Decades before Eritrea achieved recognized independence, the foundation of its future was being laid in wartime classrooms. On September 10, Eritrean nationals residing in Riyadh and its environs gathered to mark the Revolution School Golden Jubilee, celebrating 50 years since the establishment of the iconic institution. Held under the patriotic theme “Vibrant Commemoration: New Impetus for Nation Building,” the event highlighted the profound historical significance of education during the country’s armed struggle.
“Human is Crucial”: Education Under Fire
Established in 1976 by the Eritrean People’s Liberation Front (EPLF), the Revolution School (Bet Timhirt Sewra) was created under extraordinary wartime conditions. It was initially designed to educate and care for children orphaned by the conflict, refugees, and the youth of liberation fighters.
Speaking at the Revolution School Golden Jubilee in Riyadh, Ms. Weini Gerezgiher, Chargé d’Affaires at the Eritrean Embassy in Saudi Arabia, reminded attendees that the school is a historic testament to the EPLF’s core philosophy. She emphasized that the leadership prioritized education even during the most arduous periods of the war, operating on the foundational belief that the “human is crucial” in the long-term process of liberation.
Mr. Tesfay Tekle, chairman of the local Eritrean community, echoed these sentiments, congratulating the school’s alumni and staff. He noted that the institution successfully molded outstanding citizens and visionary leaders who paid heavy sacrifices to secure the nation’s independence and safeguard its sovereignty.
A Minister’s Reflection and Cultural Tributes
The Revolution School Golden Jubilee also featured a virtual briefing from Eritrea’s Minister of Education, Dr. Halima Mohammed—herself a proud product of the institution. Dr. Mohammed detailed the school’s evolution through various stages of the struggle and called upon all alumni across African diaspora communities to continue serving their country with unwavering dedication.
The Riyadh commemoration was deeply enriched by cultural and historical showcases. Attendees explored an exhibition featuring 100 historical photographs and watched a moving documentary film detailing the school’s impact. The event concluded with musical performances and poetry recitations by students of the International School of the Eritrean community, who performed classic songs originally sung by students of the Revolution School.
Adding a spirit of camaraderie to the celebration, an award was presented to the winning team of a community football tournament organized specifically in honor of the Revolution School Golden Jubilee. Ultimately, the event served as a powerful reminder that true education and youth empowerment can flourish even in the most challenging environments.
