And as part of its drive to encourage innovation and green programmes, the European Commission Representation in Ireland hosted a meeting in Dublin this week between the designer of this innovative stove, the Irish Countrywomen's Association and “Vita”.

The ICA was presented with a letter of thanks from the Eritrean Women's Union, for agreeing to help women in Eritrea achieve today what the ICA did in Ireland in the 1950's. The letter was presented by Dr Debesai Ghebrehiwet who is the designer of the award-winning stove.

Vita’s Chief Executive John Weakliam said: “This relationship shows a new way for women in Ireland to help their own environment whilst helping a very worthwhile cause in Africa”. He added that “for €40 people in Ireland can offset approximately half of their annual carbon footprint, bringing huge environmental and livelihood benefits to poorer parts of the world. Thanks to the funding by Europe Aid, this programme is proving to be enormously successful and is radically changing the quality of life for women in Eritrea.”

Ruth Deasy, Head of Press at the European Commission Representation in Dublin said: “We are delighted to see the results of a successful partnership between a Europe-Aid NGO, Vita, and Irish women working through the ICA, to improve the lives of Eritrean women and at the same time to help the environment.”

The Stoves

• Prize-winning, more fuel efficient (60% less wood fuel), fewer emissions

• Reduce deforestation

• Safer, purer home environment, healthier families

• Significantly less time spent gathering wood = more time for education and work for girls and women

•     The stoves are built by the women for themselves and the skills passed on to others in their village