Mendefera — The branch office of the Ministry of Labor and Human Welfare in the Southern region implemented various programs worth over 150 million Nakfa this year focusing on social welfare and security which is making due contribution in improving the people's standard of living.

In a report he presented at an assessment meeting in Mendefera town, Mr. Yohannes Tesfai, head of the branch office, indicated that over 110 million Nakfa has been paid in benefit scheme to families of martyrs in 12 sub-zones of the region. About 6 million Nakfa has also been paid to a total of 1,478 families of fallen heroes from the financial assistance extended by Eritrean nationals residing abroad, he explained.

Mr. Yohannes further pointed out that more than 2,000 orphans have been rehabilitated through livestock and business enterprises at a cost of 10 million Nakfa, while educational materials have been extended in support of 675 street children.

The participants of the meeting lauded the Government's efforts to improve the people's standard of living and called on Eritrean citizens at home and abroad to enhance their contribution in this regard.