Sawa — President Isaias Afwerki handed sawa and Soira awards yesterday to exemplary youths who demonstrated excellence in their studies abroad, as well as those who made exceptional contribution as regards creative and innovative works.

Soira award is being bestowed for the first time this year to youths who made worthy input regarding proving new mathematical theorems, enhancement of agricultural production, scientific studies on herbal medicines, international sports, fog harvesting and reducing electricity consumption of bread stove, besides those who developed electronic dictionaries for English, Tigrinya, Arabic and Tigre languages.

Seid Mohammed Ali, winner of Soira award, expressed conviction that it would be a motivating element for research works.

Indicating that the award encourages youth competence as regards education, Sara Yemane, winner of Sawa award, said that they would enhance participation in national development programs.

The National Youth Festival concluded in the evening hours today.