The summer campaign, national program, commonly known in Eritrea as kremtawi maetot is a significant initiative of the government started in 1994 to encourage secondary school (grade nine and grade ten) students of the country to combat the global threat of climate change and its impacts, by planting trees and other environmentaly friendly activities. The campaign manifests that adolescents can be a part of something greater while sustaining their environment. The summer work program promotes volunteerism and raises environmental awareness among students.
The students’ summer work program of 2024 started on the 8th of July and continued until the 17th of August throughout the country with the exception of Southern Red Sea region. The students of Southern Red Sea region begun early in June to cope with the unique climatic conditions of the region. Mr. Fitiwi Woldegergis, director of the Students’ Summer Work Program at the Ministry of Education, stated that over 28,600 students and more than one thousand teachers and agricultural experts were involved in this year’s summer work program. The program primarily focused on soil and water conservation which accounts for 95% of the total activities. The remaining 5% includes traffic safety services, road renovations, and the construction of water catchment schemes, among other tasks. Mr. Fitiwi further elaborated the details of the program that included the planting of 1.3 million tree seedlings, the cultivation of 330,000 trees, and participation in traffic safety initiatives in Asmara, Keren, and Mendefera.
Volunteerism and community service has the capacity to transform the attitude of young generation. It changes their position from bystanders and observers into active members of the society that have the potential to become agents of change. The summer work program of high school students creates the platform for participation and involvement in communal affairs. The summer work program which typically includes soil and water conservation, plantation, traffic safety and so on has great significance, as it offers firsthand experience of organized participation and engagement.
The summer work program gives an opportunity to students to unleash their potential, to become agents of changes and to explore ways for their development. It also provides students with opportunities to use newly acquired academic skills and knowledge in real life situations in their own communities. It enhances what is taught in classrooms by extending students learning beyond the school and into the community and helps to foster the development of a sense of caring and responsibility. Summer work programs are expected to promote a general sense of social responsibility, build strong social ties, and contribute to a healthy society.
Written by Simon Woldemichael