Massawa — The number of schools and students in Northern Red Sea region has increased double-fold over the past couple of years, according to Mr. Yasin Mohammed, branch head of the Education Ministry in the region.

Stating that the number of schools in the region before independence was limited only to 15, he indicated that at present there are about 142 schools from the kindergarten up to secondary level, and as a result the number of students has dramatically increased. Mr. Yasin further pointed out that adult education program is being offered in 115 centers, thus making due contribution in eradicating illiteracy.

He went on to say that in line with the Government's efforts to promote equal educational opportunities in all corners of the country, new schools have been opened in remote areas which used to have no access to education.

As regards human resource development, he explained that training has been given to all teachers and supervisors aimed at familiarizing them with the new curriculum, while young school directors received courses on management, information gathering, pedagogy and planning. Mr. Yasin also called on parents to send their children to school and stressed the need for increased efforts to tackle the issue of low female participation in junior and secondary education.