“WOMEN IN AGRI-BUSINESS” AT THE AMERICAN CLUB

Ghennet with other IVLP participants

Hakisiir visiting a flower shop in the U.S.

The October meeting of the American Club featured talks by two accomplished agriculture professionals from Asmara: Mrs. Ghennet Bokretzion, from Double Harvest, and Mrs. Hakisiir Yohannes, from LaBelle Flowers.  Both had recently traveled to the USA with the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP).

After welcoming the audience of over 100, the Charge Jennifer McIntyre described the IVLP and its significance for world leaders.  Individuals such as Tony Blair, Hamid Karzai, and Anwar Sadat had been on the IVLP.  Mr. Tekeste Asghedom, Acting President of the American Club, had also been on the IVLP, and he explained to the audience how alumni can enroll in the online website.

The DCM describing the significance of IVLP

Using photos from her US travels, Mrs. Ghennet Bokretzion addressed the relationship between agriculture and ecology. She shared her travel experiences in Indiana and Utah with persons from throughout the Horn of Africa. Mrs. Hakisiir Yohannes talked about her first-hand observations of farming in Seattle, Denver and Sacramento, and she encouraged the audience to work towards more organic farming methods.  A lively discussion followed their presentations, as the audience raised many questions, from food costs to value of organic farming methods.

The audience attending the lecture

The next American Club event is scheduled for Thursday, November 29, at 6:30 pm, when we will hear from Mr. Paul Johnston, Director of Asmara International Community School. He will address the topic “Education and Community Service.”  Everyone is welcome!