Provision of Schooling by the Eritrean Peoples Liberation Front (EPLF) in the Field from 1976-91

Abstract

This mini thesis deals with the historical development of the provision of schooling in the war zones under the EPLF focusing on the period between 1976-1991, that is, from the establishment of the Revolutionary School (also called Zero School) until the independence of Eritrea. It also tries to give a general background about the Eritrean national liberation movements and their struggle to achieve independence. To provide schooling in times of war and in war zones is very difficult. But many national liberation movements provided education largely basic education to the peoples under their control and their respective fighters. As SWAPO did for Namibian refugees, the ANC to South African refugees, and the PAIGC to those liberated in Guinea Bissau, the EPLF also educated its fighters and peoples under its control. This has been investigated by analyzing the efforts of the EPLF educators to overcome the war challenges in providing education to the fighters and the peoples in the liberated areas of Eritrea. This mini thesis also tries to give a highlight concerning the contribution of the wartime experience in the education sector to the educational program of independent Eritrea.