U.S. Embassy Celebrates Earth Month with Dekemhare Children | | The children along with the corner coordinator |
In celebration of Earth Month, the U.S. Embassy’s Public Affairs Office hosted a children’s film program at the American Corner in Dekemhare on April 29. Thirty students attended a film showing of “The Lorax,” which is based on the children’s book written by American author Dr. Seuss, and covers environmental themes. After the film program, Public Affairs staff discussed the importance of Earth Day and environmental conservation with the children. Each participant was provided with a complimentary book at the end of the program. In conjunction with the visit, the U.S. Embassy also donated audio-visual equipment, which will enable the American Corner to begin showing children and adult films on a regular basis. The American Corner, located inside the Dekemhare Public Library, is open to the general public and provides a variety of free information resources.
America Club Lecture Focuses on Red Sea Ecology | The Marine Biologist, Dr. Zekaria |
In honor of Earth Day Month, the U.S. Embassy featured guest speaker Dr. Zekaria Abdulkerim, Director of the College of Marine Science and Technology in Massawa at its monthly America Club lecture on April 24. Dr. Zekaria, a PHD in marine biology, spoke on “Survival Strategies of Coral Reef Fish,” which provided the audience with an overview of the importance and fragility of the world’s coral reefs and his own research into the survival strategies of specific fish indigenous to the coral reefs off of the coast of Massawa. During this informative lecture, Dr. Zekaria showed photos of the fish he studied and the results from his research. He also entertained numerous questions from the captivated audience, such as the economic and ecological importance of coral reefs for Eritrea and other regions of the world.
President Bush Discusses Food AidIn recent weeks, many have expressed concern about the significant increase in global food prices. In some of the world's poorest nations, rising prices can mean the difference between getting a daily meal and going without food. To address this problem, two weeks ago the U.S. administration announced that about $200 million in emergency food aid would be made available through a program at the Agriculture Department called the Emerson Trust. But that's just the beginning of our efforts. I think more needs to be done, and so today I am calling on Congress to provide an additional $770 million to support food aid and development programs. Together, this amounts to nearly $1 billion in new funds to bolster global food security. And with other food security assistance programs already in place, we're now projecting to spend nearly -- that we will spend nearly $5 billion in 2008 and 2009 to fight global hunger. President George W. Bush Please Click Here to read the full text.
Women’s Handicraft Fair | Decorated potteries displayed |
A Women’s Handicraft Fair was held at the Eritro-German auditorium on April 19, 2008. The fair was organized by the U.S. Embassy Public Affairs Staff, together with the National Union of Eritrean Women’s Association. It was attended by more than 500 viewers. The objective of the fair was to empower disadvantaged women who work from home. These women have not had the opportunity to showcase their wares to a wide audience. This was a wonderful partnership with the U.S. Embassy and the National Union of Eritrean Women’s Association.
Earth Day Month Celebration at the American Center | | Children admiring the creations of their fellow artists |
In honor of Earth Day, the U. S. Embassy Public Affairs sponsored a Children’s Earth Day Art Contest. Over 300 children between the ages of 7-15 submitted art work on the subject of the global environment. Four Eritrean artists selected 45 winners, 15 from each age category. The artist judges were previous U. S. Embassy Public Affairs, grant recipients. One winning entry from each age category will be sent to the State Department in Washington D.C. for competition between all of the winning entries around the world. The 45 winners were invited to an Awards Celebration on April 22, 2008. At the morning Award’s Ceremony, Jane McMullen, wife of Ambassador McMullen, read the book “Lorax” by Dr. Seuss. Ms. McMullen also awarded each child a copy of the book. At the afternoon Award’s Ceremony, Foreign Service Officer, Ajani Husbands, was the guest reader.
Massawa Visit by PA Specialist | Public Affairs Director with corner staff |
The U.S. Embassy Public Affairs Director, Julie McClanahan as well as two staff members visited the Massawa American Corner on April 14-15, 2008. The visit’s objective was to give the Public Affairs Director a brief overview of the corner, as well as meet the library director Mr. Mohamed and Corner Staff Mr. Aron. In addition to books and supplies, the U.S. Embassy was also able to provide equipment that will enable the Massawa Corner to begin their children and adult film programs. The Public Affairs Staff was also fortunate to meet and greet the Mayor of Massawa Ms. Fana as well as the Deputy Mayor Mr. Yosief.
Keren Corner Film ProgramThe U. S. Embassy American Corner in Keren, began a Saturday weekly film program on March 23, 2008 from 9:00 A.M. - 11:30 A.M. Films are shown every Saturday and they alternate between children and adult films. The U.S. Embassy Public Affairs assisted with film equipment and will continue to provide movies for this event.
Readers Club at ACU. S. Embassy Public Affairs Staff hosted the Monthly Reader’s Club on April 17, 2008, from 6:30-8:30 P.M. in the Eritro-German Auditorium. The book of the Month was “The Prince” by Machiavelli. The 35 Reader’s Club members led an animated discussion and shared their personal analysis. The Chairman of the Club informed the readers that “The Prince” was available in the American Center library or online. The next meeting will be held on May 15, 2008, from 6:30-8:30 P.M. At the Club members’ request, they will continue the discussion on the “The Prince.”
Women's Round Table at ACThe U.S. Embassy, Public Affairs Staff held the first Women’s Round Table meeting on April 17, 2008. The meeting opened with introductions of the twelve participants and the Public Affairs Staff. The diverse group of attendees discussed the Round Table’s objectives. It was decided that the Round Table would discuss issues that are pertinent to women such as influential women in the world, breast cancer, and other health topics that pertain to women and children. A chairperson was elected for the Round Table. The next meeting will be on May 15, 2008, at 4:30 P.M. The topic for discussion will be breast cancer and the effects on Eritrean women.
Fact Sheet on Eritrea-Ethiopia Boundary Impasse
Ethiopia-Eritrea: U.S. Policy Towards the Border DisputeBureau for African Affairs, Washington, DC., December 6, 2007 United States policy toward the boundary impasse between Eritrea and Ethiopia is and has been for both governments to respect commitments in the Algiers Agreements, comply with relevant Resolutions of the UNSC, and engage directly to implement the Eritrea-Ethiopia Boundary Commission’s (EEBC) delimitation decision and address issues that divide them.
On December 5, Secretary Rice, in Addis Ababa, reiterated that the governments of Eritrea and Ethiopia should avoid any actions that might further heighten tension or reignite conflict. The United States urges both governments to cooperate with the United Nations Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea in this effort.
"Peace and justice prevail when people are free to speak, assemble, and worship, when their rights are protected, and when governments are accountable to their citizens."
President George W. Bush "In countries that are not yet free, where people do not yet enjoy the benefits of freedom, it is often journalists who make the sacrifice and endure the danger to try and report to the outside ... " Secretary Condoleezza Rice
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