Shabait

Last month, an English-Tigrinya electronic dictionary (ERI-DIC) devised by Mr. Abrehe Yemane, a computer programmer, was inaugurated. The electronic dictionary comprising of around 24,000-words was published by Hidri Publishers and Awghet Book Shop. In an age of software technology the dictionary is expected to promote the local language and provide an easier access to dictionary. Such an initiative could also encourage other skilled young professionals to take similar innovative steps. Shabait interviewed Mr. Abrehe regarding his project, excerpts follow:

A couple of weeks ago, an international “Tour Eritrea 2009” cycling race was hosted in Eritrea. Cycling race is one of the most favored kinds of sport among Eritreans. Whenever there is a cycling race, spectators come out in crowds and swarm city streets. "Tour Eritrea 2009", was the first international cycling race in the country, which extended over 717 Kms, making it one of the biggest events in the history of Eritrean sport. One of the many important aspects of the tour was that it highlighted the fact that Eritrea can boast of talented professional cyclists that can successfully compete in any international race. At the end of the competition, Bereket Yemane, a young Eritrean cyclist shined more than any other cyclist. Bereket talked to Shabait about his experience as a cyclist, excerpts follow:

Eritrean cinema halls are always packed with movie-goers during weekends to watch locally made Tigrigna movies. Previously, these cinemas primary hosted foreign productions such as that of Hollywood and Bollywood. The fact that local productions are dominating cinemas is a clear indication of how the film industry is flourishing in the country. However it is not just the quantity but also the quality of films produced that is crucial for the development of any film industry, because films today are not only sources of entertainment but also essential tools of education and communication. Recognizing the impact films can have on young minds, an Eritrean film rating committee was set up to review the quality of locally made films. Shabait interviewed Ms. Ruth Simon, Secretary of Eritrean Film Rating Committee regarding film production in Eritrea and future prospects of the industry.

The Minister of Information, Mr. Ali Abdu recently conducted an extensive interview with the media regarding the contemporary applications of psychological warfare, double standards in international media, the use of media by intelligence agencies of superpowers and other related issues. Mr. Ali also talked about why Eritrea is continuously targeted by smear campaigns and psychological warfare. Excerpts of the interview follow:

His name is Jaber Mohammed-Idris. He was born in 1984 in a village called Gedged, Shieb sub zone. In 1988, his village was a target of atrocities on civilians by the Derg regime and that is where Jaber lost his younger sister and got a back injury himself. After that, his parents along with him fled to Sahel, part of the liberated areas back then. Recently, Jaber graduated among the 39 students of the Saleh Meki graduate class of 2009, the first batch of graduates from the Orota School of Medicine. Now he is Dr. Jaber Mohammed-Idris and he gave Shabait a brief interview about his experiences and education.

During the armed struggle for independence many foreign journalists and researchers had come to the liberated areas of Eritrea to document and personally witness the facts on the ground as regards the Eritrean people’s struggle. One such foreign journalist was a Swedish photographer, the late Mr. Goran Assbring, who came to Eritrea for the first time in 1974 to document the armed struggle for liberation.  Mr. Goran came back and forth to Eritrea since then until he was killed in 1983 during one of his trips leaving a wife, twin daughters and a son behind. His son, Mr. Kalle Assbring who was only 8 and half years old at that time was invited as a guest to participate in 30th anniversary commemoration of the National Confederation of Eritrean Workers (NCEW). Mr. Goran Assbring’s photos were displayed at the Expo Hall for the participants of the symposium. Shabait conducted a brief interview with Mr. Kalle Assbring regarding his father’s work and his impressions. Excerpts follow: