Kassahun Kebede has started Libraries for Ethiopia for his home communities
Kassahun (Kass) Kebede, a professor of sociology at Eastern Washington University, journeyed halfway around the
Libraries for Ethiopia empowers communities by creating safe and welcoming spaces for reading, learning, and self-expression. Our libraries provide free access to books, computers, educational workshops, and creative programs all designed to broaden horizons and foster lifelong learning. By connecting people with resources and opportunities, we are building Generation Read and supporting the future of Ethiopia.
Founder
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.
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.
We view libraries as a significant force that helps elevate society by fostering critical thinking, creativity, and democracy. LiFEF aspires to contribute to improving access to education and enhancing its quality for all Ethiopians.
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.
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.
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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