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New Lives in a New Land - Chaldean Community Foundation

New Lives in a New Land
The Chaldean Community Foundation’s Campaign to Build a Strong Community
A people in crisis
Since the war in Iraq began in 2003, Chaldeans (Iraq’s
indigenous people, Eastern Rite Catholics) have lived a
precarious existence. Chaldeans are an ancient Christian people
whose ancestral homeland includes the Nineveh Plains in
northeastern Iraq with the city of Mosul at its heart. Chaldeans
and other Iraqi minorities have been persecuted by radical
extremists and most recently by Islamic State terrorists.
Unfortunately, history is repeating itself. These minorities were
subjected to the same type of persecution a hundred years ago at
the hands of the Ottoman Empire, during which an estimated
400,000 Chaldeans/Assyrians were killed.
Once again these persecuted peoples have been forced to leave their homes, their jobs and
most of their possessions and take refuge in camps in Iraqi Kurdistan, Turkey, Lebanon
and other countries in the Middle East. While in these camps, refugees are not allowed to
work or go to school. More than a million Chaldeans have fled Iraq and are living as
displaced people around the world. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
(UNHCR) is working to resettle Chaldeans to other countries, a process that can take
several years. Meanwhile, people languish in overcrowded, unheated camps with poor
sanitation and no opportunity to provide for themselves or their families.
The violence against Christians in the Middle East escalates daily. In February 2015, the
extremist group known as ISIS or ISIL drove thousands of Chaldean Syriac Assyrians
from their villages in northeastern Syria and took as many as two hundred people hostage.
Actions like these will continue to increase the flood of displaced people seeking refuge in
other countries.
Portrait of a Refugee
Emad fled Iraq with his wife and three children and arrived in the United
States in November 2013. He grew up in Qaraqosh, a Christian village
that was captured by ISIS this past June. In Iraq, Emad was a teacher,
a painter and a cartoonist. His cartoons, which were published in local
newspapers and on the Internet, reflected his pro-democracy liberal
views. His views made him a target of threats and he was forced to take
his family and flee.
Emad and his family have found a home in the Chaldean community in
Southeast Michigan. He has a job working as a dishwasher in a
restaurant and his children go to school. “I want for my children to grow
up in a society that values human life,” he said.
Now Emad is no longer afraid that the cartoons he publishes will make orphans of his children.
Thanks to Michigan’s established Chaldean community, many refugees are seeking
resettlement in the United States. More than 30,000 refugees have arrived in Michigan
since 2007, with approximately 400 Chaldean refugees continuing to arrive each month.
A safe harbor for weary refugees
In 2011, the Chaldean Community Foundation (CCF) opened a small supportive services
center in a strip mall in Sterling Heights, Michigan. The CCF, a 501(c)3 organization and
the charitable arm of the Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce, located the Refugee
Acculturation Sustainability and Training (RAST) office in Sterling Heights because it was
close to where many of the recent Chaldean refugees had found housing. The CCF
expected to serve about 400 people a year by coordinating English as a second language
(ESL) classes, organizing job training, providing access to health care and helping refugees
gain their independence and become less dependent on state and federal assistance.
Instead of serving the anticipated 1,600 people over the last four years, the center’s staff
have provided assistance to ten times that amount as more than 16,000 individuals walked
through the doors for
assistance in 2014 alone.
RAST caseworkers
provided the following
services during the 2014
fiscal year (November 1
to October 31):
Filed 4,034
RAST clients at an ESL class
Conducted 1,168 job
placement interviews and placed 345 clients in full-time jobs (a placement rate of
Enrolled 203 students in ESL classes
Provided $92,000 in auto loans through the Chaldean Loan Fund program
Arranged free medical services for 231 patients
Provided 2,600 no-cost prescriptions valued at $12,000
All this with office space and a staff designed to serve a maximum of 400 people a year!
With the needs of current refugees, CCF must expand both services and facilities to meet
demand. Because of the quality of service provided by the CCF staff, more than 15% of
the walk-ins are non-Chaldean and everyone who walks through the door is assisted.
Expanding capacity to meet the rising tide
The CCF and Chaldean leaders throughout the community are committed to providing
assistance both to refugees already living in our region and to the thousands on their way
here from the war-torn Middle East. To serve these people quickly, minimize additional
suffering, and help them recover their dignity and independence, we need to expand our
We are launching a $5 million comprehensive campaign that
seeks support from corporations, foundations and individuals.
With these additional resources we will:
Construct an 11,500-square-foot community center in Sterling
Heights – $3 million
The new Chaldean Community Center will be the new
home for a range of support services for Chaldeans,
refugees and others who seek assistance with
immigration, housing assistance, free or reduced-cost
medical and mental health care, ESL and acculturation
classes, assistance and advocacy for special needs
refugees, and many more services that help vulnerable
people stabilize their lives and become self-sufficient once again.
The Community Center will serve as a gathering place not only for refugees but
also as a place where Chaldeans from around the region can come together and
share their experiences and traditions.
The center will be the first of its kind in this region for the growing Chaldean
population that just ten years ago had four Chaldean Catholic churches and now has
twelve. The region has also seen its population grow from 75,000 to 150,000. The
center will allow the community to become more proactive to the growing needs of
the Chaldean community both locally and abroad.
Strengthen the Chaldean Loan Fund – $1 million
Since it began in 2013, the Chaldean Loan Fund has extended $92,000 worth of
loans to Chaldean refugees. Modeled after the Hebrew Free Loan, the Chaldean
Loan Fund is designed to provide low-interest car loans and scholarships to
community members for the purpose of purchasing used vehicles, starting a
business or furthering their education. With a reliable car an individual can get to
their job and support their family. With a small loan, individuals can start a
business and begin earning an income. By furthering their education, people will
have an opportunity to reach for a brighter future. The loans may be small but they
are often a critical first step toward becoming independent and free of public
By growing the Chaldean Loan Fund we will be able to help more refugees earn a
living and strengthen their independence. Currently, the loan fund has mainly been
providing vehicle loans for individuals who have found jobs with the assistance of
RAST. It will grow to provide loans for small business startups to support
entrepreneurship in a community that already owns more than 15,000 businesses in
the state of Michigan.
Develop permanent housing for resettled refugees – $1 million
The CCF is working with local and state agencies and developers to finance a $10
million housing project to provide permanent homes to resettled Chaldeans and
other Iraqi refugees. The project would include 100 or more units and include a
community center that could also provide support services to refugees.
The Foundation is in the process of seeking an appropriate site and securing
financing for this large-scale project to house the growing number of refugees. As
soon as a site is selected, the Foundation intends to build a village that will attract
many Chaldean bakeries, restaurants and coffee shops. One area being considered
has been known historically as Chaldean Town and is located on 7 Mile and
Woodward in Detroit.
Currently the CCF has more than 1,100 people on a waiting list for long-term
housing. With the increasing number of refugees arriving each month, the waiting
list is expected to grow.
Together we can do so much more
The Chaldean community has welcomed the new arrivals by opening their homes,
volunteering their time, and making individual contributions. Members of the Chaldean
American Association for Health Professionals have given their time and professional
services, St. Thomas Chaldean Catholic Diocese provided matching funds to the Chaldean
Loan Fund, and the Adopt-A-Refugee-Family have raised more than $5
million to aid displaced refugees throughout the Middle East and more recently those who
have been impacted by the Islamic State. But the tide of refugees continues to rise and
daily swamps the available resources.
In the 1920s Chaldeans arrived in Metro Detroit drawn by jobs in the automotive industry.
A second larger wave of Chaldean immigrants arrived in the 1960s when Saddam
Hussein’s Baath party came to power in Iraq. Before the current wave of refugees, our
region’s Chaldean population was more than 121,000 strong. Chaldeans are entrepreneurs
and business owners, doctors and lawyers. They own more than 15,000 businesses and
contribute hundreds of millions of dollars annually to our local economy.
Our goal is to help the current wave of Iraqi Christian and Chaldean refugees become as
independent and productive as members of the established Chaldean community have
proven to be. We can no longer manage alone. We are seeking assistance from
corporations, foundations and individuals from across southeast Michigan. Together we
can do so much more.


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1st Crownhill Scout Group
Crownhill, Plymouth
Endeavour Hall
Registered Charity Number: 0301213
26 May 15
Welcome and Introduction
Attendance and Apologies for
The chairman opened the meeting at 1915 hrs and District Commissioner,
Sue Hoskin, opened the proceedings by thanking the leadership team for
their efforts and congratulating recent recipients of awards.
Jon Creswell
Isobel Hope
Angie Thorne
Lucy Holder
Simon Holder
Jill Caskey
Rachel Hembury
Sally Walker
Martin Jarrold
Robert Anniss
Heather Oldham
No action.
No action.
Sam Duffield
Simon Weaver
Brandon Wearne
Amanda Anniss
Rob Cowell
Minutes of AGM 2014
Jo Noden
Helen Parry
Lisa Samphire
Jason Rickard
Kevin Choak
Sandra Oxton
Steve Bull
The minutes for the May 2014 AGM were endorsed as an accurate record.
There were no outstanding actions.
No action.
Proposed: Simon Holder
Seconded: Rob Anniss
Chairman’s Report
The chairman summarised his report which is below and made special
mention of Sam Duffield who has achieved his Queen’s Scout award.
No action.
Treasurer’s Report
The treasurer presented her report to the AGM which is set out below.
Heather summarised the following:
No action.
GSL Report
Section Report – Beaver
Section Report – Cub Scouts
Section Report – Scouts
Section Report – Explorer
Nomination of GEC
Nomination of Auditor
Requirement for new
Secretary, Beaver Treasurer
The current assets of the Group are £9,919.94 excluding £5,820
which is part of the Endeavour Restricted funds
This is an uplift in Group funds of £773.01, this is mainly due to
the increase ‘Hall Hire’ from £700 to £1000 and the reduced
building insurance from £1355 down to £532.
We have a reduced income from subscriptions as almost half of
all subs is paid in capitation.
Rachel’s report is below and she proposed a vote of thanks for the hard
work that has been put into the tidying and painting the tired hut by Jason
Rickard. The proposal was unanimously carried.
Summarised by Rob Cowell. It was acknowledged that he is standing down
as the Monday Beaver Leader. We also need a Beaver Treasurer.
Summarised by Simon Weaver. It was acknowledged that Simon will be
leaving to return to Kent and sadly standing down as CSL.
Thanks were offered to Sarah Dent for her hard work as Treasurer.
Summarised by Simon Holder with thanks to Steve Bull who has changed
all the badges over to the new system.
Summarised by Rob Anniss with thanks to Sally Walker for doing the
The Chairman, GSL and Treasurer will remain in post. The post of Group
Secretary is now gapped following the departure of Kev Choak.
Rob Anniss highlighted that the Section leaders should attend the GEC.
David Green was confirmed as the Group Auditor.
It was agreed that these posts would be advertised and that Rachel would
have a conversation regarding reorganisation of leadership teams.
No action.
Newsletter and
Website/FB to
advertise for new
Leader and Section
No action.
No action.
No action.
Newsletter and
Website/FB to
advertise for new
Group Secretary.
and beaver Leader.
Forecast of Events
Floor will be put down 27 July 2015 – 31 August 2015 – need to
ensure the Martial Arts group are aware.
Endeavour hall upgrade:
Ongoing – The painting has now been approved and
will be started.
Review of the quote for the electrics – Phase one is
to ensure the boards are replaced.
Proposal to raise
Two more leaders are to be assessed for their Nights’ Away
Permits which will provide more variety of camps.
Proposal to increase subs to match capitation on a one third/two thirds
basis was suspended. All present felt that to increase subs would cause
problems for many.
It was decided that fundraising would be a priority and the
need for a fundraising team to take this on needs to be
Endeavour Hall Upgrades
No action.
Chairman to take
Issy made a suggestion regarding the opportunity to have a stall
at the Central park monthly
Crownhill Fort may also provide another avenue for revenue.
The chairman update the AGM on the Endeavour Hall project. The GSL
highlighted the growth through the new decking which indicated a lack of
membrane. The Chairman engaged with the builders after the meeting to
ensure that this was rectified.
Executive Board – Explorers would like to be invited to the next
meeting (TBA) to discuss badges logos etc.
Chairman noted this and would ensure that representatives
from each section would be invited to attend.
T Shirts. Group to push, these will be advertised on the
website, FB and through Group newsletters. In the meantime
the initial purchased will be paid for. The chairman highlighted
that there was no hurry and the design was established.
The chairman thanked all those in attendance for their continued support
and close the meeting at 2005 hrs.
No action.
Jon Cresswell
1st Crownhill Scouts
us on Facebook.
1st Crownhill Scout Group is a community run, maximum fun, zero profit, satellite of The Scout Association . The group operates
with a strict zero tolerance for bullying. Please contact us on Facebook, Website, Email or ask a leader face-to-face if you have any
The centenary year was marked with great style and a fantastic whole Group Camp on Dartmoor.
The Jeka camp in Switzerland was a great success and Sam Duffield became the Group’s first
Queen’s Scout in over 20 years. The finances of the Group are in good order, the website looks
great and the Facebook page allows much greater interaction and publicity. With around 150
scouts we can be proud of being one of the strongest groups in the District with a programme to
match enabled by enthusiastic, skilled and committed volunteers without whom the great
adventure of Scouting would not function. I am hugely grateful and humbled by the time and
energy that the leadership team devote to delivering the benefits of scouting to young people and
enable and sustain 1st Crownhill. I pay particular tribute to Roo, our GSL and Heather, our
treasurer, and while expressing sadness at Kev’s departure as Group Secretary, we send him our
best wishes and many thanks for the hard work that he gave to the Group. The work that Roo has
invested into Compass deserves special mention.
We can be proud to have played our part in the life of the city with one of our Explorer’s playing a
central role at the recent VE Day commemoration and we will look to continue this profile. Some
upgrade work has been done to the Endeavour Hall and there is more to follow which will include
a full paint job and a new sign. Above all, our watch words must be simplicity and fun. We have a
meeting place, lots of usable space nearby including Crownhill Fort with whom I think we can
develop a better relationship, Bircham Valley and of course the wilds of Dartmoor which we must
exploit. With such assets on our doorstep, what more can we ask for?
We need to have a look again at our fundraising and subscriptions and also raise our publicity but
in the main the future looks great. Thank you once again to all our volunteers, the parents and
families that support us and of course the scouts themselves whose characters enrich our lives as
much as we hope scouting enriches theirs.
Yours in scouting!
Jon Cresswell
Fun, Friendship, Challenge, Outdoors
Join the Adventure with 1st Crownhill Scouts
Victory in Europe Day in Plymouth
On a windswept evening on 8th May 2015, the Right Worshipful, Lord Mayor of Plymouth, Councillor Mike Fox, in the
company of the Deputy Lord Lieutenant for Devon, the Honourable Mr George Lopes and the Commander of
Devonport Naval Base, Commodore Ian Shipperley, led a small group of veterans, civic leaders, commando gunners,
scouts and guides to light the Victory in Europe Day beacon on the South West (Royal Charles’) bastion of Her
Majesty’s Fortress upon the Hoe, The Royal Citadel. The weather was reasonably kind with some drizzle and a
reasonably brisk southerly blowing in from the Channel.
The aim was to commemorate the end of the Second World War in Europe in a simple but fitting ceremony which
reflected on the past and the suffering and destruction wrought on the people and city of Plymouth but also express
thanks for 70 years of peace in Europe and look to a bright future. The Padre of 29 Commando Regiment Royal
Artillery, the Reverend Karl Freeman, opened with prayers of thanks and remembrance before the Right Worshipful
Lord Mayor of Plymouth gave the main address which harked back to dark days for the city. He concluded by
requesting the beacon be lit upon which Sergeants Langton and Burnett of 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery
ignited the gas powered beacon in the shape of a ‘V for Victory’ which duly illuminated the night sky above Plymouth’s
Hoe, the scene of celebration in 1945.
Explorer Scout Jacob Rowe of 1st Crownhill Scout Group read ‘Children in wartime’ and Girl Guide Emma James of 1st
Crownhill Guide Company read ‘Voice of the Mighty Eighth’. The service concluded with the Lord Mayor leading the
party from the Battlements to the traditional air of Commandos returning to barracks at the end of the day; the Black
Bear transitioning into Scotland the Brave which harks back to their training grounds in the Highlands.
Treasurer’s Report 2014/2015
Bank Interest
Gift Aid
Fundraising Expenses
Capital Equipment
Other Income + JEKA remainder
Total Income
Total Expenditure
Overall for the year an increase of
Income 2012-13
Income 2013-14
JEKA Remainder added into other
Income 2014-15
Endeavour Income
Armed Forces Community Covenant
Norman Family Trust
Endeavour Expenditure
Building work
Endeavour Restricted Funds
The Total Income was £10,802.02 and the Total Expenditure was £10,029.06 with a excess income for the year of
£773.01. This is mainly due to the increase ‘Hall Hire’ from £700 to £1000 per year and the reduced building insurance
from £1355 down to £532. We also have reduced income from Subscriptions as almost half of all subs is paid in
Gift Aid ‘Sign-up’ is strong along with claiming Gift Aid on Bag Packing over £2000 was claimed from the Inland
All sections are using excel spreadsheets which are used to reconcile the income and expenditure in each team
against the bank balances. There are still issues reconciling camps as they often stretch over more than one term,
year or section.
The total current assets of the Group is £9,919.94 which was made up of
Bank accounts
Unbanked Cash/Cheques
Uncleared Cash/Cheques
Current Assets
Endeavour Project – restricted funds
I would like to thank Judith Gorvin, Sarah Dent and Jill Caskey who do a fantastic job taking care of the section
Heather Oldham
Group Treasurer
GSL Report 2015
As another year passes it seems hard to reflect on the highlights of the year as its all been amazing. The passion and
dedication of the leaders, young leaders and support for sections has undoubtedly contributed to yet another
successful year of Scouting. I cannot thank you enough for your tireless and at times thank less efforts.
2014 was our Centenary year which saw the Group send 31 Cubs, Scouts, Explorers and 6 leaders travel to
Switzerland for 10 days of fun and activities. Daily Facebook postings of Mountains, ice snow and smiles gave us
regular updates and assurance. I’m sure on behalf of all parents I cannot thank Amanda and Rob for the time and
effort that was spent organising it. Equally, to those leaders and Jill Caskey who supported and gave up their time. I
believe the time and effort fund raising was so worthwhile if not character building.
We also had a 100 years Camp at Walkhampton where we had 104 people attend. I think one of the biggest camps to
date. Just a fantastic experience where we saw the Beavers join us overnight and the Explorers demonstrate
leadership skills that they didn’t know they had. Leaders from all sections attended and we even had past Leaders join
us for the Camp Fire. A wonderful way to celebrate the values of Scouting and what the Group means to us.
We have achieved many things over the year as the reports will reflect so again I can only reiterate my thanks.
Looking forward we have been extremely successful in obtaining a grant which has seen the start of the hut
renovations and making it a far warmer and safer place to be in. The outside has undergone a transformation the
garden is coming along nicely and the Beavers have started planting. We now have a small pond, a bug house and
even a new home for any homeless hedgehog. That coupled with a multitude of bird boxes on the wall which the Cubs
have built for their DIY Badge. Altar fires have now been built – Thanks Si and Jas they are things of beauty which will
no doubt be used in the summer by the Group. I must admit its beginning to be the vision that we all shared.
I must add that we have our own Borrower Jason who has been recycling, nailing, sanding and painting the hut and in
general doing so much to tidy the tired old building. It is looking great and on behalf of the Group I would like to
express our thanks.
We also have regular income from the Model Railway Club and the Martial arts Group which is certainly helping the
income. Sadly we do not have much fund raising going on which is what we need. This is something I would like to
encourage in the coming year we need more parental interaction and are looking at ways to do this. Resurrecting the
Horse or Reindeer racing is just a thought.
Numbers have remained consistent and all sections are growing. Thanks you too all that were involved in the Census
– Compass has proven to be a difficult tool to work with and still has many teething problems.
As always time to say welcomes and goodbyes. Welcoming Brandon and Lucy to Monday Beavers. Jo and Izzy to the
Cub section and Chris to the Friday Beavers. All are starting towards their Woodbeads.
Goodbye to Kev Choak as secretary and Rob Cowell who will be leaving Beavers.
Roo Hembury GSL
Beaver Section Report 2014/2015
The Beaver section continues to prosper and is always well attended on both evenings, Friday and Monday sections
currently both have 18 invested beavers. The majority of our beavers have moved onto cubs all achieving their Chief
Scouts Bronze Award, whilst there have been many new recruits.
Since our last AGM the Beavers have had the opportunity to have our first outdoor sleepover, being invited so the
whole group could celebrate our 100th year to the Centenary Camp at Walkhamton. This proved to be a wonderful
experience for the Beavers to not only feel part of the group but to share in all the activities, from fire lighting, Morse
codes to singing around the camp fire.
This Summer term we strive to be out and about as much as possible, Beaver Olympics a firm favourite is back on this
list of things to do. Wall climbing at the YMCA and trips to Plymbrige and Saltrum introducing geo-caching to our new
younger children. We have been introduced to a beaver section from New Zealand and we are looking forward to
receiving post any day soon.
Though we aim to bring a fun and exciting programme it would appear that simple junk modelling and creating our
own stories are just as enjoyable to the children.
This year the Monday section did lose Lee-Anne (aka Magpie) due to changes in circumstances. Rob Monday leader
has since been joined by Brandon (aka Thumper) and Lucy (aka Bambi). Brandon and Lucy have been providing
great support and are growing into the section very well; running evenings and injecting great ideas.
Fridays team welcomes Chris otherwise known as Otter who now with Lee aka Eagle delivers the weekly programme.
With Sandra and I still on hand we feel now is the time for us to step back and embrace new leaders bringing
knowledge and skills to the group.
I would like to say thank you to Sandra Lee Tara and now Chris in helping to plan and deliver a balanced programme.
Judith who managed our finances and of course Rachel who even when unwell kept us all ticking.
Lisa Samphier (Fawn)
Cub Report
This year at 1st Crownhill Cubs we have had a consistent numbers of around 20 Cubs attending on both nights. The
Cubs section has a full complement of uniformed leader with Thursday Cubs having Simon Weaver, Jo Noden, Angie
Thorne and Alex Hawkins. Wednesday Cubs currently have Helen Parry as the Cub Scout Leader and she has
uniformed support from Martin Jarrold and Sam Duffield with Isobel Hope hoping to become a uniformed leader when
her DBS check comes through. As ever a massive thank you to the leaders for all of the time and effort that they put
into the planning and running of meetings.
This year we have started to use Online Scout Manager. This is beginning to make the paperwork more simplified and
is helping with the administrative work that needs completing over the year. Having all of this digitalised has helped
improve productivity within the section.
This Scouting year kicked off with the trip to celebrate our 100 years of Scouting in 1st Crownhill. Simon and Helen (as
Cub leaders) took some of the Cubs to Switzerland. We spent a week in Adelboden enjoying the stunning scenery
and the brilliant activities organised by Rob and Amanda Anniss. Sincere thanks to them for their hard work in
organising such a wonderful trip for us all.
The weekly pack nights in the autumn term started off with a number of hikes around Dartmoor, this was followed by
the chef’s badge where the cubs tried cooking a stir fry and made trifles. After this we held the usual Halloween disco
and finished off the autumn term with disability awareness and Christmas crafts.
The Cubs had a change to the usual Christmas camp at Piers Cellars this year due to the standard of the facilities not
being up to expectations and therefore a change of scenery was decided upon. Christmas camp this year moved to
Princetown, to a site called Bachelors Hall. It was a beautiful site and a very successful camp run by Angie Thorne.
There was a turnout of about 26 Cubs with a couple of young leaders and as always strong support from the leaders.
We enjoyed surveying the river running past the site, making Christmas decorations and cards, shelter building and
decorating the location to get everyone in the spirit of Christmas. The camp also had a very successful campfire
complimented by Simon and Helen dressed as Father Christmas and a snowman. As always these opportunities
couldn’t be accomplished without the strong leader support.
In the spring term the Cubs worked towards their home safety, road safety and personal safety badges. This
included visits to the fire station, learning how to call 999 for help amongst other activities. During the term we also
took part in the District Unihoc tournament where we all had a good time, despite not managing to produce a full team.
However, with the assistance of the other packs who lent us a player or two we managed to come first which was very
uplifting for the cubs which had turned up to support 1st Crownhill.
The cubs decided they wanted a sleepover style night with sleeping bags and popcorn so they got it. We sat down in
the hut in our sleeping bags and watched the Jungle Book explaining to them the cub leader names along the way.
This was enjoyed by all and was a great opportunity. The cubs also enjoyed rifle shooting which was kindly run by
Rob Anniss.
During this summer term we plan to work on the world challenge badge, naturalist badge, backwoods cooking badge,
DIY badge and the Artist Badge. It will be a very busy term which has already started to fly by. We have built bird
boxes and enjoyed walking around Plymbridge woods building shelters and working towards our naturalist badge. We
took part in the St. George’s day parade with a healthy turn out to renew their promises.
We have plans for another camp in July for the Cubs which will allow two leaders to hopefully achieve their nights
away permit and we have the tug of war coming up.
It is with a sadness that I must inform you that Simon has now finished his final year at the University of Plymouth and
has found a job back in Kent. This means he will no longer be able to be the Cub Scout Leader on a Thursday but we
wish Simon all the best in his future endeavours and hope to see him again in the future.
A big thank you goes out to everyone who has helped keep 1st Crownhill cubs going this year. We are pleased to
welcome to our new treasurer Sarah Dent and very great thanks to Judith for her previous support. Thank you for all
of the parental support, cheering our teams on and transporting equipment, but especially to all the leaders for their
commitment throughout the year. Let’s hope we have many more happy years of Cub Scouts at 1st Crownhill and an
even better 2015-16.
Scout Section Annual Report – 2014/2015
Numbers in the Troop have remained fairly constant over the past twelve months averaging out at about 20. Cub
Scouts continue to move in to the Scout Section and Scouts likewise are moving on in to the Explorer Section.
It was a good year for the Chief Scout’s Gold Award – the highest Award in the Scout Section – as two were earned
earlier in 2015. To gain the Gold Award is an outstanding achievement and is the result of many hours of dedication to
perform and undertake a wide range of tasks and activities and attend various events. The recipients were Morgan
Anniss and Sam Burston. Well done to both of them and best wishes for their future in Explorer Scouts.
Training/Badgework within the Troop at the Tuesday Evening Meetings was largely superseded due to the major
project of Go-Cart construction. However, Training/Badgework was not neglected and throughout the year many
Challenge Awards and Activity Badges were gained. Challenge Badges awarded were 9 Adventure, 2 Creative, 5
Global, 1 Promise, 1 Outdoor and 1 Outdoor Plus. Activity Badges were nineteen assorted Nights Away (1 one, 1 two,
3 fives, 4 tens, 4 fifteens, 3 twenties, 2 thirty-fives and 1 fifty), fourteen Hikes Way (1 one, 6 twos, 5 fives, 1 ten and 1
fifteen), 3 Sports Enthusiasts, 3 Physical Recreations and 1 Water Activities. A grand total of 76 Challenge & Activity
Badges plus 2 Chief Scout’s Gold Awards.
Throughout the year the Scouts were involved in many different activities and events of which the main one was the
building of the Go-Carts. Each Patrol undertook the task of constructing their own Go-Cart – four altogether. After
several weeks of planning and designing materials were eventually assembled and the construction began. Thanks to
Simon and Jason a huge array of tools was made available to the Scouts and under supervision and with safety
instruction many of the Scouts experienced the use of hand saws, electric saws, drills, hammers, spanners and
screwdrivers. The Go-Carts will be completed and raced by the end of the Summer Term. The whole project allowed
the Scouts to attain several different aspects of the Challenge Awards including those of Skills, Teamwork, Team
Leader and Personal. Other activities undertaken in the year included an enjoyable evening at Saltram House to
experience one of their many different Orienteering Courses ; the District Tug-Of-War Competition ; two separate
canoeing sessions at Saltash Passage ; a Paint Balling morning with another Troop (27th Plymouth) and apparently
Paint Balls do hurt ; a fire-lighting instructional & practical evening at Blindmans Wood Scout Centre ; and the District
Adventure Day also held at BMW which involved Archery, Shooting and the Field Gun Run. Again all these things
were woven in to the Badgework Scheme.
The beginning of 2015 saw a complete overhaul of the Badge System (from National Headquarters) – some were
renamed and/or amended, others dropped and some new ones added. The new requirements for the Gold Award are
to gain all 9 Challenge Awards plus 6 Activity Badges. The old requirements were for 8 out of 9 Challenges and no
Activity Badges. The new Challenge Awards are Adventure, Creative, Expedition, Outdoors, Personal, Skills, Team
Leader, Teamwork and World.
The Scout Section Leadership Team spent some time transferring everything undertaken in the ‘old scheme’ to the
‘new scheme’ and because of this many ‘new’ Challenge Badges were awarded in addition to some others that didn’t
exist before. From the new scheme a total of 34 Challenge Badges have been awarded – 9 World, 8 Adventure, 5
Creative, 5 Outdoors, 5 Personal and 2 Skills. Many Scouts are nearing completion of some of the Challenges
especially the new ones of Team Leader, Teamwork and Skills.
With a restructured programme for the coming twelve months (and beyond) it is hoped to provide an even greater
varied and active programme to include more camping, outdoor work, Expedition Training, Navigator, First Aid and
Teamwork Activities with a view to the Scouts gaining more badges and with the ultimate aim to gain more Chief
Scout’s Gold Awards each year. Under the new scheme there are many more Activity Badges that can be achieved
and quite a few can be done at home or school as can be many parts of the Challenge Badges. If a Scout undertakes
and activity or receives some sort of ‘certification’ please let the Scout Leaders know so it can be marked off against
the relevant place in the Badgework Scheme.
Well done to all the Scouts for all their achievements and for their enthusiasm and dedication and also a big thank you
to the Scout Section Leaders {Simon, Jason & Steve} for their time and effort in putting together and running a
successful programme and to others who have assisted in any way.
Special thanks to Dan and Rob from the Explorer Unit with their assistance on a regular weekly basis and to Jill for her
continued excellent and often ‘headache creating’ work as Troop Treasurer.
Simon Holder, Scout Leader and the Leadership Team of the Scout Section.
Vigilant Explorer Scout Unit Annual Report for 2015
The Explorer Scout section has been very busy this year with as many meetings as possible being held away from the
HQ. Our young people have given the leadership team ideas for activities and we would like to think that with their
input and our guidance we are delivering an interesting, fun and well balanced programme. We try to achieve a mix of
traditional Scouting skills alongside activities suited to the age range of our Explorers. We aim to progress as many
members as possible through the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme which runs in parallel with the Chief Scout’s
Indoor….snail racing, topical debate, yoga, junk costumes, first aid, scouting mural, foreign cooking, tie dye, mug
design, karaoke, kamikaze eggs, bingo, newspaper clothing, Big Bang night, sewing, Christmas meal, archery,
Outdoor…. Campsite clearing, Citadel visit, 10 pin bowling, Barbican theatre pantomime, wide games, night hike,
coastal hike, team building games
In this past calendar year members of the Explorer section have attended many camps.
Some have been to assist at section camps and the Woodlands adventure park camp as young leaders, or in one
case, being groomed as camp cook by her mother!
We attended the Centenary camp at Walkhampton and have just had a great weekend at the site at Shaugh Bridge.
However, the highlight of the past year was the Group camp to Adelboden in Switzerland where the Explorers
excelled themselves as caring and capable leaders and mentors to the younger members in their charge.
Well done to our Explorers who have received their Duke of Edinburgh Bronze and Silver Awards this year. We have
individuals continuing their awards at all levels and wish them luck in their endeavours.
Our new members will shortly receive a visit from the Award co-ordinator and hopefully sign them up for the scheme.
We continue to have Explorers helping out at other sections of the Group as a part of the Young Leaders and D of E
Well done to Dino for completing the 35 mile Ten Tors challenge this year
The Future
More camps at Shaugh bridge, Thorpe Park camp, more activities and more fun.
The Numbers
Our membership is buoyant with 22 members, an increase of five from last year. However, weekly attendances
fluctuate due to school and exam pressures
Rob & Amanda
Explorer Scout Leaders

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text:
Vol 22. No. 14
Saturday, 18th of april, 2015
Pages 8, Price 2.00 NFA
NUEW Reaches Out to Young
Members, Says Chairwoman
Qatar Supports Ministry of Agriculture’s Locust Eradication Programme
The Ministry of Agriculture has
secured around USD 200 thousand from Qatar in donation for
combating desert locust. The Minister of Agriculture, Mr. Arefaine
Berhe, said that Eritrea is working
on priority basis to combat desert
locust, and that the support would
be channeled for the purchase of
Similarly, Mr. Huruy Asgedom,
Director General of Agricultural
Inspection, stated that due attention is given to the implementation of the program.
In handing the donation, the
Qatari Ambassador to Eritrea, Mr.
Mohammed Bin Rashid Al-Himedi, noted that the Eritrean government is exerting vigorous endeav-
At a meeting in Hagaz town the
religious leaders and youth friends
called for exerting integrated efforts on the part of the community
towards upgrading student competence. Father Gebriel Ukbu, head
of the Catholic Church in Hagaz,
explained the importance of conducting early follow up on students,
and that a new library would be
opened in Hagaz that could help in
the efforts of nurturing competent
students and develop the culture of
reading. Sheik Mohammed Ahmed
Mantai, head of the Islamic Aukaf in
the sub-zone, called on the students
to seriously concentrate in their education taking into consideration the
huge investment the Government is
making for the development of education.
Mr. Mohammed-Ali Bidiho,
member of the Anseba Regional
Assembly, called on the students to
refrain from harmful practices and
focus on their education. Likewise,
Cap. Yohannes Tekle, members of
the youth friends, called on the students to equip themselves with theoretical and practical education and
work for their better future.
The participants on their part
commending for the opportunities
they have been provided, expressed
resolve to become exemplary students. In other related news from the region, the Health Ministry’s branch
in Keren sub-zone, in collaboration
with the Education Ministry, the
NUEYS and NUEW, has organized
promotional activity at Keren Stadium focusing on ensuring mother
and child well being.
Mr. Dirar Gebreab, head of health
institutions in the sub-zone, said
that the event is aimed at promoting
community-led health activities, expanding vaccination coverage, prenatal and antenatal care, doing away
with female genital mutilation, underage marriage and combating
sexual transmitted diseases.
Ms. Letenigus Abraha, Committee member, pointed out that the nation’s impressive achievement in the
health sector attests to the enhanced
efforts being made by the Ministry
and partners.
Activities highlighting the significance of mother and child wellbeing
featured on the occasion.
Up scaling student competence
ors for the development of the
Agriculture sector. In this regard,
the donation is aimed at reinforcing such endeavors, he stressed. The Chairwoman of the
National Union of Eritrean
Women, Ms. Tekha Tesfamichael, said that nurturing
competent young members
and organizing effective promotional activities are among
the priorities of the Union.
She made the remarks during an interview with the
national media. The NUEW
Chairwoman went on to explain that the Union is exerting
the necessary effort to raise the
organizational and economic
capacity of female nationals.
She noted the significance of
women’s active economic participation, and that the NUEW is exerting
persistent endeavors to this end in
collaboration with partners. Eritrean
women are playing active role in the
nation-building process as they did
in the days of the armed struggle for
independence, she added.
Moreover, Ms. Tekha explained
that the tour and meetings by the
Union’s envoy in the United States
and Europe have made it possible
to portray Eritrea’s correct image
and that of the NUEW. The NUEW
Chairwoman went on to remind
members of the Central Council and
pertinent bodies to enhance role with
a view to realizing the set goals. A Rally for Truth, Peace, Justice
and Eritrea in Oakland, CA
Eritrean community members
residing in California, USA, held
a Rally for Truth, Peace, Justice
and Eritrea in connection with
the 13th anniversary of the final
and binding ruling of the EritreaEthiopia Boundary Commission
(EEBC) on border delimitation.
Over 500 Eritrean citizens
and Friends from San Francisco,
Santa Rosa and San Jose cities
participated in the rally chanting
slogans for “Peace and Justice”
and “End of Ethiopian occupation
of sovereign Eritrean territories,
in addition to disseminating brochures and pamphlets portraying
Eritrea’s correct image.
Likewise, representatives of
the event handed memorandum
that was delivered by the Eritrean
Cyclists in Geneva city, to the UN
headquarters and over 5,000 signatures of the participants to the
representative of US Congresswoman, Barbara Lee. Meanwhile,
Coalition of Eritrean-Canadian
Communities and organizations
called on the international community to put an end to UN Security Council Sanction Resolutions and to compel Ethiopia to
immediately put an end its illegal
occupation of sovereign Eritrean
territories. In other related news, Eritrean
organizations in Germany held a
rally in connection with the 13th
anniversary of the final and binding ruling of the Eritrea-Ethiopia
Boundary Commission (EEBC)
on border delimitation and to put
an end to Ethiopian occupation of
sovereign Eritrean territories.
The participants of the rally
have disseminated brochures and
pamphlets in their respective cities of habitat portraying Eritrea’s
correct image and to put an end
to the illegal and unjust UN sanctions against Eritrea.
Moreover, a memorandum was
delivered to the German Foreign
Minister, committee members of
external affairs in the German Parliament, City Mayors and Administrators, Party heads, members of
the German Regional Assemblies,
apart from journalists who were
documenting the event.
Eritrea Profile, Saturday 18th of april, 2015
Could Never Be Riper
Solomon Mengsteab
The history of Africa is dominated by the scars of the wounds
inflicted by the darkest side of human malice. We, Africans, are the
most exploited, humiliated and
tormented people in the whole
wide world. The western world
has committed the worst immoral
and inhumane atrocities which are
too cruel to inflict upon any living thing let alone human being.
For hundreds of years, Europeans
have treated Africans incomparably worse than they treat domesticated or wiled beasts. Even though
slaves were bought and sold as if
they were animals, the dreadful life
they had was far worse than that
of the animals. The slave/colonial
masters hardly tortured, starved,
raped and/or murdered their horses,
donkeys, cows or dogs. The slaves
and servants on the other hand, suffered from these and a great many
more anguishes of despicable callous, in addition to the utter labor
exploitation, under their respective
masters. The details of the torment
Africans underwent in those days
could not have been up until now
or will not have been in any future,
listed and exhibited adequately in
any history books that have or shall
have ever been written.
That was long time ago nonetheless. Time has passed, things have
changed we are not chained and
goaded to the market any more like
beasts. We are neither compelled
to serve Europeans on our own soil
as if they were divine masters. We
are free, have sovereign countries
and once more we are at liberty to
decide what is best for us and lead
our lives as we see them fit. Well,
at least in principle. On the other
hand, in de facto things haven’t really changed. Although time has
passed and the days of slavery and
colonization are officially long
gone, the affliction of Africans
Published Every
Saturday & Wednesday
Managing Director
Azzazi Zeremariam
Acting Editor
Amanuel Mesfun
[email protected]
P.O.Box: 247
Tel: 11-41-14
Fax: 12-77-49
[email protected]
Advertisement: 12-50-13
azieb habtemariam
still persists on; just in different
form, just by different agents. Despite all the flaunting conspicuous
political changes that have emancipated Africa from the colonial
rule, the multi-layered agonies of
its people, if not worsened, have
never been circumscribed. As if
intended and determined to practically demonstrate the enigmatic
paradox of nature, this long awaited and highly expected change, independence, didn’t change the life
of Africans much; hasn’t brought
about that much of independence,
in all forms, whether political, economic, social or cultural. It seems
it is as it’s widely said; the more
things change the more they stay
the same.
All sorts of political systems and
ideologies have been hypothesized
and experimented throughout the
continent. The so called democratic multi-party system, a single
party system, Marxism, socialism,
African socialism, ethnic federalism, all forms of civil and military
dictatorship etc. Yet, the fate of
the people of Africa didn’t vary as
much as the diversity of the systems that have been attempted to
be imposed. Some may fancy arguing that a lot has changed since the
abolition of colonization. Such argument may set its premises on the
fact that the GDP of African states
is much larger than that of the days
if independence. True, today the
GDP of some African countries
may be a lot larger than the others,
there may be a great many rich in
some African nations than the others and there may be a few skyscrapers in some major cities of the
continent. There are even African
multi-billionaires today. However,
the lives of the vast majority of the
people of Africa, the poor, haven’t
changed at all.
The British manage to be among
the major economic and political
powers in the world for centuries under, though constitutional
yet still, a monarchy. The United
States, led by dual party electoral
system applying the state federalism is the contemporary super
economic and political power on
the globe. The ex-Soviet Union
was one of the two power houses
on the face of the earth for almost
half a century during the Cold War
under Marxism. Germany was super power trying to take over the
world under the totalitarian rule of
Hitler. Under a single party system, at the moment the Chinese are
the second largest economy on the
planet growing in an astonishing
rate; expected to surpass the USA,
the leading economic power, with
in the next decade. The list can
go on, world history is filled with
these and many more histories of
economic boom and/or political
heydays of nations under different ideologies led by different political systems. Yet still, despite the
countless attempts on the continent
of Africa to apply all the systems
mentioned above and a great many
more, no African nation was ever
successful in bringing none of the
episodes of such heydays to its
people, as a whole.
Africa is a bountiful continent
concerning natural resources. The
continent is blessed with plentiful
water resources which combined
with the fertile land it possesses
could feed not just Africans but the
entire world. But then, the people of
Africa, not once or twice but quite
often, not in particular area but
almost at every corner have died
because of famine and have been
constrained to be at the mercy of
humiliating foreign alms. The most
sought after minerals such as gas,
gold, diamonds one can just name
it, and they are, without a doubt,
in abundance in Africa. But then
again, others mine these and many
other precious blessings or nature
form our land, refine them with
our labor, pirate and ship them to
their countries greedily and relish
the spoils prodigally. All the while
the majority of the population of
our beloved continent is toiling to
survive in harsh conditions; living
hand to mouth not even on the poverty line but ‘below poverty line.’
Born in the richest continent in the
world and rightfully supposed to
live and die in abundance, Africans
are compelled and cheated into punitive life of drudgery, affliction
and agonizing mendicancy.
Labor is never in scarcity in Africa. Africans possess all the attributes required in good labor force;
ability, motive and skill. To the
opposite of the western world’s cliché implying, and sometimes blatantly inferring, that we are lazy,
Africans actually work very hard.
One of the reasons historians provide for the shipment of hundreds
of thousands of slaves across the
Atlantic by the Europeans was the
physical capability of Africans for
hard work. Even today, western
companies make sure that the most
exacting part of processing the
minerals or agricultural products
they plunder is done here on African soil, and that is not a mere co-
incidence. There is no question to
the motivation of the vast majority
of Africans for hard work; simply,
it is their daily meal. For, nothing
motivates an individual to work
than an impending ominous threat
of starvation and death. Today, the
preponderance percentage of the
people of Africa toil hard just to
manage a daily scrap. Furthermore,
the number of highly educated Africans all over the world makes an
axiomatic statement to the potential
of skill in this tremendous working
force, provided proper education
and training.
Africa has it all, the natural resource, the labor force, the motive,
and the momentarily sufficient and
potentially promising skill. The
only factor missing in the equation
is the conduit to coalesce these into
the desired destination in harmonized collaboration. The combining force that guides all these blessings to make Africa better is a clear
ideology and efficient and institutionalized economic and political
systems. But not facsimiles of the
hackneyed ideologies or replicas of
political systems from abroad; this
time we need something original.
We need an indigenous ideological apparatus and institutionalized
political system born out of it. We
need a new way of doing things
unspoiled by outsiders, an ideology that has its roots, environs and
most importantly motivations on
our own geographic, social, economic and political realities. After
a long era of being dependent and
looking overseas for the solutions
of our problems the time could
never be riper than now to look for
our remedy in our own land.
Eritrea Profile, Saturday 18th of april, 2015
“The Book And The Film “Wedi
Hadera Has Been The Greatest
Gifts In My Life”: Wedi Hadera
expectation. I have been for the first
time to the Cinema Hall and when I
saw many people there to attend the
ceremony I was very proud.
-How did you find the film?
It is fantastic. It tells the whole
story. And I liked the main character
that represented me. He did it very
-What are you doing in AliGidir?
I am in Ali-Gidir as a farmer and I
live there with my family.
-How did you get the nick-name
Wedi Hadera?
It in the 60s. One from our colleagues gave me the name.
-Wedi-Hadera I hope we shall
meet at the inauguration of the
second part of the film and thank
Thank you very much! Vacancy Notice No. 2015/01
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in Eritrea invites applications from suitably qualified Eritrean nationals
By: Yishak Yared
There was a special occasion on
Saturday, 28 March 2015. It has
been the inauguration ceremony
of the film “Wedi Hadera” that
has been produced in the form of
film from the book “Wedi Hadera”
written in 1985 by Mr. Alemseged
Tesfai. The film has been produced
in cooperation with the PFDJ Cultural Affairs and the Ministry of
After the end of the film a special guest came to the podium at an
invitation of Mr. Alemseged Tesfai.
That special guest was the owner of
the story Mr. Woldemichael Fitur
(a.k.a. Wedi Hadera). Our guest
today is Wedi-Hadera. An excerpt
of the interview follows.
-Please tell us about yourself?
I don’t actually remember the
year I was born. I am somewhere
in 80 years old. I was born at Deki-Shehai and when I was a child I
moved with my parents to Badime
and I grew up there.
-Why did you move to Badime?
The land is very fertile and as
farmers we went to a better place
for farming. I was there working as
a shepherd.
-What then?
During that time grownups used
to go to the bush for living as part of
demonstrating their manhood. And
I, like others, went to the bush to
live. Such a behavior has been considered as bandits. And people used
to respect you because they took
you as a hero.
-For how many years did you
stay in the bush?
I lived there for about five years.
-The film that has been inaugurated on the 28 of March narrates your history and it has been
first written in the form of a book
in 1985. When and where did you
meet with the writer of the book,
Mr. Alemseged Tesfai?
After he heard my story, Alemseged came to Nakfa where I have
been stationed as EPLF combatant
and he told me that he wants to write
my story. At first I tried to tell him
that I have no history worth to be
written. But he convinced me and I
told him the entire story that I had to
go through.
-How did Mr. Alemseged came to
know about your history?
Once I have been at Seber-Kete
medical center recovering from my
wound. At that time several combatants including the late artist Isaias
Tsegai were there. I used to tell them
my past adventures in the bushes.
And the story reached Alemseged
Tesfai. With that he came to meet
me in 1984 at Jelhanti.
-How did you feel when the
book was published?
I was very much exited. I feel that
was the greatest gift in my life. And
when I saw the film I have no words
to describe my happiness.
-How far did the book introduced
you with the public?
After the publication of the book
many combatants started talking
about me. And after independence a
lot of people talk about me whenever they see me walking on the
-When did you come to know
that the book was to be produced
in the form of a film?
Alemseged called me to Asmara
and told me that the book is to be
produced in the form of a film. I
automatically agreed and wished
them good luck. And I was cordially invited at the inauguration of the
-How was the inauguration ceremony?
It was fantastic and beyond my
for the post of Education Specialist.
DURATION: One year
Under the general supervision of the Chief, Education P—4, responsible for the management, planning, programming, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of UNICEF’s assistance on policy and quality education to the Ministry of Education,
assisting the Government in the mobilization of the education sector for children’s learning, development and welfare.
1.Assist the Government in planning, programming, implementing, monitoring and coordinating UNICEF supported education
projects by:
Providing the necessary technical support and skills to plan and carry out effective, efficient and equitable children and
women centered programmes and to more fruitfully utilize external assistance.
Ensuring that education programmes are coordinated with overall development programmes and effects.
Undertaking monitoring and data collection for the evaluation of projects.
Support policy and advocacy in education so that appropriate policies, strategies and actions are adopted to promote EFA
(Education for ALL) attainment of MDG 2 & 3 and the post 2015 SDG, MTSP as well as direct educational programmes to the needs of
disadvantaged children and women so that they benefit from UNICEF’s assistance and national efforts by:
Enhancing the partnership between education and other social sectors.
Initiating, planning and organizing workshops/seminars in relevant areas.
Ensure that UNICEF meets its support obligations adequately and on time by managing and controlling the provision of critical inputs by supervising the maintenance and updating of tools. Contribute to the development of sectoral documents for the CPR and
plans of Action and other programme documents.
Ensure that the Government’s obligations in terms of reporting, monitoring, supervision, provision of personnel and funds for
UNICEF supported activities are being met by:
-Attending meetings to discuss the performance of supported activities and follow-up on mutually agreed courses of action.
Undertaking field trips and reporting findings, identifying operational constraints experienced and recommending actions for
improved implementation.
Ensuring that UNICEF’s inputs are put to proper use as agreed in the plan of operation and plan of actions and the rolling work
plans signed with the Government.
Ensure that other technical resources are fully utilized in UNICEF supported education activities as well as develop and
maintain contacts with national and international agencies as well as other UN and bilateral agencies with a view of enhancing the
complementation of efforts.
Prepare donor implementation and progress reports on the performance of assisted projects as appropriate; prepare programme/project status, reports required for management, board, budget review, programme analysis and annual reports etc.
Initiate and arrange technical support for undertaking surveys, studies, researches and evaluations to better document the effectiveness and efficiency of the education system.
Undertake any other duties assigned by the Head of the Section.
Education: Advanced University degree in Education or Social Sciences or a good first degree in Education or Social Sciences
plus at least seven years of continuous service in the field of education programme planning, management and evaluation. Experience in
a humanitarian, development, transition or emergency context will be an advantage.
Work Experience: Advanced University degree in Education or Social Sciences or a good first degree in Education or Social
Sciences plus at least seven years of continuous service in the field of education programme planning, management and evaluation. Experience in a humanitarian, development, transition or emergency context will be an advantage.
Language: Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of any of the local languages of the duty station will be advantageous
Closing date of Application: Two weeks from date of advertisement
Only qualified candidates will be short listed and invited for the interview. Please mail a recent CV and photocopies of academic
qualifications including telephone numbers or post office box indicating Vacancy Number 2015/01 in a sealed envelope addressed to:
Chief of Operations
UNICEF Eritrea
P.O. Box 2004
Quote: Education Specialist
Please note that UNICEF is a smoke-free environment.
Eritrea Profile, Saturday 18th of april, 2015
Job Title & number required
Mine Foreman (02)ማይንፎርማን
Responsible for coordinating and overseeing mining activities on shift and ensuring optimum utilization and efficient of machinery
and the recovery of commodity bearing ore according to production targets with the assistance of the various mine technical
systems deployed on the mine. Ensures adherence to the Mine Health, Safety and Environmental procedures and legal requirements
Co-ordinates the shift handover by checking physical mining activities and communicates to relevant peers, supervisors and
employees Plan activities in accordance with operational and maintenance schedules (short term production targets) and allocates
Duties & Responsibilities
resources as required by utilizing the fleet management systems capabilities Co-ordinates and monitors mining activities to ensure
adherence to mine standards and operational targets and efficiencies Liaises with internal and external stakeholders of various
mining processes to ensure operational optimization Utilizes the different mining technical systems facilities and functionalities
to monitor, optimize and manage loading, hauling, drilling and support equipment. Gathers, analyzes and trends relevant mining
activities information to compile reports according to departmental procedures and requirements. And as per Job Description.
Excellent leadership and organizational skills. Solid written, verbal communication and group presentation skills, Experience
Skill with MS office software and functional keyboard 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.
High School graduate with a Demonstrated ability to organize, direct and supervise work.
Minimum of 3-5 years varied operations experience, including supervisory, within an open pit mining environment,2 years’
Experience Required
experience as a Dispatcher of Open Pit Mining Equipment.
Physical Requirement
To be able to pass a full Doctor’s examination. To be available to work in accordance with ZMSC rosters.
Job Title & number required
Mine Services Foreman (01)ማይንሰርቪሰስፎርማን
Duties & Responsibilities
Coordinate all daily operations and tasks involved in the mine operation and services department. These will include, but are not
limited to: Regular daily operation work and mine service road building and maintenance Site waste disposal and reclamation work
Drainage work Special projects, such as Tailings dam, and any other construction projects that require earthworks. Complete all
tasks in a safe, productive and timely manner. Coordinate and manage sub-contractors that may be required to complete the above
operations. Be involved in longer term planning for the above operations. Promote safety to staff within the operation. Complete
area safety inspections as required. Conduct/attend weekly safety meeting. Complete all reporting requirements. Maintain excellent
housekeeping standards throughout the mine. Ensure inspections are completed on contractor and BGC equipment on a daily
basis and risk assessment is completed before commencing new project, or the ones that do not take place often. And as per Job
Good leadership and supervision experience. Communicating skill. Team work skill. Excellent English.
Experience Required
Mine Engineering Degree.
Mining experience.
Physical Requirement
To be able to pass a full Doctor’s examination. To be available to work in accordance with ZMSC rosters.
Job Title & number required
Mobile Equipment Coordinator (02)ሞባይልኢኩይፕመንትኮኦርዲነተር
Duties & Responsibilities
Manage and administrate company mobile equipment’s. Supervise equipment workers in the execution of the duties and
responsibilities. Drive culture of safety at mobile equipment’s. Ensure compliance with all safety policies. Plan, coordinate, and
oversee day-to-day activities and operations of mobile equipment’s. Direct and control mobile equipment maintenance repairs
and shop overhead cost. Ensure compliance with Preventative Maintenance Programs. Monitor mobile equipment service failure
history, identifies trends, and develops action plans to prevent future failures. Coordinate and prioritize repairs for plant.
Ability to use and maintain tools and equipment including measuring instruments. Working knowledge of Microsoft Word and
Microsoft Excel. Candidate must have a strong desire to be a part of a start-up/high growth company with an entrepreneurial spirit
and a fast-paced, results-orientated culture.
Knowledge of mobile equipment operating and repair is preferred.
Experience Required
Preferred candidate has 5+ years’ experience in a supervisory or leadership role within the heavy equipment industry.
Physical Requirement
To be able to pass a full Doctor’s examination. To be available to work in accordance with ZMSC rosters.
Job Title & number required
Excavator Operator (07)ኤክስካቫተርኦፕሬተር
Pre-check vehicle prior to start up including checking oil and other fluid levels. Ensure all daily operations and tasks involved in
mine operations are coordinated to achieve production targets in a safe and efficient manner within budget requirements. Complete
all tasks in a safe, productive and timely manner. Coordinate and manage sub-contractors that may be required to complete any
mine operations. Abide by all ZMSC safety policies and ensure employees are in compliance with safety procedures. Attend safety
trainings, as required and ensure employees attend necessary safety training. And as per Job Description.
Duties & Responsibilities
Communicating skill. Team work skill. Experience in operating equipment’s.Training Operating skill.
Driver License.
Experience Required
At least 1 year experience as Excavator Operator.
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.
Eritrea Profile, Saturday 18th of april, 2015
Bisha Mining Share Company PLC is inviting interested
applicants for the positions of;
Concentrate Screening and Blending Supervisor (01)
Duties and responsibilities
Prestart checks for potafill Screening plant prior to shift start, and solving any
breakdown issues during the screening process. Making sure the potafill is as close to
100% available during the process.
Diagnosing faulty parts for the portafill and having ability to carry out installations and replacements where necessary in conjunction with HME.
Liaising with the operators driver during the shift to ensure that speed of operation is maintained.
In relation to the blending plant after arrival, to report to the commercial manager
on weekly basis the milestones achieved up until the point of commissioning.
Liaise with the Sannong the Chinese supplier to plan the Commissioning date
such that their representative will attend and provide operational training
Determine the human resourcing requirement for all of the areas of this operation.
Namely screening, blending, and bagging for direct sale ore.
Maintain the inventory and keep records of portafill screening plant and sannong
blending plant spare parts and requisition replacements where necessary.
In conjunction with commercial develop a weekly blending and bagging program
including the ratios
In conjunction with commercial develop a monthly logistics plan for dispatch of
bagged DSO to Massawa for supply to end users.
Demonstrate a high level of safety awareness and ensure that such each screening , blending, bagging shift is made a safe as possible for the operators and any other
Plan and coordinate the process flow mobile equipment requirements during the
blending process, and contribute ideas to improve efficiencies.
Profile: Qualifications and Experience
Formal Education,
Certifications or
Diploma of Mechanical Engineering. Certificates
to operate mobile equipment (forklift, Front end
loader, bobcat)
Working Experience –
Nature & Length
Minimum 5 years’ experience working in
concentrate load out facility. Experience in dry
solids blending plant an advantage
Leadership Experience
– Nature & length of
Ability to organize and lead work teams to attend
to the 3 main activities
Other skills and abilities
Must be well versed in English and a good
communicator at a grass root level
General Information and other requirements:
•Place of Work: Bisha.
•Salary: As per Company salary scale.
•Additional requirement for Nationals:
•Having fulfilled his/her National Service obligation and provide evidence of release
paper from the Ministry of Defense.
•Present clearance paper from current/last employer.
•Testimonial documents to be attached (CV, work experience credentials, a copy of your
National identity Card etc.)
•Only shortlisted applicants would be considered as potential candidates for an interview.
•Application documents will not be returned to sender.
•All applications should be sent through the post office.
•Deadline for application: 10 days from the day of publication in the Newspaper
Address: Please mail your applications to;
Bisha Mining Share Company
P. O. Box 4276 Asmara, Eritrea
Note to Eritrean applicants:
Please send a copy of your application to
Aliens Employment Permit Affairs,
P. O. Box 7940 Asmara, Eritrea
Invitation For Bids (Ifb)
The Government of the state of ERITREA has received a Grant from the International
Fund for Agricultural Development towards the cost of National Agricultural Project (NAP) and
it is intended that part of the proceeds of this Grant will be applied to eligible payments under the
contract for the supply of:- Lot.1 Dairy Animals Local Breed (Barka or Hamerenya).
The Eligible bidders should have a professional experience and provide renewed license
for the year of 2014 appropriate for the livestock supply.
3 Bid shall be valid for a Period of 90 days after bid opening, and must be accompanied by
a bid Security of 2% and delivered to Procurement and Supplies Management Unit Office
on or before May/07/2015 local hours 14:30 PM and will be opened on the same date at
15:00 PM Local hours in the presence of the bidders or bidders’ Representatives who wish
to attend.
4. Eligible bidders may bid for a complete lot. Bid for partial lot will be rejected as non
5. A complete set of bidding documents may be collected by any interested Eligible bidder
from the address below.
Ministry of Agriculture, Procurement and Supply management Unit, Sawa Street,
Tel: 181077/76 Fax: 181415, P.O.Box:1048, Asmara, Eritrea.
6. Bids will be opened in the presence of Bidders’ representatives who choose to attend at
PM Local Time hrs on May 07, 2015.
The Ministry of Agriculture reserves the right to accept or reject this bid fully or in part if
it finds any option better than this IFB without needing to justify the grounds for it doing
So and Compensation which the bidder may incurred in preparing its bid.
Africa’s Cuba: Eritrea...
continued from page 8
unpredictable and couldn’t be relied upon to
do certain things that Washington might want
to do.”
Denial of Remittance: Violation of Eritrea’s Right to Development
The much talked about 2% Rehabilitation
and Development fund that Eritreans in the
Diaspora pay, also had nothing to do with Somalia; it has been a target of the US from as far
back as 1999 (during the Eritrea-Ethiopia border war). A leaked US diplomatic cable from
Asmara makes it clear that the Americans were
bent on “disrupting the hard currency supply
chain” so that they can “significantly and detrimentally impact the operations of the GSE
[Government of the State of Eritrea]”.
We also read in the Wikileak cables that the
Americans were strategizing with the Ethiopians on this very evil scheme. As the Late
Ethiopian Prime Minister said then, “Isaias’
calculations would be shattered, if the U.S. and
others imposed financial sanctions on him and
particularly cut off Isaias’ funding from Qatar
and other countries and the important funding
from the Diaspora in the U.S.”
Another Ethiopian official repeats in the
Wikileak cables that “cutting off the flow of
money to Eritrea was essential. Particularly,
remittances from the U.S. were a major source
of funding for Eritrea.” The Ethiopian officials
were assured by US Deputy Assistant Secretary
of State Karl Wycoff “that the U.S. remains
committed to achieving a UNSC sanctions regime against Asmara and continues to broaden
the discussion beyond the P3 and Uganda with
a hard push by USUN” and that “USG was
also expanding efforts to undercut support for
Asmara,” noting for example he had been sent
on “a trip to Cairo, Riyadh, Jeddah and other
cities both to promote efforts to undercut flows
of support to Asmara.”
“The USA and Europe are continuing to
bankroll Ethiopia’s defiance and aggression.”
Despite all these conspiracies and hostilities, however, Eritreans believe a long-term
and fruitful relationship between Eritrea and
the other nations in the region is essential for
maintaining peace and security, and fighting
off poverty and extremism in the Horn of Africa. Therefore, Eritreans and their friends are
demanding that all progressives urge members of the UN Security Council to do what is
moral and ethical: to lift these unjust sanctions
against Eritrea.
During the past decade and a half, the priorities of Eritrea have been to achieve food
security, eradicate diseases such as malaria,
decrease infant and maternal mortality rates
and increase access to education to all sectors
of the population. Based on its own and other
independent evaluations, Eritrea has achieved
modest successes in these efforts. However,
Ethiopia’s continued occupation of Eritrean
territories and a de facto state of war is violating Eritrean people’s right to development,
dignity, security and peace. All this has been
made possible because the USA and Europe
are continuing to bankroll Ethiopia’s defiance
and aggression.
Eritreans worldwide are therefore calling
on all progressive peace- and justice-loving
friends and organizations to support their demands for peace and urge their national governments to reign in the lawless minority regime in Ethiopia that continues to wreak havoc
over the lives of the peoples in the Horn of Africa region in general, but the people of Eritrea
in particular.
Elias Amare is a journalist/researcher and
peace activist based in Asmara, Eritrea.
Eritrea Profile, Saturday 18th of april, 2015
Teklehaimanot Yemane
Education: A Powerful Tool To Create
Innovative And Entrepreneuriallocal
Communities In The 21 Century
As far as I am concerned there
are three tools which I appreciate
the most: Education, Technology
and Language. If you think of
these facts in any perspectives,
they are nothing but real precious
tools for life and living. And by
default education is the mother
of the rest. It is in fact the most
influential implement ever formulated to evolvesocieties and communities dynamically. Desires for
National so as global innovations
and entrepreneurship are stimulated by education. Without the right
education, a community remains
blind of growth and prosperity.
Change is imagined by educated
minds. Education is therefore enlightenment for growth and prosperity.
Though it requires a big amount
of financial budget, it is of a primary thing of a nation or a community to invest upon. Keeping
this in mind the state of Eritrea
has invested in education right
from the outset of independence.
Under the theme of ‘education
for all,’ schools along with their
educational facilities have been
constructed in many Eritrean cities, towns and villages. Education
has been made available to every
citizen free of cost. Furthermore,
inorder to face the rapid development of technology, media, and
language diversity, coping with
the current educational demands
of the society, higher educational
Institutions (HEIs) were constructed to inspire national innovations and entrepreneurship
efforts.. To have a profound performance in the workspaces, students and instructors from colleges are made to closely study their
fields in association with stake
holders such us mining companies and renowned industries.
Moreover linking local HEIs with
international universities and Institutions, results in internationally collaborative citizens for
the common good of the world
in general and for the local community in particular. This is at the
core mission of all the Eritrean
HEIs. Educational institutionsone
way or another, play a critical role
in the reformation of societies and
the environment they live in.
International linkage with
stakeholders, foreign universities
and institutions will definitely enhance the academic performance
and professional skill set of students. Keeping this into consideration the National Board for
Higher Education and Research
in Eritrea has linked with a number of universities and institutions
from a many countries like China,
India, Turkey, Russia, Finland,
Kenya and more. Education by itself it’s an exposure – an exposure
for a greater social consciousness.
Such linkages help in reducing
the time required to inspire innovation and entrepreneurship
by exposing students to current
developments and let them think
far beyond.
Taking the Eritrean Institute
of Technology E.I.T.) as an example we can notably see that
the institution is playing an indispensable role in connecting
its students and instructors with
the real world environment. Four
years back, the EIT in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance
has taken the initiative to develop
an in-house Enterprise Business
Application Software which is
named by Eritrean Integrated Tax
Administration System (ErITAS).
Moreover an advanced datacenter
and network infrastructure has
been implemented to support the
business application. Personally,
my involvement in this national
project has rewarded me with an
indispensable professional skill
in the real world and likewise
to my team members. As a team
of developers and IT experts we
were able to explore our potential
gained from our academic Institution, EIT. Engaging young graduates and students in such national
projects creates an opportunity
for further experiments. Such environments are able examining
your current potential so to clarify
what you are required to study in
the future. I know better because
now I have a deeper knowledge
of my professional requirement
tasks in the future.
The Eritrean diverse educational institutions for Science,
engineering, health, business and
economics, agriculture, marine
and medicine are potential factors
for national innovation and entrepreneurship. Our HEIs have many
young people primed for greater
things.To create a renaissance of
a remarkable change, we need to
launch major new initiatives that
will be a focus for investors and
new innovators have to be instigated, while engaging students
and scholars to be motivated to
the fullest..
In order to achieve an evolution
of such kind we need to build educationally aware, technologicaly
equipped and socially conscious
community of innovators and entrepreneurs. And at the very step,
education will of a great necessity.Back before seven years, while
I was working as a mathematics
teacher in Adi-Ugri Secondary
School, as part of my internship,
I was inspired by the social problems I encountered there. It was a
call for me to explore my potential to work harder so as to solve
them by myself.
If there are two words which
encourage development are: innovation and entrepreneurship. It
is therefore the task of education
with a good mix of social context
that inspires innovation and entrepreneurship within the local communities. Invest in education to
invest in prosperity!
Rivers of Consciousness Social: | Contact Address: [email protected] SMS Message to: +2917261231
Eritrea Profile, Saturday 18th of april, 2015
‘A House is not a Home,’ elaborated Polly Adler (1900-1962). To
understand this quote, however,
one has to investigate such life
walks experiences. Just last week
I had my best moment with my
friend at Bar Zilli here in Asmara.
This bar which is positioned at a
juncture between Semaetat and
Beirut avenues has its own powers of magnetizing keen individuals. Constructed in a model which
was developed from 1930s radio,
the architectural style of this bar
is one of the triumphing assets
Asmara is proud of. And indeed,
Asmara’s crown of beauty is well
excelled by embracing like this
bar as part of its signaling tiaras.
Historically, bars were not
commonly welcomed homes of
entertainment in 1940s. The traditional beer selling homes—
Enda Suwas—were dominant and
had reserved their great roles.
And as current renowned bars,
Enda Betebet, Enda Venti-Uno,
Enda Kebab, Desta’s and Kedes
homes, were some of the 1960s
well famed homes for selling traditional beers, Suwa. However,
with the diminishing rate of income and other problems, Suwa
homes soon started giving their
role to licensed bars. And with
time, namely applauded bars blossomed in moderate number. With
this historical account was then I
was in bar Zilli.
Every individual young in the
Bar had, no matter of its version, a
mobile that rung after such every
limited time. And in regard to technological advancements, I took
a report of the ‘World Economic
Forum’ communiqué which was
then publicized on its 12 February
of 2015 summit. Even though the
discussants acclaimed that technology has created multiple opportunities, similarly, technology
has also been running with great
forces for destroying such other
possibilities. That is why once an
expert in technological synergies
told us that there was no any challenge with technology-centered
advancements, but a new opportunity for creating fresh problems.
In countries like Eritrea, however,
yet, there are great expectations to
armor our lines of living with the
support of such advancements.
And amid this was my cellphone buzzed. Just my friend told
me that he was yet in Nakfa House.
For the sake of God, I was not
ready to undermine such events
with words like ‘aye habesha.
However, I remembered Eritreans
defiant and neglecting stance to
accept the bid of one famous German architectural firm which was
commissioned to design the headquarters of the National Bank of
Eritrea in the first independence
years. And to say a spade is a
spade, the firm proposed that the
most ‘prestigious’ location for the
building was the site in front of the
current Eritrean Airlines office, or
just across Daniel Fast Food till
the road that heads away to the
Mufti’s headquarters office.
And as a bombshell to those
who pay interesting glance in such
architectural and urban legacies, a
grotesque 14 storey glass building
with numerous smaller structures
around it, occupying four blocks
of historic Asmara’s, was proposed. And over this, the central
building was, as clearly witnessed
in the architectural firm’s blue
print, to remain the tallest to be
was the dream. However, many
opposed the proposal and denied
it unequivocally. As a result of this
is, therefore, the National Bank of
Eritrea which is located near Daniel Fast Food has been saved from
such ‘urbanizing’ initiatives but
Wisdom Begins In
Wonder: Once At Bar Zilli
ruining omens.
Unfortunately, even the Cultural Assets Rehabilitation Project
has delimited all buildings which
are located within the 4 square kilometer perimeters in Central Asmara as a zone in which ‘banned to
incept, to change complete designs
or to construct other buildings’ in
2001, Asmara has still remained
with some buildings which let the
city to have heart-stabbing scar
in its alluring face. Nakfa House,
Red sea Trading Corporation, the
Blue Building, Housing and Commerce Bank of Eritrea are some of
the buildings which were built in
ad hoc decisions. Therefore, keeping architectural aesthetics of Asmara and other cities expect to pay
higher glance on how to create an
integrated podium for harmonized
urban development.
Meanwhile, my friend arrived
with one well packaged book.
It was a book entitled ‘Eritrea
Remembered.’ This book which
came as a result of the efforts that
were activated by the Peace Corps
Volunteers who had such great
time in Eritrea in 1960s is really
an impressive chronicle. Even
if I write a song about Asmara,
a dirge of care for celebrating
Mendefera’s agricultural possibilities, or even if I walled words
of poem about Keren or Adi Keih,
yet, I am referring to their own
respective residents. Just persons
are creators and mentors of cities
beautification. Therefore, in this
book which was published in December 2011, Wayne Kessler who
had devoted a two years time in
Adi-Tekelezan voiced that:
“People say that Abeba was our
home-maid. But she was a good
mother. One day, she wanted to
prepare a meal for us but when we
declined, she rummaged around
and produced six eggs for me to
take to Laurie in California. I almost cried.” (Returning to our Fu-
Bar Zilli
ture, Eritrea Remembered, edited
by Marian Haley, p.13, December
2011) Of course, like those moms
who live with their angelic characteristics, fathers who are yet hopeful of the every coming future,
children who love to play fairly
are there on the streets, in that
home and at that corner. Hence,
what kind of books are, therefore,
going to explain Eritreans pain,
love, desperation, care, patience,
entangled challenges they had,
moments they created and of their
intact culture of hospitability?
Wisdom begins in wonder. From
1889 till 1991, indeed, just for 101
years, Eritreans were enforced to
join the tactically deformed war,
and, in the late thirty years heavy
wars, they waged determining
struggle thereby to shatter such
colonial forces. And triumphantly,
all other colonial pillars collapsed
after a new era has signaled in
the country. In connection with
this therefore, I had just debated
with my friend on a critical question which was once raised by
Ahmed Kabana on his exclusive
book ‘The Art of Incursion and
Deferring Societies from their Life
In this book which was published in 2013, Ahmed advocated
that war plays vital role in creating
a hallmark in peoples’ mind which
would then be a source of all polarizing ideological differences, culture of killing and abusing others.
However, this evidently proved to
be a mere coverage in regard the
culture and art of Eritreans. Why?
Just wisdom begins in wonder!
Yosief Z. Abraham
Eritrea Profile, Saturday 18th of april, 2015
By: Elias Amare
MONDAY April 13, was the 13th
anniversary of the ruling of the Eritrea Ethiopia Boundary Commission
(EEBC), and the continued illegal
occupation of sovereign Eritrean territories by Ethiopia since then. Also,
it’s been well over five years since
the US engineered unjust sanctions
at the UN Security Council against
Eritrea in late 2009.
In a “Global Action Day of Resistance,” Eritreans and their friends
worldwide held rallies, online petitions, cycling tours, etc., to protest
these injustices against Eritrea, a
country in the Horn of Africa that
many progressive analysts are recognizing as the “Cuba of Africa.” In
the US, Eritreans in the Bay Area,
California, held a protest rally in
In Europe, more than twenty five
cyclists from ten different countries
(Canada, Denmark, Eritrea, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland and the
UK), starting in Goteborg, Sweden,
stopping over ten German and three
Swiss cities, are rode over 1700 km,
highlighting along the way the truth
about Eritrea and its people and how,
despite repeatedly being wronged
by the west, the country is forging
forward and has become an oasis of
peace and harmony in the Horn of
The demands of this Eritrean
Global Action Day of Resistance
- An immediate and unconditional
implementation of the 13-year old,
final and binding, boundary decision and an end to Ethiopia’s illegal
occupation of sovereign Eritrean
territories, including the town of
Badme; and
- An end to the illegal UN sanctions imposed on Eritrea in December 2009, which have long been
proven to be based on totally fabricated and falsified “evidence” by
Ethiopia and its handlers.
Africa’s Cuba: Eritrea Endures 13 Years
Of Illegal Occupation And Sanctions
African Unity (OAU), now the African Union.
The Algiers Agreements, brokered and authored by the US State
Department, called for the delimitation and demarcation of the EritreaEthiopia border and that punitive
actions would be taken against the
party that did not abide by its treaty
The independent and neutral Eritrea Ethiopia Boundary Commission (EEBC) delivered unanimously
its final and binding delimitation
decision on 13 April, 2002, and because of Ethiopia’s intransigence
the Commission, which was ready
to demarcate the border physically,
was forced to publish its virtual demarcation decision on 30 November, 2007. Eritrea had fully accepted
the decisions; Ethiopia, however,
has rejected it calling it “totally illegal, unjust, and irresponsible” and
has refused to abide by the EEBC’s
demarcation directives.
Ethiopia, in breach of international law and its obligations under the
Algiers Agreement, continues to occupy sovereign Eritrean territories,
including the town of Badme, the
casus belli for the conflict. As the
EEBC had stated it in its final report,
“Ethiopia has so persistently maintained a position of non-compliance
with its obligations in relation to the
Commission.” Furthermore, Ethiopia
has failed to comply with the Commission’s Order of 17 July, 2002,
that required Ethiopia to “return to
Ethiopian territory of those persons
in Dembe Mengul who were moved
from Ethiopia pursuant to an Ethiopian resettlement program since 13
April, 2002.”
Ethiopia continues to occupy sovereign Eritrean territories, including the town of Badme, the casus belli for the conflict.
four years, the UN Security CounBaidoa by air with arms and ammuGroup’s 2013 report, the Russian
cil should terminate sanctions imnition during the same period.”
Permanent Representative, Ambasposed in 2009 by UNSC resolution
“Eritrea has refused to be subsador Vitaly Churkin, dismissed it as
servient to misguided US policies
“dishonest and politically motivatThere is no, and there has never
for the region.”
ed.” Besides China and Russia, the
been “intelligence, real or fabricatThis US-Ethiopia conspiracy
Group’s report was also dismissed
ed,” that links Eritrea to any form
against Eritrea gets as far as the US
by Norway, Italy, and South Africa.
of extremism in the Horn of Africa
giving an approving nod to Ethiopia
Even the Somali Government itself
other than what the Ethiopians proto employ terrorist groups against
has wholesale rejected the Monitorvided the Somalia-Eritrea MonitorEritrea. One of the Wikileak cables
ing Group’s report.
ing Group. All evidence indicates
says: “Meles said one option would
Both UNSC Resolutions 1907
that most of the fabrication against
be to directly support opposition
(2009) and 2023 (2011) were inEritrea has been generated by Ethiogroups that are capable of sending
cubated in the U.S. and hatched in
pian operatives at home and abroad,
‘armed propaganda units’ into EriEthiopia. US Ambassador Donald
its highly-paid lobbyists in Washingtrea. Meles said that the groups with
Yamamoto is quoted by one of the
ton, D.C., and other capitals, as well
the most capability to operate inside
Wikileaked cables admitting that the
as the Ethiopian minority regime’s
Eritrea are those ‘that you don’t like
US had “advised the Prime MinWestern enablers.
from the lowlands, like the Keru’
ister and his senior leadership …
As for the Somalia-Eritrea Moniwho he said would be ‘much betany case against Eritrea should
ter able to survive in Eritrea.” This
UN Sanctions: a Travesty of
is a jihadist terrorist group that had
charges levied by Ethiopia would
murdered a Canadian geologist in
be viewed only in the context of
Though the pretext for the unjust
cold blood in western Eritrea and is
their border conflict.”
UN Security Council sanctions on
responsible for the March 20, 2015
adEritrea, first on December 23, 2009
attempt to sabotage at the Canadian
opted under the false accusations or(Resolution 1907) and the other one
owned Bisha gold mine in Eritrea in
chestrated by the US using Ethiopia
from December 5, 2011 (Resoluright
the vicinity of the area the Ameriand
tion 2023), were to “serve” peace
discans and Ethiopians were talking
accusation from Ethiopia, Ambasand security in Somalia, as the past
about 5 years ago.
sador Vitaly Churkin of Russia said,
Ethiopia’s Occupation: a Threat
five years have made it clear, pun(its
All these US hostilities against Er“the
preto Regional Peace
ishing innocent Eritrea based on
stem from the fact that Eritrea
sented with convincing proof of EriThe Algiers Agreement was
false premises has neither brought
to be subservient to mistrea’s involvement in that incident.
signed in December, 2000, in Algepeace to Somalia nor security to the
guided US policies for the region.
We have not seen the results of any
ria by President Isaias Afwerki for
Horn of Africa. The very forces that
As Professor Richard Reid, a history
inEritrea and by the late Prime Minorchestrated lies against Eritrea are
behavprofessor at SOAS, University of
deed there was one.”
ister Meles Zenawi for Ethiopia and
still wreaking havoc in the region.
London, put it, US policy is biased
On the accusations from Kenya,
witnessed and guaranteed by SecreFormer US Assistant Secretary for
in favor of Ethiopia and against Erithe
adtary General Kofi Annan on behalf
African Affairs and veteran Ambascompletely
trea “for all sorts of reasons” one of
mitted that it “has found no evidence
of the United Nations, Senator Reno
sador Herman Cohen said it well a
them being:
to substantiate allegations that EriSerri (EU Special envoy for the
year ago:
“Eritrea was seen as a bunker
Horn of Africa) on behalf of the Eu“Those of us who know Eritrea
they were less easy to conand ammunition by air in October
ropean Union, President Abdelaziz
well, understand that the Eritrean
had a more reliable
and November 2011. No evidence
Bouteflika of Algeria, President
leadership fears Islamic militancy
military perhaps. Their policy was
to substantiate the allegations that
Olusegun Obasanjo of Nigeria, Secas much as any other country in
more directable and perhaps preone
Baidretary of State Madeleine Albright
the Horn of Africa region. … In
dictable. Whereas Eritrea, from the
oa International Airport between 29
on behalf of the United States, Secview of the absence of any intelSecurity
includmid 1990s, it was clearly seen as
October and 3 November 2011, or
retary General, Salim Ahmed Salim
ligence, real or fabricated, linking
representing the Organization for
ing Eritrea with Shabaab for over
continued on page 5
Russia and China. In response to the
Disclamer: articles published in this column do not reflect the stance or opinion of the Eritrea Profile newspaper