This Project aims to improve access to books and other information to Ethiopian students. ISOB helps equipping libraries with books and computers and raises funds for the improvement of library services.

In Africa books are essential for literacy and learning: Book aid to Africa.pdf 

Many youngsters in Ethiopia leave school early or fail their exams because they do not have access to a proper library or to books they need for their exams.

"Equipping Libraries" contributes to 3 of the 8 Millennium Development Goals:

1. Poverty Reduction  2. Everyone to school  3. Equal opportunities for girls and boys

YOU can HELP Equipping Libraries in 2 ways:

1.  Buy your books at the YouBeDo WebShop

Click here >> to Buy your books at YouBeDo webwinkel ->> Choose ISOB Foundation ->> 10% of your payment will go to the Library project.

2.  make an Online donation to this Library project: 

Libraries we support:

1. Boditti public library

Boditti town with 33.000 inhabitants have built their own public library in 2007 . Boditti has a fast growing population. Numerous young students are very motivated to learn.

What has been done for Boditti Public Library?

When the public library was build, it could not open its doors because of a shortage of books. In 2009 ISOB donated 644 books from the Netherlands whereupon the Library could start givings services to the local public. Additionally Boditti Public Library received a computer with printer and 320 Euro to purchase extra books.  

Since then the Library is very popular among the local youth.

2. Ooffa primary school

In 2007 residents of Ooffa village with 3000 inhabitants have built their own school with traditional materials. All 1439 school children go to this school in a shift system (morning and afternoon). 24 teachers teach in 10 classrooms where the number of children per class range from 80 up to 150 students.

What has been done for Ooffa?

In 2009-10 ISOB donated 511 books to the school and 2176 Euro for the improvement of the library and classrooms. This money came from 1% club members and a friend who donated all her birthday gifts (600 Euro).  With this help schoolleaders bought 2 new bookcases, 29 tables and 40 chairs and many reference books, painted the building and installed a proper library. Click here to see how much the school has improved.

What are we doing now?
We have published a new project at the 1% club website! This time we want to support the Ooffa school with improving the sanitation: http://www.1procentclub.nl/projects/Sanitair_for_a_healthy_school

You can also join the 1% club and support this project if you Like it.

3. Wollaita Public Library

Soddo is the capital city of Wolaitta with 90.000 inhabitants. In 2006 WODA and ISOB have established and equiped the Wolaitta Public Library.  It is now owned by the municipality and intensively used. Librarians have expressed the need for special exam books, some computers and better furniture.

4. Wollaita Liqa School in Soddo

In 2007 Wolaitta Development Association (WODA) established this school with support of Japanese Embassy to teach orphans and vulnerable children.

What are we doing ?
Since the start ISOB, ISSE and others supported this school with books, computers and money. In 2009 ICS (International Community School in Addis Ababa) donated 743 schoolbooks!  June 2010 ISOB and ISSE CAS Coordinator visited the school and donated ISSE student's contributions to the Liqa studentclub who take care of the poorest students. ISSE students will continue their Ethiopia Help Project with special focus on this school.
In 2011 we have set up the "Adopt a Liqa School OVC Student" Action to support the poorest student. Click here to read more and join in if you Like it. 

Short term results:
More students will have a chance to prepare for their exams and more students will graduate. In addition, studying and reading creates a curious, open and creative attitude. Proper training and certification provide opportunities for continued education.

Long term results:

Training and the acquisition of knowledge are the first steps towards poverty reduction.

A skilled population is better able to set in motion developments and use new technologies. Many youngsters will no longer be able to work in agriculture and need to find jobs or start some small scale business. Economic development is needed to improve living conditions of the population. More well trained youngsters will have an entrepreneurial attitude and will develop new initiatives to create jobs.
The area has sufficient natural materials (wood, stone and water) to start local development . Needed is a skilled population that can take on their own progress.

On health, think about providing clean water, good sanitation and better housing.

There is much to be gained by giving good information on hygiene, sanitation, food and nutrients and the prevention of disease through increased knowledge about their causes. This can all be done by a new skilled generation.

We presented this project at the Millennium Development Goals Award 2009 contest organised by COS Noord Holland on June 4th at Haarlem.