At Beyan Elementary and Junior School in the Hamelmalo sub-zone of Eritrea’s Anseba region, laughter rises above the dry, sunbaked landscape.
During a short break between lessons, five young teachers — Niyat Habtezghi, Delina Ghirmay, Eden Mogos, Rodas Teklay and Shani Dawit — gather together, sharing stories and lighthearted moments before returning to their classrooms.
All in their early twenties, they began their teaching assignments in October 2025. Far from their families and familiar surroundings, they have built something powerful: a close bond rooted in resilience, shared purpose, and mutual care.
Teaching in Challenging Conditions
Life in Beyan is not easy.
The heat can be intense. The area is remote. Basic services are limited. For new educators, these realities can feel overwhelming.
The five teachers currently share a single room that serves as bedroom, dining area, and workspace. With uncovered windows and minimal furnishings, the space offers little privacy and little protection from cold nights.
And yet, they endure — together.
When one feels discouraged, the others offer support. When homesickness creeps in, they lean on music, conversation, and laughter. Their friendship is more than companionship; it is a survival strategy that keeps them grounded and committed to their students.
Investing in Teacher Well-Being
Change is coming.
The Ministry of Education, with funding from the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) and implementation support from UNICEF, has constructed new teachers’ quarters for remote schools — including Beyan.
During a recent visit to the nearly completed housing, the teachers’ excitement was clear. Proper beds. Privacy. Warmth. Space to rest.
These may seem like small comforts, but in remote communities, they can make the difference between staying and leaving.
Across the country, new housing is being built at 10 remote schools, benefiting 160 teachers — half of them women. The goal is simple but transformative: improve teacher well-being and strengthen retention.
Because when teachers stay, students thrive.
A Broader Commitment to Equity
These efforts are part of Eritrea’s wider commitment to building a stronger, more equitable education system.
Through ongoing funding from the Global Partnership for Education — including:
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A $11.8 million system transformation grant (2024–2027)
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A $5.9 million Girls’ Education Accelerator grant (2025–2028)
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A $2.2 million system capacity grant (2024–2027)
— implemented with support from UNICEF, the country continues to prioritize quality foundational learning for all children.
The focus is clear: ensure that every girl and boy, no matter how remote their community, has access to dedicated teachers and meaningful education.
More Than Infrastructure
New buildings alone don’t transform education. People do.
The five young teachers at Beyan embody the strength and dedication that sustain schools in the most challenging environments. Their solidarity reflects something essential: when educators feel supported, they can fully support their students.
By improving living conditions, Eritrea is not only investing in infrastructure — it is investing in hope, stability, and opportunity for children in underserved communities.
And sometimes, progress begins with something as simple — and as powerful — as giving teachers a place to call home.
