The ceremony was attended by over 200 persons including representatives from UNESCO’s Addis Ababa Cluster Office, Governmental officials from the Harari People National Regional State, local NGOs and youth groups.

In the inauguration speech, the UNESCO Director and Representative, Mr Awad Elhassan, congratulated the graduates on their efforts. He also spoke of the ongoing preparations to have the city of Harar included in UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites by early in 2006.

As he explained, the city of Harar which was founded before the 13th Century was the centre of Islamic culture and religion in the Horn of Africa. The city which was encircled by a 4m high wall that still exists today was a major trading centre famous for its basketry, weaving, bookbinding and coffee. Harar linked Ethiopia with the Horn of Africa, the Arabian Penisula and ports in India and beyond giving rise to a diverse, culturally rich and tolerant society.

Ato Murat, Director of the People’s Mobilization, Culture and Social Affairs Bureau welcomed UNESCO’s contribution to the city of Harar and presented certificates to the 42 graduates of the centres first ICT course. Although no affirmative actions were taken to recruit female trainees, over 70% of these graduates are young women.

Following a brief cultural presentation the centre was declared officially open and trainees had a chance to show off their new-found skills to the many curious onlookers. The center which offers 5 Internet connected pcs, access to digital photography, scanning and printing equipment brings to a total of six the number of UNESCO supported telecentres in Ethiopia.

According to Ato Imran, Sector Head at the People Mobilization Culture and Social Afffairs Bureau, the centre will shortly be offering its second training course and intends to offer even more advanced ICT and ICT-based training that support social development and capacity building.