Vol. 23 No. 12 Wednesday, april 13, 2016 Pages 8, Price 2.00 NFa

East African advanced course on Pharmacovigilance and Risk Management convened on 11 April, at the Asmara Palace under the theme “safer drugs and vaccines to market by analyzing latest developments in PV, drug safety and risk management”.

The advanced course that will continue until 17of April is attended by professionals from the Sudan, Kenya, Burundi, South Sudan, Cape-Verde, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Morocco, Ghana, Nigeria, Arab Emirates, Afghanistan, Thailand, Sweden, the US and Switzerland.

In her opening speech in which senior government and PFDJ officials and Ambassadors took part, the Minister of Health, Ms. Amina Nurhusein said that Eritrea

Mr. Efrem Gebrekirstos, Governor of the Southern Region, called for the need to enhance effort in supervising mapped out national programs in general and preserving natural resources in particular.

In a meeting held on April 7 with department heads and district area

President of the NUEW, Mrs. Tekea Tesfamichael, disclosed the commendable achievements Eritrea has recorded in ensuring gender equality, which has proven exemplary to various countries.

Mrs. Tekea Tesfamichael made the remarks during her participation in the UN 60th Assembly of the Commission of Women Affairs which was held in New York from 14th -22nd March.

She also indicated that the experience Eritrean women gained in the struggle for independence has added impetus to the current progresses achieved in the national fight against Gender based stereotypical attitudes.

Different videos and commentaries were presented

51 disadvantaged youth from different sub-zones of the Maekel region graduated on April 7, 2016 following vocational training that lasted seven months.

The trainings focused on carpentry, metal works, management and accounting at the Sembel Wood and Metal Works factory.

The training was offered to help the youth improve their living standards.

is proud to host such an important course that gives priority to the health of the public.

She also pointed out that Adverse Reaction (ADR) has become the main cause for morbidity and mortality in the developing countries due to the lack of drug regulatory system. She further expressed appreciation for organizing the timely course that will help countries to develop their institutional capacity of monitoring and common understanding.

Dr. Mengis Baire, from the stakeholders and coordinators, said that Pharmacovigilance and Risk Management is one of the health sectors that need to be given due attention. He further reiterated that the African

countries should build a system and harmonize Pharmacovigilance and Risk Management practices to control falsified and sub-standard medicines by strengthening institutional capacity.

The advanced course which is organized in partnership with the Ministry of Health and WHO will provide a forum for internationally renowned and qualified persons, researchers, practitioners and educators to share experiences and discuss on the recent innovations, trends, opportunities as well as practical challenges encountered.Eritrea became associate member of the International Drug Monitoring in 2003 and full member in 2014. Eritrea is also rated one of the top drug reaction reporting.

AdvAnced course on PhArmAcovigilAnce

greAt Progress Achieved in gender equAlity in eritreA: nueW President

at the meeting that highlighted the struggle for gender equality in Eritrea and the achievements recorded thus far in the prohibition of FGM and the continuous campaigns against underage marriages.

Ms. Tekea Tesfamichael also met and discussed issues of relevance with members of NUEW in New York.

The manager of Sembel Wood and Metal Works factory, Mr. Michael Gebremeskel, also said that the courses were provided by experts in the field. “If put to practical use, the trainings will make a difference in their daily lives”, he added.

Chairman of NUEYS, Mr. Salih Ahmedin also said that the union will enhance the training programs along with partners for future successes.

vocAtionAl trAining offered to 51 youth

administrators, Mr. Efrem stressed on the significance of preserving natural resources and pointed out the need to thoroughly upgrade the society’s awareness regarding its preservation and thus transfer the norm to the next generation.

The Governor also said that punitive measures will be taken

upon those who violate the rules and regulations of the outlined plans.

Participants of the meeting on their part called for the need to promote awareness raising campaigns so as to enhance their responsiveness regarding the rules and proclamations.

southern region: governor urges for coordinAted effort in Preserving nAturAl resources

Eritrea Profile, Wednesday, april 13, 2016 Vol 23. No. 12 2

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acting Editor Amanuel Mesfunamme@zena.gov.er

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LayoutAzmera Berhane

Sara Alem

Kesete Ghebrehiwet

Eritrea has achieved the Millennium Development Goals with great success and received worldwide acclaim. What has so far been accomplished is incomparable with many African countries. Parallel to this, Eritrea has assured its commitment in the realization of Pharmacovigilance and Risk Management. For instance, the number of reports it continues to send to the WHO has ranked the country second from African countries. The comprehensiveness of the report makes Eritrea stand first among all African nations.

To strengthen its commitment and to share regional and international experiences, Eritrea is conducting an East African Advanced Course on Pharmacovigilance and Risk Management starting from 10-17 April 2016, which is the first of its kind in Africa, under the theme "Safe drugs and vaccines to market by analyzing latest developments in Pharmacovigilance (PV), drug safety and risk management Strategies in East Africa".

The regional advanced course is being carried out in collaboration with the Ministry of Health of Eritrea, WHO and other partners. In this course, more than twenty-four experts of the field from 17 countries mainly from Africa, Europe, America and Asia are attending.

Advanced Course on PV: Harmoniza-tion for efficient Drug Surveillance

The main objective of advanced course is to strengthen the regulatory system of the countries and to create a way forward for accelerating Pharmacovigilance harmonization in East and Horn Africa, while discussing the challenges and opportunities of drug safety related issues, according to Dr. Menghis Bairu, Founder and Chairman of Emeritus and Serenus Bioterapeutics.

In the opening ceremony conducted at the Asmara Palace Hotel, Dr. Menghis said that hosting such advanced courses in Eritrea reflects to what Eritrea has so far gained in the provision of fairly good healthcare service depending on its local resources. Noting that 35-40 % drugs exported to Africa are falsified; the course on PV and risk management is expected to prompt the East and Horn African countries to come together and build systems of combating and regulating PV harmonization, so as to avoid and minimize medicine harms.

Present on the opening session of the course, Ms. Amina Nurhussien, Eritrea’s Health Minister, said that the participation of internationally prominent experts in their respective domains positively adds to the prestige and value of the gathering. The Minister went on to say that the East Africa Advanced Course and Conference on Pharmacovigilance is very timely in the sense that it came

at a period when Eritrea is taking the necessary measures to build an effective Pharmacovigilance center.

As regards Eritrea’s commitment to public safety and international solidarity, the Minister said that Eritrea has joined the WHO Program for International Drugs Monitoring as a full member in 2012 and since then much has been done on Pharmacovigilance with remarkable achievements.

Dr. Josephine Namboze, WHO representative in Eritrea, gave remarks regarding the lack of harmonized and ineffective PV system in Africa. Such ineffective regulatory mechanisms continue to be the core reason for the distribution of falsified and sub-standardized medicines in the continent and is becoming the cause for health related complications, ultimately leading to deaths. To eradicate such occurrences and to further enhance the regulatory competence of healthcare professionals and to increase societal awareness, Dr. Josephine elaborated that the East African Advanced Course on Pharmacovigilance and Risk Management which Eritrea is hosting is highly crucial in tackling and taking immediate action against the distribution of unsafe medicines in the continent.

Stating that distribution of falsified medicine was highly seen

in Africa in 2015, Dr. Michael Deats, Medical safety, Surveillance and Monitoring systems on SSFFC Medical Products, WHO, presented a research based findings related to various ineffective drugs which are causing serious problems in the lives of African people especially on children. To overcome the problem, developing proactive Pharmacovigilance and Risk Management strategies in Africa is a timely mitigation measure is the opinion Dr. Michael shares with the participant of the course.

Concerning to the Eritrean PV status, Mr. Iyassu Bahta, Director of National Medicine and Food Administration in the Ministry of Health, highlighted the overview of Eritrea's achievement in establishing national PV center, capacity building, active surveillance and maximizing ADR detection and effective reporting system. He further pointed out that Eritrea is making steady progress in strengthening PV regulatory systems. The way forward for hosting such important course is to expand national integration and regional harmonization among African countries as well as at international level. How to build an effective PV system was presented by Sten Olsson, WHO Program Expert, Uppsala Monitoring Center, while Effective Communication in PV was delivered by Bruce Hugman, Uppsala Monitoring Center, Global Communications Team.

Assessment and Medical Evaluation of Individual Case Safety Report (Including practical case studies) was presented by Prof. Ambrose Isah, Consultant Physician and Pharmacologist and by Mr. Mulugeta Russom, head of Eritrea's Pharmacovigilance Center.

Mr. Mulugeta gave briefings as regards to side effects of anti-malaria pills based on a research conducted in Eritrea. He explained to the participants of the advanced course that Eritrea follows extensive and rigorous control mechanisms to assure its public safety mandate. So far, the country has registered commendable achievement and is looking forward to learn lessons from other countries so as to upgrade its PV system through being part of regional and international endeavor.

Risk and benefit balance of drugs is among the recurrent ideas extensively discussed in the current advanced course. Hence, the primary objective of such like course is aimed at ensuring public safety through sharing best practices among participant nations. Avoiding medicine related problems is the prevalent agenda of the course that is still underway at Asmara Palace Hotel. Reduction of potentially preventable drug related complications and the severe health problems that could emerge along with the usage of counterfeit products and the possible regulatory measures that should be taken is

what this course is all about.

The course was really a platform for PV related discussions and sharing of scientific approaches about the different medical practices and experiences among participant nations. Each presentation was followed by extensive deliberation which actually leaves no room for confusion. PV systems currently used in Africa, Asia, America and Europe were equally shared.

PV system optimization in East Africa through sharing best medical

continued on page 6

Eritrea Profile, Wednesday, april 13, 2016 Vol 23. No. 12 3Vol 23. No. 12 3Eritrea Profile, Wednesday, april 13, 2016

Mission: Making the Impossible Possible - Five Destinations in less than 48 hours

continued on page 6

Mela Ghebremedhin

Last Saturday, 5 a.m., I embarked on a short trip with the famous journalist Zainab Bedawi and her crew working on a documentary. While driving down the mountainous roads of Eritrea’s highlands, I am looking at the window and witness the fog hitting the mountains that makes you feel like you are on top of the world, women covered with their netsela are walking down the road and rushing to catch up the mass at the church nearby, young sportsmen and women on their running routine while young cyclists are sharing the road with us. The houses at the border of the road amaze our guests, in different colors from white, green to yellow, are in harmonious shape with the mountains… constructed for the railway and road builders during the time of Italian colonization while you can see the initial villages down the hill, in the valleys surrounded by the mountains of Durfo. Durfo, the romantic place of young Asmarino couples in search of privacy while enjoying the view and seeping a tea together.

The zigzag continues for another hour, passing by the towns of Nefasit, Dongolo Lalai and Tahtai, baboons cheering up on the side of the road while beehives and honey producers are advertising their honey and tempting drivers to stop and buy some… One of the important towns; Gindae’, is a place where Italians developed agriculture and gardens while being a transit point for merchants from the coastline towards Asmara. I see dwellers starting their daily routine while others embarked on the road with their camel… farmers accompanying their cattle to fertile areas and the heat of the lowlands

starts to be felt… Gindae’, during the armed struggle, was heavily bombarded especially between 1989 until independence, as Ginbar Gindae’ or Front Gindae’ was a key town for the liberation of Eritrea.

Almost done with the serpentine route when we reach Gahtelay, a small town right before Massawa port city where tourists and workers in transit take the time to sip a coffee and eat some fresh watermelon. We almost reach our first destination: Massawa. No time to rest, just the time to throw our bags in the hotel and the second after, we are on a boat to Dahlak Island. Dahlak Island, an important symbol of civilization and trade dating back to centuries. After more than an hour on a speed boat in which I feel we are going to fly, small islands and commercial boats along the way until the horizon opens up to a wonderful view between a light blue sea and white sand that makes one forget that it is more than 40 degrees C out there.

It is almost noon; the sun hits the ground of the island fearlessly. The Island of Dahlak Kebir, the biggest of its archipelago is home to more than 3000 inhabitants and can be compared to the Central Region in terms of surface. While driving on the island, one cannot see the ending point, small goats, donkeys and camels observed us while passing by.

We arrived in a small village, warm welcome by the elders rushing to bring us water and fresh fish from the Red Sea. Children, curious, are coming to greet us. We are welcomed by local dwellers, mostly Afar, young women in colorful clothing became shy because of our cameras while young and less young

proudly welcome us and invite us to their houses.

The people of the island seem to live in harmony and far away from the stress of urban life. Zainab is in her element and talking in Arabic to the elders. Most inhabitants are fishermen and traders between the port city of Massawa and also Yemen. Mr. Abdu Ahmed, the administrator of the villages in the surrounding is from the village called Derbushet, a village home to 1200 inhabitants. Mr. Abdu, whose forefathers migrated from Yemen and settled in the Island is Dahlaki who speaks the local Dahlik language as well as Afar, Arabic and Tigrinya. As a former teacher, the inhabitants elected him as the administrator of the island for two years. He explained how the daily life on the Island is; children go to school until 8th grade and, then, continue their studies in Massawa. There are two health centers on the island giving basic health treatments but as he said the island is not prone to many diseases.

Young men are traders and fishermen and bring about 2-3 quintals a day of fishes which are then sold in majority to the Massawa fishing Corporation. As we go around the island, we notice a number of water points all in their traditional shape. Interestingly, with the first settlers who are believed to

be Arab settlers built up 365 water points, which mean that one water point is used per day. I notice that right by the coast, the water is in light blue and warm. One of the elders of the community explains that the water in this specific area is known to be a remedy against joint and muscular pains.

While we continue visiting the island, we arrive to a historical site where tombstones as well as Arabic and Sabaeans scripts are written on stones. The immense site is a sign of the first inhabitants of the island and the first to embrace the religion of Islam. Awet, a young archeologist explains to me how the island is intertwined with the history of Adulis and Massawa. Indeed, soon after a short visit to the island and without noticing we are back to Massawa visiting the old part of the port city and the first ever mosque named the Sahaba Shrine founded in 615 AD. This small mosque in the middle of the free zone port is a symbol of the first Islamic holy place in the world and even prior the establishment of Mecca, which explains the reason why the shrine is not in the direction of Mecca.

12 hours later and I am in the car on the road from Massawa towards Adulis passing by Foro. Thanks to the newly built road, the trip is going smoothly that we arrive earlier than expected to Adulis. The archeologist

site located in the Northern Red Sea region was a port city and a key trading area but also a wanted location to different kingdoms and settlers. The first inhabitants of Adulis dated back to the 2nd millennium B.C., which is before the Axumite civilization. While walking around, we finally see some excavation and a byzantine-type of church of 10 to 18 meter square and dates back to the 5-6 century AD. Built in volcanic rock and stones, the church was standing on six pillars. The excavation is still undergoing but already, we can notice the work and signs of civilization of Adulis. Adulis, which was under the Axum, was a key trading point linking the Dahlak islands with the kingdom.

Dwellers arriving through Dahlak and Adulis managed to slowly go towards the highlands and thus, the road trip continues direction Qohaito through Mai Habar and the city of Adi Keyih. While driving back through the serpentine road, passing by Dekemhare, we then pass by a green valley where baobab trees are standing as pillars along the way towards the town of Segeneiti. The journey continues, passing by the beautiful modern building of Adi Keyih College of Arts and Social Sciences, I see that the Coptic Church, which was destroyed after bombing by the Ethiopian regime

Eritrea Profile, Wednesday, april 13, 2016 Vol 23. No. 12 4

Semir Seid

It may not seem timely to raise issues regarding weddings or the like at this time of the year, because a big portion of the Eritrean society are fasting, the Lent, and weddings are not very common at this season. However, I just needed an answer to one of the most common traditional wishes frequently used in the Tigrinya culture, ‘Meraka (ki) Yer’eyena’.

This blessing or we may call it a good wish, mostly comes from the elders and is usually attributed to the young ones, particularly those who are not married. In its rough translation, it means may God let me live long enough to see your wedding. Wedding is a religious and cultural bond that gathers people into families and societies. As it is known, it is an event that brings couples together and officially share a life journey. Many ways and means of weddings are practiced differently in different societies. Many wishes as well are communicated for couples by priests, monks, sheiks and elders in the communities, all for their good.

As a child I was humble and respectful to the elders. I delivered what I was asked, even children younger than I used to outsmart me over what they have been told to act by their parents. But, honestly speaking, I was the most loved one in the neighborhood among all the children. As a result, I used to get praised and wished well by old

‘Meraka (ki) Yer’eyena’…. people.

Eritrean elders are extremely generous when it comes to well wishing. If you, by any chance give them a hand, they are very quick to wish you well, besides they are very good at it. They genuinely utter their well wishes and that is more than anything one can possibly get in the society’s belief.

Back to the main issue of my topic, ‘Meraka(ki) Yer’eyena’, seems to my understanding, a bit double standard. In one way, it is a blessing especially targeting the young ones and marriage being a good thing, the elders are wishing them to get married and start a family. On the other hand, it seems to me that they are wishing themselves a life, long enough to see the wedding of the very young ones.

Very recently, I was alone at home getting ready to go see my friends, while doing so however, someone knocked the door to my house, and very reluctantly I went to see who it was. It was these couple I had never seen before, but I simply realized they were family when the man arrogantly asked, “Is this the house of so and so?” I replied agreeably, gasping and thinking that they would keep me late for my appointment. Unfortunately, I was home alone and I had to serve them some tea and something to eat, which of course would make me late for my appointment. They were from out of the city of Asmara and it would be very rude if I only

cared about my appointment. Soon after they had their meal, both of them appreciated my hospitality and effort in doing so to even offer them an after meal “kiyanti shahi” (local dialect for tasty sweet tea) and in return they start wishing me by the traditional saying of our fathers, “Meraka Yer’eyena”. I didn’t exactly know whether the wish was to me or to them. To be frank, I still don’t.

Another day after a pretty exhausting day from work, I was crossing one of the streets near my work and I suddenly heard my name from a van. I continued walking without recognizing who it was, but the driver stopped a little

away from me on the sideline. I wondered who the person might be, after exchanging a hand shake with the lady in the front seat. I threw my hand to the driver because he was the one who called my name. I was surprised to see that it was one of my very good friends during my 12th grade in Sawa. We had shared a lot of good times together.

I got in to the car so he would give me a ride home and chat about good old times along the way. When I reached my place, he told me that he is getting married in a couple of months with the lady sitting on his right side; I was happy for him. I said to myself, this should be the time where all these good wishes, especially the ‘Meraka Yer’eyena’ part was becoming a reality to my friend. Nowadays, it is becoming common to see the youth marrying at a young age. Good for them! But what if marriage is not a big deal for me in life, I mean not at least a priority? Instead I would rather stick with another wish, “HasabLbkaYesmrelka”, simply meaning, “May your wish be fulfilled”… This sounds fit to anybody, regardless of age, gender or status or whoever the wish is for.

The former wish however is still kept to be articulated and wished for young people in several traditional occasions, most commonly when younger ones pour water to elders to get their hands washed after they complete their meals or something.

Eventually, I cease to say Amen to wishes I don’t really accept, such wishes, while the elders still insist on me to respond, because it’s believed a wish left not responded by Amen would simply pass away from the person. There is also this fantasy in the tradition that sometimes even grown people take it for granted that they would get married, if they get more of such wishes and you notice them race for it in different customary events.

The month of January is a high season for weddings in our tradition. Most people and couples who plan to wed do it in this month and become married couples. Early age weds are very fashionable nowadays. Marriage has been a life contract as far as I knew, but this time it is just like business contract. You get the deal, once the operation is done, both get their shares and they call it a day. Finished! And what freaks me the most is that the wish “Meraka Yer’eyena” is dramatically increasing and working more effectively than any other time we have observed. This term of wish has been and still is used for centuries with nobody noticing its real implication. No offense, but it would sound much greater for all if those elders can adopt a new one as “Memereqtaka Yer’eyena” instead, which roughly translated as, “May I live enough to be on your graduation”. Fair enough for one. To lift up a highly struggling student on his studies, since most of us pass through school life.

Eritrea Profile, Wednesday, april 13, 2016 Vol 23. No. 12 5

Diaspora News

An African man from London was escorted off a Gatwick bound easyJet flight by armed police after another white passenger told crew she did not feel safe travelling with him on board.

Mehary Yemane-Tesfagiorgis, 34, who lives in North London, was told by the captain he would need to get off the plane shortly before it was due to take off from Rome’s Fiumicino aiport.

Mr. Mehary Yemane, who is of Eritrean heritage, said he felt devastated by the unfair treatment he received from easyJet cabin crew and the Italian police for the only reason that a fellow white passenger did not feel safe to board a flight with him who is black.

“I felt violated,’ he told ITV News London. ‘It was racial profiling and if she [the white woman] feels uncomfortable, she should get off the plane.”

Describing what happened, Mr Mehari Yemane said he had been

waiting for the plane to leave Italy when a member of cabin crew asked him to step forward.

“I was then asked to come to the front of the cabin where I was greeted by armed police. I was asked to leave the plane by the captain, when asked why? He explained: “A fellow [white] passenger has stated that she does not feel safe with you on board”.”

Soon after, the poor African man was taken to the airport’s police station where he faced more questioning by the Italian authorities.

“I was subjected to further questioning and intimidation by the Italian authorities before being left to sit in the airport for a further 15 hours.”

A spokesman for the budget airline said: “easyJet can confirm that flight EZY5258 from Rome Fiumicino to London Gatwick on 29 March 2016 was delayed due to the police requesting that

additional security checks were undertaken before departure.

“Mr. Yemane-Tesfagiorgis was questioned by the authorities as a result of another [white] passenger reporting concerns about his behaviour.

African man removed from easyJet flight to make White Passenger ‘feel safe’

“The safety and security of its passengers and crew is our highest priority and airlines have to take any security-related concerns seriously.

“easyJet re-booked Mr Yemane-Tesfagiorgis on the next flight

from Rome to Gatwick after the authorities confirmed they were satisfied he could travel.”

Mr. Mehary Yemane-Tesfagiorgis says he is seeking legal advice.

Source: www.tesfanews.net

Eritrean man from London, Mr. Mehary Yemane-Tesfagiorgis, was escorted from an easyJet flight by armed Italian airport police only because a fellow white passenger told cabin crew that she ‘didn’t feel safe’

with him on board. He said the incident was clearly a case of ‘racial profiling’

This past week, two Eritrean teenagers have become starting players in the Swedish Allsvenskan. They are both in the top ten list made by Swedish football journalists, for which players who will have their big breakthrough this year.

Alexander Isak became the youngest player for AIK, and the second youngest in Allsvenskan to score a goal. The youngster is only 16 years of age, and has been praised by his role model Henok Goitom. He scored his goal with number 36 on his shirt, Goitom’s old number at AIK.

Tesfaldet Tekie is another player who have made headlines in Sweden, after being picked as the player most likely to have his big breakthrough this year.

He has already been praised by former Chelsea and Tottenham manager André Villas-Boas, when his team IFK Norrkoping played against André Villas-Boas FC Zenit Saint Petersburg.

Tesfaldet Tekie came to Sweden from Eritrea when he was nine and is now 18 years old.

Two Eritrean Teenagers Making Headlines in Sweden

Eritrean teens alexander Isak and Tesfaldet Tekie, emerging soccer stars in SwedenBy: Eritrean Sports,

Eritrea Profile, Wednesday, april 13, 2016 Vol 23. No. 12 6

tB heAlth sensitizAtion cAmPAign conducted in dekemhAre

A health sensitization campaign on Tuberculosis conducted in Dekemhare sub-zone which pointed out the significant strides recorded in the decrease of the prevalence of the diseases in the sub-zone.

Mr. Yamane Haile, branch head of the Ministry of Health, Southern region said during the campaign that successes achieved are attributed to the increased awareness of the inhabitants in general and the students in particular.

He further indicated that the disease can be easily monitored provided the support of the general public is integrated and added that it is the responsibility of everyone to direct those infected to nearby clinics.

neWs BriefmAssAWA youth seminAr

A seminar on the role of well-trained youth in the nation building process was conducted in Massawa.

Mr. Oqubay Berhe, head of NUEYS Massawa branch, explained to youth workers that education plays decisive role in all developmental undertakings and thus the Eritrean Government has been giving utmost priority to this domain.

Mr. Oqubay further underlined that efforts have been exerted to increase awareness of the youth in various disciplines while equally stressing on the paramount importance of tripartite relation among people, government institutions and the PFDJ to that end.

Participants of the seminar on their part reaffirmed that they would work diligently in the efforts being exerted to nurture competent and dynamic youth.

meetings to reinforce teAching And leArning Process

Meetings aimed at reinforcing teaching and learning process, increasing enrolment of students as well as finding ways towards tackling challenges were held in the sub-zones of Gogne and Mensura.

Noting that numerous challenges still exist that continue to negatively affect educational output, Mr. Salih Saied, supervisor of educational excellence in Mensura sub-zone, pointed out that access to basic education has by far been expanding owing to the active involvement of teachers and communities.

Similarly, Mr. Dawed Hammid, Head of Education Ministry’s branch in Gogne Sub-zone, explained that the residents of that area have become beneficiaries of educational services in their closest vicinity.

Mr. Dawed further called on the parents and communities to play due roles in the efforts being exerted to boost students’ enrolment.

Mr. Ghebreslasie Negash, head of the social services department in the Gash-Barka Region on his part said that due attention should be given to the causes for the decline of students’ enrollment.

Book fAir Being held in different toWns

The Eritrean book fair that has been held at the Expo grounds from March 25th to 3rd of April is continuing in different parts of the country including in Mendefera, Massawa and Barentu under the theme, “Appropriate Books, for Successful Education”. The book fair will remain open until April 10, 2016. Mr. Efrem Gebrekrstos, Government of the Southern Region officially opened the ceremony in Mendefera town.

In a speech he delivered during the event, Mr. Ghrmay Gebru, branch head of the NUEYS in Mendefera underlined that reading is the foundation of knowledge and that knowledge is the source of happiness and pride. He also urged the society in general and the youths in particular to enhance their contribution in promoting the norm of reading in an enhanced manner.

Likewise, after opening a book fair in Massawa city, Mr Andenkiel Solomon, Director of Public Works Development Department in the Northern Red Sea region made briefings on the importance of reading to the society.

continued from page 3

Mission: Making the.....practices from around the world is what

Eritrea has been looking forward, and the launching of this extensive sharing of views as regards common and unique challenges related drug safety issue is a basic strategy in the efforts being exerted towards development and distribution of equality medicines.

In the pre-course meeting held on 10 April 2016, lessons about PV and risk management learned from various countries such as Burundi, Kenya, South Sudan, Cape Verde, Eritrea, Morocco and Afghanistan were presented.

In the discussions and sharing of experiences of 12 April 2016, topics such as Principles of Signal Detection, Signal Analysis and Signal Strengthening as well as From Signal to Action were presented by Prof. Eugene Van Puijenbrock, Clinical Pharmacologist and Head of the Science and Research Dept. Netherlands PV center and also by Mr. Sten Olsson. And

each presentation was extensively discussed.

In the afternoon session of the same day, Signal Detection Relevant to low income and middle income countries, by Mr. Sten Olsson, Effectiveness/Risk Assessment in Pharmacovigilance by Prof. Alex Dodoo, clinical pharmacologist, director, WHO-Collaborating Center for Advocacy and Training in PV, and finally Crisis Management in Pharmacovigilance by Bruce Hugman, Communications expert, Global Communications Team were the topics which the participants keenly attended and extensively shared views.

In the regional Advanced Course on Pharmacovigilance and Risk Management that would continue until 17 April 2016, experts from South Sudan, Morocco, Ghana, Burundi, Tanzania, Sudan, Kenya, Cape Verde, Nigeria, Afghanistan, Thailand, Switzerland, Netherlands, UK, UAE and the US are taking part.

continued from page 2

Advanced Course on....during the border war, is now restored. Adi Keyih, people walking around on this Sunday afternoon. A population mixed between Saho and Tigrinya ethnic groups. We are now rushing to Qohaito before the sun goes down.

Suleiman, a local dweller of Qohaito is patiently waiting on us. The time is not in our favor, the driver is showing his amazing skills on this difficult road. We have about 30 minutes before the sun goes down. Finally, we stop holding our breath and I see standing the famous pillars that I kept seeing on pictures for far too long. The pillars, which are encrypted in Gee’z language situated in the Southern Region, are known to be a pre-Axumite settlement. These edifices are parts of the Temple of Mariam Wakino. While the town of Senafe or formerly known as Metera, 15km from Qohaito, was a point of passage in which it is said to have an underground passage linking the area to Axum.

The first inhabitants of Qohaito date back to the fifth millennium BC and are situated close to the Eritrea’s highest mountain Emba Soira. Adulis is located on the east side of Qohaito and it is claimed to be a trade route between Adulis and Axum. Suleiman shows us how there is more to be found under as the earth as it sort of ‘resonate’ when you throw a stone or jump on it. Qohaito as one of the historical attractions of Eritrea is also sign of the great history of our ancestors as many other sites in the country.

The sun is now going down and we can finally enjoy the sunset as the mission was accomplished for Zainab and the whole crew.

This short but dense road trip gave a glimpse to the rich historical attractions Eritrea owns. Clearly, the fabulous and various landscapes between the highlands and lowlands, the different livelihood and the still untapped resources will be the booster to the tourism sector of the country in the next 25 years.

Eritrea Profile, Wednesday, april 13, 2016 Vol 23. No. 12 7

Photographers Corner

trees on the road! I appreciate the afforestation efforts. I didn’t see much green when I first came here and Eritrea had just gotten out of war. There is so much I have to learn. Billboards on the road that talk about health, HIV, maternity, social services, something like “bring your children to the hospital”. Things like this make me feel good, and give me insight to more stories to tell.

I notice tired faces especially in the country side but they come together as a community for simple pleasure. And for a hopeful future and they truly work hard together even if they are tired, taking pride in what they do. The life style is tough, the rhythm of life is not easy but I see children rushing to go to school, hopefulness again.

How you recycle impresses me even more it is so inspirational; there is this place in Asmara, Medeber, where people get all of the metal and material that they don’t use and the workers there, they bang it and hit it and put it in fire to make something new!

Colleges... Wow! There are more now! And one more thing that delights me: there is no more camps for displaced people, everybody is back home! I feel that there is a core, a core of structure. People here are highly organized. Organized to recycle, to plant trees, build dams and health centers, always together with care to one another: no matter the religion or ethnicity. Other cultures have little or none of this! What you have, it radiates! This is not a truth for many African countries or other

countries around the world.

I like going to bar Vittoria for cappuccino. And your walks … your walks are something else! Walking together with ease of one other, no fear, and ‘young life’ wow.

What would be the one exclusive thing that makes an impression to you?

Drug free, healthy mind- prosperous youth. Eritrean route to independence followed by fight for sovereignty and development is not easy, and it is mostly done by young people.

To be responsible at a young age, to be able to think outside of for a communal level is not an easy task. That is why we don’t see it everywhere.

“... like a boy looking after his goats”

Simple Pleasures: LaDuke and Eritrean ... Continued from page 8

Eritrea Profile, Wednesday, april 13, 2016 Vol 23. No. 12 8

How did it start? Your urge to travel around the world for inspiration.

I am also a teacher, so while teaching I became interested in women around the world that my students wouldn’t know about because they are mostly from Europe and the United States. I originally wanted them to experience what I experience every time I travel, so when I paint what I see while travelling I share the cultural comprehension I learn with people. I came to Africa while working for the making my book, I wanted to meet the Eritrean women and when I did, I was so surprised because they were the age of my daughter and some already were fighting for freedom! To learn that they had been fighting in the war for liberation and all there was to know about them, I was stunned. So, I travel to find stories to tell.

Simple Pleasures: LaDuke and Eritrean women’s narration“A flow of human energy, rooted to survival rhythms, rites of passage, and the expression of joy and sorrow, in peace

and war — these are the themes of my work.” Betty LaDuke

and to Eritrea?

My first visit was in 1994. That was when I first learned that the country had a lot of energy, that it suffered a lot but had more hope. I learned about the pride Eritrean people had in freeing the county from Ethiopian occupation and to form a state of their own. And the fact that so many young people were part of the process and paid their lives for their goal was fascinating for me.

I connected well with artist through their works, I comprehended the emotions of Eritreans. I felt like I had to come back and so I did in 1995 and joined the Asmara School of Art.

I found what I was looking for my second book in African woman artist, especially in Eritrea. Each country has its own issues to deal ith and to this extent the relevancy

of woman interested me most; the way Eritrean woman dealt with independence and sovereignty along with their vision is something i keep dear to y heart.

The second thing that captivated me as an artist, is Eritrean women artistry like loom weaving for example, and the culture at large.

You sketch a lot

I do sketch a lot. My sketches are part of my books: I watch, I sketch and I when I go back home I paint. I visited Eritrea 9 times from 1994 to 2002 and this one, this year, is mine tenth. Every time I learn something new I note it down in sketches. For instance I have sketches reminding me that Eritrean people have a strong will to endure, that they turn their suffering in to energy to go forward and that they are very helpfull to each other. I remember when I was here during the border war and saw how every single one contributed, you appreciate life and families, that you have your own hopes and aspirations … this is what I sketch about. This way, when I go back home I can easily remember not only how things looked but how they felt as well.

What technique do you use for your paintings?

My style … My style is peoples’ style. I have traveled widely around the world and I have learned so much from different communities so their style is my style. And I think that, in every place I go there is something new that I had never painted before. So my style comes from inside me, more like an interpersonal expression.

an example of one of your many works about Eritrea

‘The tree of life’; in the painting the woman is the center. The tree represents the Eritrean woman, it is strong and powerful and the

roots suggests Eritrean womens’ past: the war of liberation in terms of loss of life, but from her body springs a new life, the bird signifies this, the male and female figures signify a reaching for a better future... that is the story of the painting.

What do you do with your paintings of Eritrea?

I made two major exhibits: ‘Africa from Eritrea with love’ and the second one was ‘Eritrea-Ethiopia dreams of peace’. My paintings are usually very big, each one tells a story: the story begins with my love for the Eritrean people, women specifically, and your culture; I love Saho woman. I start with simple stories, like a boy looking after his goats, I enjoy the site of women celebrating together, coming together, eating and sharing food.

In 1998 during the war, I saw how women organized feasts for their children soldiers and fed them. i actually painted about it, ‘Eritrea Ethiopia Grandmothers Dreams of Peace’, it is found in New York City at UNIFEM, (United Nations Women’s Development Fund), and it is one of their permanent collection.

My paintings tell your story symbolically. I have a real passion for your harvesting tradition, the ritual behind it is beautiful, because it is actually the foundation of economy for people here, especially in the countryside. … What I do with my paintings of Eritrea? Well, I exhibit them in several places, for example: the Dallas Museum of Art in Texas, the Chicago Field Museum; it is a very big museum it normally doesn’t show art but Eritrea was a new experience for them so they gave me a big space. The Hampton University which is

African American College so the theme of my work was very much accepted by the African American community. Also, children’s museums, like for example, in Washington DC, many people from the Eritrean community in the US participated. Pen State University is a sport university but they have a very good art gallery, so I had my exhibits there too. Eritreans in different universities are always happy to see these paintings in which their identity is reflected. And so my works become not only something that is enjoyable esthetically but also a source of educational experience.

For the most part people don’t know the right image of Eritrea, so I have to tell the right one, and I do it through my art.

In some ways I appreciate coming back after 14 years, I have a retired friend in Weki for example that I went back to visit and there, I saw smoke and he tells me “they’re cleaning the garbage”. I have never heard of cleaning the garbage! Eritrea even banned the use of plastic! It is so terrific.

Now that you are back…

I am impressed! Trees, so many

Visionary artist Betty LaDuke is highly acknowledged for playing an exceptional role not only in American women’s art but also women artist around the world. She creates exquisitely inspiring art that interprets the humble realities of women worldwide.

She is a long-time friend of several Eritrean artists; starting from 1994 up to now. She paints of Eritrea, Eritrean women and their artistic virtuosity: like loop weaving for baskets, food containers, carpets, and just so much more that we traditionally use on daily basis and we don’t consider as ‘fine arts’ since to us it is a way of being, but to Betty is aesthetic. Eritrean culture, virtues, history and more traits of Eritrean people have all been for a long time an inspiration to Betty’s art. We had the greatest pleasure talking to Betty; she says she travels in order to find stories to tell of in her paintings.

It is quite obvious, at least by the number of painting she painted of Eritrea, that she is fond of Eritrean stories, let’s find out why on today’s Q&A.

Billion Temesghen

Betty LaDuke

‘The Tree of Life’ Continued on page 7