The success of the Math/Science Nucleus curriculum has attracted the interest of international educators including Eritrean Minister of Education, Mr. Osman Saleh. Mr. Saleh, sought out the guidance of the Math/Science Nucleus with an introduction from Teclu Tesfazghi, a former Board Member of the Math/Science Nucleus. They visited Maloney Elementary School in Fremont which incorporates the Math/Science Nucleus techniques of integrating technology with hands-on science. Mr. Saleh was impressed. The resulting dialogue led to the formation of this project. The main mission of this project is to assist Eritrea into the 21^st century using Internet-based education and technologies, with innovative science training techniques.

Eritrean Science Project
Overview

The Eritrea Science Project is a long-term project established by the Ministry of Education (MOE) of the Government of Eritrea to reform the country’s science and math curriculum. The Management Team of the MOE who have been involved with the Eritrea Science Project (ESP) are shown at the left and includes (left to right) Tesfamichael Gerahtu (Director of Curriculum), Osman Saleh (Minister of Education), Petros Hailemariam, (Director of Research and Human Resources Development), and Abraham Tecle, (Assistant Director of Research and Human Resources Development). Not pictured is Mebrahtu Gilogabir (Director of Asmara Teacher Training Institute). 

The Minister of Education requested that Math/Science Nucleus work on the ESP after visiting their training facility in Fremont, California. He was drawn by the long and successful record of Math/Science Nucleus in curriculum development using hands-on materials and integrating technology in the classroom as an alternative to textbook-based instruction. The Minister felt this combination of experience with innovative curriculum and technology could benefit the future of Eritrea in educating its children.

This project has been funded through different sources.  Private contributions initiated this project in the late 1990's.  In 2002, the  Math/Science Nucleus received a consultancy grant, funded from the Japan Policy and Human Resources Development Fund (PHRD Fund), one of the World Bank’s largest sources of grant funds available to developing countries. The PHRD Fund’s objective is to reduce poverty through technical assistance and human resource development under the auspices of the World Bank.

One of the first tasks was to develop an understanding of the Educational System of Eritrea. Learning about the system determine how the curriculum can be customized.

Designing new curriculum that could then be used was developed.  This is when the problems of a developing nation slowly show cultural difference. 

Implementation of a curriculum is even more difficult.  You have to look at whether funds are available, teacher training, and whether there is an infrastructure to continue the work.