Donkeys Bring in Books, The Children Come

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The Story of Johannes & His Reading Program (taken from Ethiopia Reads)

Yohannes Gebregeorgis, a native of Etihopia, learned to read in his village school - taught by Peace Corps volunteers. He fondly remembers the first book he held in his hands outside of school...at the age of nineteen. Eventually, he came to the United States as a political refugee. He earned a Master's degree in Library Science from the University of Texas.

While working as a children's librarian at the San Francisco Publisc Library, Yohannes was asked to purchase books in various languages for the library. He was surprised to discover that, despite a large Ethiopian population int he area, he was unable to find books printed in any of the Ethiopian languages. Recognizing the importance of reading for children in his native country, he founded Ethiopia Reads in 1998, inspired to make books available to Ethiopia's kids.

As Yohannes worked to develop his project, he contacted American author Jane Kurtz. Jane grew up in Ethiopia, where her parents worked for many years, and has written many books about its land and people. Yohannes' vision caught Jane's attention: she, too believed in the power of books to change lives. She rallied friends, family and her community to raise funds to publish Silly Mammo, the first English/Amharic book for children, which was written by Yohannes and based on a well-loved children's folk tale from Ethiopia.

Proceeds from the sale of Silly Mommo supported Yohannes' dream of opening a free public library for children in Addis Ababa, a city of 3 million people. In 2003, Yohannes moved back to Addis Ababa to formally establish Ethiopia Reads. he and his family lived in the top floor of a small house; on the bottom floor, he began building a library.

On April 7, 2003, Yohannes and Jane cut the ribbon on Shola Children's Library. Established in a poor neighborhood with no safe spaces for play, reading or art activity, the library served thousands of children during its first year of operation. Four years later, the staff recorded 60,000 visits from children! In June of 2008, the library moved from its original location into a larger facility, with more room for books and children. Shola currently offers programs in sanitation, art, theater and dance as well as tutoring and study groups.

Ethiopia Reads believes that education is the key to improving the lives of the next generation of Ethiopians, a country filled with children, and that books are the key to fostering a genuine love of learning. We invite all who love children and books to join us in this endeavor.