We are a nonprofit founded on the belief that literacy is a universal right. Inspired by our founder's story, we build community-powered libraries to give every Ethiopian child the chance to dream, learn, and explore.
Our first major project is building the first-ever public library in Sendafa-Beke, a town of over 150,000 people. This library will provide more than 21,000 children with access to books and a safe place to study.
Your 100% tax-deductible gift helps us buy books, furnish libraries, and give children the tools they need to succeed. Every contribution directly supports our mission to break the cycle of illiteracy and poverty.
We aim to build and equip public libraries in Sendafa, Beke, and Aleltu, creating safe and welcoming spaces for learning.
Each library will provide students with computer access to bridge the digital divide and support technology education programs.
We distributed close to 700 books to children in Sendafa and Beke towns in 2023 and 2024, giving them access to new stories and knowledge.
Discover the personal journey and inspiration that led to the founding of Libraries for Ethiopia Fund.
Our founder, Kassahun Kebede, grew up in Sendafa, Ethiopia, where access to books was a profound challenge. One of his most formative memories is of accidentally damaging his class’s only textbook and the fear that followed. This experience never left him.
Years later, after moving to the US, he returned to his hometown to find that while some things had improved, children still lacked the simple, powerful tool of a public library. This inspired him and his supporters to found Libraries for Ethiopia Fund (LiFEF) in 2023, with the mission to build the first-ever public library in Sendafa and ensure no child is without a book again.
Our mission is to break the cycle of illiteracy and poverty by planting accessible, community-powered public libraries.
Founder
In Ethiopia, access to libraries is extremely limited. LiFEF aims to address this by providing public libraries in underserved communities, connecting people with books and promoting the vision of GENERATION READ.
One time or monthly giving. Create lasting change for a child. Make an impact in the world!
Sponsor a child in need. Make a meaningful connection. Help break the cycle of poverty.
Who we are and what we do. Full financial transparency. Read FAQs and more.
Our first project is to establish the first-ever public library in Sendafa-Beke, a town of over 150,000 people.
Our mission is powered by a dedicated community of volunteers, advisors, and donors who share our belief in the transformative power of education and literacy. Their support is the foundation of everything we do.
Libraries for Ethiopia Fund is making a real difference in my community.
Their work with students is inspiring.
Libraries for Ethiopia Fund is making a real difference in my community.
Follow our journey as we turn our vision into reality. Here, we'll share milestones from our projects, stories from the communities we serve, and updates on our progress in Ethiopia.
Bringing children and books to fight illiteracy and inspire young minds to dream and explore. Our mission is to break the cycle of illiteracy and poverty by planting accessible, community-powered public libraries, making literacy and education accessible to everyone.
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