Keynote Address by President Isaias Afwerki at Graduates of the 36th Round of the National Service

Dear Graduates of the 36th Round of the National Service,
Dear Parents,
Dear Teachers and Instructors,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

Allow me to extend my congratulations to the Graduates of the 36th Round, the Parents as well as the Teachers.

The Graduation of the 36thRound is occurring at an auspicious moment. At a time when we are undertaking a comprehensive assessment of the aggregate impact and contributions of the 35 Rounds of the National Service implemented in the past decades in the context of Government policy perspectives on the National Service as the principal vehicle of nation building and against the backdrop of various international and regional developments.

In view of our distinct national realities, we have from the outset focused on the development of our human resources as the principal and sustainable element of our national wealth. This is without emulating other countries or irrespective of the presumed higher or lower potential of our human capital.

The overarching objective revolves around imbuing and empowering each citizen with knowledge, profession, skills, experience and awareness to thereby multiply his/her contributions to national development.

Furthermore, the designed task and mission go beyond and transcend the power of knowledge of each citizen to leveragemuch higher results through the combined knowledge of all the citizens.
The question now is whether the mission and the tasks mapped out were implemented seamlessly in accordance with the envisaged plans.

This is a matter that warrants serious appraisal without complacency in our achievements or downplaying our shortcomings and weaknesses.
The comprehensive appraisal must lead to, and be concluded by, a full review of our mission to map out specific tasks that produce optimal results through greater efficiency. There is no ambiguity whatsoever that this undertaking will elevate us to a higher state of progress.

My message to the Graduates of the 36th Round at this juncture is that as you are embarking on the first Chapter, after 12 years of schooling, in the long chapter of life, the chapters that lay in front of you are numerous and long indeed. And irrespective of the outcomes in the School Leaving Examination, you must always strive to deepen your academic knowledge and proficiency and acquire skills and experiencesthrough diligent efforts and work hard without respite. You should not wait for advice to achieve these goals.

The Parents, teachers and instructors also bear moral obligation and responsibility to monitor their progress and lend them the support they require.

Success and greater achievements to the Graduates!

Victory to the Masses!
13 July 2024