Kassala Refugee School
Since its establishment in 1977, Kassala Refugee School, commonly known locally as the UNESCO School, has been a cornerstone of education for Eritrean refugee children in eastern Sudan. For decades, this school has offered a pathway to learning, confidence, dignity, and future opportunities for families who have faced displacement and uncertainty.
A Legacy of Learning Since 1977
The school was originally established by the Catholic Church and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to serve the educational needs of Eritrean refugees living in the Kassala region.
For many years, it provided English-medium education across multiple levels, from elementary to secondary, enabling students to participate in national exams and pursue higher education.
Former students, teachers, and community members attest that the education received at Kassala Refugee School has opened doors to university programs and meaningful careers in countries around the world, helping break cycles of poverty and displacement.
Kassala Refugee School is not just a place to learn. For many children, it represents:
- Stability in displacement
- Routine and structure
- Community identity
- Possibilities for future growth
The school’s curriculum is delivered in English alongside the Sudanese national syllabus, enabling students to sit for national examinations and qualify for any university in Sudan.
This contribution to future opportunity is reflected in the many alumni now living successful lives and careers in the diaspora, serving as teachers, engineers, healthcare professionals, entrepreneurs, and community leaders.
How the School Is Structured Today
Kassala Refugee School operates across multiple levels of education:
Elementary level (Salah Al-Din & Wed-Sherifey Schools)
Junior High Level (Khadija Bint Khuwaylid School)
Secondary Level (Tariq bin Ziyad School)
These programs are delivered in partnership with local schools in Kassala under agreements that allow the refugee school to use facilities outside regular hours. Teachers and support staff are paid modest stipends, and the school covers running costs including facility expenses, utilities, and teaching materials.
Despite constrained resources, the school continues to serve more than 450 students, offering the only sustained education opportunity available for many refugee families in the region.
A School at Risk — Urgent Support Needed
Due to the withdrawal of longstanding funding support — first by UNHCR in 1997 and more recently by supporting associations impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic — the school now faces severe financial challenges. Salaries for teachers have gone unpaid at times, and the future of the school, and the futures of hundreds of children, hang in the balance without renewed financial support.
Without immediate funding, Kassala Refugee School risks closure. This is a reality that would leave hundreds of children without access to basic education and diminish their opportunities for the future.
Cost to Keep the School Open
To maintain operations — including teacher salaries, classroom space, utilities, and basic teaching resources — the school requires reliable funding. Current estimates indicate:
- Minimum operating requirements: Approximately $10,000 CAD per month (~$120,000 CAD annually) to cover salaries and basic running costs.
- Expanded financial target: $150,000 CAD to stabilize operations, reimburse outstanding salaries, and ensure continuity of learning.
These funds do not include additional costs for books, classroom materials, or future infrastructure improvements, all of which would further enhance students’ learning environments.
Sponsor A Student Today
Sponsorship helps ensure a child has the resources needed to stay in school, learn, and grow. For $360 CAD per year (equivalent to $30 CAD/month) you can help cover instructional costs, classroom supplies, uniforms, and related educational support for a student.
“I and the one who cares for an orphan will be together in Paradise like this,”
— Prophet Muhammad ﷺ (gesturing with two fingers)