Book Aid International has been making a difference in Eritrea for over 10 years. In 2011 37,274 books were donated, the majority for children and teenagers. In 2012 we developed new partnership agreements, with the Ministry of Education and Library and Information Association.
Country Statistics
Human development index ranking: 177th out of 187 countries
Under-fives mortality rate: 55 deaths per 10,000 live births
Adult literacy: 67.8%
Net enrolment in primary education: 33% (male 36%, female 31%); secondary education: 29% (male 32%, female 25%)
Total enrolment in tertiary education: 5,000
Why we work in Eritrea
Eritrea gained independence from Ethiopia in 1993 after a long struggle and became almost immediately embroiled in conflicts with neighboring countries. It is now at peace but remains one of the poorest countries in the world and the government is struggling against the many challenges of trying to rebuild its war-torn infrastructure. Enrolment in education is low whilst class sizes are large and resources poor. English language is being promoted as a national priority and the school curriculum is taught in English after grade 5, meaning our English language books are very welcome.
