Vol. 23 No. 58 Saturday, September 24, 2016 Pages 8, Price 2.00 NFA At an assessment meeting conducted on 17 September in the port city of Assab was been reported that encouraging greening activities have been carried out during the past 10 years. Explaining the importance of forestation program in line with the climatic condition in the region, the head of Wildlife and Forestry in the Southern Red Sea region, Mr. Samson Habte said that successful accomplishments have been registered in soil and water conservation in the region as a rest of the integrated efforts. He further explained that 130,000 tree seedlings have been planted on 120 hectares within the past 10 years of the greening campaign and that the undertaking is a step forward in the control of deforestation in the region. Moreover, Mr. Samsom stated said that the 22 Green Clubs in the region are playing significant role in the conservation of trees and that the distribution of smokeless ovens and planting of 40,000 tree seedlings throughout the region constitute the score of implementation in this year. The Managing Director in the region, Ambassador Nationals in Embatkala administrative area are conducting soil and water conservation campaign. According to Mr. Omar Yahia, Administrator of Gindae sub-zone, indicated that the popular campaign is making significant contribution to the enrichment of soil and underground water. Reports indicated that about the inhabitants are participating in the campaign on daily basis. The Government is providing machinery and other construction materials in support of the soil and water conservation program. Prof. Tadesse Mehari, Executive Director of the Eritrean Commission of Higher Education, has participated at the 28th Annual European Association for International Education that was held from 13-16 September in UK, city of Liverpool. At the Conference in which experts from 80 countries took part, Prof. Tadesse gave a presentation on Migration and the Root Causes as well as prospects of Cooperation Harat Transportation Company has allocated additional buses along the Asmara-Senafe route. The beneficiaries said that with the additional buses they A meeting was recently conducted in Adi-Keih Sub-zone with a view to reinforce the organizational capacity of Youth civil servant. Mr. Ibrahim Barola, Head of the NUEYS branch in the sub-zone, stressed the importance of youth organization as regards exchanging experience and called on meeting participants to strengthen their capacity and enhance contribution in national development endeavors. Mr. Hailemichael Eyob, Director General of Land and Agriculture Department in the Southern region, has called on farmers in the region to make effective follow-up so that cultivated crops currently in a promising stage are fully harvested. He noted that ample distribution of rain in July and August was decisive for the good prospects of the cereal harvest in the region. Mr. Hailemichael, stated that some 145 hectares have been cultivated with varied crops and NCHE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ATTENDS INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION CONFERENCE in Education. Moreover, he gave briefings regarding the role of Eritrean professionals in the enrichment of human resources and in the nation- building process. He gave the briefing at a seminar organized by the Eritrean Embassy in the UK and Northern Ireland on 17 September. On the seminar in which over 70 Eritrean professionals took part, Prof. Tadesse explained the current situation of higher education in the homeland and the achievements scored to date. Eritrea’s Ambassador to the UK and Northern Ireland, Mr. Estifanos Habtemariam, on his part underlined that the long-term vision of the Government is to build a developed country that ensures social justice. He further called on Eritrean professional in the Diaspora to make due contribution in development endeavors. ASSESSMENT MEETING ON GREENING CAMPAIGN SOUTHERN REGION: PROPER FOLLOW-UP OF CROP PLANTATION UNDERSCORED oil seeds in the 12 sub-zones of the region that are in a promising condition. According to reports, a total TRANSPORTATION RELIEF IN ASMARA-SENAFE ROUTE of 399 water reservoirs of varied size put in place in the region enabling the collection of sufficient volume of water. ADIKEYIH: SCHEME FOR CAPACITY OF YOUTH EMBATKALA: SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION CAMPAIGN are presently in position to carry out their daily activities without difficulty. The head of public transportation in Senafe, Mr. Semere Haile, stated that at present 8 small and big buses are providing services to and from Asmara-Senafe and called on the public to make proper use of the service thus provided. Mohammed Seid Mantai stressed the importance of conducting sustainable awareness-raising campaign regarding the preservation of forest. This task, he said, “should not be left to the Ministry of Agriculture or the Wildlife and Forestry Department alone, but involve other stakeholders, including government institutions and the society at large”. Expressing commitment to reinforce the participation, the meeting participants on their part called for the protection of trees planted by students during this year’s Summer Work Development Program as well as the significance of motivating exemplary participants of the Greening campaign. Individuals, schools, and religious institutions who demonstrated exemplary contribution in the 10-year greening campaign received certificates of appreciation, agricultural tools and bicycles as incentives. Various department heads of the Southern Red Sea Administration, sub-zonal administrators and branch heads, as well as heads of the line Ministries attended the assessment meeting.
At an assessment meeting conducted on 17 September in the port city of Assab was been reported that encouraging greening activities have been carried out during the past 10 years.
Explaining the importance of forestation program in line with the climatic condition in the region, the head of Wildlife and Forestry in the Southern Red Sea region, Mr. Samson Habte said that successful accomplishments have been registered in soil and water conservation in the region as a rest of the integrated efforts.
He further explained that 130,000 tree seedlings have been planted on 120 hectares within the past 10 years of the greening campaign and that the undertaking is a step forward in the control of deforestation in the region.
Moreover, Mr. Samsom stated said that the 22 Green Clubs in the region are playing significant role in the conservation of trees and that the distribution of smokeless ovens and planting of 40,000 tree seedlings throughout the region constitute the score of implementation in this year.
The Managing Director in the region, Ambassador
Nationals in Embatkala administrative area are conducting soil and water conservation campaign.
According to Mr. Omar Yahia, Administrator of Gindae sub-zone, indicated that the popular campaign is making significant contribution to the enrichment of soil and underground water.
Reports indicated that about the inhabitants are participating in the campaign on daily basis. The Government is providing machinery and other construction materials in support of the soil and water conservation program.
Prof. Tadesse Mehari, Executive Director of the Eritrean Commission of Higher Education, has participated at the 28th Annual European Association for International Education that was held from 13-16 September in UK, city of Liverpool.
At the Conference in which experts from 80 countries took part, Prof. Tadesse gave a presentation on Migration and the Root Causes as well as prospects of Cooperation
Harat Transportation Company has allocated additional buses along the Asmara-Senafe route.
The beneficiaries said that with the additional buses they
A meeting was recently conducted in Adi-Keih Sub-zone with a view to reinforce the organizational capacity of Youth civil servant.
Mr. Ibrahim Barola, Head of the NUEYS branch in the sub-zone, stressed the importance of youth organization as regards exchanging experience and called on meeting participants to strengthen their capacity and enhance contribution in national development endeavors.
Mr. Hailemichael Eyob, Director General of Land and Agriculture Department in the Southern region, has called on farmers in the region to make effective follow-up so that cultivated crops currently in a promising stage are fully harvested.
He noted that ample distribution of rain in July and August was decisive for the good prospects of the cereal harvest in the region.
Mr. Hailemichael, stated that some 145 hectares have been cultivated with varied crops and
NCHE ExECutivE DirECtor attENDs iNtErNatioNal EDuCatioN CoNfErENCE
in Education.
Moreover, he gave briefings regarding the role of Eritrean professionals in the enrichment of human resources and in the nation-building process. He gave the briefing at a seminar organized by the Eritrean Embassy in the UK and Northern Ireland on 17 September.
On the seminar in which over 70 Eritrean professionals took part, Prof. Tadesse explained the current
situation of higher education in the homeland and the achievements scored to date.
Eritrea’s Ambassador to the UK and Northern Ireland, Mr. Estifanos Habtemariam, on his part underlined that the long-term vision of the Government is to build a developed country that ensures social justice. He further called on Eritrean professional in the Diaspora to make due contribution in development endeavors.
assEssmENt mEEtiNg oN grEENiNg CampaigN
soutHErN rEgioN: propEr follow-up of Crop plaNtatioN uNDErsCorED
oil seeds in the 12 sub-zones of the region that are in a promising condition.
According to reports, a total
traNsportatioN rEliEf iN asmara-sENafE routE
of 399 water reservoirs of varied size put in place in the region enabling the collection of sufficient volume of water.
aDikEyiH: sCHEmE for CapaCity of youtH
Embatkala: soil aND watEr CoNsErvatioN CampaigN
are presently in position to carry out their daily activities without difficulty.
The head of public transportation in Senafe, Mr.
Semere Haile, stated that at present 8 small and big buses are providing services to and from Asmara-Senafe and called on the public to make proper use of the service thus provided.
Mohammed Seid Mantai stressed the importance of conducting sustainable awareness-raising campaign regarding the preservation of forest. This task, he said, “should not be left to the Ministry of Agriculture or the Wildlife and Forestry Department alone, but involve other stakeholders, including government institutions and the society at large”.
Expressing commitment to reinforce the participation, the meeting participants on their part called for the protection of trees planted by students during this year’s Summer Work Development Program as well as the significance of motivating exemplary participants of the Greening campaign.
Individuals, schools, and religious institutions who demonstrated exemplary contribution in the 10-year greening campaign received certificates of appreciation, agricultural tools and bicycles as incentives.
Various department heads of the Southern Red Sea Administration, sub-zonal administrators and branch heads, as well as heads of the line Ministries attended the assessment meeting.
Every year on September 27, tourism day is observed internationally. This year’s International Tourism Day will be celebrated under the theme “Tourism for All: Promoting Universal Accessibility”. The theme implies that tourism can be enjoyed equally by everybody, regardless of race, age, gender, religious, cultural differences, or one’s physical and mental condition.
The right of accessibility to tourism also implies ensuring that humans have access to affordable services and that tourism, as an industry, is not restricted to the affluent. Affordability and accessibility involve ensuring that tourism sites have the proper transportation system, including for low-income populations, accommodation that everyone can afford, information systems that may be understood and made use of by many, and above all, good hospitality.
The tourism industry, if properly managed, has dual importance. Tourists come to specific countries to enjoy and satisfy their emotional needs. Tourists frequently have a variety of different interests: some want
“Tourism for All: Promoting Universal Accessibility”to enjoy the good climate that they often cannot find in their own countries, while others seek to enjoy historical places, stunning landscapes, ancient monasteries, art deco buildings, or other rare sites. The preferences are many and vary from person to person. This is one dimension of tourism - in terms of the interests of tourists.
Secondly, tourism is referred to as a smokeless industry. There are many countries in the world that infuse large sums of hard currency into their economy. The modernization of tourism service institutions, including building new and modern hotels, infrastructure such as roads, and communication facilities, have a great potential impact on the country’s economic development. The tourism industry also creates employment opportunity for citizens.
Accessible tourism environment and services will contribute to improving the quality of the tourism product, thus significantly adding to the economic development of a given country and improving the livelihood of its people.
Importantly, however, accessibility to tourism attraction sites alone is not enough to attract tourists. Access to information is one of the very important concepts to develop the industry. Tourists do not simply get up from their beds and come to visit. They require the basic information about the amenities on offer, the peace and tranquility of the destination, the important sites that they “should not miss,” and the rich history and
demography of the local people. In a sense, information is power, and here it serves as a great tool of attraction.
Eritrea is endowed with a plethora of tourist attraction sites that can attract tourists with varied interests. For those who enjoy the sand, swimming, diving, and the diverse natural marine environment, Eritrea’s long coastline (over 1000 km) on the Red Sea cannot be beat. For landscape lovers, there are the awe-inspiring Eastern, Western, and Southern escarpments, as well the plains of the Gash Barka and Southern regions. Meanwhile, the art deco, modernist and futurist buildings of Asmara, and the Turkish-style buildings in Massawa and Keren are there for those eager to enjoy and admire.
The historical sites of Metera, Kohaito, Keskese, Adulis and the other archeological sites are another area to pique tourists’ interest. Additionally, the ancient monasteries of Debre Bizen, Ham, Tsaeda Emba, Aba-Metae, and the ancient Mosque of Sahaba (and many others) are full of rich history, sure to please intellectuals and the general tourist.
As has been said time and again, Eritrea is renowned throughout the region for its stability and peace. Many foreigners who visit the country have testified the truth of the statement. Any individual, irrespective of age or gender, can walk the streets major cities – at any time of day or night – with little fear. In fact, no one, as far as we know, has reported violence against him/herself simply because he/she is an outsider or tourist. Peace and stability are, therefore, one of the main elements for the growth of tourism industry.
Accessibility to tourism sites is also one area of engagement the Government and people of Eritrea are striving to develop. Every village in Eritrea is interconnected with roads. While the roads serve as vital transport routes for local people, buses, and businesses, they also represent a useful benefit for the tourism sector.
Regarding accommodation, communication and other services,
a considerable amount has been accomplished since independence. As everyone knows, the first years of independence saw the Government and people of Eritrea focused on reconstruction, rehabilitation, and on reviving the war torn infrastructure and economy. In the past few years, however, substantial investment has been extended to build new hotels, large and small dams, modern agro-industries, modern transportation services, and efficient communication systems.
An important remaining task remains promoting the tourist attraction sites, so that people with different preferences will have the interest and ability to come and visit. Promotion activities are not to be left only to the Ministry of Tourism and the Eritrean Tourism Services Association; instead, they are the responsibility of the people, both at home and abroad.
Tourist attraction sites can be found in abundance across Eritrea, in both rural and urban areas. With continued investment and proper promotion, the sector can continue to grow and help play a positive, tangible role in the socio-economic development of the country.
Eritrean Tourism Service Association
27 September 2016Asmara
Debre-Bizen Monastery, built in 1361AD
Al-Sahaba Mosque, built by followers of Prophet Mohammed in 1400AD
Eritrea Profile, Saturday, September 24, 2016 Vol 23. No 58 2
Billion Temesghen
The number of articles claiming Eritrea as “closed-off” seem to be as many as the stars in the sky. The fact that the State of Eritrea chooses to have “responsible” journalism towards national matters, does not overly acclaim national plans and projects across international information networks, and avoids stirring up emotions that could jeopardize nationalism has led to a vast number of entities describing the country as closed-off and undiplomatic, where nothing but ugly occurs within.
The reality, though, is far different to what is told, and there are some (albeit few) foreign journalists and writers that provide a truer account of the country. Exploring “askanews” - an Italian website - and several entries under the Eritrea hashtag on social media provide useful examples.
Speaking to askanews about the recent ICES conference and archeological studies conducted by Italian universities and professors in collaboration with Eritrean institutions and local professionals, Mr. Diego Solinas of the Italian Embassy to Eritrea, explains the importance of “reducing the grade of marginalization in the scientific/academic grounds, while giving further impulses to enhance quality to Eritrea’s education sector.”
Furthermore, Solinas expressed considerable pride in talking about the large number of Italian professors taking part in the ICES conference in late July, and noted Eritrea’s encouraging attempts to opening the doors for foreign researchers to asses Eritrean matters in versatile compounds.
According to askanews, Italian archaeological scholars have long been engaged in Eritrea, including Professor Alfredo Coppa, a paleontologist from Sapienza, as well as Andrea Manzo, Caterina Giostra, Serena Massa, and Susanna Bortolotto. Since 2011, the scholars have been engaged in an exciting project rediscovering and excavating the ancient port city of Adulis. Notably, several months ago, Professor Coppa, who has conducted significant and wide-ranging work exploring
#Eritrea in the Eyes of Italian mainstream mediaDankalia, revealed the finding of “important” fossils that date back approximately 800 thousand years. Moreover, Professor Castiglioni explained that the excavation of the ancient port of Adulis was undertaken after the “invitation of the Eritrean Government, with
the objectives of sharing Eritrean cultural heritage with the world, promoting international tourism, and encouraging local youth in the field.”
Additionally, excitedly speaking of her work in Eritrea alongside Italian and Eritrean professionals, Susanna Bortolotto, describes Adulis as “the African Pompei,” before going on to reveal that, “the Polytechnic was summoned to Eritrea to put in place an archaeological park which will be the first of its kind in the Sub-Saharan Africa.” How exciting!
While mainstream news and reports about Eritrea are generally full of doom and gloom, askanews has also announced a considerable number of significant agreements and partnerships between Eritrean and Italian universities and institutions of higher learning. For example, after years of strong and fruitful bilateral relations, Roma’s Sapienza, Milano’s Polytechnic University, and the Ateneo of Pavia have reaffirmed commitments and undertaken new partnerships with Eritrean institutions of higher education, particularly in the area of archeology.
As well, although it was generally ignored by many outlets and observers, askanews offered coverage of Asmara’s recent candidacy as a UNESCO world heritage site. Specifically, the outlet underscored the city’s rich, colorful historical significance, before describing Asmara as a “jewel” and
stating that it would make a rightful addition to UNESCO’s prestigious list.
Remarkably, askanews also notes that how products from Asmara have made their way to Italy. Specifically, we speak of the highly appreciated local beer – Melotti.
The Asmara Brewery was founded in 1941 by Luigi Melotti in the capital city. Under the name of its founder and still utilizing the same originally designed bottles, Melotti continues to produce its signature products to wide acclaim. It is important to note, particularly in the context of repeated assertions about Eritrea’s “decaying” economy, that the brewery produces both for local consumers and also exports a significant amount. Also reaching international markets under the “made in Eritrea” tag are the high-quality textile products of Dolce Vita. Dolce Vita is the Zambiati Group (Za.Er) subsidiary, based
on the outskirts of the capital. The company is mostly known for its catchy designs, 100% cotton textile clothing, and household linens.
Alongside its export products, Dolce Vita has branches in three Eritrean cities on top of those in the capital (Dekemhare, Keren and
Mendefera). According to a recent statement by the company’s CEO, Pietro Zambiatti, the company is highly focused on developing employee professionalism and skills, as well as establishing several new sites, which should be highly attractive to potential investors.
Longtime Eritrea observers are aware of the country’s strong advocacy of self-sufficiency and the sustainable use of natural resources. Solar energy, in particular, is often touted as one potential answer to the country’s challenges in providing a balanced electrical supply to various parts of the country. Asmara in this
Local and foreign archaeologists working on the Buya site
case might be the center of attention, as government policy tends to pay significant attention to remote areas, in line with its principle of disseminating equal benefits, social services and rights both near and far. Accordingly, askanews presented useful coverage of this issue earlier
this year, revealing the country’s efforts in distributing maintainable electric supply throughout the country. Antonio Bonanni, project manager of Enertronica, an electrical company currently engaged in the construction of plants in Eritrea, notes the potential for a daily generation of 6 kilowatts of solar energy per square meter. In the land of the sun, the possibilities are endless.
In contrast to the traditional images of Eritrea portrayed by many media outlets, askanews provides a fresh approach. So much for being a “closed-off” country…don’t you think?
Eritrea Profile, Saturday, September 24, 2016 Vol 23. No 58 3
Eritrea Profile, Saturday, September 24, 2016 Vol 23. No 58 4
Natnael Yebio W.
The weather is turning, the days are getting shorter... and for some of us, the summer holidays are almost all gone. You never really lose the taste of a new school year starting, do you? No matter how long since you actually had to swap the long, carefree days of summer for uniform, new pens and the embrace of the classroom, that first sense of the leaves turning, triggers the memories of the start of the school year. For some of us, the memories are warm; others went unwillingly to school.
Recently, during one of our unbearably hot days, my little siblings and I watched movies all afternoon while eating cookies. We may have set a couch sitting record, but we didn’t feel guilty. We had nothing important to do and nowhere that we had to be. It was the quintessential lazy summer day, and we had a blast.
After a summer of sleeping in or doing things on your time the alarm bell announcing that first day of school can be a rude awakening. Whether, you’re an anxious first grader or a confident high school student. Dread it or love it, you got to go to school. This past week Eritrean student have been getting ready for the upcoming school year, so too my four lazy siblings. After the anarchist summer they have had, where no set of rules about when to go to bed, when to wake up, when to study, when to do home work; were completely no existent, you can now see the gloomy looks on their faces when you tell them the start of the new school year is right around the corner; this coming Monday to be exact.
“Michael……where are you, you little devil?” screams the worried mother.
“He is still out playing with his friends.” tells the older brother.
“It is 7 in the evening and he is still outside; thank God I only have to put up with this for two more days, then he is back to school.” Tries to console herself, the agitated Mother.
Back To School: Summer is over!The idea of going back to school
is often met with a combination of excitement and dread. On the one hand, you get to see all your friends again, catch up on all the latest gossip and share your holiday stories.
On the other hand though, it means getting back into studying, doing homework and getting out of bed early, for mothers though it is joy, the new school year couldn’t come any sooner, the idea of not having to ran after kids in the house or outside for that matter, is a thrill.
The whole month of August and July are summer breaks in Eritrea, as is in most part of the world. By early September though, as rainy days start to stop, Eritrean students are getting ready to start school. That old uniform, which was thrown at the other end of the closet when school was closed, is now being fetched out and ironed, and those who had outgrown their uniform over the summer are taken to the frail looking, family tailor and fitted for a new uniform before the new school year starts.
During the two solid month of summer break, Eritrean students are engaged in different activities. The young ones are out and about playing soccer, hide and seek and eating beles while the ones above 17 years of age are dispatched in their respective localities for the annual national summer greening campaign held each year at the begging of summer. The program, which lasts exactly one month, is hugely participated by all grade 10 and 11 students all over the country, programs such as planting trees, maintenance of school furniture and other social activities are all carried out in the mornings during the campaign.
Being that it is summer, in the afternoon students dressed in their modern attire, are seen flocking to down town Harnet Avenue to meet with Friends and hang out at some of the most famous pubs around the city, at times if not out in down town Asmara, boys are out having a kick about of the old football while girls are with each other, shopping. The little ones on the other hand are riding their
bikes around their neighborhood.
As the first day of the new school year approaches, yearly registration fees are paid in the first week, followed by the purchase of new books, pens, pencils, erasers and all things schooly. The last two, three days of the last week of summer are passed trying to enjoy every bit of it as if it were your last days alive.
Going back to school can seem less than appealing for many kids after the long summer break. Let’s face it, going back
to the monotonous daily routine, and marching to the beat of a strict weekly timetable can be quite disheartening. With the beginning of the new school year, the excitement from summer and the freedom of the break slowly begin to fade into the distance. As set bedtimes and early starts approach, the thought of leisure time being replaced with homework, alongside the concept of a whole new set of teachers, new classes, new faces and sometimes even new schools can be quite overwhelming!
Nonetheless the start of the new school year means the start
of yet another chapter in your life. A chance to make more friends, catch up with the old and most importantly progress as a human being; a human being who thrives on knowledge. Starting the new school years motivated and keen will be the stepping stone to how the next ten month will pen out and with that I say to you all my dear readers-students- may the new school year be a fresh start, a year filled with new discoveries, a year of making happy memories, and a year where you give your maximum efforts to surpass your previous school year achievements.
The 28th annual conference of European Association for International Education (EAIE) took place from 13-16 September in Liverpool, UK. There were approximately 5200 attendees from over 80 countries. At the conference, Professor Tadesse Mehari, Executive Director of the Commission of Higher Education in Eritrea, gave a presentation on “Migration and Root Causes: Education Cooperation in Refugee Sending Countries.”
As part of the visit to the UK, on Saturday 17th September Professor Tadesse led a seminar hosted by the Embassy of the State of Eritrea to the United Kingdom and Ireland under the theme “Schemes and Opportunities for Eritrean Professionals in Diaspora to partake in the enrichment of Eritrean Human Resources and the Nation-Building Process.”
With over 70 Eritrean professionals in attendance, the event was insightful and offered detail about the achievements and challenges of higher education in Eritrea and the Diaspora’s critical role as stakeholders in the country’s human capacity development process. Amongst
From the DiasporasEritrea Profile, Saturday, September 24, 2016 Vol 23. No 58 5
NCHE’s Professor Tadesse mehari Participates at International Conference for Higher Education
the participants were academics, educators, practitioners, and community leaders.
The opening remarks conducted by Mr. Ahmed Mohammed Mahmud, Chairman of the British Eritrean Community Organization and Network, (BECON), welcomed guest speakers and participants, and also gave a description of the program, updating participants on opportunities and BECON’s efforts toward future engagements with scholars.
In connection with the seminar, Ambassador Estifanos Habtemariam stressed the importance of ensuring popular awareness and strong organization, while also explaining that Eritrea’s main long term mission is to focus on the nation-building process which is geared towards the creation of viable state based on a sustainable economy and strong social fabric.
Ambassador Estifanos also noted that the aim of the seminar was to begin mobilizing Eritrean professionals and the skilled workforce in UK. The strategic outcome of this forum will
be to start working towards the establishment of strong, viable and vibrant professional associations in the UK and to establish practical and formal links with Eritrean professional associations and institutions.
At present there are over 330 Eritrean professionals registered with BECON, a figure that is steadily growing. They have a wide range of specializations, including health sciences and medicine, law, journalism and media, engineering and technology, social and economic development fields, and ICT. BECON states that it will continue to raise its visibility among various social and professional groups and the Eritrean community at large. Furthermore, it will also strengthen its work in establishing strong links with Eritrean departments and professional associations.
As keynote speaker, Professor Tadesse discussed the current situation of higher education in Eritrea, explaining it development since its formation in 1992. He eloquently detailed the milestones and achievements recorded in recent years, while also pointing out the challenges faced and the
means used to overcome them. He further underlined the key role that the Eritrean Diaspora can play in developing curriculum and skills transfer, and the importance of the so called “brain-gain” strategy where educated and professional Eritreans can contribute to the nation-building process. In his closing remarks and acknowledgements, Professor Tadesse noted the aim to actively identify and build relationships with potential scholars as well as to nurture and solidify the relationship with existing partners.
Dr. Seife Berhe, Director of Andiamo Exploration Limited, Ms. Mebrak Ghebreweldi, Director of Vandu Language Services, and Dr. Tewelde W. Kidan, Department Head of Earth Science at EIT College in Mai Nefhi, were also invited to address the audience. Collectively, they shared details about the situation “on the ground” in Eritrea, particularly in terms of building human capacity and developing education services and opportunities, while also reflecting on their own personal experiences living and working in Eritrea.
At the end of the presentations,
audience members were given the opportunity to ask Professor Tadesse questions. Accordingly, he further elaborated upon the ongoing achievements of the National Commission for Higher Education (NCHE), as well as mentioning policies that the Government of Eritrea is undertaking towards diversification for the purposes of sustainability.
According to the participants and attendees, the seminar was enlightening and was one that gave useful insight into higher education in Eritrea and how Eritrea offers some useful examples. Most of the participants also expressed extreme satisfaction about the presentations’ content and delivery.
In addition, on 19-20 September, Professor Tadesse also participated as a guest speaker in both Brighton University and Birkbeck University in London. The seminars were titled, “Eritrea Education, Youth Migration, Challenges and Opportunities,” and had an audience of students, academics and professionals.
By: Embassy Media
Get used to Eri-International, an increasingly popular sports blog, writing about the newly-turned 17 year old Alexander Isaac, who is taking the Allsvenskan (Swedish Premier League) by storm. On September 21st, Alexander Isaac (an Eritrean-Swede) celebrated his 17th birthday with two goals in a high profile football match. As early as the 16th minute, Isaac was looking at his third opportunity at a goal against a strong team in Djurgården. He scored his first goal, which was a beauty, with ease. However, what makes Alexander Isaac a unique player is how difficult it is to keep track of him around the goal area. He is very adept at finding free spaces and he can also easily find his teammates - a trait that the most experienced players generally develop after
Alexander Isaac Scores 2 goals on His 17th Birthday & Compared to Zlatan Ibrahimovicyears of playing the game. The huge game for AIK (Alexander’s team) against Djurgården, locally known as the “Derby”, was an opportunity for the young birthday boy to show what he can do, and did not disappoint as he added a second goal in the 65th minute to extend AIK’s slender lead to 2-0. Teammate Stefan Ishizaki crossed a beautiful ball with his left foot and Alexander jumped high, surprising the opposing defense with a great header.
After the game many people were talking about this young man who is playing the game of soccer in the international arena at such a young age. One of his veteran teammates, Chinedu Obasi, who represents the Nigerian national team, gushed that Alexander, “could be the new
Zlatan Ibrahimovic [one of the top strikers of his generation].”
While Alexander was delighted by the nice words, his maturity level (and probably the Eritrean traits he got from his beautiful culture) got over him as he responded in a humble way, simply saying that he has a long way to reach those high levels.
Eritreans (and I am sure millions of Swedes) can only proud of the professional level of this young man. He has the ability, the “know how” and, most of all, the maturity of a person who is far more seasoned than his young age. While many teams around Europe are after him, he has committed to staying with his hometown team AIK Stockholm. A simple young man who thrives
on his ability and loyalty to his home team, Alexander’s great relationship with his hometown folks is clear for all to see.
Personally, I wish that he would represent Eritrea and that Eritrea’s national team program would have been good enough to be able to give him a choice. At the same time, there is little doubt in my
mind that the Swede’s will not let him easily slide by. Last, Happy Birthday Alexander Isaac! I hope you continue to inspire millions of people and represent the Eritrean people while also sharing your Swedish culture.
By: Eri-International sports - Michael Seium
Eritrea Profile, Saturday, September 24, 2016 Vol 23. No 58 6
Bisha Mining Share Company is inviting applicants for the following position for Bisha site project.
Fitter Crew Leader Number Required – (01)Type of Contract – Indefinite
Major Duties and responsibilities
Planning1. Follows the “Planned Maintenance Schedule”. (Work Orders).Makes a list of parts and equipment required.Workforce planning.
Implementation of the Plan2. Identifies the highest priority for each day and focus on completing relevant tasks.Ensures good housekeeping.Ensure safety, health & environment requirements are fulfilled at the work place, including leading Field Level Risk Assessment (FLRA) and proper use of the appropriate PPE. Report any safety issues/incidents.Comply with mine’s cardinal rules and other safety, environmental or other rules and standards as directed. Identifies any hazards in the work place.
Mechanical Installations: (Oversees)3. Remove and replace mechanical components (direct & indirect drives, pipe systems, static & dynamic seals, bearings, brakes and clutches, heat exchangers and pressure vessels, lubricating systems, pumps/pump designs, hydraulic / pneumatic systems, gearboxes, compressors, valves (includes safety valves), crushers and mills, filter systems, agitators, vacuum pumps, cyclones, screw and belt type conveyors, blowers, motors and associated equipment).Align machines and equipment using dial gauges.Commission assemblies / machines. Assemble mechanical components.
Mechanical Maintenance: (Oversees)4. Diagnose and repair faults on equipment and machinery during production/operation.Analyze and solve mechanical problems. Refurbish/overhaul machines. Perform first line and routine maintenance.Maintain mechanical components: (direct & indirect drives, static & dynamic seals, bearings, brakes and clutches, heat exchangers and pressure vessels, lubricating systems, pumps, hydraulic / pneumatic systems, gearboxes, compressors, valves (includes safety valves), Overhead Crane equipment, fans, agitators, vacuum pumps, bag filters, screw/belt type conveyors, blowers, crushers, mills).Conduct minor routine and breakdown maintenance on equipment and machines.Perform minor mechanical maintenance on metallurgical process equipment.
Machining and manufacturing of components.
Conveyor Maintenance: (Oversees)5. Replace conveyor belting and components on conveyor belt installations.Maintain belt conveyor components.Join a conveyor belt by means of mechanical clips.Assist with hot/cold splicing of conveyor belts.De-dusting systems.
Writing Reports & Data Control6. Compile daily; progress reports as requested.Verification of spares and availability
Supervise Staff7. Supervising and motivating staff.Assists with “on-the-job” training of “national” staff.
Knowledge and Skills
Qualifications:
Grade 12 (Technical School & College) Mechanical/ Fitter•Knowledge and Experience:
2 / 3 years relevant experience •
Technical Skills Behavioural Skills
Attention to detail Communication. Follow instructions
Problem solving skill Ability to work towards strict deadlines
Supervisory Skills High level of accuracy
Self-motivation/self-disciplined
General Information and other requirements:Place of Work : Bisha.Salary: As per Company salary scale.
Additional requirement for Nationals: Having fulfilled his/her National Service obligation and provide evidence of release paper from the Ministry of Defense. Present clearance paper from current/last employer.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 candidates for an interview.Application documents will not be returned to sender.All applications should be sent through the post office.Deadline for application: 10 days from the day of publication in the Newspaper.
Address: Please mail your applications to; Bisha Mining Share Company, P. O. Box 4276 Asmara, Eritrea
Note to non- Eritrean applicants: Please send a copy of your application to Aliens Employment permit Affairs, P. O. Box 7940 Asmara, Eritrea.
VACANCY ANNOUCEMENT
Eritrea Profile, Saturday, September 24, 2016 Vol 23. No 58 7
Bisha Mining Share Company is inviting applicants for the following position for Bisha site project;
MMU Operator (01)Department – Mining
Duties /Functions
Monitoring• safe practices & processes for MMU operations.
Ensuring• that all processes fall in alignment with relevant, procedures and company policies.
Reporting• unsafe situations and hazards in the work place.
Operate• equipment with in its capabilities.
Ensure• compliance with operations associated with the storage, handling and transporting explosives
Liaise• with Blaster/ Shot firer, supervisor and blast crew on daily requirements.
Conduct• daily pre start on equipment.
Conduct• and coordinate loading and manufacturing activities appropriately.
Record• and report non-conformances in operation of all equipment.
Ensure• Q/A completion throughout, stemming operations, report and rectify abnormalities.
Assist• in writing job safety environment analysis.
MMU• operator duties will include priming, Charging, tie in and stemming as directed by the Drill & Blast Supervisor or alternatively to the Drill and Blast Superintendent.
Complete• relevant workplace inspections.
Good• communication and personnel skills.
Organizational• skills.
Time• Management Skills.
Ensure• MMU are kept clean and serviceably at all time’s.
KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE AND SKILL
Formal Education, Certifications or Equivalents Grade 10, Be able to write, good arithmetic.
Working Experience – Nature & Length Operating Heavy Trucks, 5 years’ operating MMU
Leadership Experience – Nature & Length of time
Not Required
Other Skills & abilities and unique requirements
English an advantage.Time Management Skills, able to work with pressure.Physically fit and strong. Positive attitude to work.Heat tolerant .Class 4 license is required for this role.
General Information and other requirements:
Type of contract : Indefinite periodPlace of Work: Bisha.Salary: As per Company salary scale.
Additional requirement for Nationals:
Having fulfilled his/her National Service obligation and provide evidence of release paper from the Ministry of Defense.
Present clearance paper from current/last employer.
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 candidates for an interview.
Application documents will not be returned to sender.
All applications should be sent through the post office.
Deadline for application: 10 days from the day of publication in the Newspaper.
Address: Please mail your applications to;
Bisha Mining Share Company,
P. O. Box 4276 Asmara, Eritrea
Note to non- Eritrean applicants:
Please send a copy of your application to
Aliens Employment Permit Affairs,
P. O. Box 7940 Asmara, Eritrea.
VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT
Eritrea Profile, Saturday, September 24, 2016 Vol 23. No 58 8
It has been 50 years!
I know, I didn’t even notice! It has been 50 years since I started working in my profession back in 1967.
What has made you stay in it for so long?
Simply, I love it. What else? I love my job with all of my heart.
Now you are not a teacher anymore, are you?
Correct. I am now a school director. In 1994, I went to Italy for a course related to my job. I stayed there for 3 years, and it was afterwards that I started serving as a director in different schools. Currently, I am the director of the Asmara Technical School.
Please tell us about your school. On my way in, I noticed that the school is extremely huge!
The Asmara Technical School was established in 1995 by American technicians. It used to offer diploma courses, but now we have consolidated our efforts and we now offer certificate courses. A lot goes on in our school, as a matter of fact. Within its big compound, the Asmara Technical School comprises 9 schools, including the School of General Metal Work, Auto Mechanics, Building and Contraction, as well as the School of Electronics, amongst others.
Because it is a high school, our students are extremely busy studying in two shifts, both morning and evening. They study academics and techniques, and our focus is both theoretical and practical.
I hear getting through this school’s entrance gates is not easy?
We accept students with
The Sanctity of Teaching and learningBillion Temesghen
It is time for the 2016-17 academic year to commence. Eritrean students, of all ages, are getting ready for a range of new academic endeavors. Eritrea Profile wishes success to all Eritrean students, and marks this special beginning by inviting Mr. Kebedom Tedla for our weekly Q-and-A column. Mr. Kebedom is an accomplished academic and dearly respected and loved by hundreds of thousands of his students.
What better way to raise the curtain on another academic year than to speak with a senior teacher which holds 50 years of experience?!
merits and good credits. To enroll here, a student must have high grades, generally having an average of 70% or above. As such, our students are highly competitive and dedicated. When they finally complete 12th grade with a certificate, they sit for the National Matriculation Exams and then they advance to study at one of the country’s higher education institutions. Most students tend to follow the engineering stream.
You look proud when speaking of your students. What is your opinion about today’s Eritrean students?
They are brilliant and we are lucky to have them. They are blessed with a highly perceptive mind and possess great passion. Somewhat different to previous generations, that of mine included, they have many sources of information. My belief is that provided we keep supporting Eritrea’s younger generation of students and professionals, they can be, with little doubt, our country’s greatest asset.
Wow! That is impressive. Normally seniors rather point fingers at juniors, claiming they are unenthusiastic about education and more concerned with “business” and finding “shortcuts” to amassing wealth.
Not me. I don’t think so. Like I said before, I strongly believe that they [the youth] are outstandingly bright and possess sophisticated minds. We, the seniors, should be the ones responsible in encouraging their endeavors. We should continue to promote their growth, and at the same time our growth, by approaching them on their own terms.
There is one thing that slightly makes me uneasy, though. It is the fact that our society does not raise the children to be readers. We are not good at nourishing reading habits in our children. Our
youngsters do not visit libraries as much as we would want them to.
It is a good thing that they have access to internet and all the other gadgets they carry in their hands, but I see that they spend most of their time being active on SMS [texting] rather than downloading eBooks.
Thoughts on young teachers
It is different. Our days and their actual days, I mean. Back in my day, teaching was not an easy job to take on. One would need to go through countless introductory stages before getting the opportunity to actually stand in front of a class.
There were intensive courses on child psychology, teaching methodology, class management, and more. Nowadays, we have sort of lost those procedures.
At the same time, it is true that learning has changed. Students get more on their own than what they learn in class. As such,
teachers have now became more like supervisors…but this does not [or should not] mean that we shouldn’t feel the need to improve teaching skills.
Let’s reflect on your family…your children are all successful at school. What is your secret?
I will tell you in the hope that my technique will be used by young parents, because it totally does work. You are correct, all of my seven children are exceptionally good students. Some of them are completing their PhD, while others are working towards their MA…and only the youngest one is currently working. But back to my “secret,” the one and only thing I used to encourage my children to do when they were young was to tell them to sit down.
Sit down?!
Yes, simply to sit down. Be patient and sit properly on a chair. In time, they developed the habit of sitting properly and reading or studying. They spent
many hours in learning. And one more thing I advise parents is to have a friendly rapport [bond or connection] with their children…it helps in constructing a healthy relationship.
Any final comments or lessons?
Best of luck to all Eritrean students! And most importantly I would like to remind our society to respect teachers. Teachers are important for a society and a nation’s holistic development. They are responsible for shaping the minds of future professionals. Not long ago, the respect our society bestowed upon teachers was immense…quite incomparable to what is now. So in order for us to be an advanced society, let us never forget the sanctity or importance of teaching and learning. Let us give teachers the esteem and respect they rightfully deserve.
Again, may this academic year be a fruitful one to every single student!
Mr. Kebedom in the Asmara Technical School’s basket ball court.
