vol. 26 no. 47 saturday, august 10, 2019 pages 8, price 2...

Vol. 26 No. 47 Saturday, August 10, 2019 Pages 8, Price 2.00 NFA

The 19th Eritrean community festival in Eastern Canada was enthusiastically conducted from 3 to 5 August in Toronto under the theme “Resilience for Higher Progress”.

The festival that was officially opened by Ambassador Negassi Sengal was attended by a number of nationals from the US, Toronto, Eastern Canada and by friends of Eritrea.

Speaking at the event, Mr. Temesgen Tirfe, Chairman of the Holydays Coordinating Committee, said that the festival is unique for it was conducted at the occasion of the Silver Jubilee celebration of the establishment of Sawa Military Training Center and the beginning of the National Service Program.

Indicating that the festival has significant contribution in nurturing unity and bequeathing the noble national values to the young generation, as a venue for sharing

Eritrean nationals from Diaspora that were here to take part at the Silver Jubilee anniversary celebration of the establishment of Sawa Military Training Center and the beginning of the National Service Program have visited the Gerset Dam and observed developmental activities in the area.

The 200 participants of the tour were from various European countries, the US, the Middle East and other countries.

Upon arrival at Gerset Dam,

The National Council of Eritrean Americans’ annual conference was enthusiastically opened on Wednesday, 7 August. In the same day, the conference continued in the Bay Area, California under the themes “Consolidating our Future” and “Resilience for Higher Progress”.

The Conference was officially opened by Minster of Justice, Ms. Fauzia Hashim, Eritrean Embassy representatives in the US, and NCEA Leadership. The conference was being attended by more than 500 attendants.

Speaking at the event via Skype from Asmara, Eritrea, Presidential

As part of the effort being conducted to expand educational services, 26 schools including 5 preschools, are being constructed in the nine sub zones of the Northern Red Sea region and that 80% of the project has been concluded, the regional administration indicated. The comment was made at the six-month activity assessment meeting the NRS regional administration conducted on 7 August in the port city of Massawa.

At the meeting reports on the activities conducted in the sectors of social service, agricultural development as well as infrastructure and others were presented. It was also indicated that potable water projects in Erafale and Gelalo have been completed, construction of micro-dams in Gindae sub zone including May-Habar, Hatsut, Tseret, Dengolo, and Adi-Shuma is being effectively implemented, and water diversion schemes in AdiShuma have also been renovated.

Regarding the agriculture sector, experts indicated that farmers in Shieb, Massawa, Gindae and

The NaTioNal CouNCil of eriTreaN ameriCaNs’ aNNual CoNfereNCe

NaTioNals from Diaspora visiT KerKebeT Dam

eriTreaN CommuNiTy fesTival iN easTerN CaNaDa

Advisor and Head of PFDJ Political Affairs, Mr.Yemane Gebreab said that this annual conference is unique for it was conducted following the occasion of the Silver Jubilee celebration of

the establishment of Sawa Military Training Center and the beginning of the National Service Program.

Indicating that the conference has significant contribution in nurturing unity and the noble national values to the young generation as well as exchanging experiences and discussion on the objective situation in the homeland, Mr. Yamane briefed participants focusing on the objective situation in the homeland as well as the role and contribution of nationals in the Diaspora in the nation building process.

The three-day conference will be followed by the Festival of Eritrean nationals in North America.

of experiences and a platform for discussion on the objective situation in the homeland, Mr. Temesgen expressed appreciation to those who contributed in the success of the festival.

At the event, Mr. Elias Amare gave seminar focusing on the objective situation in the homeland as well as the role and contribution

of nationals in the Diaspora in the nation building process.

The three-day festival was highlighted by cultural and artistic performances as well as sports competitions.

Various awards were also handed over to winners of the sports competitions.

the visitors were accorded warm welcome by the residents and were provided briefing on the various developmental activities being conducted in the area.

The participants commended the effort the Eritrean Government has been exerting in build dams in various areas of the country, with a view to collect every drop water, and expressed appreciation for the developmental activities being conducted in Gerset area.

They also expressed readiness to play due part in the national development drive.

Nrs: 26 sChools uNDer CoNsTruCTioNForosub zones have prepared their farmlands for cultivation in the coming rainy season, and that thanks to the integrated effort on the part of farmers and professionals, the breakout of locusts in the area was successfully contained.

In the health sector, the Northern Red Sea region stated that mother and child mortality rate has declined. It was also reported that commendable healthcare awareness rising campaigns are being conducted and that progress is being registered in environmental sanitation activities. In this regard, a call was made for enhanced effort to prevent the prevalence of diseases in the region.

Speaking at the conclusion of the meeting, the Governor of the Northern Red Sea region, Brig. Gen. Tekle Libsu, pointed out that in the last six months various activities have been successfully implemented and said focus will be given for the immediate alleviation of potable water problems in Dahlak sub zone and for the renovation of Gindae trenches.

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Aida Johar

Renovation and Expansion of Eritrea’s major Roads

2 Vol. 26 No. 47Eritrea Profile, Saturday, August 10, 2019

Eritrea’s Commission of Culture and Sports has in collaboration with Chinese Embassy in Eritrea provided training to Elite volleyball players for three months. The training was conducted by Chinese instructor Mr. Niu Guogang. The theoretical and practical training was intended to nurture professional volleyball players for the national team.

Present at the closing event held in Denden Camp GYM Center were Solomon Seyum, head of Defense Ministry’s Agitation Bureau and Coordination of Federations, Mr. Yang Zigang, PRC’s Ambassador to Eritrea and other invited guests.

At the event a friendship volleyball competition was held among women players from various embassies in Eritrea.

Present at a dinner reception held at the closing event, Ambassador Zemede Tekle, Commissioner of Eritrea’s Commission of Culture and Sports said that the training will have remarkable input in the development of basketball and thus commended the Chinese Embassy in Eritrea for its contribution.

A total of 42 men and women volleyball players and four assistant coaches participated in the training.

local newsTraiNiNg To eliTe volleyball players

Compiled by Miriam Tekeste

Roads make a crucial contribution to economic growth and deliver important social benefits. Without constructing road networks, it’s hard to provide citizens a comfortable livelihood.

The Eritrean government is engaged in the maintenance and expansion of roads and building bridges. The first phase of the renovation and expansion of the economically important roads that started in 2018 is in full swing. The project is being carried out by a consortium of local construction companies including Adi-Halo, Segen, Gedem, keyeh-Bahri, Asbeco and Bdeho, as well as

with the Eritrean Defense Dorce.The Nefasit-Dekemhare road,

which is 40 kms, Dekemhare-Tera Emni, 29 kms, Adi-Kuala-Enda Gergsh, 18 kms, Degsa-Serha and Serha-Adi-Keih are all being renovated. The roads are old, and some were constructed during Italian colonialism and tend to be narrow and unable to serve big trucks. For instance, the Nefasit-Dekemhare road has been difficult to use especially during the rainy season.

Gebrezgi Oqube, who’s technically leading the task, said at first the work of renovation aimed at repairing older roads for better services, but later on it was decided to expand the work. As a result, the bridges have now been expanded up to 14 mts

and the roads up to 16 mts. On the Nefasit-Leayten road, three large bridges have been repaired and 11 new small bridges were built. Gebrezgi added that since the project is expected to give excellent results the government has been providing them with the necessary materials for the success of the project.

Meanwhile, the Dekemhare-Serha road is also going through the same renovation work. According to the coordinator of the project, Colonel Kflom Gergish, the project started in August 2018 through the road line of Degsa and they have managed to finish the work up to Egela. The roads are expanded and walls are built along the road side. Similar to the other roads, the road has been expanded from 6 mts to 12 mts and about 25 new bridges have been built.

The Adi-Keih-Senafe road is being renovated by the concerted efforts of the Eritrean Defense

Force, Asbeco Construction Company and Project Adi-Halo. The coordination and support among them is admirable, said Colonel Teshome Beyen, cooardinator of the project. He said that the renovation started in Adi-Keih last year and has now reached Senafe. At this time motorist are driving vehicles on the road without any difficulties. Drivers confirmed to us that that they are able to drive without any fear of accidents. The road has been expanded up to 20 mts in the first phase and is expected to be covered with tar shortly.

Similarly, the Dekemhare-Tera Emni road is also expanded and repaired. The coordinator of the project, Mr Fetwi Zerea, said that the road was only 6 mts wide in the past but has now been doubled to become 12 mts. Mr Fetwi added that they have also build 25 new bridges. He emphasizes that they are accomplishing the project with their own skills based on the government’s policy of self-reliance. Moreover, he said, our second aim is to develop the young generation and from what I am witnessing they are following in our footsteps.

The desire and ambition of the younger generation working on the project is admirable. And Students from Adi-Halo and other technical schools are participating in the renovation work. Gebrezgi, 24, who is technically leading the Nefasit-Dekemhare road work is from Mai-Habar technical school. We asked him how he felt returning to the place for work. He said, “I am fortunate to learn here and come back to work at this place.

When I was a student, I travelled through this road so many times and I know its problems. That’s why I am grateful that I am part of this project. I know this place well and I feel more responsible to be here. Even my teachers are very happy to see me here. We are also able to bring the students and show them how it’s done practically. In short, the work that we are doing here feels more like family work. Those students are now actively working on the project.”

Speaking on the importance

of this project, Mr. Fetwi Zerea said that the socio-economic importance of these roads is great. By renovating these roads, he added, we will be able to connect the three regions all together. The Northern Red Sea region, the Southern region and Gash Barka region will be connected and people will travel comfortably and reach their destinations in a short span of time.

Almost 90% of the road renovation work has been done, and the remaining 10% of the task is expected to be completed in September.

Simon Weldemichael

Agriculture, the supplier of the basic human need that is food is the oldest and largest human invention. The majority of the world population is dependent upon agriculture for a living. The world’s largest land, water and manpower have been occupied by agriculture. It affects our daily life both directly and indirectly. Primarily, agriculture has to supply food and sufficient nutrition for an increasing population. Its contribution to the economic development of a country is significant.

History demonstrates that agricultural development is a precondition for progress in other sectors of the economy including industrialization. The birth of industry needed certain preconditions such as technology, incentive, money to build machines and a labor force to run them, raw materials and markets, and efficient farms to feed the non-agricultural group of workers. By early 18th century, Great Britain, the birth place of the industrial revolution, became a workshop for the whole world only after it was in possession of all the preconditions for industrialization. In other words, Britain reaped the rewards of the industrial revolution only after its agricultural development.

The development of agriculture is a strategic element in the process of economic development of a country. Agriculture continues to play an extensive and decisive role in uplifting developing countries to join the league of economically developed nations. In developing

Economic growth and the development of Agriculture

countries like Eritrea, a healthy economic development starts with the transformation and modernization of the predominantly traditional agricultural economy. Agricultural transformation and mechanization can serve as the initial and foundational base of development. In Eritrea, where the majority of the population lives on farming, sustainable development depends primarily on what happens to agriculture.

Eritrea is privileged to have sufficient arable land and a climate suitable for agriculture. It is also fortunate to have the Red Sea which is rich in marine resources. Add to this a supply of hard working and productive human resources that could run the agricultural sector. All these factors give Eritrea a competitive advantage to improve its agricultural sector and to achieve food security in the foreseeable future.

Agriculture is likely to play a vital role in the development of the Eritrean economy. Close to 80 percent of the population of Eritrea depend on agriculture and animal herding for livelihood. The government of Eritrea gave priority to improving agricultural production through the expansion of irrigation and mechanization of agriculture, and to increasing the productivity of peasants, pastoralists and agro- pastoralists. Toward that end, the government is investing heavily in the construction of small, medium and large dams; terracing and leveling of cultivable land, building of diversionary water canals and

streams; establishment of agricultural research institutions and introduction of agricultural machinery and farming tools.

Dams have been promoted as an important means of meeting water needs and as a long-term, strategic investment with the ability to deliver multiple benefits for household, agriculture, and industrial purposes. Eritrea has laid important water infrastructure by itself. The strategic dams built by Eritrean mind, capital and labor in the central highland and western and eastern lowlands are the signatures of the committed development workers. Aided by agricultural machinery, modern irrigation technology and improved quality of seeds, and the dams already built and those under construction can become the production hubs of the country.

After Independence, the government of Eritrea opened and

upgraded the Agricultural College in Hamelmalo to produce skilled and informed agronomists. On top of that, the government also established a number of agricultural research institutions in Halhale, Hagaz, Golij, Gahtelay, and Shambuko to work closely with the farmers. Eritrea is focusing on developing agriculture as an important national strategic plan. The country has been funneling its resources towards health, education, infrastructure and agriculture. At this point of Eritrea’s development, the best approach is to focus on the agricultural sector. By focusing on agricultural development, Eritrea can speed up its economic growth in the coming decade. The agricultural development would become an engine for growth and development of the other sectors of the economy. Therefore it is imperative to conduct extensive agricultural surveys and to evaluate the national efforts in agriculture that Eritrea has engaged in since independence.

The potential and feasibility of agriculture to be a primary factor in Eritrean economic development is uncontested. However, agriculture has been facing many challenges including, but not limited to, drought, soil degradation and desertification, traditional methods of farming, seasonal and inadequate rain, and inadequacy of agricultural infrastructure. These man-made and natural constraints continue to lower productivity and still require practical and effective solutions. To ensure social justice and real economic development that change the quality of life of Eritreans, these constraints must be removed. In this case although the need of outside

assistance is understandable and acceptable, the first choice must be given to self-reliance and the participation of the people. Our economic development strategy as outlined in the charter must continue to be based on self-reliance and the full participation of our people. If we agree that without a developed economy, we cannot make Eritrea a land of justice and prosperity, without the development of agriculture, too, we cannot have a developed economy that satisfies our needs. In order to fully utilize the agricultural potential and use it as the basis for economic growth, Eritrea must undertake a productivity revolution in farming.

Agriculture can contribute to the economic growth and development of Eritrea in many ways. As an economic activity and livelihood, it can be a source of growth for the national economy by answering the question of food security. In addition agricultural production gave birth to agro-industry. It supplies raw materials to the non-agricultural sector like food processing. It also provides exports and become a source of foreign currency that can be used to import essential equipment and technology. So in Eritrea economic progress is not possible without progress in agriculture. Industrialization, manufacturing and agriculture need not be in conflict although priority is given to the latter. There is a close interdependence between agriculture and industry. The farm sector has to supply the raw material for


continued on page 7


Natnael Yebio W.

We used it long time ago before the Americans came to notice it. We harvested it from a variety of red durra grown in the lowlands. First you take the seeds or kernels and stock them in water. After some time you dry them and roast them (No oil Used) on a frying pan. Pop, pop they go as they swell up and burst open revealing their white and starchy interior. Embaba is the name of the final production, meaning flower, for kernels or seed now look like blooming white flowers on the frying pan.

Today they are replaced by popcorns from kernels imported from the USA and Europe. Ours is not popcorn but pop-durra. It is smaller and less crunchy.

“On what occasion was our traditional popcorn used? I once asked my aunt who lives in the countryside and who is in her 80’s.

“Well, traditional, it is used during coffee ceremony….”

“I know that!” I interrupted, “Can’t you remember of any other occasion on which it is used?”

“Well, Well, I don’t really know….”

“How about when taking care of a child stricken with measles?”

“Exactly, how forgetful I am….”

Poor Robel has measles and his mother knows that this simple looking ailment may entail facial deformation. So the child is, as it were, quarantined, with a plateful of Embaba, candies and dates placed near his pillow. Probably to feed the good fairies who will take away the disease with them once and for all time.

But deep inside, little Robel is smug and happy. For he will eat all the sweet things alone without having to share with his brothers, who are sweating it out in class.

“Don’t touch Robel’s embaba or candies!” shouts the mother at the naught siblings.

Robel is not allowed to open the door or the windows. Only red light is permissible in the room where everything is red, from

We love our popcorn with coffeepaper to bed sheets are displayed. I am afraid, I don’t know the reason. I think, measles can slip away only under cover of partial darkness.

During my continuous trips of enquiring regarding our traditional embaba, I came to learn that the stuff has never been used in coffee ceremony in the countryside in the past. If it was used, it was simply a practice introduced in this c o u n t r y by suwa a n d m i e s owners.

Otherwise in our t r a d i t i o n , embaba was used to feed the members of wefaro or volunteer groups that helped out in the building of hedmo (Traditional Houses) including weeding and harvesting.

If at present you witness the use of embaba served after funeral services, this is also a new introduction. For in the past, only Kitcha and coffee were served to those who came to pay their last respects in the das erected for mourners.

“Hana dear could you go and get Embaba from the nearby shop? Asks a woman at the wake.

Hana returns clutching a plastic bag filled with Embaba, but the Embaba she brought are of different kind.

“No, no, no” says the woman slightly irritated, “You have to get the funeral ones?”

By that, she meant, our Pop-durra. Our traditional Embaba serve a different purpose now, they are mostly used in funerals.

“How about during special supernatural sessions held to please the possessed? I asked my aunt.

She told me the embaba is used on similar occasions to placate the demon or to cater to the whims of

the possessed.

Some women use it even at present to ward off evil spirits. Especially during the New Year. You want to get rid of evil spirits that made your last year’s life

miserable? Toss some popcorn out the door and as the indoor imps or gremlins go out to collect the popcorn, the wind will carry them away.

Now let’s come to the ubiquitous popcorn. In UAS it is a big industry. One cannot watch TV without it. Cinema halls are littered with it and the bags that contain it.

Minch, munch, crunch, crunch.

“Did you enjoy the movie?”

“The best part was when you finished your popcorn.”

In Eritrea, it has completely replaced our embaba or pop-durra, and is now being used as confetti.

Women carry a plateful of popcorn to various ceremonies and throw it over brides, bridegrooms, visiting dignitaries, ministers, heads of states and unwary observers.

Popcorn is thrown about to enhance opening and closing ceremonies, during various public and religious feasts, not to mention child baptisms, birthdays, graduations, house-warming parties, arrivals of relatives from

abroad (with more emphasis on those who come from the USA or Jeddah), departure relative (again with more emphasis on those who have come with lots of money), n’gdet (pilgrimage), and sometimes just for the heck of it.

Isn’t it a sin to throw away food just like that? After

all, throwing away food is frowned

upon in our culture. Who

can eat it after it has f a l l e n on the ground a n d b e e n trodden u n d e r f e e t ?

W e l l , there are

always cats and chicken

which jump for it.

Besides, Eritrean cats relish it and get under the bed,

under the table to find and gobble any stray popcorn kernels or runaway peanuts.

“It is not our tradition,” whines an old lady.

“It has already become one,” I try to convince her.

She continues: “What is happening to our society?

Men are plaiting their hair, girls are baring their midriffs, old men are running after teen girls, now they are throwing popcorn over brides, bridegrooms. Surely, the Bible does make mention of these days….”

Some people like to associate every newly arrived culture with the end of the world.

I asked a friend to tell me the exact day when pop corn was introduced in Eritrea. He told me that he was not sure but his guess was 50 years ago. The first cinema to use it was Cinema Impero. Now it has become a routine service for Cinema Roma. You go there with friends and you will have your bags of popcorn to munch as you follow the Premier League or Laliga game.

During the Derg time, when everybody was jittery because of the war, including the army, preparing popcorn inside one’s home, made some people nervous as the pooping sound was in many ways similar to the tat-tat of the machine gun.

“Did you hear that? They have started shooting. It is coming from that direction. I will call Tesfay’s family and will enquire about their safety…”

“Sit your damn butt! It is my wife. She is making popcorn in the adjacent room.”

A silence follows. A silence of shame!

The woman enters the room with the popcorn. If there is anyone who least enjoys the treat, it is the person who tried to call the family of Tesfay.

“Why is it that people never say no to roasted peanuts and popcorn? observed a friend of mine one Sunday afternoon as we relaxed over a cup of coffee and salted and sugared popcorn.

“Do you know that we are living in the third millennium (civilized world) with a body that was meant to function in a stone age? Everything that feels crunchy in our month subconsciously reminds us of the reindeer thighbones that we used to crunch between our teeth lying in our caves,” I tried to explain.

That’s why people eat a lot of popcorn without being aware of what they are doing. However, a stomach stuffed with popcorn can lead to flatulence as well as a bloating sensation.

Now we have buttered, salted, sugared popcorn. We have it in Technicolor and in black and white. Served with dates, with candies, with peanuts, with bananas, with areki, etc. What won’t women do to impress visitors and enhance festive mood?

Well, like it or not, popcorn seems to have replaced our tradition embaba- which more or less is now used in funerals-and is here to stay, with or without candies or dates.


Photo :Taezaz Abraha Aklilu Zerezgi Abeil bereket

nsP sIlVeR Jubilee celebration in Pictures


Bisha Mining Share Company is inviting applicants for the following position for Bisha site project: - Position: Risk OfficerDepartment: Safety and Occupational HealthNumber required: One (01)Contract Type: Indefinite

Primary PurposeControl “Safety & Health” in order to ensure employees, equipment and facility risks are minimized.Main FunctionsPlanning

Ensure policies and procedures are in place.o Ensure Mine is compliant with legislative and regulatory o requirements.Assist with the “Safety & Health Management System.o

Implementing Safety & Health Risk ManagementCo-ordinate and monitor the implementation of risk o management initiatives within Bisha (ERM, BLRA, TBRA & FLRA).Work with risk owners to ensure that the risk management o processes are implemented in accordance with agreed risk management policy and strategy.Collate and review all risk registers for consistency and o completeness.Provide advice and tools to staff and management on risk o management issues within Bisha, including facilitating workshops in risk identificationPromote understanding of and support for risk management, o including review and updating of risk management training materialOversee and update Bisha risk profiles, with input from risk o ownersArrange and attend risk committee meetings where risk o management issues are discussed; ensure that records of such meetings are maintained and distributed to relevant persons.Ensure that, regardless of the job title or function, there is clarity o about roles and responsibilities to progress risk management throughout Bisha.

Reporting Complete monthly Quarterly and yearly reports.o Report Risk Assessments(FLRA ,TBRA,BLRA,ERM)o

Other Information/Unique RequirementsGood verbal and written communication skills in Englisho Ability to work in multicultural work environment o Produce and maintain effective training resultso Conducting training evaluation & effectiveness assessment o Coaching, mentoring, assessment and moderation skillso Understanding of instruction design and Facilitation skillso

VacancY annoUnceMenT

Knowledge, Experience and Skills

Qualifications

Grade 12 and Certification in Risk Management

Knowledge and Experience

>2 years previous Finance or HSE experience and Understood and Competency in risk management process

Technical Skills Behavioural Skills

Computer Literacy (MS •Office, CAD programs)Attention to detail•Analytical skill•Problem solving skill•

Communication •(English)Assertiveness and •Interpersonal RelationsIntegrity and High level •of accuracy Ability to work towards •strict deadlines

General Information and other requirements:

Place of Work: Bisha.Salary: As per Company salary scale.Type of Contract: Indefinite

Additional requirements 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 will 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 permits Affairs, P. O. Box 7940 Asmara, Eritrea.


JVERINAS is looking to recruit Cabin Attendants.

Ensuring the safety and comfort of our Passengers is paramount. We will be relying on you to create a memorable experience by delivering the highest standards of Customer Service, with enthusiastic and friendly manners.The position can be quite busy and physically demanding. The ideal candidate has to be prepared to work on any day of the year, at any time of the day.

Your Profile:

Minimum age 18 maximum age 30 years. •Physically fit.•Minimum height 160 cm•Adequate level of education (12• th grade +)Language spoken and written required: English; other languages are considered as an asset.•Friendly and personable.•Mature in attitude and look.•Excellent communicator with people of all ages and cultures.•Deliver excellent customer service.•Flexible and able to take direction and accept feedback.•Flexible approach to working hours.•Candidates must provide proof of completion or exemption from NATIONAL SERVICE from the Competent •Authorities’, and hold a valid passport.Interested Candidates shall send (only by Post Office) detailed CV, copies of documents, certificates and recent •full body picture together with handwritten covering letter not later than 31st August, 2019 to:

JVERINAS P.O.BOX 11915 – Asmara ERITREA

N.B. Please note that incomplete applications will not be taken into consideration.

VacancY FoR PosT oF caBIn aTTenDanTs

Economic growth: What happens . . .continued from page 3

growing industries. And at the same time the manufacturing sector has to supply agricultural inputs and tools necessary for the development of agriculture. Agricultural stagnation on the other hand is the main constraint of growth. It sinks down the great majority of the people into the sea of poverty and closes the possible ways for industry and manufacturing.

Studies on development in developing countries show that industrial growth is less effective in reducing poverty compared to agricultural growth. Agricultural development is advisable and favorable as it allows

greater employment opportunities for the greater sections of the society. Agricultural transformation is crucial for achieving many of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) including the reduction of poverty and hunger. Goal two of the SDGs is “zero hunger” to end hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture. In the war against poverty we have to find ways to enhance domestic food production, livestock and dairy production and exploit the untapped fisheries.

Poverty reduction is Eritrea’s major challenge and is placed at the top of the development agenda. According to the survey conducted in 2003, 66 percent of Eritreans were unable to obtain sufficient food (in terms of calories)

and other essential goods and services to lead a healthy life (I- PRSP p7). Therefore, to achieve broad-based and sustainable growth and to reduce the incidence of poverty, investment in agriculture, fisheries, manufacturing and tourism should be enhanced. The development strategy of the Government of Eritrea, as specified in the Interim poverty reduction strategy paper (I-PRSP), involves pro-poor economic growth strategy -- the development strategy that promotes growth with equity, sound macroeconomic management and security which is an essential pre-requisite for development.

According to the Country Programming Framework (CPF) for the State of Eritrea 2017 to 2021, in Eritrea, 65 per cent of the

population lives in rural areas. The rural population derives its livelihoods mainly from rain-fed crop production and cattle rearing and fisheries which are largely based on traditional production systems. The national economy of the country is heavily dependent on it, with 70-75% of the active population engaged in various agricultural activities (CPF; 2016, p3). The same study indicates that Eritrea has 2.1 million hectares of arable land, out of which the 600,000 hectares can be irrigated all year round. To eradicate poverty, achieve food security and secure sustained development with social justice, Eritrea should continue and enhance its determination towards the development of agriculture and agricultural infrastructures that enables to fully exploit the untapped agricultural potentials.


Fashion: who is to say what is and what isn’t right?Asmait Futsumbrhan

“People may think my designs are unconventional. Well, I am a designer and I designed to be competent in the fashion industry internationally.” Designer Sabrin Hussien.

Does fashion have to always be connected to culture and the views and traditions of the community? Well, this is a question that young Eritrean designer has to give a negative answer to. She strongly believes that fashion means coming up with something creative. Fashion is a link that ties generations together and it never stops, it keeps moving on and so should we. So she trusts.

born with the gift of talent and skills for designing, the 22 year old, grew up fascinated by the various types of fabrics and colors. As she came of age, Sabrin Hussien couldn’t wait to go to the designing school, where she thinks she got the most out of. Sabrin comes from a typical Eritrean family who do not condone wearing Western clothes such as miniskirts, but the views and comments of people didn’t stop her from following her dreams of becoming a designer who focuses on western fashion.

On her 22nd birthday, Q&A wishes Sabrin a very happy birthday and success in her profession.

Hi, thank you for being here with us. Let’s get aquatinted please.

I loved drawing when I was growing up. But that wasn’t the only thing that fascinated me. I also loved clothing fabrics. These are the two things that I wanted to play and experiment with. When I was seventeen, I went to Negasi’s Designing School. Well, that is when it all started for me. Going to that school gave me a whole perspective of what designing means and what a designer should be like. School was easy for me since it was something that I was passionate about. I was always egger to learn something new that would make me a professional, and I started working right after I graduated from the school.

You said you enjoyed the designing school. What was the

most you gained out of there?

Well, learning something just because you have to and going to school for something that you are fervent about are totally different. So, going to a designing school for me was something that excited me the most because it meant that I was finally going to make my hobbies a profession. So yes, I really enjoyed the courses. I also got to learn s o m e t h i n g that I never cared about along the way, makeup art. I have never thought about doing make-up but it was something that I got to gain during my designing courses which were really interesting and benefiting. Also, learning about fashion, what it is and where it has gotten over the years is an essential knowledge you have to know as a designer. Fashion is vast and there are so many corners to it. But most of all, the school did a marvelous job in teaching us about the precise cutting techniques and colors. However, it doesn’t always mean that going to school makes you an excellent designer. Browsing the net to see new ideas and checking out where the fashion world is at and reading about the history of fashion and other related articles

make you a competent designer, I believe.

For a designer, how essential are colors in clothes?

It is as important as a creative design for a cloth. Colors

should represent the occasion, the place

and the season. But most of all

colors represent the outfit. A dazzling design could be ruined simply with the wrong choice of color. That is how i m p o r t a n t

it is to know the different

shades of colors and when to use

them.

You are known for your Western fashion, which could be rather exposed outfits. Why do you do it? Are there challenges on your way?

Yes. I am not going to lie about it; there are many challenges that come along with the type of fashion I choose to follow, not only with the Muslim community which I am from but with the Eritrean community in general. As we all know, our culture is very conservative in almost every way. But I want to change that as a designer. I want to let them know that fashion keeps upgrading with seconds and if we want to keep up

in the fashion industry, we have to come up with works that are proficient. I am not saying that we have to change our culture; I want to make that clear. Nonetheless, we can share our culture with the world through a different dimension. We have the passion; we have the willingness to be recognized internationally as one of the best designers in the fashion world. In order to achieve that, we have to make changes to our ways and compete with other designers. It is time we try to keep up with the world. That is all I say.

You work with many Eritrean artists. Would you please tell us some of the works you did with some of them?

I mostly do outfits for music videos. To mention a few, I worked with Millen Hailu, Tsegu, and Yared Negu of Ethiopia. Working with the artists opened a door for me to be creative and to work harder. I first ask them to give me the audio to listen to so that I could have an idea about the story they are telling. It is only then that I decide what kind of outfits to come up with. You know, it’s not only the song and acting that tell the full story; clothes are also another portion of the story.

Sabrin, tell us about the fashion shows you presented; how challenging is it to host a show?

Well, the first show you do as a designer is usually a loss. You only do it to be recognized and have a name. Hosting a solo show is very challenging. I have already hosted five fashion shows in Asmara and

Massawa. As I told you, my first show wasn’t beneficial. But I did my second show with Firewerk Hair styles, which was far better than my first one. I am also thinking of doing a show at the Geez New Year which will include an African style as well.

We wish you the best of luck; anything you want to add?

I wish that people would get the right understanding of what fashion is. An outfit doesn’t define who you are; it defines an era. We are in an era when fashion has taken over the world and we need to be a part of it.

I also want to express my gratitude to my mother, Fatma Ibrahim. She is the one who supports me to work hard and inspire me to achieve my dreams. I also want to thank all my fans for their unconditional support they extend.

You can follow Sabrin on Instagram: Sabicouture

vol. 26 no. 47 saturday, august 10, 2019 pages 8, price 2...

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