Wadsherifey Refugee Elementary & Middle School Has Started the Academic Year for 2021-2022
Reported by School Administrator
1/18/2022
The Wadsherifey Elementary & Middle School of Eritrean Refugees in Eastern Sudan was established by the Eritrean Red Cross-Crescent Society (ERCCS), a non-profit organization in 1984 and continues to operate and administer the school. Since its creation, the school has received recognition from the Sudanese Red Crescent, which continues to steadily provide professional support.
The school’s academic year typically begins in June and concludes in March. However, the previous year was delayed due to Covid-19 concerns and both political and civil unrest, which caused the academic year to conclude in June 2021. The new academic year began in mid-October 2021 with registration from 700 students enrolled in grades 1-8.
Since its creation, the school has operated on funds entirely contributed by private individuals and nonprofit humanitarian organizations whose mission is to help educate refugee children. These organizations include: the Geneva-based charity Association Suisse-Enfance Erythree (ASEE); California, USA based Eritrean Democratic Association, Inc. (EDA); and the Eritrean Red Cross-Crescent Society (ERCCS), which have been consistent supporters. The school is grateful for the generous financial support it received; school equipment and supplies from Yiakl COVID_19 Foundation; Australia based Sabrin organization for humanitarian Affairs; from the family of Martyr Doctor & author Aba Isak Gebreyesus; and all the generous donors.
The school uses contributed funds for high-priority expenditures, which includes the following:
- Students’ textbooks and supplies.
- Salary for 20 fulltime instructors, including one school administrator and one assistant.
- Two fulltime school guards
- And to provide clean drinking water for students.
The school also has a plan to:
- Build a new class with a goal to introduce and teach students the use of computers so they will be able to keep pace with information technology.
- Build a library equipped with computer network that could provide access to resources of study and research.
- Cover required repair costs for restoration of the school building, which is deteriorating due weathering, damage, and age.
- And to provide students with breakfast at school.
The school has yet to implement the plan due to shortage of funds but looks forward to resuming the objectives as it receives adequate contributions from donors.
Through the 37 years since its creation, Wadisherifey School has managed to run successful elementary and middle school programs for an average of 700-800 Eritrean refugee children attending every year. Many students had an opportunity to continue higher education in the Catholic School and public Sudanese high schools. Moreover, the students have also continued their higher education in universities and colleges of foreign countries and have become successful professionals.
Eritrean Democratic Association
A Nonprofit Public Benefit Corporation
eritreacare.org
EDA launches a new design on its website
The Eritrean Democratic Association, EDA, has renewed the design and functionality of its website, although it has kept the essence and signs of identity so that it remains recognizable.
The most important and remarkable changes can be seen on the main and internal pages with larger size of images.
EDA had been in existence for the last twelve years. It has so far been giving relief and rehabilitation services to Eritrean refugees in the Sudan. It now plans to extend its services to Eritrean refugees in Ethiopia. For many years, EDA has been supporting an Eritrean refugee elementary and middle school, and war disabled victims center in Kassala, Sudan. It also runs the “Sponsor a Child” program which has helped many Eritrean refugee children.
EDA is founded for public and charitable purposes under the State of California Nonprofit Public Benefit Corporation Law. With 501 (C) (3) nonprofit status. EDA can apply for both federal and state tax exempt status. Donations made by individuals or entities to EDA are all tax deductible and reach the beneficiaries with no overhead expenses.
EDA strives to work in collaboration with all local and international charity organizations and UN agencies in advocating for the rights of refugees and carrying out its activities. EDA urges the public and charitable organizations to support its mission in alleviating the suffering of Eritrean refugees.
With Best Regards,
EDA Board of Directors
Wadsherifey Refugee Elementary & Middle School Successfully Ends Academic Year 2020-2021
By Idris Ismail, School Administrator
On June 7, 2021, the Wadsherifey Elementary & Middle School for Eritrean Refugees in Eastern Sudan completed its academic year for 2020-2021 in a colorful ceremony. In attendance were invited guests, parents, and teaching staff. The school had 703 students enrolled in grades 1-8. There were 640 students who took part in the final exams, which include 358 boys and 282 girls.
In his opening statement, the school director, Mr. Teklehaimanot Elfu, welcomed and thanked all attendees for participating in the school end ceremony. The school director recalled and praised teachers and students perseverance throughout the challenges, such as Covid-19 and civil unrests. The school director also warmly saluted and thanked the Geneva-based charity (ASEE- Association Suisse-Enfance Erythree) that has been an active supporter of the school. He extended his gratitude to the continuous medical support given to the school by the Sudanese Red Crescent. He further commended compatriots in North America whose non-profit EDA (Eritrean Democratic Association), COVID_19 Foundation and all the generous donors for continuing to support the school by providing its teaching services.
The Wadsherifey refugee school was established by the Eritrean Red Cross-Crescent Society (ERCCS) in 1984 and has received recognition from the Sudanese Red Crescent and continues to administer the school. Typically, the school begins its academic years in June and concludes in March at the onset of the hot season in Sudan. However, due to Covid-19, flooding, political and civil unrest, the academic year was delayed until in October 2020 and concluded on June 7, 2021.
ADE Video
EDA Appeals for funds to help Wadsherifey Eritrean Refugee Middle School in Kassala, Sudan. It Enrolls 800 Students, Grades 1- 8.
“A mind is terrible thing to waste”
EDA, Inc. is a licensed 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, headquartered in California, U.S.A
An Appeal to End Human Rights
Violations Against Eritrean Refugees
March 26, 2021
We in the Eritrean Democratic Association (EDA)*, a charity registered in California USA, wish to address this urgent appeal to UNHCR all concerned for tangible action in support of the Eritrean refugees everywhere, but most urgently to the 20,000 Eritrean refugees, shamefully described as “missing” from UNHCR camps in northern Ethiopia. Likewise, the estimated two million Eritreans in forced exile and those inside the huge prison called “Africa’s North Korea” also no doubt deserve timely attention from the international human rights and humanitarian community.
As you very well know, Sirs and Madams, when Eritrea achieved its independence in the early 1990s, the euphoric Eritrean people had hoped to establish democratic institutions that include the rule of law, national constitution and a government structured by election. Dictator Isaias who had not yet achieved a total grip of power seemed that he would go with the will and aspirations of the revolutionary army and the people that was depicted later as a ploy. Despite his games, a provisional legislative body was formed, constitution was drafted and ratified awaiting implementation. However, deceitfully, and systematically he scrapped all of them and instead he built a brainwashed army structured to match his devilish vision. That is to say he built an army that executes his orders blindly.
When it comes to the tragic story of the Eritrean nation it appears that the world has taken its eyes off the ball and shifted its attention to what is currently taking place in the region of Tigray, Ethiopia. Having said so, however, it should not be interpreted as if we are downplaying the evil deeds being perpetrated on the people of Tigray by Isaias and his accomplices. What we are attempting to do is to remind the relevant international organizations that the same practitioner of crimes against humanity in Eritrea is simultaneously carrying on the same crimes.
This is by no means new to the dictator in Eritrea; wanton killings, unexplained disappearances, throwing people in foxholes and containers or sending innocent people to the Danakil strip – the hottest spot in the world all these without a day in court. Isaias created by design a generation whose future he turned to ashes by sending them into a forced military service in perpetuity. Those who could escape the entrapment left the country with no clear destinations. The bottom line for them is simply how to get out of the hell and never look back. The danger they
We in the Eritrean Democratic Association (EDA)*, a charity registered in California USA, wish to address this urgent appeal to UNHCR all concerned for tangible action in support of the Eritrean refugees everywhere, but most urgently to the 20,000 Eritrean refugees, shamefully described as “missing” from UNHCR camps in northern Ethiopia. Likewise, the estimated two million Eritreans in forced exile and those inside the huge prison called “Africa’s North Korea” also no doubt deserve timely attention from the international human rights and humanitarian community.
As you very well know, Sirs and Madams, when Eritrea achieved its independence in the early 1990s, the euphoric Eritrean people had hoped to establish democratic institutions that include the rule of law, national constitution and a government structured by election. Dictator Isaias who had not yet achieved a total grip of power seemed that he would go with the will and aspirations of the revolutionary army and the people that was depicted later as a ploy. Despite his games, a provisional legislative body was formed, constitution was drafted and ratified awaiting implementation. However, deceitfully, and systematically he scrapped all of them and instead he built a brainwashed army structured to match his devilish vision. That is to say he built an army that executes his orders blindly.
When it comes to the tragic story of the Eritrean nation it appears that the world has taken its eyes off the ball and shifted its attention to what is currently taking place in the region of Tigray, Ethiopia. Having said so, however, it should not be interpreted as if we are downplaying the evil deeds being perpetrated on the people of Tigray by Isaias and his accomplices. What we are attempting to do is to remind the relevant international organizations that the same practitioner of crimes against humanity in Eritrea is simultaneously carrying on the same crimes.
This is by no means new to the dictator in Eritrea; wanton killings, unexplained disappearances, throwing people in foxholes and containers or sending innocent people to the Danakil strip – the hottest spot in the world all these without a day in court. Isaias created by design a generation whose future he turned to ashes by sending them into a forced military service in perpetuity. Those who could escape the entrapment left the country with no clear destinations. The bottom line for them is simply how to get out of the hell and never look back. The danger they
We understand there may be Isaias fatigue among the international organizations and governments, but the fact remains that the people of Eritrea are being persecuted everyday which desperately calls for world attention and action. It is an open secret that there is no accountability or transparency, there is no rule of law, no justice or democracy in the so-called government of Eritrea. To every ones’ shock there is no constitution whatsoever by which the country is ruled which admittedly encourages the dictator to pursue his agenda of reducing the country into rubbles. We believe there is no country in our world that does not have any form of constitution regardless of its content. The dictator in Eritrea is the only one who is given a free pass to breach international laws and norms.
Therefore, President Isaias had the audacity to interfere in the internal affairs of Ethiopia without any knowledge or consent of the Eritrean people which explains how much he disregards his own people. Unfortunately, in the last 30 years the world community was observed giving the dictator toothless warnings and at times to our bemusement, the United Nations and the European Union used to grant him financial assistance as if they did not know they were throwing money into a bottomless pit. As far as we know the dictator never had a project geared towards the development of the country. Even though, there is no economy worth mentioning, what you have in Eritrea is a command economy.
The sovereignty of the people and the country is already violated by the blunders of the reckless outfit in Eritrea. As we speak Isaias is using COVID–19 as a cover to lock in the people and famish them for the purpose of keeping them in the dark while he is committing genocide in Tigray. Particularly, he does not want to be noticed while our service men and women are transported back to Eritrea wounded or in body bags. Yet, the dictator keeps denying his presence in Tigray let alone to commit genocide. The question is when will the Western powers and the U.N. understand the blood – thirsty Isaias Afewerki’s denials and manipulations and one day give him a stern warning for which he would respond instantly because he understands so well the consequences of a forceful warning.
Therefore, we urge in all seriousness the democracies of the world and the United Nations to rescue the besieged Eritrean people under the mercy of the bloody dictator and our refugees populating many unfriendly camps in the world who lack basic necessities to sustain them. Once again, we urge the international community not to allow the total collapse of Eritrea. The solution is in your hands to stop the pillaging of our country by the evil dictator who should have been arrested long time ago by the International Criminal Court (ICC) at the Hague.
EDA has been an activist and continues to advocate for the protection and full rights of Eritrean Refugees. About 100,000 Eritrean refugees have been residing in Ethiopia, Tigray region in four refugee centers. Under the international law Ethiopia is legally responsible to ensure their protection. Unfortunately, after The Federal forces of Ethiopia and Eritrea invaded Tigray on November 4, 2021, two of the refugee camps, Shimeliba and Hitxax were attacked brutally by Prime Minister Abiy’s and dictator Isaias’ forces that 20,000 of them are unaccounted for and no information of their whereabouts. We strongly urge the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and all international organizations to pursue in finding them and ensure their safety. The perpetrators have violated international refugee laws that constitute war crimes and crimes against humanity and must be held accountable.
The latest decision of the EU to impose sanctions on some notorious PFDJ club members is a welcome down payment for the arrest of the bigger fish (Isaias) for his crimes against humanity. The Eritrean people have been crying in the wilderness for at least 30 years without anyone coming to their rescue. But now they are very much hopeful that the international community will step up and take serious measures against the ruthless dictator and end the years of pain and agony of the Eritrean people.
(*The Eritrean Democratic Association (EDA) is founded for public and charitable purposes under the State of California Non-profit Public Benefit Corporation Law. With 501 (C) (3) non-profit status. For many years, EDA has been supporting an Eritrean refugee school and a war disabled victims’ center in Kassala, Sudan. It also runs the “Sponsor a Child” program which has helped many Eritrean refugee children. EDA is also an activist and advocacy organization that works with all local and international charity organizations and UN agencies in carrying out missions of advocacy for refugees’ rights and justice.)
With best regards,
EDA, Board of Directors.
Office Address: 5438 Giuffrida Ct. San Jose, CA 95123
Tel. #: (408) 224-6822; Email: hagosna@sbcglobal.net ; Website: www.eritreacare.org
EDITING SECTION
Appeal for help to Centers for vulnerable Eritreans in Eastern Sudan: the Wadisherifery, School for Eritrean Refugee Children and the Association of Disabled Eritreans; in Kassala. November 22, 2019
Background
The history of Eritrean refugees in Eastern Sudan dates back to the late 60s and early 70s when hundreds and thousands of Eritreans began to arrive in Eastern Sudan, fleeing Ethiopia’s systematic
and massive civilian persecution carried out in the form of burning entire villages, destroying crops, killing livestock, and executing those suspected of aiding and sheltering the Eritrean freedom fighters.
Throughout the Eritrean independence war and until 1991, close to one million Eritreans left their country and settled in Eastern Sudan, and few others made their way to the Middle East, Europe, and
North America. Until 1990s, UNHCR in cooperation with the Sudan Commissioner for Refugees (COR) provided health, basic education, and other needs to the Eritrean refugees. And Eritrean refugees
continued to be welcomed by Sudanese government until 1990.
After Eritrea gained its independence in 1993, the new government of Isayas Afeworki drifted into dictatorship and began implementing repressive policies, resulting in withdrawing from the repatriation accord it signed with Sudan and UNCHR, and effectively preventing Eritrean refugees from returning to their country. In addition, since the current government of Eritrea came to power, thousands of Eritreans have been fleeing the country into Eastern Sudan and Ethiopia due to massive persecution and human rights violation perpetrated against them by the regime.
The repatriation program being out of option and the refugee status of Eritreans not fully recognized by the UNHCR and Sudan, Eritrean refugees in Sudan began to face tremendous financial and other aid challenges, particularly two institutions: the Eritrean refugee school at Wadisherifey and the disabled Eritreans in Kassala that used to get aid from humanitarian agencies.
Since UNHCR aid became no longer available, Eritreans and friends of Eritreans of good will began to explore the possibilities of raising funds for both Wadisherifey Eritrean Refugee School and disabled Eritreans. In response, three nonprofit organizations, EDA, ADE and ASEE, were formed, now in operation worldwide. The purpose and function of these nonprofit organizations is to fill the void left by UNHCR and to raise funds through various fund-raising events and cover some of the basic expenses of both the school and the disabled Eritreans.
EDA and Its Operations
The Eritrean Democratic Association (EDA) has been in existence for the last seventeen years. It has so far been giving relief and rehabilitation services to Eritrean refugees in the Sudan. It now plans to extend its services to Eritrean refugees in Ethiopia. For many years, EDA has been supporting an
Eritrean refugee school and a war disabled victims’ center in Kassala, Sudan. It also runs the “Sponsor a Child” program which has helped many Eritrean refugee children.
EDA is founded for public and charitable purposes under the State of California Nonprofit Public Benefit Corporation Law. With 501 (C) (3) nonprofit status, EDA has the ability to apply for both federal and state tax exempt status. Donations made by individuals or entities to EDA are all tax deductible and reach the beneficiaries with no overhead expenses.
EDA plans to work with all local and international charity organizations and UN agencies in carrying out its activities. EDA urges the public and charitable organizations to support its mission in alleviating the suffering of Eritrean refugees.
Wad-Sherifey, Eritrean Refugee Children’s School:
Wad-Sherifey Eritrean refugee school was instituted in 1984, i.e. 35 years ago, to provide elementary and junior high school programs for Eritrean children between the age of 5 and 18. In 1988, the school was constructed by a budget donated from a charity organization, BISSCHOPELIKJE VASTENAKTIE in Holland with the purpose to provide a modern facility and to accommodate larger number of students. After some years, the buildings had gotten in bad shape with dire need of repairs. Thus, in 2005, it was renovated by Father Marino Haile of Milano and his supporters who raised substantial funds from church goers. It offers an integrated conventional elementary and junior high school programs, including, Eritrean national language instruction. The curriculum is designed to provide Eritrean refugee children the necessary tools to pursue higher education and be part of society where they can have the opportunity to work and live.
The Wad-Sherifey school teaches between grades 1 and 6 to Eritrean children in Eritrean curriculum through the medium of Eritrean languages (Arabic and Tigrinya). Grades 7 and 8 are taught in English. Beyond grade 8, children who pass the exams join high schools either in the Senior High School of the Catholic Church in Kassala (formerly the ELF run and UNHCR supported high school in Kassala) or other Sudanese schools.
Wad-Sherifey School students lined up to enter their respective classes
Since its foundation in 1984, the school has operated on funds entirely contributed by private individuals, and by members of EDA in partnership with nonprofit humanitarian organizations whose mission is to help educate refugee children.
The school uses contributed funds for high priority expenditures of the school, which includes:
• Students’ textbooks and supplies
• Salary for 18 fulltime instructors, including one school administrator and his assistant
• Two fulltime school guards
• To provide clean drinking water and school uniforms for students
Wad-Sherifey School classes in session. Students taking their final exams. The Eritrean Refugee School of Wad-Sherifey, located near Kassala in Eastern Sudan, completed its 35th academic year on 17 March 2019 with 90% promotion in the exams. The school’s director Ato Teklehaimanot Elfu (Wedi Elfu) informed EDA’s representative that out of the 604 students who sat at the final exams, 339 were boys and 265 girls. He added that the school has also opened with total of 790 students registered for the 2019/2020 academic year.
Administered by the Eritrean Red Cross-Crescent Society (ERCC), which started it way back in 1984, the ever successful Wad-Sherifey School for Eritrean Refugees is actively supported by charities like the Geneva-based Association Suisse Enfance-Erythrée (ASEE), the California based Eritrean Democratic Association (EDA) and individuals of good will.
2. Association of Disabled Eritreans (ADE),
A France based association, has chapters in different parts of the world. Its main focus is to cover the expenses of food, medical care, and maintaining the ever-deteriorating house that they live in. The ADE
has a volunteer board of directors. The fund it raises comes from Eritreans and friends of Eritreans. Although the ADE is continuing to engage in raising funds, the current basic expenses of the disabled Eritreans is far more expensive than the fund the ADE raises. In addition, expenses for maintaining and repairing wheelchair, crutches, and other walking aids used by the disabled Eritreans is another area where the ADE is struggling to find ways to address it.
3. Association Suisse Enfance-Erythree (ASEE) is a Geneva, Switzerland based nonprofit organization, and it works in close cooperation with the residents of Milano, Italy, and their partners. They have been active for the last fifteen years in raising funds for Wad-Sherifey School and in covering the major expenses of the school, notably operating expenses of the school and other overhead expenses. In one year alone, the ASEE raised 15,000 US dollars by organizing a fundraising event at the Annual Geneva Music Festival. Members of the ASEE sold native Eritrean and Sudanese drinks/foods, as well as Swiss foods during the event and the result was remarkably successful.
The Challenges
Both the Wad-Sherifey Eritrean Refugee School and the Association of Disabled Eritreans do not get assistance from governmental or humanitarian organizations. All their expenses are covered by money donated by Eritreans and friends of Eritreans every year. Members of ASEE, EDA, and ADE are volunteers and all money raised in any fundraising event is sent both to Wad-Sherifey School and to the disabled Eritreans in Eastern Sudan. Both institutions have continued to function for the last many
years because of the generosity and personal resources of Eritreans and friends of Eritrean individuals who are steadfastly devoted to helping Eritrean refugee children stay in school, as well as to assisting and supporting Eritrean disabled persons with their basic needs.
EDA and its partners appreciate your continued willingness and commitment to support both the Wadisherifey Eritrean refugee school and the Association of disabled Eritreans. We need each one of you to join us as we continue our fundraising campaign to make a sustainable difference in the lives of those less fortunate than us, the Eritrean refugee children and the disabled Eritreans. The Wad- Sherifey School and the Association of Disabled Eritreans count on your donations. It is through the generosity and commitment of donors like you that the Wad-Sherifey Eritrean Refugee School and the Association of Disabled Eritreans continue to function.
We also thank you the hundreds of tireless volunteers who continue to lend their valuable time freely to organize and facilitate our fundraising campaign each year.
Remember, all donations are tax deductible and all donations go to support these two institutions. Donations can be made by cash or check in any fundraising event or you may send a check to the below address at any time. Without your donations, the two institutions may close down. Don’t let that happen! In Addition, we are looking for help finding potential donors in your neighborhood, in the town you live, or in your work place that would be willing to donate.
Office Address
EDA, Inc.
5438 Giuffrida CT
San Jose, CA 95123
USA
Please Write your checks payable to: EDA, Inc
Email: hagosna17@gmail.com; asgedetmeh@att.net; gteme84011@aol.com
Website: www.eritreacare.org
Sincerely,
D.F. Hagos / President EDA Board of Directors
Copy: Asghedet Mehretab / Secretary EDA Board of Directors
EDA, Inc. is an IRS-approved 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. Since no goods or services were received
in exchange for your gift, 100% of your contribution is tax deductible as allowed by law. Please retain
this letter for your tax records.
Voice
A periodic publication addressing EDA’s objectives and activities – EDA is a “voice” for the voiceless. More
Wad-Sherifey Elmentary and Junior High School for Eritrean refugee children in Kassala, Sudan.
Wad-Sherifay Refugee School Closes Academic Year: 2019-2020
The Wad-Sherifay Eritrean Refugee School closed the academic year 2019-2020 by mid-March 2020 while the Covid-19 pandemic is raging and taking lives around the world. This year’s graduation ceremony was not attended by guests or family members due to the Corona virus pandemic.
This academic year has been very tumultuous, not only because of the recent Covid-19 infectious disease, but also due to the political turbulence that took place in the Sudan. As a consequence, many regular school hours were lost. Thanks to the teachers diligent work, the lost hours were gained by giving lessons after the ordinary school hours, thus the study program was completed. Below is a photo taken while students were sitting for their final exam.
A total of 696 students both females and males were registered at the beginning ofthe academic year. Due to a number of reasons such as, sickness, security reasons and immigration, only 580 students have been able to sit in the final examination. Finally, at the closing ceremony 525 students passed to the next level and only 55 students had failed.
Eritrean women’s association in diaspora made a donation of hygiene products for more than 200 girls which were given to them twice per year. Two Eritrean individuals residing in Australia and Canada separately donated office items to the students.
During this academic year, on behalf of the Wad-Sherifey School, EDA received generous donations of $500.00 from Lufti Investment Co. Inc.; $700.00 from Mr. Jerry Kopel; $200.00 from Mr. Mengisteab Haile; and $200.00 from Mr. Bahgey Berhane. These donors are all residents of The U.S.A.
Well -deserved reparation of the school which was damaged because of storms was planned to take place during the vacation season. That is now on hold because of the Corona pandemic.
This report has been published at Harnnet.org in the Tigrigna language. Every year hundreds of children are preparing for their future life at Wad-Sherifay Refugee School.
Thank you donors for your genuine support for the needy refugee children.
Best regards,
Michael Tekle, PhD / President, ERCCS