190.
The set of cultural institutions also complement the work of the other sectors of the State
and contribute to the growth and capabilities of the human capital. This is reflected in the
growing knowledge, skills, professional and technical capabilities and attitude of citizens.
They all constitute part of the infrastructure to promote rights and participations in cultural
activities. The promotion of music, dance and dramas reflecting the values of unity,
sacrifice, commitment and hard work is advanced by the various cultural troupes including
folklore cultural groups functioning at community level throughout the country. There are
also 65 specialized cultural troupes functioning at national and regional levels. They include
groups from the PFDJ Culture Department, police, army, air force, groups from all ethnic
groups constituted at regional level as well as private entities.
191.
Eritrean cultural festivals held yearly at national and regional levels and in the Eritrean
Diaspora communities also augment the on-going effort. Festivals epitomize the rich
diversity treasured in the culture of the nine ethnic groups of the Eritrean society. Youth
festivals are also organized every two years in the Sawa Education and Training Center and
coincide with the yearly inauguration of national service members. They all embody the
national culture and are successfully used to mobilize participation, transfer the basic
national values as cultural heritage to the new generation and contribute in cultural
transformation. The youth through these festivals and all other measures outlined earlier
ensure the two elements of cultural transformation. They inherit the culture and values
accumulated by the society thereby guaranteeing assimilation. On the other hand, they take
this one step forward through their contribution, creativity and innovations.
192.
The production and publications of books, films, dramas and visual art is also evolving
and the youth is the main drive in this endeavor. The establishment of the Hidri Publishers
(HP) in 1995 also promotes the publication of books in all Eritrean languages. HP is a
founding and active member of the Eritrean Publishers Association (ERIPA) established in
2001 to expand and develop the publishing industry. So far HP has,
20082016
Av/Y
published books in 6 out of the 9 local languages, namely, Tigrigna, Arabic, Tigre,
Kunama, Nara and Bilen
reprinted and translated foreign publications into Eritrean languages through
agreements and arrangements; These include books on history, language, culture,
philosophy, fiction and genres; about 85% of the books are original and the rest are
translated or reprinted books
prepared an electronic dictionary (called ERIDIC), based on the English-TigrignaArabic dictionary published in 1998 by the EPLF during the liberation struggle
Song
Music
Cassette
Clips
Films
Script
Book
Magazine
Brochure
Bulletin
Booklet
3340
418
768
96
652
82
612
77
104
12
986
123
296
37
179
22
159
20
51
6
Total
7147
893
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