IBBY (The International Board on Books for Young People) is a non-profit organization committed to bringing books and children together. IBBY Ethiopia is a new chapter.
Recent nationwide literacy tests throughout Ethiopia revealed how few students are learning to read well in any language. There is a lack of sufficient quality, culturally appropriate children and youth books in the local (70-90) languages.
Ethiopia has a growing population of 120 million and a long history of oral storytelling but there are limitations on children’s book publishing given economic and other challenges. Sharing quality books from Ethiopia would benefit both the children of Ethiopia as well as the children of the world.
Ethiopia has definitely made great strides toward educational goals in recent years but still struggles with adequate teacher training and getting materials into the hands of students.
Current Ethiopia IBBY leaders include Yoseph Ayelew, who is an author, leads local printing and distribution and has been a long-time literacy advocate. Alex Regassa is an illustrator who also teaches art classes for kids at local schools.
IBBY is also working with a number of other authors, translators, illustrators and organizations supporting libraries, literacy and education in different parts of Ethiopia. IBBY Ethiopia’s Mission is to support creating a reading and writing culture in Ethiopia, promote Ethiopian children’s and youth literature in Ethiopia and internationally, and assist in developing reading projects to increase Ethiopian children and youth’s access to quality books and develop a love of reading.
SOURCE: www.ohbd-rsgbooks.com/ibby-ethiopia/ , Yoseph Ayelew: yosephopenheartbigdreams@gmail.com, Alex Regassa: regassaa52@gmail.com