The 4th Eri-Youth Festival was opened today in Sawa Educational and Military Training Center. The hosting of this important gathering in Sawa, the core of education and discipline in the country, coveys an important message. Sawa, once an inhabited vast plain, is now a city of the young and patriotic, with out whose contribution and commitment the country would not have been at its present stage. Today, Sawa is for the 4th time ready to reflect the role of youths both inside the country and abroad in building and safeguarding their country. Mr. Ogbai Berhe, Secretary of the Coordinating Committee of the Festival conducted an interview concerning the over all preparations and activities in the festival. Excerpts follow:

Located about 110Kms southeast of Asmara, Adi-Keih town is one of the Southern region sub-zones that are endowed with different ancient historical sites. It is a center of ancient civilization waiting to be excavated by scientist. It lies almost 2,500 meters above sea level and has a moderate climate. Known for its tourism assets especially to the eastern parts, the town, just as every other place in the country is marching towards development. The putting in place of modern facilities that compliment its historical relics gives the town a unique attribute. Shabait conducted an interview with the Administrator of the sub-zone, Mr. Mohammed Hamid, concerning the town’s development activities. Excerpts follow:

The principal objective of the National Union of Eritrean Youth and Students (NUEYS) is to cultivate competent and dynamic youth that are equipped with appropriate knowledge in varied disciplines. Youth that could play active role in different activities that correspond with the overall endeavors of the nation-building process. In accordance with the basic principles of the union, its branch offices in the six regions of the country strive for laying a foundation that could contribute in stepping up Eritrean youth’s full potential. Shabait conducted a brief interview with Mr. Ismail Mussa, chairperson of NUEYS branch office in the Southern Red Sea Region (SRSR) about the different activities of the regional office. Excerpts follow:

A few weeks ago, the newly constructed College of Arts and Social Science was inaugurated in Adi-Keih town. This modern building equipped with advanced educational facilities would indeed maximize higher educational opportunities in the country. It would also accommodate large number of students with diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds.  In this respect, the boarding school would not only supply students with academic knowledge but also enable students to develop broader social perspectives. Shabait conducted an interview with the Dean of the College of Arts and Social Sciences, Dr. Ogbagebriel Beraki concerning the significance of the college. Excerpts follow:

In the evening hours of June 19, tomorrow, every Eritrean national would light candles to commemorate their beloved heroes who paid their dear life for the freedom of their people and country. It is a day in which to express respect to martyrs and also an occasion to renew pledge to live up to their trust. The next day, June 20th, official day of the commemoration is also dedicated to honoring the selfless act of the martyrs. However, Eritrean martyrs are not remembered only on the official day, their memory is a living monument in the heart of every Eritrean. The continued support extended to families of the martyrs as well as the nationwide development endeavors clearly demonstrate the commitment of the people and Government of Eritrea to the pledge of their fallen heroes. The General Director of Social Welfare Department at the Ministry of Labor and Human Welfare, Mr. Mihreteab Fessehaye, conducted a brief interview with Shabait in connection with the Martyrs' Day. Excerpts follow:

Today, health professionals are able get accurate and reliable information about the health of a patient through advanced laboratory technology. This has contributed significantly in diagnosis, preventing and treating patients depending on the result of the testing provided by the lab. The Eritrean National Laboratory is also striving to develop the capacity of labs alongside the all-round medical development efforts to deliver best health services. Modern equipments have been introduced and manpower capacity is improving from time to time. Besides, medical experiments and testes which were previously sent abroad for lab examination are now conducted in the country. Shabait conducted an interview with Mr. Samuel Sahle, Eritrean Lab Coordinator, as regards the activities of the National Health Laboratory of Eritrea.