Vol 22. No. 62 Saturday, 3 October, 2015 Pages 8, Price 2.00 NFA BOLSTERING NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS Eritrean nationals residing in Mr. Ibrahim Idris, Charge Gedarif, the Sudan, have expressed D’Affairs at the Eritrean Embassy readiness to contribute to national for his part gave extensive brief- development programs in tangible ings on the diplomatic, economic ways. and political developments in the homeland. SENIOR ERITREAN DELEGATION VISITS SUDAN A senior Eritrean government The Eritrean delegation includes dent, H.E. Omar Ahmed Al-Bash- delegation led by the Minister of Mr. Hagos Ghebrehiwet, Head of er, on bilateral issues focusing on Finance, Mr. Berhane Habtemari- Economic Affairs of the PFDJ, and the status and progress of the eco- WATER RESERVOIRS IN DIRFO am, is visiting Sudan for bilateral other senior government officials. nomic and trade agreements signed Three water reservoirs have tive was taken in line with the talks on economic cooperation and between the two sisterly countries been constructed in Dirfo Ad- Government’s commitment to to exchange experiences and best The Delegation was received by, in the past years. ministrative area in the Central promote social justice in remote practices in the financial sector. and held talks, the Sudanese Presi- region. The facilities were inau- areas. The delegation also held exten- gurated on September 30th . sive talks with the Sudanese Min- The facilities are expected to NEWS BRIEF ister of Finance, Mr. Badr-Eddin Mr. Zerit Tewoldebrhan, the adequately address prevalent wa- Mahmoud. Managing Director in the Cen- ter shortages for privately owned tral Region, said that the initia- farms in the area. CREATING CONDUCIVE ENVIRONMENT The discussions centered on fi- nancial issues as well as the bank- The different training programs that are being organized for the ing system, tax collection methods youth in the Southern region will have significant contribution in cre- and approaches, monetary policy, ating conducive environment for nurturing productive youth. insurance and cross-border trade. Mr. Girmai Gebru, head of the NUEYS in the region, indicated that The delegation visited several training programs are being provided for 100 youth in carpentry and economic institutions, the national steel works, and for 40 youth, out of which 20 are women, in weaving bank, money printing press and and bee breading. gold processing plant in the Su- dan. QUARANTINE CENTER PROVIDING COMMENDABLE SERVICE The Quarantine center that has been established in Talata-Asher to control the prevalence of trans-boarder communicable diseases is pro- viding commendable service. DRAFT NATIONAL POLICY ON CHILDREN A workshop was conducted at in the meeting. persons submitted presentations on According to Dr. Leul Banteyrga, head of MOH branch in the Gash the NCEW Hall on the draft na- the prevailing situation of children Barka region, the center is equipped with modern medical facility and tional policy in regard to children The Minister of Labour and Hu- in Eritrea and various facets of the is treating daily 200 people. The center uses solar energy and is provid- on the 1st of October 2015. man Welfare, Mr. Kahsai Gebrehi- draft policy document. ing service for 24 hours. wet, stated that the draft policy pa- The workshop was organized by per has been prepared after iterative The draft policy document will He further said that even though there is no immediate threat it is the Ministry of Labour and Human consultative work with all relevant be refined through inputs of the important to take the necessary precaution. Similar Quarantine centers Welfare. Senior Government and stakeholders so as to promote the workshop and other consultative are established in different parts of the country and are providing land, PFDJ officials, representatives of Government’s pronounced policy mechanisms the Ministry of La- sea and air services. International and Regional Organi- of safeguarding children’s rights. bour and Human Welfare intends zations and invited guests took part Experts on the subject and resource to pursue in the period ahead. GOLIJ SUB-ZONE: FARMERS STEPPING UP MORE EFFORT TO ENHANCE OUTPUT Farmers in Golij Sub-zone in Gash-Barka region, are making sub- stantial effort to increase their output. According to reports, a total area of 64 thousand hectares is under cultivation, including oil seeds, sorghum and millet, among others. The farmers said that as part of their ongoing initiative, they intend to put in place canals in their farm plots with to conserving water resources. Photo : Henoke Mekonen Eritrea Profile,Saturday, 3 October, 2015 2 Child care in Eritrea Kesete Ghebrehiwet nurture children. In Eritrea, any child is the child Generally, Eritrean society has of every household. Hence, child had shrewd, farsighted traditional care is the responsibility of every practices in childcare. The cultural Eritrean citizen. Much like the tolerance exhibited within Eritrean popular proverb noting that “it society is uniquely represented takes a village to raise a child,” by a harmonious coexistence of Eritrean children have always different ethnic groups. In this been nurtured with love and care regard, the policy will prove of their parents, neighbors, and extremely significant. the surrounding communities. A well nurtured child often Traditional wisdom and custom stands for the good of the people within the ethnic groups of Eritrea to whom he or she belongs, and place utmost significance upon is frequently very hospitable, children’s’ well-being. At the respectful, and welcoming towards same time, there have also been others. In this sense, it is not a caring and protecting children new Comprehensive National eradicated or significantly traditional practices that, while surprise to hear that foreigners who (and the aged). Childhood Policy are underage reduced. intending to benefit children, have have visited Eritrea often cherish marriage, burning of gums, cuts often led to negative physical or memories and experiences of a The introduction of a over the eyebrow, rupturing the As well, the national commitment physiological effects (frequently country known for its abundant Comprehensive National Child tonsils, and corporal punishment. to literacy and “education for all” carrying over into adulthood). It peace and stability. Policy stems from this unique Eritrea’s people, particularly its has led to remarkable changes and is within this context that the need collective outlook of Eritrean children, are its greatest resource; progress. for a national childhood policy It should be reiterated that all society. Importantly, the in that context, securing their arises, as made clear during the members of society play a role introduction of the policy is not safety and rights is of critical and Child care is a multifaceted release of the newly drafted in socialization of a child, and a substitute, but an addition or far-reaching significance. issue which involves families, Comprehensive National Child that if foreigners and travelers augmentation of, long standing communities, and various levels of Policy on 1st October 2015 at the feel safe and comfortable within social and cultural practices Notably, Eritrea has displayed government or administration. One National Confederation of Eritrean Eritrea, it is often a result of, or that aim to nurture children. an unwavering commitment important player has been Eritrea’s Workers conference hall. influenced by, a proper upbringing Specifically, the policy will towards respecting, promoting and Ministry of Labor and Human of children. Simply, it is a tribute help to fill existent gaps, while protecting the rights of children, Welfare, particularly through During the discussion, the and recognition of the ceaseless firmly working against harmful even during the challenging, its extensive efforts to promote importance of the new policy was efforts of Eritrean societies. practices. difficult times within the decades- the survival and development underscored through noting how long struggle for independence. of children. For example, the traditionally, members of Eritrean The child who receives proper The Female Circumcision Likewise in the post-independence ministry has undertook different society were not accustomed to nurturing from parents, relatives, Abolition Proclamation No period, the country has attested its activities aimed at empowering birth registration, and could thus and communities frequently 158/2007, for instance, bans all commitment to important youth or families through community- expose children to violations of becomes a responsible citizen forms of female circumcision. children’s issues, by prioritizing based interventions such as child labor, underage marriage, who makes commendable efforts and investing in education, health, the reunification program for or other areas of potential child towards fulfilling the admirable The proclamation, which nutrition, and various other youth orphans, street children, and other exploitation. Kahsay Ghebrehiwet, goal of building a nation for that criminalizes female genital or children’s related areas. vulnerable members of the Eritrean Minister of Labor and Human welcomes people from all walks mutilation and holds accountable society. Importantly, adoption and Welfare, also noted how “Eritrean of life. the practitioners or those who For example, owing to orphanages, as well as improving society has a civilized culture assisted or witnessed but failed to remarkably high immunization rehabilitation