Ethiopia Reads collaborates with Ethiopian communities to plant libraries, boost literacy and provide youth and families with the tools to improve their lives. Since 1998, Ethiopia Reads has planted 80 libraries, and now annually serves over 130,000 children. Their efforts go beyond just building libraries. In rural areas, horse-powered literacy programs reaches children with no access to schools. Ethiopia Reads supports professional development year-round with workshops, discussion circles, mentoring, and program evaluation.
Ethiopia Reads was one of the original pioneers drawing attention to the issue of literacy, working with the Ethiopian Ministry of Education, National Archives and Library of Ethiopia, embassies and cultural attaches in Addis Ababa, as well as international NGOs like Save the Children. This cross-sector coalition has promoted literacy through book fairs, public readings and other symposia. Ethiopia Reads continues to work with these partners and our staff members remain very publicly engaged, regularly participating in all of these events.
Ethiopia Reads recently received a grant to distribute 45,000 of some Open Hearts Big Dreams Fund ReadySetGoBooks to families displaced by conflict in Ethiopia with many children unable to attend school right now; a flashlight beam of hope in uncertain times.
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