Mereja.Forum

[Zmeselo]

Updated: The 2nd placed rider was relegated & Bini moved up to 2nd place

[Zmeselo]

_______________









With Henok Mulubrhan, winner of Tour du Rwanda 2023 and Metkel Eyob 5x stage winner, Team Eritrea arrived in Rwanda for #TdRwanda2025.

They are on the quest of the 6th yellow jersey.

[Zmeselo]

Q & A
Muna Musa Mohammed: A Rising Star in Eritrean Arts

By: Sabrina Solomon

https://shabait.com/2025/02/21/muna-mus ... rean-arts/

Feb 21, 2025



Muna Musa Mohammed, born and raised in Asmara in 1995, is a multi-talented Eritrean artist making waves in the entertainment industry. After completing her national service with distinction, Muna’s career took off at a young age. Known for her acting in stage dramas, TV series, and films, as well as her singing in Tigre, she has also gained popularity as a host and producer of various entertainment programs. A certified teacher and graduate of the SMAP Institute’s two-year diploma program in theatrical arts, Muna currently works as an actress, singer, makeup artist, and designer. She is a cultural analyst for the Commission of Sports and Culture. We sat down with this rising star to learn more about her journey.

From your diverse roles as a journalist and host, was there any family influence on your career path?

My father, Musa Mohammed Adem (Musa Mender), is a well-known journalist, poet, host, and writer. My mother, Halima Abdelkader, is also an actress and artist. While their careers certainly influenced me, my passion for the arts started much earlier. I’ve had a fire in me since third grade, and I’ve been chasing it ever since.

Tell us about your early experiences as an artist.

It all began in third grade. My Tigrinya language teacher, Mr. Efrem Fikadu, was also a renowned art teacher. During that time, art groups like Wari were forming. Mr. Efrem taught us poetry in various languages, and I had the opportunity to recite my first poem in the Tigre language on stage. That first performance ignited something in me. I continued to perform poetry at national holidays like Fenkil, Independence Day, and September 1st, eventually leading to roles in stage dramas. That same year, I landed a role in the film “Foraro,” which marked the beginning of my journey into the art world.

What came next?

After “Foraro,” I received more stage and musical drama opportunities. In 2006 and 2007, I participated in a Tigre drama alongside established artists like the late Sham Geshu and Alamin Abdulatif. Working with such prominent figures was an incredible experience.

Tell us about your film work

My breakthrough as an actress came after completing my national service at Sawa. I starred in a documentary film, based on a true story, that received widespread recognition. I then played a leading role in another movie and a supporting role in a subsequent project. I’ve also appeared in various Tigre and Tigrinya comedic films and am currently working on a sitcom.

How has the audience responded to your acting?

The characters I portray are generally well-received. I often play decent, educated, or disadvantaged women, and the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. One character drew some negative reactions, but overall, the audience has been very supportive.

Do you have a favorite role?

I cherish many of the characters I’ve played. One particularly memorable role was a young woman burdened by societal and family pressures. Forced into an arranged marriage with an older man, she chose to fight back and break free. I deeply resonated with her resilience and strength.

How do you continue to grow and evolve in your career?

Looking back at my journey, I see how much experience and exposure I’ve gained. This has broadened my understanding of art and culture. I constantly strive to learn and grow. Completing the two-year diploma program in theatrical arts at SMAP Institute was a significant step, adding formal education to my practical experience. I also continue to learn from my senior colleagues.

Let’s talk about your singing career

Singing is a passion of mine, though acting takes priority. Since returning from Sawa, I’ve performed with a cultural group from the Central Region and pursued music independently with colleagues. The feedback has been very encouraging. I primarily focus on national songs celebrating unity, history, and progress, but I also have love songs in my repertoire. I’ve collaborated with and featured on other artists’ tracks as well. “Shamka tu”, is one song that received much positive attention. While my current focus is on film, music remains an essential part of my career.

You’ve also worked as a journalist, correct?

Yes. I started hosting children’s programs at a young age. In 2007, I worked with journalist Adem Abu Harsh on his programs. In 2011, I took a journalism course at the Ministry of Information, which led to work in the health department and as a news anchor. Journalism is a field I greatly admire.

You’re truly a woman of many talents. What else are you pursuing?

We’ve covered most of it. I’ve also worked as a makeup artist and designer. I recently completed my design course, so it’s a new area for me, but I’ve been doing makeup, particularly for weddings and photography, for some time.



What are your future aspirations?

My primary focus remains art, especially acting. I also aspire to direct and produce films. I’m currently working towards that goal and hope to be ready soon. I want to continue creating impactful and meaningful work.

What’s your perspective on the current state of Tigre dramas and films?

I believe it’s a growing and evolving industry. Compared to the past, there’s a significant increase in the production of Tigre films and series, which is fantastic progress. The growing participation of professionals and young people contributes to the industry’s development. The availability of training programs also helps individuals grow in this field. Overall, I see a positive trajectory.

Any final thoughts?

Speaking from my experience, I want to emphasize the growth and progress of Tigre language art. I encourage everyone, including myself, to utilize available platforms and contribute to its development. We must all work individually and collectively to nurture and expand the industry. Thank you.

Translated from Men’esey Magazine, February 2025 issue

[Zmeselo]

Eritrean languages are: Tigre, Tigrigna, Kunama , Nara, Bilen, Saho, Afar, and Hidareb (Bedawi)

More Details

West Orange Senior Sahli Negassi Scores a Perfect 1600 on the SAT

WEST ORANGE, NJ – West Orange High School senior Sahli Negassi has achieved what only a fraction of students nationwide can claim—a perfect 1600 on the SAT. With less than 1% of test-takers earning a perfect score each year, Negassi’s accomplishment is nothing short of extraordinary.

Born in Manhattan but raised in West Orange, Negassi’s academic journey began at Mount Pleasant and St. Cloud elementary schools before continuing at Edison and Roosevelt Middle Schools. He never attended preschool but credits his early exposure to textbooks from his older siblings as the foundation for his academic success.

When Negassi saw his perfect score, he could hardly believe it.

I walked out of [my] first period [class] and immediately called my mom,

he said.

I showed it to a classmate, but then I got nervous and joked that it was Photoshopped. Even now, it still doesn’t feel real. But more than anything, I was relieved—I had finally proven to myself that it was possible.

Negassi's preparation was largely self-directed, relying on free resources like Khan Academy, YouTube and the SAT Educator Question Bank. He also attributes his success to rigorous AP coursework, particularly in Language, U.S. History and Calculus. Balancing SAT prep with a demanding schedule was no easy feat, as he was simultaneously preparing for AP exams and competing in track championships.

Really, the hardest part of studying was finding time. I had to make it whenever I could — at meals, during slow class periods, on bus rides. Taking it one question at a time was good enough.

Beyond academics, Negassi is deeply involved in extracurricular activities at West Orange High School. He has been a dedicated member of the cross-country and track teams since seventh grade and spent two seasons on the color guard. He is also the president of the math team, chapter president of the National Honor Society, a varsity chess team member and part of the Royal Strings ensemble. His involvement in multiple honor societies speaks to his well-rounded excellence.

Sahli represents the best of West Orange High School,

said Principal Oscar Guerrero.

His achievement on the SAT is incredible, but what’s just as impressive is how he manages to excel across so many different activities.

Looking ahead, Negassi hopes to attend Harvard and pursue a career in law.

Give me 10 years, and I’ll be out in the world doing something more important than a standardized test,

he said. His advice to other students is simple yet profound:

Be intentional. Know what you want for yourself and throw your whole body at it.

Superintendent Hayden Moore echoed this sentiment, celebrating Negassi’s achievement as a reflection of the excellence fostered in West Orange schools.

Sahli’s story is one of dedication, balance, and passion. He’s an inspiration to our students and a testament to what can be achieved with perseverance and drive.

As he finishes his final year at West Orange High School, Negassi remains focused on the road ahead. His perfect SAT score is a milestone, but not the finish line. With a future in law on the horizon and a commitment to excellence, he’s proof that success isn’t just about talent — it’s about drive, discipline and the willingness to seize every opportunity.

[Zmeselo]

ERITREA ― In 2024, ample preparation and favorable rainfall resulted in a 138% increase in Eritrea's crop production.

A total of 414 thousand hectares were cultivated with cereals, with sorghum accounting for more than half; followed by pearl millet, teff, wheat, finger millet, barley, and maize.

Additionally, oil crops and pulses covered 60 thousand and 38 thousand hectares, respectively, showing a slight increase compared to 2023.

Water Conservation: In 2024, a total of 24 new micro dams were completed, with approximately 22 more currently under construction.

Fruits and Vegetables:

In 2024, Eritrea harvested over 67,000 tons of fruits and 182,000 tons of vegetables.

While the milk and egg production sectors require further improvement, the honey production subsector, comprising approximately 11,800 beekeepers, showed significant progress compared to the past five years.

(Source: Ministry of Agriculture, 2025 report )



___________




General
Ministry of Agriculture: 2024-Major Achievements

A Monthly Newsletter Prepared by the Public Relations Division, Issue No 80, February 2025

Feb 7, 2025



The Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) conducted its national annual assessment and validation of 2025-work plan meeting from 29-31, January 2025 in Asmara at Expo Hall. The meeting was attended by H.E. Arefaine Berhe, the Minister of Agriculture; Ms. Tekia Tesfamichael, President of the National Union of Eritrean Women, MoA senior officials and experts; Director Generals of Regional Agriculture and Land Departments as well as representatives of stakeholders from the National Union of Eritrean Youth and Students, National Union of Eritrean Women (NUEW), FAO, IFAD, AfDB and others.

Following is excerpts of major MoA’s technical bodies’ reports presented during the assessment meeting.

Regional Reports Consolidated by the Agricultural Extension Department (AED)

Soil and water conservation

A consolidated report from the six regions of the country indicated that a total of 53 thousand hectares of on farm and off-farm land was treated with different soil and water conservation measures; and renovation activities was carried out at around six thousand hectares of land. Additionally, over a million cubic meter of check dams were constructed, and around 100 thousand cubic meter renovated. Meanwhile, 24 new micro dams were constructed during the 2024 period, and around 22 new dams are under construction.

Crop Production

According to the consolidated reports, thanks to the satisfactory summer showers and concerted efforts made by farmers and agricultural experts, this year’s cereals’ harvest increased by 138 percent. The total area cultivated with cereals was 414 thousand hectares in which more than half was cultivated with sorghum followed by pearl millet, taff, wheat, finger millet, barley and maize. Meanwhile, oil crops and pulses covered 60 thousand and 38 thousand hectares of land respectively where a slight increment was registered when compared to that of 2023.



Fruits and vegetables

According to the report, over 67 thousand tons of fruits and 182 thousand tons of vegetables were harvested from 4,800 hectares and 14 thousand hectares of land respectively. During the assessment meeting, milk and egg production were found among the sub-sectors that need more improvement. The honey production subsector which consists of around 11,800 beekeepers registered commendable progress when compared to the past five year’s harvest.



Animal and Plant Health

Thanks to the compulsory vaccination programs carried out by the MoA and its development partners, a total of over a million livestock were vaccinated, and subsequently no significant number of cases was registered. When it comes to desert and tree locust control activities, a total are of 770 thousand hectares of land was surveyed in the Northern Red Sea and Gash-barka regions, and control operations was put in place over 34 thousand hectares of land.

Small and Productive Farm Plot (SPFP)

SPFP is a new strategy developed by the MoA and integrates crops like cereals, pulses, oil seeds and vegetable production to benefit rural households who depends on the rains and those who reside in water stressed areas. It is implemented on average 1000 m2 plot of land in three rounds based on agro-ecological zones of the country. Its main objective is to harvest considerable amount of cereals from a small plot of land with the help of row planting, application of compost and improved seed varieties; and application of enough water, when needed. Its additional advantage is that it incorporates vegetables with sweet potato as a permanent plant and crop residue for their livelihood. The first round of SPFP was piloted, for the first time, in four regions of the country that receive summer rains from June – September. Accordingly, more than 12 thousand rural households participated in this first round, and commendable achievement was registered. There were farmers who harvested around 10 quintals of cereals, mainly wheat, from their small plot.

Notational Agricultural Research Institute (NARI)



NARI conducts agricultural research activities in three main stations namely; Halhale, Golij and Shambuko, as well as in sub-stations of Gahtelay, Sheeb, Hagaz, Agordat and Adikeyh. During the assessment meeting, it was highlighted that the institute has made available nine improved wheat varieties and one bean variety ready to be released to farmers through AED following approval of quality assurance from the Regulatory Services Department (RSD). NARI, through its Natural Resources Management Research (NRMR) Division prepared an integrated soil fertility map for Adi-ghebru and conducted soil, water and fertilizers analyses for 573 samples collected from all regions of the country.

NARI also reported that it improved the efficiency of furrow irrigation on potato plots by 67% when compared to the conventional systems. Additionally, NARI’s report indicated that a promising result was registered in developing a low cost and naturally ventilated storage structure for onion. NARI, through its Genetic Resources Research body, also carried out satisfactory germplasm conservation and maintenance activities regenerating 25 sorghum, four common bean, 11 field pea, 17 lentil and 24 grass pea accessions.

Regulatory Services



The Regulatory Services Department (RSD) of the MoA diligently works, through its regional inspectors, to ensure the safety of animal and plant food products before they enter market. RSD also works to ensure proper food processing chain is maintained and cross contamination is avoided. The department reported that around 23 tons of obsolete agro-chemicals were disposed in collaboration with relevant government bodies and around 140 tons of similar chemicals are also waiting for disposal. The seed release committee which is chaired by the RSD also conducted inspection tours on various farmlands to check the quality of basic seeds under multiplication. Similarly, two guidelines were prepared with regards to vegetables’ and potato seed quality assurance.

Within its natural resources inspection activities, RSD reported that it conducted a salinity test inspection in Forto-sawa and Dige irrigated farms, and confirmed no salinity case was reported. The department also reported that it conducted extensive awareness raising meetings and workshops which were attended by around 2700 participants.

Moreover, supporting bodies of the MoA namely: the National Animal and Plant Health Laboratory; Administration and Finance; Planning and Statistics; Public Relations; Agricultural Strategic Information; Legal Services and Internal Audit presented their annual reports.



Recommendations

After thorough discussions, participants of the MoA’s national annual assessment meeting called for enhancing use of the newly constructed dams and evaluating their impacts on agricultural development; empowering and equipping small and medium commercial farmers with solar powered irrigation systems; minimizing post-harvest loses; promoting organic farming; strengthening the rearing of local backyard poultry; renovating slaughter houses and milk collection centers, reinforcing research on livestock breeding, among others.

Awards

During the event, a total of 100 front-line agricultural experts, researchers and inspectors as well as their coordinators were given awards for their outstanding contributions in promoting the SPFP. Moreover, Maekel, Anseba and Debub Regions stood, consecutively, from first to third, and were awarded trophies. Similarly, Berik, Serejeka and Aditekliezan sub-regions were also awarded trophies for their commendable contributions to the success of the SPFP first round at sub-region level.





Closing Remarks

In his closing remarks, Minister Arefaine Berhe commended all MoA HQ organs bodies and regional branches for the improvements in their reporting formats which were clear and measurable. The reports which were prepared and presented by young female and male staff also witnessed smooth transition of tasks to the ministry’s new generation, the Minster added. He also commended the awarded regions for their diligence and hard work in promoting SPFP and called the other regions to strengthen their efforts. The Minister also affirmed that bee keeping using top-bar hives as well as rearing and multiplication of backyard poultry will be pre-requisites for the coming year’s awards. Finally, Minister Arefaine urged all agricultural experts and their coordinators at all levels to collaborate with NUEYS and NUEW to form a bilateral committee to make every Eritrean village engage in SPFP.




__________________






«Adal» ― a flourishing Poultry and Animal Husbandry Enterprise ― from high-quality milk production to sustainable poultry farming ... https://shabait.com/2025/02/19/adal-a-s ... airy-farm/



ሻምብቆ- እቶት ድንሽ ንምኽዕባት ይስራሕ ኣሎ

ቤት-ጽሕፈት ሕርሻ ኣብ ንኡስ ዞባ ሻምብቆ፡ ምህርቲ ድንሽ ንምኽዕባት፡ ምሩጽ ዘርኢ ድንሽ ብምብዛሕ ከምኡ’ውን ንሓረስቶትን ኣልማዕቲ ጀራዲንን ኣብ ኣገባባትን ሜላታትን ልምዓት ድንሽ ዘተኰረ ስልጠናታት ብምውዳብ ኣበርቲዑ ይሰርሕ ከምዘሎ ተገሊጹ።

ወኪል ናይ’ቲ ቤት-ጽሕፈት ኣቶ ኣስመላሽ ብርሃነ ኣብ ዝሃቦ ሓበሬታ፡ ቅድሚ 3 ኣዋርሕ ን16 ሓረስቶት ዝተዓደለ 70 ኩንታል ምሩጽ ዘርኢ ድንሽ፡ ኣብ ኣርባዕተ ሄክታር ተዘሪኡ ኣብ ጽቡቕ ደረጃ ከምዝርከብ ብምጥቃስ፡ ብገምጋም ኣስታት 220 ኩንታል እቶት ክርከቦ ትጽቢት ከምዝግበር ኣብሪሁ። https://shabait.com/2025/02/21/haddas-e ... uary-2025/…

[Zmeselo]

In my view, the most beautiful Church in Eritrea is the church of Enda Mariam in Teseney. Eri Link




____________________






Monetary Contribution to Augment the Martyrs Trust Fund

Eritrean nationals in various countries have contributed 317,700 Kroner, 3,240 Dollars, and 2,545 Euros to support the Martyrs Trust Fund and in support of families of fallen heroes.

According to the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare, the Holidays Coordinating Committee in Stockholm contributed 140,000 Kroner, while the Eritrean community in Oslo, Norway, donated 110,280 Kroner.

Additional contributions came from the Eritrean community in Tromsö, Norway, with 32,000 Kroner, the Eritrean community in Älmhult, Sweden, with 20,120 Kroner, and the Eritrean community in Volda, Norway, with 15,300 Kroner.

In Belgium, the Eritro-Belgium association in Antwerp contributed 1,800 Euros, the Eritrean community in Dendermonde donated 495 Euros, and Eritrean nationals in Kortrijk and Ieper contributed 250 Euros. Similarly, in Norway, Eritreans in Drobak contributed 2,160 Dollars, while Mr. Michael Zeray and Ms. Liwiza Syston from Sweden donated 1,080 Dollars. Furthermore, Dimalid gelato Enterprise contributed 20,000 Nakfa in support of families of martyrs.

The generous contributions from Eritreans abroad, demonstrates their ongoing commitment to honoring the sacrifices of the nation’s martyrs and supporting their families.

[Zmeselo]

ንመበል 35 ዓመት ዝኽሪ ስርሒት ፈንቅል ክጽንብሉን ዝተፈላለየ ምዕባለታት ሃገር ክዕዘቡን ዝመጹ ኤርትራውያን፡ ኣብ ዞባ ጋሽ ባርካ ንኡስ ዞባ ሃይኮታ ዝርከብ ሓወልቲ ስውእ ሓምድ እድሪስ ዓዋተ በጺሖም!








_______________________







Training to Enhance National Food Safety System

The Ministry of Agriculture, in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Representative in Eritrea, conducted a training program aimed at strengthening the National Food Safety Control System.

The training took place from 17 to 20 February at the National Confederation of Eritrean Workers premises and was attended by over 50 experts from relevant ministries, higher education institutions, food processing corporations, and the Eritrean Standards Institute.

The primary objective of the training was to equip participants with up-to-date knowledge, facilitate the exchange of experiences, and identify gaps in the current system to enhance the National Food Safety Framework.

Mr. Tekleab Misghina, Director General of Regulatory Services at the Ministry of Agriculture, stated that the training was an outcome of the National Food Safety Conference held in December 2024. He emphasized that the program aimed to assess national food safety standards concerning regulatory guidelines, infrastructure and laboratory facilities, human resource capacity, documentation and coordination, and stakeholder roles. Mr. Tekleab also noted that the training would enable professionals to collect data at the national level using the FAO and WHO Food Control System Assessment Tool.

Mr. Mohamed Aw-Dahir, FAO Representative in Eritrea, underscored the critical importance of the training in promoting public health and ensuring compliance with food safety standards in trade engagements. He highlighted the alignment of the training with the Ministry of Agriculture’s vision of achieving “Safe and Nutritious Food for Everyone, Everywhere.” He also encouraged trainees to actively participate and demonstrate a stronger sense of professional responsibility, reaffirming FAO’s commitment to supporting such initiatives.



A representative of the trainees expressed satisfaction with the program, noting its structured approach, which is crucial for strengthening regulatory capacities and fostering continuous learning. He also pledged to contribute to ongoing efforts to coordinate food safety activities at the national level.