Vol 22. No. 62 Saturday, 3 october, 2015 Pages 8, Price 2.00 NFA

A workshop was conducted at the NCEW Hall on the draft na-tional policy in regard to children on the 1st of October 2015.

The workshop was organized by the Ministry of Labour and Human Welfare. Senior Government and PFDJ officials, representatives of International and Regional Organi-zations and invited guests took part

A senior Eritrean government delegation led by the Minister of Finance, Mr. Berhane Habtemari-am, is visiting Sudan for bilateral talks on economic cooperation and to exchange experiences and best practices in the financial sector.

Three water reservoirs have been constructed in Dirfo Ad-ministrative area in the Central region. The facilities were inau-gurated on September 30th .

Mr. Zerit Tewoldebrhan, the Managing Director in the Cen-tral Region, said that the initia-

Eritrean nationals residing in Gedarif, the Sudan, have expressed readiness to contribute to national development programs in tangible ways.

News BriefCreatiNg CoNduCive eNviroNmeNt

The different training programs that are being organized for the youth in the Southern region will have significant contribution in cre-ating conducive environment for nurturing productive youth.

Mr. Girmai Gebru, head of the NUEYS in the region, indicated that training programs are being provided for 100 youth in carpentry and steel works, and for 40 youth, out of which 20 are women, in weaving and bee breading.

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.

According to Dr. Leul Banteyrga, head of MOH branch in the Gash Barka region, the center is equipped with modern medical facility and is treating daily 200 people. The center uses solar energy and is provid-ing service for 24 hours.

He further said that even though there is no immediate threat it is important to take the necessary precaution. Similar Quarantine centers are established in different parts of the country and are providing land, sea and air services.

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.

seNior eritreaN delegatioN visits sudaNThe Eritrean delegation includes

Mr. Hagos Ghebrehiwet, Head of Economic Affairs of the PFDJ, and other senior government officials.

The Delegation was received by, and held talks, the Sudanese Presi-

dent, H.E. Omar Ahmed Al-Bash-er, on bilateral issues focusing on the status and progress of the eco-nomic and trade agreements signed between the two sisterly countries in the past years.

The delegation also held exten-sive talks with the Sudanese Min-ister of Finance, Mr. Badr-Eddin Mahmoud.

The discussions centered on fi-nancial issues as well as the bank-ing system, tax collection methods and approaches, monetary policy, insurance and cross-border trade.

The delegation visited several economic institutions, the national bank, money printing press and gold processing plant in the Su-dan.

in the meeting.

The Minister of Labour and Hu-man Welfare, Mr. Kahsai Gebrehi-wet, stated that the draft policy pa-per has been prepared after iterative consultative work with all relevant stakeholders so as to promote the Government’s pronounced policy of safeguarding children’s rights.Experts on the subject and resource

persons submitted presentations on the prevailing situation of children in Eritrea and various facets of the draft policy document.

The draft policy document will be refined through inputs of the workshop and other consultative mechanisms the Ministry of La-bour and Human Welfare intends to pursue in the period ahead.

draft NatioNal poliCy oN ChildreN

Mr. Ibrahim Idris, Charge D’Affairs at the Eritrean Embassy for his part gave extensive brief-ings on the diplomatic, economic and political developments in the homeland.

BolsteriNg NatioNal developmeNt programs

tive was taken in line with the Government’s commitment to promote social justice in remote areas.

The facilities are expected to adequately address prevalent wa-ter shortages for privately owned farms in the area.

water reservoirs iN dirfo

Photo : Henoke Mekonen

Published Every Saturday & Wednesday

Acting EditorAmanuel Mesfunamme@zena.gov.er

P.O.Box: 247Tel: 11-41-14Fax: 12-77-49

E-mail:profile@ zena.gov.er

Advertisement: 12-50-13

Layout

azieb habtemariam

Eritrea Profile, Saturday, 3 october, 2015 2

kesete ghebrehiwet

In Eritrea, any child is the child of every household. Hence, child care is the responsibility of every Eritrean citizen. Much like the popular proverb noting that “it takes a village to raise a child,” Eritrean children have always been nurtured with love and care of their parents, neighbors, and the surrounding communities.

Traditional wisdom and custom within the ethnic groups of Eritrea place utmost significance upon children’s’ well-being. At the same time, there have also been traditional practices that, while intending to benefit children, have often led to negative physical or physiological effects (frequently carrying over into adulthood). It is within this context that the need for a national childhood policy arises, as made clear during the release of the newly drafted Comprehensive National Child Policy on 1st October 2015 at the National Confederation of Eritrean Workers conference hall.

During the discussion, the importance of the new policy was underscored through noting how traditionally, members of Eritrean society were not accustomed to birth registration, and could thus expose children to violations of child labor, underage marriage, or other areas of potential child exploitation. Kahsay Ghebrehiwet, Minister of Labor and Human Welfare, also noted how “Eritrean society has a civilized culture and a farsighted vision as regards proper upbringing and protection of children,” and that the new policy would help to protect and

nurture children.

Generally, Eritrean society has had shrewd, farsighted traditional practices in childcare. The cultural tolerance exhibited within Eritrean society is uniquely represented by a harmonious coexistence of different ethnic groups. In this regard, the policy will prove extremely significant.

A well nurtured child often stands for the good of the people to whom he or she belongs, and is frequently very hospitable, respectful, and welcoming towards others. In this sense, it is not a surprise to hear that foreigners who have visited Eritrea often cherish memories and experiences of a country known for its abundant peace and stability.

It should be reiterated that all members of society play a role in socialization of a child, and that if foreigners and travelers feel safe and comfortable within Eritrea, it is often a result of, or influenced by, a proper upbringing of children. Simply, it is a tribute and recognition of the ceaseless efforts of Eritrean societies.

The child who receives proper nurturing from parents, relatives, and communities frequently becomes a responsible citizen who makes commendable efforts towards fulfilling the admirable goal of building a nation for that welcomes people from all walks of life.

Eritreans have long adhered to the principle that child care is a collective responsibility of communities. Such a cultural asset, therefore, encourages members of family and surrounding community to share in the responsibilities of

caring and protecting children (and the aged).

The introduction of a Comprehensive National Child Policy stems from this unique collective outlook of Eritrean society. Importantly, the introduction of the policy is not a substitute, but an addition or augmentation of, long standing social and cultural practices that aim to nurture children. Specifically, the policy will help to fill existent gaps, while firmly working against harmful practices.

The Female Circumcision Abolition Proclamation No 158/2007, for instance, bans all forms of female circumcision.

The proclamation, which criminalizes female genital mutilation and holds accountable the practitioners or those who assisted or witnessed but failed to report to law enforcement bodies, is a useful example of protecting the rights of a child from harmful traditional practices.

Other traditional practices addressed as focal points in the

new Comprehensive National Childhood Policy are underage marriage, burning of gums, cuts over the eyebrow, rupturing the tonsils, and corporal punishment. Eritrea’s people, particularly its children, are its greatest resource; in that context, securing their safety and rights is of critical and far-reaching significance.

Notably, Eritrea has displayed an unwavering commitment towards respecting, promoting and protecting the rights of children, even during the challenging, difficult times within the decades-long struggle for independence. Likewise in the post-independence period, the country has attested its commitment to important youth or children’s issues, by prioritizing and investing in education, health, nutrition, and various other youth or children’s related areas.

For example, owing to remarkably high immunization levels against childhood illnesses, child mortality rates have dramatically declined. Furthermore, a range of communicable diseases that were once causes for disabilities or death, have now been largely

Child care in Eritrea

eradicated or significantly reduced.

As well, the national commitment to literacy and “education for all” has led to remarkable changes and progress.

Child care is a multifaceted issue which involves families, communities, and various levels of government or administration. One important player has been Eritrea’s Ministry of Labor and Human Welfare, particularly through its extensive efforts to promote the survival and development of children. For example, the ministry has undertook different activities aimed at empowering families through community-based interventions such as the reunification program for orphans, street children, and other vulnerable members of the Eritrean society. Importantly, adoption and orphanages, as well as improving rehabilitation and support systems for street children, disabled children, or children from families with meager income are areas of increasing discussion and focus.

Children with disabilities (CWD) are also a key part of the new child care policy. With the Association of the Blind, the Association of the Deaf, the Association of Autism and Down’s Syndrome, and the Association of War Disabled Veterans having played key roles in addressing the needs of CWD, the new policy will be useful component to improving the lives of CWD and advocating for their rights. Such cooperation and partnerships illustrate how, even though the Ministry of Labor and Human Welfare is playing a leading role, child care is a moral obligation of all Eritreans – individuals, families, communities, ministries, and associations. Participant in work shop

Eritrea Profile, Saturday, 3 october, 2015 3

Dr. Fikrejesus Amahazion

In recent years, it has become quite common to hear Eritrea, a young, low-income, developing country located within the volatile, politically-fractious Horn of Africa region, derogatorily described as isolationist, secretive, the “North Korea of Africa,” or even the “her-mit kingdom.” While such state-ments suggest Eritrea remains de-tached from the global community, closer analysis reveals that they are clichéd, cursory, overly simplistic, and incorrect.

In fact, one seasoned Western ambassador based in Asmara re-cently quipped, “those who com-pare Eritrea with North Korea have not been to North Korea and cer-tainly do not know Eritrea.”

First, such descriptions lack vital context. Specifically, peaceful and cooperative regional and interna-tional co-existence and integration have long been bedrocks of Eri-trean foreign policy. However, at the same time, the country has been the target of an externally-driven strategy to isolate it, particularly through attempts at scuppering foreign agreements and economic deals.

For example, according to a leaked U.S. embassy cable in Addis Ababa sent by Chargé d’Affaires Vicki Huddleston (dated Novem-ber 1st 2005), the strategy of the U.S.-backed Ethiopian proxy was to “isolate Eritrea and wait for it to implode economically.” More-over, a 2009 cable sent by Chargé d’Affaires Roger Meece reveals that the “USG [U.S. government] has worked to undercut support for Eritrea.”

Additionally, claims about Eri-trea’s isolation appear rather inac-curate following just a quick, per-functory review of the country’s regional and international activities and engagements.

For example, recent weeks and months have seen: Eritrea’s Presi-dent, H.E. Isaias Afewerki, travel to, and the Eritrean government receive high-level delegates from, several countries toward promot-ing dialogue, cooperation, and bi-lateral ties (such as Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Norway, South Sudan, and

Sudan); Eritrea’s participation and address at the 70th meeting of the United Nations General Assembly, as well as Eritrea and the United Nations (UN) announce plans to expand cooperation; the govern-ments of Finland and Eritrea reveal the launch of an exciting bilateral development programme, which is only the latest in a growing series of significant agreements and partner-ships with a range of countries or institutions, including Cuba, China, Turkey, Japan, Russia, the African Development Bank (AfDB), and the European Development Fund (EDF); and the Eritrean National Cycling Team’s participation in the UCI World Championships (Rich-mond, VA), following Eritrea’s highly successful performances at the All Africa Games (Brazzaville, Congo), the World Athletics Cham-pionships (Beijing, China), and the Tour de France.

While far from an exhaustive list of Eritrea’s diverse array of interna-tional activities and engagements, the examples offer a useful reflec-tion of the country’s active regional and global presence. Furthermore, they illustrate Eritrea’s commit-ment to respectful, egalitarian, and mutually-beneficial partnerships with a broad range of members of the international community.

A potentially more incisive tool to critically examine references to Eritrea being isolationist or the “hermit kingdom” is by consider-ing the country’s memberships in international non-governmental organizations (INGOs), referred to as INGO ties. Popular within inter-national, cross-comparative analy-ses within the fields of sociology and political science, INGO ties are typically utilized by research-ers to capture a state’s level of em-beddedness (or integration) within world society. Simply, states with more INGO ties are more embed-ded in world society; alternatively, states with less INGO ties are less embedded in world society.

Utilizing data from the Year-book of International Organiza-tions, annually published by the Union of International Associa-tions – described as providing the “most extensive information on organizations in the world” (Drori et al. 2003) – Eritrea’s INGO ties per 100,000 citizens was 2.06 for

the year 2005 and 2.04 for the year 2010. By comparison, for the years 2005 and 2010 respectively, per 100,000 citizens: Ethiopia had 0.52 and 0.47 ties; Sudan had 1.42 and 1.37 ties; Uganda had 1.98 and 1.78 ties; Tanzania had 1.54 and 1.34 ties; and Kenya had 2.47 and 2.2 ties (UIA 2012).

Rather than isolation as is so often alleged, data on INGO ties suggest that Eritrea is amongst the most internationally embed-ded countries within its region.

Another useful method to further

The “Isolationist” Myth: Eritrea, Global Ties, and Diplomacy

Table 1

Table 2

explore mainstream claims of Eri-trea’s isolation is by considering its diplomatic representation abroad. Generally, diplomacy can be un-derstood as the process of reaching international decisions, not nec-essarily cooperatively, however,

without the use of military power or force. Consulates are local of-fices that represent a state in major cities of another state, generally taking care of the myriad of issues that arise from day-to-day, while ambassadors are officials charged by their state to conduct “high-lev-el” politics with the state to which they are posted. Within the fields of sociology, international relations, and political science, the concept of diplomatic representation abroad is frequently regarded as an important mechanism in the fostering and maintenance of friendly relations

between states, and between states and other actors.

Amongst other things, diplo-matic representation abroad helps promote states’ socio-economic and political interests, while also

encouraging understanding, coor-dination, and the solving of prob-lems (Neumayer 2008).

According to Eritrea’s Perma-nent Mission to the African Union (AU), as of 2014, Eritrea had 36 diplomatic missions abroad. By comparison, Kenya’s figure was 50, Uganda’s 31, Ethiopia’s 39, Tanzania’s 32, Sudan’s 64, and Dji-bouti’s 50. However, considering the number of diplomatic missions in relation to the number of years since formal independence – an im-portant factor in establishing diplo-matic representation abroad – illus-trates that Eritrea’s ratio is 1.7. By comparison, Kenya’s ratio of diplo-matic missions abroad in relation to years since independence is 0.98, while Uganda’s is 0.6, Djibouti’s is 1.35, Sudan’s is 1.1, Tanzania’s is 0.6, and Ethiopia’s is 0.53. Quite simply, Eritrea establishes diplo-matic missions abroad at a faster rate than its regional neighbors.

Reflecting upon his recent visit to Eritrea, Norway’s Minister of Justice noted that descriptions of Eritrea (e.g. the “North Korea of Africa”) were highly inaccurate. This view closely parallels the preceding discussion; specifically, reviewing a sample of Eritrea’s recent international activities and engagements, as well as examining several important indicators and measures suggests that descriptions of Eritrea as isolationist, the “North Korea of Africa,” or the “hermit kingdom” are simplistic and incor-rect - particularly when Eritrea’s regional neighbors are considered.

Moving forward, as Eritrea works toward improving the lives of its people, developing and fos-tering regional and global relations should remain a key feature of policy.

However, the process is a two-way street; Ms. Bronwyn Bru-ton, Deputy Director of the Africa Center at the Atlantic Council, has noted the failure of isolationist pol-icies towards Eritrea and suggested that it is “time for a new approach” by the international community. Ultimately, greater integration, cooperation, and dialogue will not only support vital socio-economic growth and general development, but also encourage peace and sta-bility in a long troubled region.

Disclamer: articles published in this column do not reflect the stance or opinion of Eritrea Profile

Eritrea Profile, Saturday, 3 october , 2015 4

Philemon g.Hiwet

For anything to be recognized in this world, it needs to have a unique identity. It is for such a reason that societies are recognized as distinct from one another. Societies are differentiated based on their cultures, which is their identity. Culture is a complex whole that includes knowledge, belief, morals, customs and any other capabilities and inabilities acquired by the man as a member of society. Culture makes a man a social being and society makes him with the process of socialization. Despite this fact, not everyone experiences the same type of socialization process. It is obvious that a poor socialization process results in the development of deviant behavior. In our society, there is a strong socialization process but it doesn’t necessarily mean that everyone passes through the same experience.

When I was in college, I had a friend who grew up isolated from his environment. And just like “a bird grown up caged never knows how to fly”, that person had likewise a problem of taking responsibility and was always afraid to take risks when making decisions. On top of that, he’s also materialistic, appreciating things rather than the creative mind. He always loves to talk about what he saw in television programs like MTV Cribs, which show the houses and luxurious lives of celebrities in the West.

“Wow! Did you see how beautiful Akon’s home is and how beautiful are the wheels on his Ferrari?” This and the like are his constant remarks, which have nothing to do with him if not to induce infatuation.

For him solving a simple social problem is like climbing up to the peak of Mount Kilimanjaro.

All that made me wonder whether this was how we are raised by society.

Cultures are typically divided into two categories: collectivist and individualist. Individualism stands for a society in which the ties between individuals are loose;

everyone is expected to look after one’s self and one’s immediate family only. Whereas collectivism refers to a society in which people (from birth onwards) are integrated into strong cohesive groups that last throughout people’s lifetimes and that provide security in exchange for unquestioning loyalty. Individualist cultures, such as those of the United States and Western Europe, emphasize personal achievement at the expense of group goals, resulting in a strong sense of competition. Collectivist cultures, such as those of China, Korea and Japan, put family and work group goals above individual needs or desires.

Our society is considered as one that is extra collectivist. As the saying goes “he who eats alone will die alone”, much has been said about the drawbacks of individualism by our ancestors. In our society, living alone is considered as a taboo. Naturally, it is a hermit that lives alone. The news that a man died at home and was found a week later could be normal in highly individualistic societies but such a story in our society would be a very serious talking issue.

Many foreigners are always surprised by the compactness and cooperation that exists among Eritreans. In his book “Eritrea Tourist Guide” Robert Papstein was quoted as saying:

“… If you are looking for international mass tourism, Eritrea is not the place for you. But if you are looking to visit a new country in which people are happy to see you, willing to share their culture and lives, there is no place in Africa quite like Eritrea. It is a traveler’s place rather than tourist destination…”

We Eritreans are extremely polite and courteous. Guests should never be surprised if anyone

greeted them in the street and asked where they were from. That person is not a loony but one who is the result of a collectivist society and one whom the society as a whole is very proud of.

Collectivism and individualism deeply pervade cultures. People simply take their culture’s stance for granted. But both collectivist and individualist cultures have their disadvantages. People in individualist cultures are susceptible to loneliness while people in collectivist cultures can have a strong fear of rejection. In our society it would be hard to imagine how difficult it can be if you don’t visit a relative or a neighbor in its times of sorrow (or joy). Not only that person, but the society as an entity wouldn’t accept such things. Eritreans are living proof of the proverb “a united society is hard to penetrate,” and they have witnessed this all throughout their history.

In a collectivist society, each person is encouraged to be an active player in society, to do what is best for the society as a whole rather than his or herself. It is through such action that the pro-active personality can be developed, which enables you to become determinant enough to do up to your potential to help and develop the society which you belong to.

The supersession of individual rights by those of families, communities, and the collective as a whole is also another trait of such society. It promotes unity, brotherhood, and selflessness. In such society working with others and cooperating is the norm; everyone supports each other. In the Eritrean society for instance, if there is a marriage ceremony the Das (the tent where the wedding reception takes place) is erected by neighbors and relatives. The youngsters take this as their role in such ceremonies,

in addition to the fact that old men and women having their own role in such occasions. They are strongly unified as a community, family or nation more than as an individual.

Whereas in individualist societies the spirit of “I” highly prevails. It promotes individual goals, initiative and achievement as everyone looks for a reward for what he has done in terms of either money or prestige, hardly caring about the conscientious satisfaction. In such a case, individual rights are seen as being the most important. It rules attempt to ensure self-importance and individualism. Independence is valued; there is much less of a drive to help other citizens or communities than in collectivism.

Unlike in the collectivist societies, in individualist societies, relying or being dependent on others is frequently seen as shameful and people are encouraged to do things on their own; to rely on themselves. Being dependent doesn’t necessarily mean begging; it merely implies lending a hand and helping out each other.

All the traits of an individualist society are strange for a collectivist one, which is one of the reasons why many of the elderly people from our society never want to stay longer when visiting European countries or the US. They really miss the life of being together, saying hello in the streets and most of all (and especially for women) the beautiful coffee ceremony of their own society. In Eritrea the people’s strong solidarity and compactness is really reflected in the day-to-day activities of the people. In fact, the capital Asmara is very different to see it after six in the evening as everyone usually goes downtown to visit and chat over drinks with friends... this scenario of people strolling down the streets, laughing and chatting, adds up to the city’s beauty, which,

along the country’s favorable climate, makes Asmara one of Africa’s most desirable cities.

Attribution is the process of understanding the actions of others based on limited information. Since the process is inexact, large errors often creep in. In individualistic cultures, there is a strong bias towards attributing a person’s behavior to the characteristics of that person instead of the situation that person is in. People in collectivist cultures have also this bias but to a much lesser degree. For a foreigner from an individualistic society, it is a strange thing to hear a small kid providing detailed information of his neighbors’ names and occupations.. Here it wouldn’t be a big issue. And neither would it if you were to want to attend a wedding but you don’t know where the exact address was: in such cases, someone in the area is surely going to help you reach your desired address. The same situation would have been hopeless had you been in an individualist society.

Personality wise, the stereotype of a ‘good person’ in collectivist cultures is trustworthy, honest, generous, and sensitive, all characteristics that are helpful to people working in groups. In contrast, a ‘good person’ in individualist cultures is more assertive and strong, characteristics helpful for competing. The idea of the ‘artistic type’ or ‘bohemian’ is not usually found in collectivist cultures. However, collectivist cultures usually have a ‘community man’ concept not present in individualist cultures.

The fact remains that as humans we turn out to be what the society around us shapes us to become. An Eritrean that grew in the highly prominent individualist culture of the West cannot (and will never) be expected to bear the traits of collectivism that Eritreans are known for. Likewise, a foreigner that was raised in a collective environment will accordingly reflect collectivist characteristics.

While the difference between the two streams is obvious, every society needs of course to be respected for its particular culture.

The Ponderer’s Corner

How Society Shapes Us

Eritrea Profile, Saturday, 3 october, 2015 5

Sophia Tesfamariam

It was just over a month ago that the historic Tour de France placed Eritrea and her cyclists on the world stage.

A new chapter was written in cycling history when Daniel Teklehaimanot became the first rider down the start ramp at the

2015 Tour. Daniel and his fellow Eritrean compatriot Merhawi Kudus became the first black Africans to race the Tour, as part of MTN-Qhubeka, the first African-registered team ever to start the Tour.

The Tour was made even more exciting when Daniel pedaled past another major milestone when he earned the title of “King of the Mountains” and became the first African to don the polka-

dot jersey awarded to the race’s leading climber.

So when it became known that the UCI World Championship would take place in Richmond, VA from 20-27 September, excitement swept through the Eritrean communities in the United States. Social media was abuzz and the Richmond 2015

became the talk of the town. The Eritreans were not to be outdone and the historical significance of the event was not lost on them.

This was the first time since independence in 1991 that an Eritrean National Team was participating in an event in the United States. About 1,000 of the world’s top cyclists from about 75 countries competed in the 2015 UCI Road World Championships.

The tight knit, highly organized Eritrean communities in the Eastern region of the United States were determined to show up in great numbers in Richmond to support the Eritrean National Team and they did-very colorfully.

They captured the attention of everyone who came to the

races. Cycling Weekly’s Richard Abraham in his 26 September article asks “Why are there so many Eritrea fans at the World Championships?”-The answer is simple, cycling is not just a very popular sport in Eritrea, and Eritrea has managed to maintain a flourishing bicycle culture for over a century.

In Eritrea, the first sighting of a bicycle was in 1898 in Massawa, having been introduced by the Italians. By the 1930s, clubs were being organized, and on April 21st 1937, the first race took place in Asmara.

Even as Eritrea began to undergo large-scale socio-political developments and decades of war (1961-1991), the country’s love of cycling and passion for racing failed to diminish and remains one of the lasting influences of Italian colonial rule.

The country’s first multi-day cycle race was staged in 1946, although locals were not allowed to enter. The Giro D’Eritrea, Tour of Eritrea, was resurrected fifty-five years later, a symbol of the new-found confidence of a nation which had finally achieved its independence in 1991. As one observer noted:

“…Africa’s oldest cycle race is a far cry from the televised sporting extravaganzas that

we’re used to seeing on TV. But a live telecast almost seems unnecessary. The roads are packed with spectators. The event is a huge celebration…”

The UCI World Championships were followed by Eritreans around the world via television and internet. Eritreans living in North America watched it, in person, on the streets of Richmond, VA and got the attention of many. Richard Abraham described what he saw and heard:

“…Eat your heart out Holland; the biggest and loudest set of fans at the 2015 World Championships are definitely here for Eritrea…They’re not very hard to spot. Just look for the dozens of enormous Eritrean flags fluttering in the muggy air in downtown Richmond along the road race course at the World Championships…Look a little more closely and you’ll find there are Eritrean flag-themed scarves, T-shirts, drums, beanies, and even woolly jumpers numbering in their hundreds, all belonging to the vast number of Eritrea fans at this year’s Worlds…The Dutch are well known for their (often boozy) enthusiasm for cycling but this year they are yet to descend on the world championships. It would

be a very long, wet drive in a motorhome…Instead it’s Eritrea’s supporters who are rivalling the home team USA in terms of numbers, and who are unparalleled when it comes to noise and energy levels…”

But he was not alone. Dane Cash of Velo News in his article “Richmond worlds: For some, simply a chance to fly the flag” wrote:

“…The opportunity to show the cycling world a flag that some fans may not recognize is one that doesn’t come around every day…”

He spoke to MeksebDebessay, an elite rider in the Eritrean Team and this is what he said:

“…Our goal is like the other teams — to show our flag in the road…If we show our flag in this competition, it’s very important, it shows what our country Eritrea is…”

For Eritrean Americans it was an opportunity to tell Eritrea’s story and they did, as many were curious.

The colorful attires, the music

Cycling Brings Eritrea to The Heart of Richmond

continued on page 8

6Eritrea Profile, Saturday, 3 october, 2015

Job Title & number required Mine General Foreman (01)

Duties & Responsibilities

To provide support to the Mine Superintendent through the effective management of the mining shift, standard of the works, environment controls, safe working environment, equipment deployment, optimizing equipment utilization and productivities and effective deployment of the company’s workforce and its sub-contractors.To provide support to the Mine Superintendent through the effective management of the mining shift, standard of the works, environment controls, safe working environment, equipment deployment, optimizing equipment utilization and productivities and effective deployment of the company’s workforce and its sub-contractors.

Knowledge & Skill Requirement

Excellent interdepartmental communication skills. Excellent working knowledge of all aspects of mining operational theory including open pit operation. Excellent knowledge of consumable products used in the mining industry including their safe use and applications. Ability to effectively plan daily, weekly and monthly work activities. Computer literacy in Microsoft office suite of programs.

Education Mining Engineering Degree or Diploma desirable.

Experience RequiredMinimum 5 years of experience in mining field. Significant experience in open pit mine operations a must. Excellent leadership and organizational

skills. English literacy to a conversational level.

Physical Requirement To be able to pass a full Doctor’s examination. To be available to work in accordance with ZMSC rosters.

General Information and other requirements: Place of work: Koka Gold Mine Site. Occasional assignment to other locations. Salary: As per Company scale.

Additional Requirement for nationals: Having fulfilled his/her National Service obligations and provide evidence of a release paper from the Ministry of Defense. Having finished registration and duty performing for the National Army, and present the release paper or registration card issued by National Army. Provide a Clearance paper from office of the Eritrean Police and present Medical Certificate from Hospital. Present Clearance paper from the current/last employer. Only short listed applicants would be considered as potential candidates for an interview. Application documents will not be returned back to the sender and/or 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: ZARA MINING SHARE CO. P. O. Box 2393. Asmara, Eritrea.

Note to Eritrean applicants: Please send a copy of your application to: Aliens Employment Permit Affairs P.O. Box 7940 Asmara, Eritrea.

Invitation for BidsProcurement ofScience Demonstration Itemsfor

Eritrean Middle Schools

ICB No: PMU-MOE/GPE/G/ICB/001/2015

1. The Government of the State of Eritrea has received a grant from the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) toward the cost of Enhancing Equitable Access to Quality Basic Education for Social Justice, and it intends to apply part of the proceeds of this grant to payments under the contract for the procurement of Science Demonstration Items for Eritrean Middle Schools, ICB No: PMU-MOE/GPE/G/ICB/001/2015.

2. The Project Management Unit of the Ministry of Education (PMU-MOE) now invites sealed bids from eligible bidders for the supply of Science Demonstration Items to be delivered between December 30, 2015 and January 29, 2016.

3. Bidding will be conducted through the International Competitive Bidding (ICB) procedures, and is open to all bidders.

4. Interested eligible bidders may obtain further information from Project Management Unit – Ministry of Education (PMU - MOE), Asmara, Eritrea, Tel: 291-1-151614, Fax: 291-1-152181, Email: mgilagaber@gmail.com, and/or michaelsheghe@gmail.com, and inspect the bidding documents at the address given below during working hours Monday through Friday.

5. A complete set of Bidding Documents in the English language may be purchased by interested bidders on the submission of a written application to

the address below and upon payment of a none refundable fee Eritrean Nakfa (ERN) 750.00 or equivalent, starting Monday, October 12, 2015. Foreign bidders shall transfer the cost of Bidding Documents in USD to CITIBANK, N.A., COTTON CENTER, UK, LONDON, and SWIFT: CITIGB2L for credit to account No. 5519691 of Bank of Eritrea, Asmara, Eritrea, in favor of beneficiary, i.e. PMU - MOE for further credit to our Acct. No. EESIP-GOE 120.301.0359 maintained with them. If documents are required to be sent by courier additional USD 35.00 or equivalent shall be transferred to the above account number.

6. Bids must be delivered to the address below at or before 10:00

a.m. Local time (GMT+3) on December 15, 2015. Electronic bidding will not be permitted. Late bids will be rejected. Bids will be opened in the presence of the bidders’ representatives who choose to attend at the address below at 10:00a.m. Local time (GMT+3)on December 15, 2015. All bids must be accompanied by a Bid Security of USD 8,000.00 (Eight Thousand US Dollars) or equivalent in other freely convertible currency.

The address referred to above is:

Project Management unit – Ministry of Education (PMU - MOE) Street Address: Hday Street 748-1

Floor/Room number: DembeSembel, Block “A”, First Floor, RH P. O. Box 1099

Tel: 291-1-151614Fax: 291-1-152181Asmara, Eritrea

ADS

7Eritrea Profile, Saturday, 3 october, 2015

Understanding Rabies

Rabies is a viral disease that affects the central nervous system of warm-blooded animals, including humans. The disease has a long incubation period (approximately six months) and symptoms may take several weeks to appear after infection. However, once symptoms appear, rabies can be fatal in animals.

Rabies has been recognized for centuries; however, it wasn’t until the 1880’s when important work done by Louis Pasteur identified a virus as the cause of the disease. Today, rabies is a disease listed in the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) Terrestrial Animal Health Code and it must be reported to the OIE.

Notably, the rabies virus is present on all continents except Antarctica. While some countries have implemented vigilant control measures and succeeded in eradicating the disease to meet stringent OIE requirements for rabies free status, in other countries, the disease remains endemic with rabies present mainly in wild animal hosts.

Rabies is transmitted through the saliva of an infected animal. Infection occurs primarily via bite wounds, or infected saliva entering an open cut or wound or mucous membrane, such as those in the mouth, nasal cavity or eyes.

Message from The Ministry

of Agriculture

Infection through inhalation of the virus, although less common, has been documented, for example, in the environment of a densely populated bat cave.

The rabies virus will generally remain at the entry site for a period of time before travelling along the nerves to the brain. Once within the brain, the virus multiplies extremely quickly, resulting in clinical signs. The virus then moves on from the brain along nerves to the salivary glands.

The period of time before clinical signs appear in an infected animal can vary, depending on the strain of virus and entry point. It is thus important to realize that the disease can be transmitted via the saliva of an infected animal to other animals and humans before the onset of clinical sings of the disease in the infected animal.

Rabies regarded as one of the most important zoonotic diseases in the world (i.e. a disease which primarily affects animals, but can also lead to disease within human beings).

Any encounter with a domestic or wild animal where a bite is received must be investigated. Importantly, rabid wild animals tend to lose their natural fear of humans, increasing the risk of encounter.

Clinical signs in animals such

as excessive salivation, choking or gagging can lead humans to unknowingly risk infection while examining inside the mouse of dogs and livestock searching for a foreign body or attempting to administer medication with bare hands.

SIGNS, TYPES, and SAFETY

It is important to immediately wash any bite wound or exposed surface with soap and water and report the incident to a doctor or hospital emergency department. The risk of rabies transmission must be evaluated based on the nature of the encounter, species of animal involved, prevalence of rabies in the surrounding area, and evaluation of the vaccination and clinical status of the animal and its availability for diagnostic testing.

Occupational groups regularly in contact with animals for example,

End Rabies Together

28 September - World Rabies Day 2015

veterinarians, animal control and wildlife officers should obtain protection through pre-exposure vaccination.

As well, abattoir personnel, particularly in endemic areas, must take preventive actions to prevent infection from saliva, salivary gland and nervous tissue of infected animal. Infection does not occur by consumption of meat from a rabid animal.

Clinical signs of rabies in animals will vary depending on the effect of the virus on the brain. Typical signs include sudden behavioral changes and progressive paralysis leading to death. In some cases, however, an animal may die rapidly without demonstrating significant clinical signs.

Furious rabies:Animals may be anxious, highly

excitable and/or aggressive with intermittent periods of depression. With the loss of natural caution and fear of other animals and humans, animal with this form of rabies may demonstrate sudden behavior changes, and attack without warning or provocation.

As the disease progresses, muscular weakness, in coordination and seizures are common. Death results from progressive paralysis.

Dumb rabies:Animals with this form of rabies

may be depressed or unusually docile. The animal will often have paralysis, generally of the face, throat and neck, causing abnormal facial expressions, drooling and an inability to swallow. Paralysis may affect the body, first affecting the hind legs. The paralyses progresses rapidly to the whole body with

subsequent coma and death.

In humans, early signs can include fever or headache. As the disease progresses, symptoms may include confusion, depression, sleepiness, agitation or paralyses of the face, throat and neck.

Death generally results from progressive paralyses.

The disease may be suspected based on clinical signs, however, laboratory tests are required to confirm the diagnosis. Samples taken from dead animals must be sent to competent laboratories for diagnosis.

In countries where the disease is endemic, measures are implemented to address and reduce the risk of infection in susceptible populations (such as wildlife, stray, and domestic animals) and create a buffer between the animal source of the disease and humans. Important measures include,

• Surveillance and reporting

of suspected cases of rabies in animals

• Vaccination programs for

domestic animals • Research into disease

dynamics, vaccines and effective delivery mechanisms for the target population

Wildlife rabies control programs including vaccination( trap/vaccinate/release or delivery of oral vaccines)Population control and vaccination programs for stray animal populations.

Eritrea Profile, Saturday, 3 ocTobER, 2015 8

Today we meet Mr. Negash Mehari.

Life after the accident

I didn’t give up. After I healed from my multiple wounds I started school. I had all the support I needed to carry on from my parents, friends and the community. At that time I felt as if was my education was my only remedy. Though I tried hard I failed at the national general examination.

I felt as if that was the end of my life. The stress and sense of failure, at such a young age, was too much for me to accept and I was on the verge of losing my mind.

On his search of alternative

On the brighter side, I soon after regained my self-confidence and since then I told myself that nothing would ever be able to stop me from doing and living like everyone else.

I set my mind has been fixed on education. In 2000 I joined the National Union of Eritrean Youth and Students (NUEYS) and there I saw, the very alternative things I could do to lead a normal and stable life style.

I got the opportunity of getting several kinds of trainings on first aid and physical education, I worked for two years as a member of the executive committee of the NUEYS in Keren sub-zone and in other activities the union was organizing and at the moment I am working as a physical education instructor.

On his disability vis-à-vis physical education

I took physical education training for one and half years. After graduation I was assigned as instructor. Physical education especially gymnasium prevails to be a lot of time to be rather challenging and less comfortable than other sports, my aim was to make gymnasium something that my clients could enjoy.

Now, I work at the gymnasium every day from 7 to 9 in the evening. And during the day I am working as a manager in one private sector.

That means I have a rather tight schedule trough out my days. I am satisfied with how I am doing. I wanted to lead a normal life style and here I am!

On the importance of physical

education

I believe sport has significant importance in one’s life. It brings psychological stability and physical fitness.

I have seen that in me as I am a beneficiary on that matter. Though I found it hard at first, sport most definitely aided me in my physical and mental development.

His recommendation on parents with handicapped children

Parents with similar situation,

The power of I can do

Mr Negash Mehari was born in 1984 in ‘Shibet’ a small village not far from Keren. While he was at his elementary school education he encountered an accident. It was in 24th of May 1991, the day of the Eritrean independence; Negash and his friends were headed towards ‘Forto’ to greet Eritrean freedom fighters, when an explosive went off leaving him injured. He lost his sight, one leg and one hand. He works hard and he is a role model to many

and the overall atmosphere of fun, and the discipline of the large number of Eritreans, garnered the attention and admiration of many and the Eritrean riders had the best fan base in Richmond.

Dane Cash also said:

“…Debesay’s home country has had a marquee cycling season, with MTN-Qhubeka’s Daniel Teklehaimanot winning the mountains classification at the Critérium du Dauphiné, and then wearing the polka dots for a few days in the Tour de France. Eritrean fans have gone mad for cycling in the wake of the sudden global exposure, and Richmond provides the perfect opportunity to show off the national colors on the international scene…Racing fans might be surprised to discover that it is Debesay starting for Eritrea instead of Teklehaimanot. However, it was Debesay delivering the more consistent results across the year, and that’s what counts for both roster spot allotment and team selection. Eritrea earned several more spots at the under-23 level, with promising young rider Merhawi Kudus taking 11th in the road race…”

Daniel Teklehaimanot was

mentioned by many during the Richmond races. One artist inspired by his extraordinary performance in the Tour de France told a group of Eritreans that she was inspired by Daniel to create a sculpture that she hopes to finish soon and put on display at her gallery.

Eritrean fans were the talk to the town and in a27 September 2015 article, Ashley Halsey of the Washington Postwrote:

“…The global scope of cycling was underscored this week by a large and colorful contingent of fans from Eritrea. Draped in large Eritrean flags and waving small ones, they had come to celebrate the lone rider in the men’s final from their country, MeksebDebesay…At the end of the race, which he was unable to complete, they raised him to their shoulders and paraded at the finish line…”

That was a memorable moment for all and Paul Woody of the Richmond Times Dispatch caught up with the Eritrean fans at the end of the Elite race and described what he saw:

“…As happy as Peter Sagan was to have won the premier event in the UCI Road World Championships and as happy

Cycling Brings...continued from page 5

should never ever panic or stress over such encounters. I suggest that a follow up on regular basis, both in the physical and mental aspects, would help a great deal.

On his final thought

As a disabled I don’t sit expecting help from others. Disability should not deter any one from pursuing dreams, wishes and goals. Disability is not the end of life.

as the people of Slovakia were that Sagan won, neither was as happy as MeksebDebesay and the people of Eritrea…And those are the people who are in Eritrea and the thousand or so who lined the road course of downtown Richmond…There were maybe as many as 1,000 Eritreans in Richmond to watch the road course race of Worlds…But about 50 yards away, past a large team bus, there was a man standing inside a Honda CRV, his torso protruding through the sun roof as he waved his arms in rhythm with the sea of Eritrean flags that were waving along with him…My 36 years in the newspaper business told me that was where I needed to be…He was no more proud of them than they were of him…Their faces beamed with smiles.

“Thrilled” barely seems an adequate description of how Debesay’s countrymen, women and children felt…Imagine how they would have reacted had he actually finished the race…”

The reaction would have been pretty much the same…winning would earn them more points in the cycling world, but as far as the Eritreans were concerned, they were winners...they had won the hearts and minds of all…long before they came to Richmond.

Accepting what happened and try hard to overcome it is what is needed the most.

good luck!Thank you very much!

Yisak Yared