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Many children in Ethiopia do not encounter a book until they begin primary school at age seven, however the early years are critical for future success. Children raised in safe, stimulating, and nurturing environments are far more likely to succeed in school and their lives. Investment in early childhood development is one of the most effective ways to reduce long-term poverty.

That’s why we’re proud to be integrating reading corners into existing health facilities across the city of Addis Ababa, stocking them with a range of books suitable for younger children, and training parent health coaches to help families build strong reading habits at home. The ECD initiative brings together health and nutrition services, social support, day care, quality pre-primary schools, and learning through play for 300,000 vulnerable families across Addis Ababa.

To connect meaningfully with young children and their caregivers, we first needed books designed for them. Ethiopia Reads led the creation of eight new board books and two storybooks (and printed 20,000 copies in total). The board books were the first ever printed at scale in Ethiopia. These small, sturdy books, specifically designed for the little hands and exploring mouths of babies and toddlers ages 0-3, have been developed so parents can share stories with their children from the very beginning of their lives.

These new books will be available in the reading corners and will also be taken by 5,000 Ethiopia Reads-trained parent coaches directly into the homes of families across Addis Ababa. To truly create a culture of reading in Ethiopia, we believe that it is essential to provide parents and caregivers with the tools to prioritize reading and language development within the home. There is no reading exercise more powerful than a parent reading aloud to their child. We want to make sure that more Ethiopian parents have the fundamental knowledge and books to do that.

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When we planned the first Summit in 2019, a bold investment for a small organization, we were anxious that we might not fill the room. Government reading surveys indicated that over 60% of nine-year-old primary students were unable to read a single word in their own language. We felt compelled to bring that crisis into a national conversation. Six summits later, we are proud that the Children’s Reading Summit is now the leading professional conference in Ethiopia dedicated to children’s reading and literacy. We are no longer worried about filling the room.

This year, the Summit focused on early learning support delivered through the ambitious and integrated Addis Ababa Early Childhood Development (ECD) Program. In addition to providing health and nutrition support, expanded public childcare and preprimary schools, the ECD program promotes early learning and language development at home through storytelling, reading and song, empowering parents of young children to develop strong reading habits with their children.

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2025 ER Annual Report

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The 5th Annual National Children’s Reading Summit, organized by Ethiopia Reads on April 2–3, 2025, in Addis Ababa was a great success. This year’s theme was “Cultivating a Nation of Readers: Inspiring Parental Involvement and Cultural Storytelling for Early Childhood Literacy.” We brought together around 200 educators, researchers, ECD experts, central and regional government education officials, authors, illustrators and literacy advocates to promote a frank and serious conversation about improving early childhood literacy across Ethiopia.

Over the past six years since the launch of the National Children’s Reading Summit, the event has undergone a remarkable transformation. Initially, we had to request participants to attend, but now it has become a standing-room-only conference. Literacy professionals in Ethiopia have embraced the event as the premier platform for professionals and officials to address the challenges of children’s reading. Ethiopia Reads has established itself as a trusted independent convener through its consistent focus on fostering high-quality conversations. This is achieved by inviting engaging and relevant speakers and providing a space for non-presenters to contribute and engage in debates. Despite the relatively small size of our organization, Ethiopia Reads has garnered a strong reputation as the most credible team to host critical and influential discussions on foundational learning in Ethiopia. We are committed to building upon this reputation and continuing to contribute to meaningful discussions in this field.

A full write-up of the event is here: Summary of Ethiopia Reads 5th Summit 2025.

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A Young Leader and Role Model

Mahder, who comes from a family with two sets of twins, embodies exceptional leadership and responsibility at a very young age.

• Family Impact: He actively encourages his twin and two younger twin siblings to prioritize their studies and develop strong reading habits. He frequently brings his youngest brothers to the Gebeta Library, where he personally assists them with schoolwork and cultivates their interest in books. Your support enables this crucial peer-to-peer mentoring.

• Community Inspiration: Mahder’s consistent dedication and enthusiasm earned him the prestigious title of “Best Reader of the Month” earlier this year. He stands out as a role model, inspiring his peers and serving as a testament to the motivation the library fosters.

Beyond his impressive literacy skills, Mahder is also an outstanding young artist, demonstrating the holistic development that the library environment encourages.

Mahder: A Promoter of the Library’s Mission

Mahder Moges is more than just a library user; he is a true promoter of the Gebeta Library’s mission. His positive influence ensures that the love for reading and learning extends beyond the library walls and deep into his own family unit.

By supporting Ethiopia Reads, you are not simply funding books and buildings. You are investing in young leaders like Mahder who actively champion education and create a sustainable, positive change in their own households and communities.

Thank you for making Mahder’s success story—and the success of countless other children—possible.

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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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