ETHIOPIA READS

Founded in 1998, Ethiopia Reads has been a leader in building youth and children’s literacy across Ethiopia. Our first library was established in 2003, and since that time ER has built more than 72 libraries spanning every region of the country, shipping more than a quarter million books and serving over 130,000 children per year. ER supplies books, library furniture, and critical librarian training, mentoring and networking to library staff – most of whom work in school-based environments.

The most effective literacy campaign works across a broad front. ER has been very successful in diversifying its methods over the years. With over a decade of experience on the ground, ER has developed a full spectrum of literacy-centered activities and services: access to books and language-appropriate materials; access to classrooms and libraries; professional training and mentorship; advocacy for book-centered learning and good reading practices; outreach into the most marginalized communities, both rural and urban; and family literacy and literacy awareness campaigns.