Educating the hard-to-reach
Basic education is compulsory for both girls and boys, and a child marriage legislation has been enacted, to keep more youths in school and help reduce historically massive gender disparities.
Furthermore, the country’s policy of universal free education, covering pre-primary to higher education, ensures everyone, irrespective of background, distinction, or status, has the opportunity to enroll in education, become literate, and maximize their potential.
Overall, the number of students enrolled has expanded greatly, rising from less than 250,000 at independence in 1993, to over 750,000 today.
Importantly, there is a focus on teacher recruitment, training, and support systems, which have contributed to vital improvements in quality. There are now over 20,000 teachers across all levels of education.
Moreover, Eritrea’s mother tongue policy, offering education in the various ethnic languages of the country, has not only helped preserve Eritrea’s rich heritage and culture. It has meant more equitable access for all ethno-linguistic groups and improved enrolment, retention, and comprehension.
Eritrea’s nomadic populations and other hard-to-reach groups, traditionally the most marginalized, continue to get opportunities to learn through the establishment of 65 mobile and boarding schools in remote areas.
Finally, adult basic education and literacy enhancement programmes are extending learning opportunities to adults who may have been missed by the system. These programmes typically enroll approximately 35,000 annually, with growing numbers of female participants. Graduates can continue on with formal education or secure better employment.
As well as raising adult literacy, these programmes help alleviate gender inequality and promote intergenerational learning.
Helping to positively change lives, expand opportunities, and transform communities, Eritrea’s steady progress in improving literacy provides much to celebrate.
Dr. Fikrejesus Amahazion is a researcher in Eritrea. His work focuses on human rights, development, health, and political economy. Related links:
