Grand Forks’ Friends of Ethiopia Reads is supporting the Hawassa Reading Center (HRC) in a huge way! The proceeds from this year’s Imaginary Reading Festival will support the activities and operations of HRC during from the year 2024-25.

HRC was established in 2006 and serves young readers ranging in age from 6-16. The library is always busy with students who are free during the different shifts of their class schedules and on weekends. Over time the number of library users has increased as well as the activities and programs offered.

HRC is improving the reading culture in this ever-growing Ethiopian City formerly known as Adare and the surrounding areas of the Sidamo Region. Students from various schools gather in a safe and clean environment. Throughout the year HRC organizes reading festivals and activities to support students and to foster a conducive learning and reading environment. Dedicated staff and volunteers from Hawassa University plan and support test activities. The budget for 2024-25 if $17,000. Grand Forks Friends of Ethiopia Reads is helping to raise the costs of continuing to offer a quality reading program for the children of Hawassa, Ethiopia.

Rahmet Reshid (above) is a 4th grader who has been coming to HRC since before she began school. Rahmet lives with her brother and sister along with their parents who make a living working as day laborers. They are happy their children can be involved in educational activities at HRC. Rahmet proudly says,

“…starting from kindergarten until now I get the books I want from the library and everyone helps me when I have questions. I want to become a doctor when I grow up.”

You don’t have to attend the festival. Instead, consider how important it is for children to have opportunities to practice their reading skills in a safe and clean environment with caring adults. You can donate using the pull down menu for Hawassa Reading Center at here.

Thank you for your generous support!