The Expanded Development Tenet
257.
After a decade of implementation and progress of the Warsay-Yikealo Development
Campaign, Eritrea in 2015 declared a new development tenet and organization.
Consequently, Eritrea is now divided into four frontlines namely, the Eastern, Western and
Central development frontlines and a frontline on the Eritrean Diaspora. Effort is to be made
to maximize the utilization of comparative advantages of each frontline on the basis of
national development goals. Management and rational redistribution of essential resources
and utilities in the areas of energy, water infrastructure, capital equipment and machinery,
and human capital has been defined. Furthermore, existing capabilities have been mobilized,
organized and harnessed as national capacity for more concerted effort. Structural
arrangements for the coordination of ministries, administrations and defense forces will also
be maximized to ensure harmonization, complementariness and effective mobilization.
(v) The Right to Development and Issues with Implications to Social Fabrics
The Upbringing of the new generation
In essence, Eritrea‟s nation building is building a youth generation and their
empowerment continues as a priority of the Eritrean Government. Eritrea has a pro-youth
policy mainstreamed in all sectors, policies and programmes. While the family‟s role as a
social institution is considerable, a multi-faceted approach comprising three integrated
systems has been established towards this end. This includes the national education system,
the nation-wide youth summer programme and the national service.
258.
259.
As discussed in earlier parts, education has shown progress, and despite certain quality
challenges, has been central in shaping the new generation. It focuses on nationalism and
citizenship, science and technology and physical preparedness and training and has served as
a critical element in cultural transformation and development. As a supplement to this the
Summer Work Programme of secondary school students has been functional since 1994. So
far 19 rounds have been conducted at a huge cost with the participation of about 400,000
students (34% females) and 20,000 organizers. The programme introduces the youth to
community service and to the culture of work. It has also inculcated national unity, selfreliance, collective sprit and steadfastness. The experience so far has exposed the myth that
the huge financial cost is not commensurate with the economic returns accrued as the social
returns in terms of the upbringing of the new generation is significant.
260.
In the afforestation dimensions of the programme, more than 22 million trees have been
planted. The success rate is 74% in various places and 95% in school compounds. About
14,000 km of terracing and 11,000 km canals were also built in various target areas of the
country. TEVT students also repaired more than 150,000 doors, desks, windows and
maintenance of schools and public property. Additionally, participants contributed in traffic
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