our country, we haven’t heart and kept me going. It was my I was born and raised in Keren, had any works done regarding biggest aim in life. I guess that is What was the prize? where camel milk is very common Before proceeding to work on a camels. It hasn’t been focused on at what has gotten me here today. in the markets. The milk is said to be subject, deep research and referring any point, even though it has a lot Titled optimistic work award and used as a medicine. A bunch of previously published work is a of advantages. It is one of the most Motivations for such dream….. with a recognition certificate and people purchase the milk and drink prerequisite to doing a future ignored species. There are a lot of 10,000 Nakfa. it without boiling or sterilizing research paper. You need a definite studies and works on kettle and are To tell you the truth, I would say it for that matter. Somehow, information on how the milk specifically categorized into meet my upbringing. I grew up with my Next plan for the work. this used to bother me, why was producers use their approaches. and milk production sectors. But mom, she doesn’t exactly have any it being observed without any For instance, the camel produces on camels, studies carried out are kind of educational background. As I told you, the award that I got purification, it was meant labeled good amount of milk during the of more recent nature even in other She raised us by working any kind is titled “optimistic work”, I need of works she could find. However, to change it to a “successful work” she always tried to make up for on camel milk productions. For this the opportunity she had lost by to happen, I have to influence our not being educated. She simply people and the society. The idea is sacrificed herself for us to be good how to put the production on the at school. My mother is the main hands of producers and consumer, reason I was good at school or to if such case happens to persist it have a specific inspiration. I would will definitely bring about change like to thank her from the bottom in the production sector. of my heart, really. Advice to young Eritrean Any inspiring people? females…..

When I used to see students Believe in your selves. Have graduate from universities and the confidence. The things that seem respect they get from the society, not achievable are doable if you it used to make jealous and made have the will to dream and the my ambition grow even stronger. determination to actually achieve It inspired me further more. But I your dreams. When you believe would say that the basic inspiration that you can do it, you can and you started from my own house. will.

Incentive to participate at the Thank you very much and Youth Festival….. congratulations!!!

The Festival is an opportunity Thank you.