Our Crowdfunding Groups
We all know the many positive benefits of reading to children -- socially, academically, and in increasing our ability to understand other people. Our team is comprised of an experienced librarian, a middle school teacher, and an experienced reader-Dad.
Our project is aiming to support the acquisition of culturally appropriate books and reading materials for children in Ethiopia. Our goal is to increase cultural understanding and demonstrate the value of reading through a couple of initiatives:
Afternoon Book Club
The book club will focus on pre-teen and teenage students from the University of Gondar Community School. We will have weekly readings followed by discussions and activities aimed at getting students excited about literature and exchanging ideas.
Located in Northwest Ethiopia, Gondar is a mountain town with castles dating back to the early 1600's. The University of Gondar operates a model elementary and middle school where Peggy will be teaching English and supporting teachers.
Story Time
Just like in a public library "story time" in the United States, we will offer an education program on the importance of reading to children. Along with fun and engaging stories read by a somewhat quirky, but experienced reader-Dad Tim, we provide suggestions and encouragement for parents to read to their children followed by a fun activity.
These story times are planned at several public libraries. Janet will bring her experience working with libraries in Ethiopia to help develop these sessions.
In order to do this, we need your help! We have secured support to transport the materials to Ethiopia which means that all of the funds raised will go directly to supporting the purchase of these books. We are so grateful for your support of this important effort. Your contribution is greatly appreciated!
It is estimated that in rural Ethiopia, children spend and average of 7 hours per week collecting firewood.
Fifty percent of US households with kindergarten age children have more than 25 children's books in their homes.
The average amount of time it takes for children to walk to school in rural Amhara region of Ethiopia is 77.64 minutes.
The per capita gross domestic product of Ethiopia is $158.8 US per year.
Research suggests that in some low income neighborhoods, there is just one book per 300 children.
