Closure of Scuola Italiana di Asmara

The Scuola Italiana di Asmara was an Italian government-operated educational institution located in Asmara, Eritrea. Established during the Italian colonial period, the school played a crucial role in providing education in the Italian language to the local community. It served not only as an academic institution but also as a cultural bridge, fostering connections between the Italian and Eritrean populations. The school was particularly significant for families of Italian descent and those who sought to maintain ties to Italian culture and language in a post-colonial context. The closure of the Scuola Italiana di Asmara marked the end of an era, as it was one of the last remnants of Italian colonial influence in Eritrea. The decision to shut down the school reflected broader socio-political changes within the country, where the Italian language holds no government-recognized status. This closure impacted the community, particularly those who valued the Italian language for commerce and cultural identity. The school had been a vital resource for education, and its absence may lead to a decline in the use of Italian among the local population, further diminishing the cultural ties that had persisted since the colonial period.