Successful Effort to Expand Educational Services

Asmara, 14 May 2026 – Dr. Halima Mohammed, Minister of Education, said that, as a result of the strong efforts exerted to provide educational opportunities equally and equitably across the country, immense achievements have been registered in the expansion of educational facilities, the participation and competitiveness of females, as well as in the eradication of illiteracy.

In an interview with national media outlets in connection with the 35th Independence Day anniversary, Dr. Halima said that the most fundamental policy of education in Eritrea is tied to the realization of social justice. She added that the Government has worked relentlessly to expand access to education, even in the most remote corners of the country, and that significant achievements have been recorded over the past 35 years.

Dr. Halima further noted that the number of pre-schools, which stood at 359 in the 1991/1992 academic year, increased by 544% in the 2024/2025 academic year, reaching 1,952.

The number of elementary schools has increased from 381 to 1,097, junior schools from 65 to 469, and high schools from 25 to 132, Dr. Halima added.

Regarding the number of students and teachers, Dr. Halima said that the number of students at all levels, which was over 267,000 in the 1991/1992 academic year, increased to 880,000 in the 2024/2025 academic year, while the number of teachers increased from 5,456 to 29,448.

Noting that earnest effort is still required in technical and vocational training, Dr. Halima indicated that the number of technical schools has increased from two to six.

Dr. Halima further said that the Ministry of Education is focusing on expanding access, particularly in lowland and remote areas; reforming curricula to strengthen vocational pathways; improving teacher recruitment, training, and working conditions; decentralizing operations; strengthening research and evidence-based planning; modernizing schools with ICT, virtual labs, and digital libraries; and enhancing parental and community involvement.