2004 YEAR END APPEAL

As 2004 comes to an end, we are sending out an appeal to all of Eritrean Development Foundation’s supporters and friends for their help. As many of you know, the situation in parts of Eritrea is again dire because of drought conditions. In October, the World Food Programme sent 61,200 metric tons of US-donated wheat to help 600,000 people who are extremely affected by the drought. WFP officials said that, “Eritrea faces complete crop failure in some key food-producing regions.” Successive droughts over the last four or five years have been devastating in the food producing regions of Gash Barka and Debub. For 2005 the UN is asking for 505,000 tons of food aid for Eritrea, over half of which is for emergency needs. So far only about 12% of what is required has been received.

EDF will continue to mobilize support for immediate, urgent needs for the people of Eritrea. At the same time, EDF is committed to developing and supporting activities that focus on more long-term development issues. In 2005 EDF will continue to direct its efforts toward expanding its HIV/AIDS education project, promote the Youth Camp Program, (originally initiated by Board Member Solomon Teklu) explore other issues, such as education, and develop collaborations with local Eritrean NGOs. Working with local partners in Eritrea, EDF will continue to identify opportunities to help people in need and those who want to help themselves.

We have much to do in 2005!!! Please send a donation to EDF today. (For those who are already pledgers, many thanks!) Or better yet, sign up to become an EDF pledger by contributing monthly — $25, $50, or more. Donations to EDF are tax deductible. Thanks for your continued support.