2025 ER Annual Report

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Impact Report: Your Investment in Action – The Transformative Year of Two Exceptional Volunteers at Hawassa Reading Center 

The success of Ethiopia Read’s Hawassa Reading Center (HRC) is a direct result of your generous support, combined with the tireless dedication of those on the ground. We are thrilled to share the story of Mahlet Bizuayehu and Tsion Dembeshu, two remarkable graduate students from Hawassa University, whose year-long volunteer commitment significantly amplified the effectiveness of your donations and left an indelible mark on the community.

Leveraging Expertise: Psychology in Action

Mahlet and Tsion, both pursuing degrees in Psychology, volunteered with Ethiopia Reads at HRC for a full year. Their academic background provided a crucial advantage, enabling them to implement a truly holistic approach to child literacy and development.

Extending Our Reach: Engaging Families

Recognizing that reading habits thrive when supported at home, the volunteers extended the reach of your donations directly into the children’s families. They developed and led parent training sessions rooted in practical strategies. These sessions empowered caregivers to become active participants, fostering a culture of reading that continues outside the center’s walls. This comprehensive approach maximizes the return on your investment, creating a self-sustaining cycle of literacy.

The Legacy of Service: A Testament to Impact

Mahlet and Tsion reflected that their time with Ethiopia Reads was profoundly impactful, underscoring the value of engaging in play-based learning and building meaningful relationships. Their commitment reinforces a core principle of Ethiopia Reads: that impactful change often begins with consistent, caring action. We are immensely proud to have had them as part of the HRC family. Their legacy continues in every book opened and every dream inspired. Thank you for making partnerships like this possible and for believing in a better future for Ethiopia’s children. 

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Document is available here: ER Annual Report 2024

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Books bring hope and joy even in difficult times*   As the news of fighting and unrest in Ethiopia reaches us, we feel tremendously sad for the Ethiopian people and frustrated about the effects on their children’s education. Between 3 to 4 million Ethiopians have been displaced across the country of which over 2 million have been uprooted by conflicts in northern Ethiopia. Ethiopia Reads is responding and adapting to meet the urgent, large-scale needs of children whose normal lives, including education, have been interrupted. For the first time, Ethiopia Reads has gifted books directly to displaced families to support their children’s progress in reading, the basic foundation for their future education.    Despite this year’s challenges, our regular programs have continued and our determined staff was able again to deliver 100,000 books to children, schools, and libraries across Ethiopia.  BOOKS FOR DISPLACED FAMILIES Ethiopia Reads staff handing out book packets to families at IDP site* Many Ethiopian children have missed most of the last school year due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Vaccination is not widely available in Ethiopia but most children, under restrictive pandemic protocols, have now returned to school. However, children living at Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) sites continue to lack access to formal education. To support them,  Ethiopia Reads won funding from the World Bank to print 45,000 illustrated storybooks** in multiple Ethiopian languages and gifted them to the children of 15,000 displaced families across Ethiopia.   ER staff leading parent information session at IDP site* Within four weeks of being awarded the funding, Ethiopia Reads’ staff had completed the project. We obtained official approvals, identified suitable titles, created parent support materials in 3 local languages, printed 45,000 books, packaged them attractively in packets of 3 titles for each family (with multiple different title combinations at each site), and identified four sites (working with the regional education bureaus and the IDP agencies) across Ethiopia. We also physically delivered the books to 5,000 Somali-speaking families (2 sites in Faran), to 5,000 Afaan Oromo-speaking families (1 site in East Hararghe) and to 5,000 Amharic-speaking families (1 site in North Shoa) and ran parent information sessions on encouraging reading at home. Unfortunately, we were unable to reach sites in Tigray.   Our team was accompanied by experienced photographer and filmmaker Yared Shumete. Yared was thrilled to be involved. He talked to many parents and reported that seeing their children’s excitement and interest in the books brought a reprieve from the uncertainty and discomfort of their lives. Most importantly, the gift of books brought a sense of hope and possibility for their children’s future.  Children reading at the Fafan Zone (Babile District) IDP site* In the process, we became better aware of the enormous needs of millions of displaced children who are missing out on education. We are returning to these distribution sites to assess and learn how to better support the families using and sharing these books. Please go here to support more books for IDP camps.  BOOK DISTRIBUTION AND EDUCATOR TRAINING IN OROMIA Educators at training in Ambo Earlier in October, we also printed and donated 36,000 copies of 12 attractive Afaan Oromo language early reader titles** to 90 primary schools around both towns of Adama and Ambo. During this process, we also hosted training workshops for 175 educators with advice, ideas and ER Curriculum Guides (also in Afaan Oromo) on how best to creatively engage and support their students in independent reading. Still today, most Ethiopian primary schools have no library and few books beyond textbooks Teachers in Adama learning to use ER Curriculum Guides That’s not all! Our highly motivated and determined team in Ethiopia accomplished much, much more.    We continued to provide reading support directly and indirectly to children at schools through our 80 Ethiopia Reads libraries. We continue to expand our educator training and parent advice to increase awareness and knowledge of supporting children to develop the habit of independent reading.This year we also:Donated 15,000 books to launch the children’s section at the brand-new Addis Ababa City Library, now the largest public library in EthiopiaPrinted and delivered 9,000 Somali language early readers and curriculum guides to schools around Jijiga and trained many educatorsHeld a summer camp with fun and educational activities for 50 children at our Gebeta Library in Addis Ababa.Maintained and expanded capacity at our Hawassa Reading Center to provide an additional 90 spaces per day to read and study.Created reading corners at various events through the year in Addis AbabaExpanded our Amharic language ER digital media channel (on YouTube and Facebook) to provide direct support to parents and children reading at home. Created teacher’s Curriculum Guides for many Amharic and Somali early reader titles. Children with books created by OHBD* Over the last two decades, Ethiopia Reads has been proud and grateful to have become a highly professional organization despite our size. We have consistently focused on supporting Ethiopian children reading and improving literacy in a country with over 42 million Ethiopian children under 15 years old. Data show that as of 2018, only 6% of primary students read at grade level and 25% could not read a single word. Literacy is an invisible crisis in Ethiopia profoundly affecting the country’s long-term future. Ethiopians have much to do to promote and support better access to reading for all of Ethiopia’s children.   Finally, we are thankful for our team in Ethiopia who are committed to our mission, courageous, professional, and full of heart. They are always willing to go well beyond what is required to get books into the hands of children across Ethiopia and support their reading.   Delighted children at an IDP site enjoying the gifted books together* Our continued efforts to deliver and promote support for reading to Ethiopian children will not be possible without your generous financial support. These days are extremely arduous for the Ethiopian people and to keep our long-term work going we will need your gifts. Please donate today online or via check. We will gladly send a handwritten greeting card on your behalf to honor a special person.    Thank you in advance for your continuing support of Ethiopia Reads. Happy Holidays and have a healthy and prosperous 2022!   *We are grateful to Yared Shumete for his beautiful work documenting our team’s passion. Find him on Twitter at @YaredShumete    **The titles that we selected to donate at both the IDP sites and the Afaan Oromo schools are from the 100 plus Ready Set Go titles created by the Open Hearts Big Dreams Fund. We are delighted to have so many creative, attractive, and culturally appropriate books available to share with Ethiopian children

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Why does Ethiopia Reads support the printing, shipping and distributing of children’s books written in local languages? 

The ability of children to read is built upon a foundation of oral language. It is easier for children to read words that they have heard others around them use, or words that they themselves use in daily conversation. The language that a child first speaks, is their gateway into reading. Therefore, it is very important to provide adequate and appropriate resources in a child’s first (or local) language. When we speak of supporting a child’s language, that means in addition to the reading instruction (which they get from their textbooks and classroom teachers) we must provide frequent opportunities for children to practice reading, writing, listening and speaking in their first language. 

Our Ethiopia Reads libraries and trained library professionals provide an inviting space and the resources to encourage beginning readers as they practice their newly learned reading skills and strategies. Since learning to read can be very challenging for children, utilizing high interest, colorful and engaging local language books encourages beginning readers to read. Our libraries include books that are relevant to Ethiopian children and are created at an appropriate level of difficulty. Our research-based Ethiopia Reads Book Centered Learning Curriculum^© provides librarians with activities to help new readers build fluency and deepen comprehension when using local language books. This curriculum also invites children to write their own stories and to share their ideas with others. Literacy changes lives! 

Why does Ethiopia Reads supply their libraries with children’s books written in English?

Language research shows that children’s literacy skills in a first language transfer to reading in other languages. In Ethiopia, beginning in Grade 1, Ethiopian children in government schools are taught to read in both English and their local language. Beginning in the upper primary grades, English is used as the language of instruction for students. Beginning in about grades 6 or 7, English becomes the main language of instruction and also the language used for entrance exams, advanced academic programs and is the language used in higher education institutions. Therefore, if children are expected to be able to read, write and learn concepts in English, it is necessary to provide them with the resources to do so, including high quality children’s books written in English supported with illustrations to assist in vocabulary development and comprehension. Children also need a space to practice their reading and someone to mentor them in developing a love of reading. Our Ethiopia Reads libraries and trained librarians work to provide exemplary support of students as they gain literacy skills, whether in their local language or English. 

Books selected include useful nonfiction and stories with strong story elements (plot, character, setting, conflict/resolution, theme) providing students with stellar models for their own writing endeavors. Some have inviting illustrations. Young children are exposed not only to stories, but also to topics such as science and history. Children become better readers- by reading. If we expect them to have a good command of the English language to help them actualize their potential, we must provide them with the resources to do so. The Ethiopia Reads Book Centered Learning Curriculum^© enables our librarians to support the learning of English for all students who access our Ethiopia Reads libraries. Literacy will change their lives! 

What are “dual language” books, and why are they beneficial? 

Dual-language books are children’s books that have two or more languages represented in a single book. In some forms, there may be just occasional words of another language included and those books often include a glossary of words to assist the reader in understanding the 2^nd language. In many dual language books that we distribute in our Ethiopia Reads libraries, full texts of the stories are presented in both English and a local language. This is referred to as a parallel text format. Most of these books have been published specifically for Ethiopian children and focus on familiar elements of their lives. This format and/or book design is helpful for students who are building fluency in their first language while learning a second language. Engaging illustrations add another layer of support for young readers, helping increase comprehension of the story. The Ethiopia Reads Book Centered Learning Committee has created specialized training for Ethiopian librarians regarding the use of both fiction and non-fiction dual-language children’s picture books and have developed accompanying curriculum guides for many of the Ready, Set, Go^© books we distribute in our libraries. These Ready, Set, Go^© books are created by the organization Open Heart Big Dreams.

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Church members wrote the bylaws for Ethiopia Books for Children and Education Foundation (now Ethiopia Reads) and applied for nonprofit status. They raised money with a read-a-thon, books sales, donations, and several matching grants from the Presbytery of Northern Plains to print 10,000 copies of the first book for children in Amharic and English entitled Silly Mammo by Yohannes Gebregeorgis. Children’s books were collected, and the National Presbyterian Women awarded the church a $10,000 grant to help ship the books to Ethiopia. On April 7, 2003, Shola Children’s Library in Addis Ababa opened with Jane in attendance. It was the first ever free library for children in Ethiopia!

 “I love going to the library, and with the books from there I am teaching my mother to read,” said an Ethiopian child in a letter to First Presbyterian Church members. 

First Presbyterian set the stage for Ethiopia Reads work today. Their connection and fundraising efforts continue. Through their noisy offering each week, members and friends continue to let their light shine for the children of Ethiopia. Other Grand Forks churches, schools, and organizations have joined First Presbyterian in this literacy mission. Grand Forks supporters have “planted” three Ethiopia Reads school libraries, supported professional training, and purchased local language books. 

Malcolm Clark, current President of the Board of Directors of Ethiopia Reads, appreciative of these efforts has acknowledged the power of a small group of people in making a huge difference in this world.  Malcolm commented, “First Presbyterian and its congregation provided Ethiopia Reads with early support and other organizations and individuals in Grand Forks followed. These Friends of Ethiopia Reads have been the most consistent supporters from any part of the US, having donated or raised well over $150,000. This unwavering commitment to the cause of building a reading culture for Ethiopia’s more than 50 million children and young people has been critical to our ability to focus on important issues. Today, close to 20 years later, we may have a chance to help make sure that all of Ethiopia’s 35,000 primary schools will have a library and trained librarians.”

Jane Kurtz now lives in Portland, Oregon, but continues to volunteer promotiing literacy in Ethiopia. This year, Jane is being honored by the Presbyterian Writers Guild with the David Steele Distinguished Writer Award for a writer’s lifetime achievement and influence through the written word — an acknowledgement of her books for children both in the U.S. and Ethiopia.

This article was graciously put together by Brenda Johnson, Bonnie Cameron, Barb Beach, Jane Kurtz, Dawn Botsford, Carol Settgast and ER current Board Member Ann Porter.

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Malcolm Clark, President of Ethiopia Reads, set a positive tone by sharing the outstanding work that Ethiopia Reads is doing related to children’s libraries, the Book Centered Learning training curriculum and the publishing and distribution of local language books. Celebrations and awards were made to LeAnn and Stan Clark for their dedication to collecting books across the U.S., to Ethiopian Airlines for their generous assistance with shipping the books, and to the Ministry of Education for their support of Ethiopia Reads. 

Creative Associates International, a local collaborator of Ethiopia Reads, explained the USAID-funded initiative called “READ II”. My own presentation entitled, “The Art and Science of Reading”, included brain research on reading, elements of reading instruction and the connection to high-quality children’s books and library spaces to increase reading skills.

We heard very courageous conversations as the Ministry of Education shared the recent Early Grade Reading Assessment results that reported a dismal picture of reading achievement for children in spite of increased efforts and funding. This was evidence of a new trust and transparency in bringing to light the challenges the country has with large numbers of students learning to read and comprehend even simple texts. Ethiopia Reads’ work can help bring about needed change by providing high-quality books, library spaces for children to practice reading skills, and training for Ethiopian educators.

Jane Kurtz, co-founder of Ethiopia Reads and children’s books author, led passionate conversations about authoring and publishing. Jane shared personal stories regarding the extreme challenges of authoring and illustrating children’s books in a country with a weak publishing/distribution pipeline. However difficult these conversations were, they were met with respect for the power of collaborative effort and the acknowledgement that no ONE policy or body will solve this problem easily or alone.

The summit was a great success – an honest interchange of what is and what should be. Children should have access to books. Children should be taught how to read them. Children and communities need spaces to read, safe spaces to practice their reading and celebrate the empowerment literacy can bring.

Visiting the Ethiopia Reads office the day following the summit was a “coming home” for me. I have met with the staff in this space over the past several years for training events. I felt welcomed among friends. Sharing in a coffee ceremony at the office, meeting the new Gebeta librarian and watching the staff pour over newly arrived Ready, Set, Go books* was a perfect way to celebrate the success of the summit.

The Ethiopia Reads staff is a dynamic, passionate group of young people who work hard and accomplish much with limited resources. Their dedication to their work shows in everything they do. They inspire me and I feel blessed to be able to join them in this work. 

Ethiopia Reads work continues despite the uncertainty from the global Covid-19 pandemic.  With so many people living closely together and with limited health and economic resources, we fear the virus may spread rapidly in Ethiopia. The staff, Board and Book Centered Learning Committee are working from home continuing to plan so when we emerge from this pandemic, Ethiopia Reads libraries, offices, and programs can reopen quickly.  

The Reading Summit would not have been possible without the support of all those who contributed to Carol Settgast’s GoFundMe, our monthly and longstanding donors.  Many thanks for your ongoing generosity!

It will be a difficult year for nonprofits like Ethiopia Reads trying to do vital long-term work far from home. As was said at the conference, “We can’t clap with one hand”  –  Ethiopia Reads NEEDS YOU!

Laurie Curtis, Board Member

Chair of ER’s Book Centered Learning Committee 

*Created by the Open Hearts Big Dreams Funds

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We are delighted that the Ministry of Education endorsed our Summit and is actively participating with officials and educators from all regions of Ethiopia. This week’s Summit will focus on reading, the challenges of appropriate reading materials and developing an Ethiopian book publishing industry. It will begin by reviewing last year’s Summit results and discussing progress.

Ethiopian speakers from academia, the educational system and publishing industry will share their knowledge and insights. Yemisrach Worku, Ethiopia Reads’ Country Director, Dr. Curtis and Ms. Kurtz, and I will also present at the conference.

The Summit will exhibit a wonderful collection of 2018 prize-winning children’s books from 60 countries around the world – generously loaned by the Swiss IBBY International – to inspire writers, illustrators and all those involved in purchasing books and to raise the bar on creativity and quality. 

ER continues our direct work with libraries and books. This Children’s Reading Summit was launched because we believe that to improve access to reading for Ethiopian children, we need to raise this issue nationally while involving all stakeholders. Ethiopian children need access to attractive and engaging reading materials to become fluent readers and to contribute to their own education and pleasure through reading. 

The total budget is approximately $US20,000. Ethiopia Reads has been actively seeking outside funding, but we still need to raise over half the total costs. (Our US board members and volunteers funded their own expenses.) 

Please consider making a contribution to this vital professional work that is creating an opportunity to change national policies for education, making hundreds more high quality libraries available to Ethiopian children, and perhaps, one day, to all 26 million school children in Ethiopia’s 35,000 primary schools.

Join Carol’s GoFundMe  or Donate Here 

With our heartfelt thanks!  

From Malcolm Clark, President of Ethiopia Reads

Photo by Matt Andrea

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