Facts and Projects – Libraries For Ethiopia

Facts & Projects

Our Flagship Project: The Sendafa-Beke Library

OUR SOLUTION

To combat this crisis, we are taking direct action. Our first major project focuses on creating a beacon of hope and knowledge in a community that has none.

90% Learning Poverty

An estimated 90% of 10-year-olds in Ethiopia cannot read and understand a simple, age-appropriate story.

56% Can't Read a Word

Over half of all 2nd and 3rd-grade students are unable to read a single word, a foundational skill for all future learning.

Low School Completion

Only 61% of students complete primary school, and just one-third of teenagers are enrolled in secondary education.

Lack of Resources

A staggering 75% of needed textbooks haven't reached students, and 70% of teachers lack training in the new curriculum.

OUR SOLUTION: The Sendafa-Beke Library

To combat this crisis, we are taking direct action. Our first major project focuses on creating a beacon of hope and knowledge in a community that has none.

The First Public Library in Sendafa-Beke

Serving the vibrant Sendafa-Beke community over 150,000 people who will finally have a public space for learning, discovery, and connection through books.

SUPPORT THIS PROJECT

Unlocking Potential for 21,000 Children

We are turning an unused building, granted to us by local leaders, into the town's first-ever real public library. This space will provide free access to books and educational materials for over 21,000 schoolchildren.

Project Status:

Funds Raised: $5,000
Phase 1: Initial renovation complete.
Target Opening: December 2025

From an Empty Building to a Beacon of Hope

In 2022, the Mayor of Sendafa-Beke generously gave us an unused building, presenting a unique opportunity to create the town's first-ever public library. With the support of our donors, we immediately began the work of transforming this empty space into a vibrant center for learning and discovery.

Serving the Community: This will be the first-ever public library for the 150,000+ residents of Sendafa.
A Clear Goal: We are planning for a grand opening in December 2025.
Impacting a Generation: The library is expected to serve over 21,000 school children who have never had access to a library before.
Diverse & Inclusive: The collection will include books in Amharic, Oromo, and English to serve the entire community.

Recent Milestones & Our Road Ahead

IMPACT & FUTURE

Our work doesn't stop with one building. We are constantly finding ways to make an impact and plan for a future where literacy is a right, not a privilege.

Recent Book Distribution

In 2023 and 2024, we successfully distributed nearly 700 books to children in Sendafa and Beke, providing immediate access to new stories and knowledge.

Our Next Steps

Once the Sendafa-Beke library is established and self-sustaining, we will identify the next rural town in need and replicate our successful model.

Featured Donors

The Generous Supporters Making Our Vision a Reality

About our trust

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.