A nation where every Ethiopian regardless of age, gender, or location has access to the books, knowledge, and inspiration needed to unlock their full potential. We envision a future where literacy is not a privilege but a universal right and reality.
Our mission is to break the cycle of illiteracy and poverty by planting accessible, community-powered public libraries. We provide books, resources, and safe spaces for learning enabling every child to discover new possibilities, achieve their dreams, and build a generation that reads.
We believe that when children and families access knowledge through libraries, they gain tools to overcome barriers, build confidence, and create lasting positive change for themselves and their communities. By collaborating closely with local partners and supporters, we make literacy and education accessible to everyone, especially where the need is greatest.
In 2022, Kassahun (Kass) Kebede and a group of supporters founded the Libraries for Ethiopia Fund. Kass grew up in rural Ethiopia, where books were scarce and public libraries did not exist. He did not own a book until after college; at school, textbooks belonged to the teachers, and reading for pleasure was not an option. With help from teachers and a motivation to learn, Kass attended college…
After moving to the United States, Kass completed advanced degrees, started a family, and read books with his children. He remembered his own lack of access to books as a child. Seeing that Spokane, Washington, a city of about 250,000 people, has more than seven public libraries, while his hometown in Ethiopia home to more than 150,000 people has none, motivated him to act.
With backing from local leaders, Kass and his supporters began renovating an unused building in Sendafa to create the town’s first public library… For Kass and the Libraries for Ethiopia Fund, this project is a way to give other children the access to books he never had, aiming to support literacy and learning for the next generation.
Will you donate to provide books, technology, and educational opportunities for children and communities in Ethiopia? Every gift helps us break the cycle of illiteracy and poverty.
We believe every person deserves equal access to books, knowledge, and learning regardless of age, gender, location, or background. We aim to serve the most underserved and marginalized communities.
Community: We work together with local leaders, families, and volunteers to plant libraries that are shaped by and for the communities they serve. Together, we nurture spaces of learning, dialogue, and hope.
Empowerment: We empower children and adults to realize their potential by offering tools for lifelong learning. Literacy opens doors to opportunity, dignity, and brighter futures.
Sustainability: We are committed to lasting impact. Our libraries are designed to endure, evolving in partnership with communities to ensure that they remain active, relevant, and self-sustaining.
Respect: We honor Ethiopia’s rich cultural heritage and its diverse population. We value the knowledge, stories, and voices of every individual and community.
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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