Background history

The Eritrean Refugees Secondary School in Kassala, commonly known as “UNESCO School”, was set up with the backing of visionary Eritrean Liberation Front (ELF) initiatives, and with funding of the United Nation High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) in 1977. The UNHCR continued funding the school until 1999, providing Eritrean refugees the opportunity to continue receiving the high quality of education the school is renowned for in English medium of instruction. It had run by a highly dedicated and experienced Eritrean School Administrators and teachers. Since its establishment in 1977, the school produced hundreds of outstanding graduates who have continued university level education or pursued other professions, and now are engaged in highly rewarding professional jobs around the world. Following the withdrawal of financial support from UNHCR in 1999, the Catholic Church in Kassala stepped in to provide financial and material support to the school. However, following the COVID-19 global pandemic the Catholic Church cutting its funding to the school as the result of that, the school is facing serious existential challenges. Nevertheless and despite all the challenges, the school has continued rendering its renowned educational services to hundreds of Eritrean refugees in Kassala with generous help from Eritrean communities, including ex-student of the school.