Ethiopia Reads Event at TouchStone Gallery!

Bernos.org, in collaboration with Ethiopia Reads and Tsehai Publishers, is proud to host 'Cocktails for Reading' – an event that is in between a cocktail party and networking event among authors, publishers, readers and organizations involved with reading in Ethiopia and the Ethiopian diaspora community.

Our keynote speakers will be Yohannes Gebregeorgis, co-founder of Ethiopia Reads and recent CNN Hero, and Elias Wondimu, founder of Tsehai Publishers and Ambassador for Peace.



The Event will be held on:

October 11, 2008 beginning at 5:30 PM

Touchstone Gallery

406 7th Street NW – 2nd Floor

Washington, DC 20004


For more information, please contact Tsilat Petros with Ethiopia Reads at tsilat@ethiopiareads.org.

Hope for Children US Event at the Embassy of Ethiopia

Additional information regarding the event that
will be held at the Embassy of Ethiopia this Friday.

First, the event is FREE.

Sidamo Coffee and Tea will be there, and they will be doing a coffee
ceremony. (www.sidamocoffeeandtea.com)

There will be Ethiopian food as well as Ferengi/Continental/American
food.

The event is kid-friendly, there will be a table for children to
color or play during the evening.

There will be a silent auction and there are A LOT of Ethiopian items
in the auction -- great, fun things including some wonderful art work
from an emerging Ethiopian artist.

If you are looking for ways to help and become involved in the
Ethiopian/Ethiopian-American community a number of other non-profits
will have representatives in attendance.


Please Join Us For

"A Night in Ethiopia"

To Support Hope for Children's

Youth Learning Center

Friday, September 26, 7 PM

The Ethiopian Embassy, 3506 International Drive, NW, Washington, DC

Hosted by Carol Rhees, Bonnie Harkness, Freda and Gary Temple,

Ruthann Bates, Catie Dupont


Please bring your friends and family!

RSVP carhees@... / 301.229.9591

For more information, go to www.hopeforchildrenus.org

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

We hope that you can join us on September 26 for a fun-filled and
informative evening. If you are unable to attend but wish to make a
tax-deductible contribution, checks should be made payable to Hope
for Children US and should be mailed to 5801 Searl Terrace, Bethesda,
MD 20816. You can also donate on-line at our website,
www.hopeforchildrenus.org.

Parking: Parking in the evening is available in any of the reserved
Embassy spots along International Drive. There is also a parking
garage on Van Ness where you turn onto International Drive.

We hope to see you on the 26th!

Hope for Children Event - September 26, 2008

Please Join Us For
"A Night in Ethiopia"
To Support Hope for Children's
Youth Learning Center

Friday, September 26, 7 PM
The Ethiopian Embassy, 3506 International Drive, NW, Washington, DC

Hosted by Carol Rhees, Bonnie Harkness, Freda and Gary Temple,
Ruthann Bates, Catie Dupont

Please bring your friends and family!

RSVP carhees@aol.com / 301.229.9591
For more information, go to www.hopeforchildrenus.org


* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

We hope that you can join us on September 26 for a fun-filled and informative evening. If you are unable to attend but wish to make a tax-deductible contribution, checks should be made payable to Hope for Children US and should be mailed to 5801 Searl Terrace, Bethesda, MD 20816. You can also donate on-line at our website, www.hopeforchildrenus.org.


Parking: Parking in the evening is available in any of the reserved Embassy spots along International Drive. There is also a parking garage on Van Ness where you turn onto International Drive.

We hope to see you on the 26th!

Have you gotten your tickets to the 2008 Mesgana Dancer Tour yet?

September 7, Ethiopian New Yearʼs Festival @ Lake Merritt Park, Oakland, CA
September 13 @ Rose Wagner Theatre, Salt Lake City, UT
September 20 @ GW Lisner Auditorium, Washington, DC
September 27 @ South Orange Performing Arts Center, South Orange, NJ

For more information visit www.coeef.org

Smile at A Girl - Ethiopia

Locals for Literacy: celebrate girls while supporting
educational programs for children in Ethiopia


August 11, 2008 – Childhood friends who discovered a mutual love of international travel during a high-school trip to the USSR, Dr. Laura Anderson and Catie Askegreen Dupont have teamed up to publish Dr. Anderson’s children’s book Smile at a Girl, Ethiopia which celebrates the joy of girlhood through verse and images. Smile at a Girl, Ethiopia offers a poetic reminder of how important it is to encourage girls to live, move, dream, and accept themselves with boldness and joy. All proceeds from sales of the book will go to support programs run by Ethiopia Reads and will put books into the hands of young boys and girls who’ve never before had access to libraries or written stories.

Smile at a Girl, Ethiopia showcases girls as they engage in a wide variety of enriching activities, from laughing with friends to playing drums, from dancing and traveling to dreaming and reading. The text reminds readers of the power of a positive word or gesture: “Whisper encouragement to a girl/’Just do the best you can do.’/Burst with pride and hug her/When she dares to try something new.” The text was inspired by an active childhood in coastal Maine and by Laura’s travels across 38 countries, during which she observed the challenges and opportunities that await girls in every corner of the globe.

“I have been lucky to see young girls at play and at work in cultures all over the world,” says Anderson, a clinical psychologist who works in the public school system on the Hawaiian island of Kauai. “There is nothing like the laughter of girls giggling freely in play.” Small town Maine introduced both Laura and Catie to the joy of story telling and showed them that books build imaginations and enhance opportunities.

Later in life, after traversing Southern, Central, Eastern and Northern Africa, Dr. Anderson developed a special appreciation for Ethiopia when visiting her childhood friend Catie Dupont who lived there with her family while working for the US Embassy. An active volunteer in Washington, DC, Dupont currently leads efforts to support the publication of Smile at a Girl Ethiopia. So far, the project has received financial support from the Hanalei Hawaiian Civic Canoe Club, the Kapaa Rotary Club, and individual donors. Dupont aspires to raise $10,000 for the project.

Dr. Anderson’s text will be complemented by vivid photographs taken by Matthew Andrea, a DC-based volunteer who fell in love with Ethiopia after visiting in 2007. The book will be sold in the United States as a fundraiser for Ethiopia Reads and also distributed throughout the organization’s growing network of free libraries for children in Ethiopia. In keeping with Ethiopia Reads’ commitment to providing culturally relevant materials for children, Smile at a Girl Ethiopia will feature text in the Ethiopian language of Amharic.

About Ethiopia Reads
Based in Denver, CO and Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Ethiopia Reads is a grassroots, volunteer-led non-profit organization that works to create a reading culture in Ethiopia. Ethiopia Reads plants libraries for children, publishes books in English as well as local languages and trains teachers and library workers to cultivate a love of reading in children. Co-founder Yohannes Gebregeorgis was recently named a “Hero” by CNN News. Board President Jane Kurtz is an internationally published children’s author and speaker.
Please visit http://www.ethiopiareads.org/ for more information.

Jihur School Project shares Success! Goals for 2009!

Dear Friends,

This if to inform you that Grade Nine Classrooms and the Administration building of our Jihur School Project will be completed this summer. The Government has promised to furnish the classrooms and has already assigned five teachers.

The project has achieved a 25%completionon rate with Grade ten classrooms, laboratory facilities, library building and a football court remaining. You will agree with us that this is a major milestone.

On behalf of the Executive Committee and the 2000 boys and girls of the Jihur Elementary School we express our gratitude to you for making this possible. So far the project has attracted US60,000 donations but a lot more is expected from us. Our target is to raise an additional US60,000 in the next academic year. We have opened a PayPal account for donations. We have started accepting small monthly donations of $25. 50, 100 or 200 to ensure a continuous cash flow. All donations are tax deductible.

We count on your continued support and please let us know your monthly pledge for planning purposes.Remember this is a project very well managed with no overhead cost.

Members of the support group here in the US, the Executive Committee in Addis and the district committee in Ethiopia are all volunteers. The contractor is supervised by a supervising engineer provided by the Government.

You can get additional information on the project management structure from the project website.Visit our website www.jihurschool.com for on line donations through our PayPal account.

Sincerely,
Getinet W Giorgis
For the Diaspora Support Group

Please join Hope for Children for "A Night in Ethiopia"

Please Join Us For
"A Night in Ethiopia"
To Support Hope for Children's
Youth Learning Center

Friday, September 26, 7 PM
The Ethiopian Embassy, 3506 International Drive, NW, Washington, DC

Hosted by Carol Rhees, Bonnie Harkness, Freda and Gary Temple,
Ruthann Bates, Catie Dupont

Please bring your friends and family!

RSVP carhees@aol.com / 301.229.9591
For more information, go to www.hopeforchildrenus.org


* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

We hope that you can join us on September 26 for a fun-filled and informative evening. If you are unable to attend but wish to make a tax-deductible contribution, checks should be made payable to Hope for Children US and should be mailed to 5801 Searl Terrace, Bethesda, MD 20816. You can also donate on-line at our website, www.hopeforchildrenus.org.


Parking: Parking in the evening is available in any of the reserved Embassy spots along International Drive. There is also a parking garage on Van Ness where you turn onto International Drive.

We hope to see you on the 26th!

Trees for Ethiopia (wwww.windowtoethiopia.org)

Window To Ethiopia is an all-volunteer, not-for-profit organization based in Alexandria, Virginia, USA.

The founder and president of the Board of Directors of Window To Ethiopia is James N. Larsen, CAE, an association professional for over twenty years and a development and marketing consultant in the hotel and tourism fields. He is currently Executive Director of the Dulles Area Transportation Association in Chantilly, Virginia, a 501(c)3 organization dedicated to improving the environment through traffic management strategies.

His desire to help Ethiopia and its people developed during a five week sabbatical in 2007. He traveled over 3000 kilometers along the Historic Route in a four-wheel drive vehicle, visiting not just the historic sites but also the rural villages and farms where he came to know and admire these proud people and their culture.
On a second visit, Mr. Larsen journeyed to eastern Ethiopia, from Addis Ababa to Harar. He visited the South Rift Valley, with an extended stay around Lake Langano and in the adjacent countryside. Here he became aware of the seriousness of the deforestation and its potential impact on the ecology, particularly in the area surrounding Lake Abiata and Lake Shalla. After a trip to the Menagasha Forest, Mr. Larsen returned to Addis Ababa with a beginnings of a plan to help renew Ethiopia's forests.

Back in the United States, Mr. Larsen began making contact with other organizations involved in helping Ethiopia. With input from of Catie Dupont, a former member of the Board of Directors of Ethiopia Reads and current volunteer who lived in country for over a year, Mr. Larsen developed the Trees 4 Ethiopia concept.

Through the sale of silicone Trees 4 Ethiopia wristbands - initially at the Ethiopian Sports Federation in North America (ESFNA) 2008 Soccer Tournament June 28-July 5 at RFK Stadium in Washington, DC - Window To Ethiopia hopes to raise thousands of dollars to begin the community-based planting and nurturing of trees.

Another of Window To Ethiopia's projects is a recently-launched educational sponsorship program providing financial support for deserving middle school students in the villages near Arse Neagle.

Members of the Board of Directors - each for his or her own reasons - share Mr. Larsen's commitment to Window To Ethiopia.

Girum Amanuel, a native Ethiopian, lives in Arlington, Virginia and Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Mr. Amanuel has a hospitality management background with roots in the business community both here and in Ethiopia.

Douglas A. Pickford, President of Conservation Concepts, LLC, has over twenty years of environmental and land use planning experience. He has served in both public sector and private entities.

Kelly Woodward has over thirty years experience in marketing and public relations for associations and corporations. She has been involved with numerous charitable organizations including the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and the Association for Retarded Citizens.

Hugh Barton, of Barton & Barton Travel Consultants, has significant international business and tourism experience. Born in the United Kingdom, he has lived and worked in Hong Kong and Virginia and traveled extensively in Europe and Asia. Mr. Barton's grandfather was the minister to Ethiopia during the early reign of Haile Selassie.

Catie Dupont is a former member of the Board of Directors of Ethiopia Reads, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving literacy in Ethiopia by funding and opening libraries and by publishing bilingual children's books. She remains an enthusiastic and committed volunteer.

Martin Miller is a middle school librarian and former educator. For over twenty years, he has dedicated himself to promoting literacy and a love of reading.

For further information on Window To Ethiopia please e-mail James Larsen at info@windowtoethiopia.org.

Zethiopia Radio & Newspaper - Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

How often is Zethiopia Newspaper published?

The Newspaper is published bi-monthly. In addition to the newspaper, one-page newsflash editions are published for special events.

Zethiopia has a number of blogs that are updated regularly with community events and news.

Zethiopia also has a weekly radio program – Sundays from 5:00-6:00p.m. Tune in to 1390 AM.

How many Ethiopian languages is Zethiopia published in?

At this time, Zethiopia is only published in Amharic and English.

Who is Zethiopia’s Audience?

Zethiopia Newspaper has a readership in excess of 10, 000 and ever growing. Zethiopia is distributed to over 40 retail locations in the Greater DC Metro area and is mailed to US and International subscribers.

The estimated radio audience is in excess of 20,000 listeners.

Our audience includes Ethiopian Americans, the adoptive community, the non-profit community and others interested in the welfare of Ethiopia and Ethiopians.

What are your advertising rates?

For current rates, please contact Dereje@Zethiopia.com or call 202-518-0245/

Do you offer advertising packages?

We do! Zethiopia has a number of package options to include newspaper, radio and blog uploads.

What is your distribution program?

Zethiopia will distribute flyers/brochures/coupons to our audience – please contact Dereje for more information. Dereje@Zethiopia.com or call 202-518-0245

What is Zethiopia Club?

Zethiopia Club is a group that was formed to promote sharing ideas and nurture learning in the community. It is based in the Washington D.C. area and there are monthly meetings. For more information, please visit www.zethiopia-club.blogspot.com or contact Dereje.

What is the Zethiopia Annual Gala Event?

Historically held in November in the DC area, this event unites the community for an evening of entertainment and camaraderie.

Ethiopia Reads launches a Basket of Books Program

Basket of Books Program

As a grass-roots organization we have been overwhelmed with the numbers of people who have reached out to us asking “How can I help?”

The Basket of Books program is an initiative launched by Ethiopia Reads that allows those of us who aren’t able to plant an entire library or publish a book share the joy of reading and make a lasting impact.

You can touch the lives of children who rarely or never get to hold books.

What is the Basket of Books Program?
A simple two-step program! 1) You donate $200 to sponsor a Basket of Books. Each book will have a nameplate placed on the inside cover recognizing the basket’s sponsor: your organization, family, or perhaps a reader or supporter of the world’s children that you want to honor with a gift. 2) Ethiopia Reads will place the basket with a worthy organization that serves children in Ethiopia. (If you like, we will work with you on placing a basket with an organization you might already have a relationship with.)

Each basket of books will contain an assortment of books like those shown in the pictures above – to include Early Readers, picture books, middle grade novels and local language books.

For more information regarding the Basket of Books program, please contact Catie Dupont.
Catie@EthiopiaReads.org
For more information about Ethiopia Reads – please visit www.ethiopiareads.org.

Zethiopia Distribution Services

Zethiopia Distribution Services

Does your organization have flyers or brochures that need to be distributed?

For more information or a copy of the distribution contract, please contact Dereje at dereje@zethiopia.com.

Ze Ethiopia Corporation
Zethiopia Newspaper & Radio
P.O. Box 2049
Fairfax, Virginia
22031

Subscribe to Zethiopia TODAY ~ Newspaper, Radio and Club

Do you want to subscribe to Zethiopia? Click HERE to be taken to an on-line checkout system that you can use to place your subscription order.

Girls Gotta Run Event - in Bethesda

February 26 - April 5, 2008
Invitational Gallery
The Mansion at Strathmore
10701 Rockville Pike
North Bethesda, MD 20852
Opening Reception:
Thursday, February 28, 2008, 7 - 9 p.m.


Profits from the sale of this artwork go to buy running shoes for girls in Ethiopia. By training as athletes, these girls can delay traditional arranged marriages which can occur as early as 12 years of age.

To purchase any of the works on display
Contact Pat Ortman
(202) 244-6354 or pat@girlsgottarun.org

For more information and to see some
of the art that will be on exhibit, visit
www.girlsgottarun.org

Ethiopia Reads events in D.C. Metro Area

Come meet Author Jane Kurtz!
Come learn about Ethiopia Reads!

Saturday, March 1, 2008 ~~ 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
~~ Sidamo Coffee and Tea ~~ 417 H Street NE ~~Washington, DC 20002~~

Come hear Jane tell her story of growing up in Ethiopia, how it influenced her writing and the development of the NGO Ethiopia Reads.
There will be a slide show presentation.
Jane’s books Only A Pigeon, the Lion’s Tail (Amharic/English version) and Saba will be available for purchase.
Dual language Amharic/English books ~ The Beekeeper of Lalibela, Fafi’s Sheep and Silly Mammo will be available.
The kitchen at Sidamo will be open for your convenience.

Sunday, March 2, 2008 ~~ 1:30 – 4:00 p.m.
~~Highland Origin Café ~~ 8200 Fenton Street ~~Silver Spring, Maryland ~~
There will be a slide show and informative session regarding Jane Kurtz and Ethiopia Reads. Additionally, Tsilat Petros will be joining us and sharing her enthusiasm and dreams for Ethiopia and the Ethiopia Reads project. Come hear her story!
The kitchen at Highland Origin Café will be open for your convenience.

Sunday afternoon tune in as Jane Kurtz is interviewed on AM 1390 Zethiopia Radio from 5:00-6:00 p.m.
Jane will be sharing with Dereje Desta the latest news from Ethiopia Reads and will introduce the audience and Ethiopia Reads’ supporters to Tsilat Petros – who will be traveling to Ethiopia to work for Ethiopia Reads!

Monday, March 3, 2008 ~~ 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
~~ Busboys and Poets ~~ 4251 South Campbell Ave ~~ Arlington, VA 22206 ~~

Come hear Jane tell her story of growing up in Ethiopia, how it influenced her writing and how Ethiopia Reads has developed and she will share the
hope and dreams for Ethiopia Reads’ future.
There will be a slide show presentation.
Light refreshments will be served.
Busboys and Poets have a supply of Jane’s books available for your convenience.

For further information, please contact Catie Dupont.
Catie@EthiopiaReads.org or call 571-243-1411.
An RSVP to any of these events is not necessary, but would be appreciated.
For specific information regarding Ethiopia Reads, please visit www.ethiopiareads.org.