We’re thrilled to announce the completion of a brand-new library at Meseret Elementary School in Gondar, Ethiopia – a space that now serves 1,800 students from kindergarten through grade 8. This bright, welcoming facility offers a much-needed place for study, updated curriculum books, engaging storybooks for all ages, and a lending service to support learning at home.
This project is dedicated to the memory of Amsalu, father of Dr. Ribka Amsalu – a former Meseret student who raised the funds to give back to her first school. With additional support from the Educational Opportunity Foundation and the Corvallis Sister Cities Association, this award-winning initiative is already making a difference for hundreds of children.
Why a New Library Was Needed
Meseret Elementary once had its own library, but it was demolished years ago to make way for a new road. Since then, the school had tried to make do by moving books and furniture into the assembly hall – a dark, cramped space that lacked adequate seating and was often closed for school events.
In 2023, Ethiopia introduced a new curriculum, rendering most of the school’s existing library materials outdated. Of the 582 titles available, 72% were either no longer relevant or in poor condition.
As in all Ethiopian state schools, students at Meseret attend in shifts – either in the morning or afternoon – due to large class sizes. That makes a library especially vital, providing a place for students to study and read during their off-hours.
What the Project Delivered
Beyond constructing a new, purpose-built library, the project also included:
- Updated and Expanded Book Collection – We purchased 55 new titles and 485 total copies, including up-to-date textbooks and fiction selected based on student feedback. These additions ensure students have both the resources and the access to learn on their own terms.
- Culturally Relevant Storybooks – The library features bilingual children’s books from the Ready Set Go series, written in English and local Ethiopian languages, helping young readers connect with stories in their mother tongue.
- Student-Informed Design – After arranging visits to other libraries and consulting with students, we added open tables for group work and ‘tension box’ desks for quiet, individual study. New genres such as historical biographies, Amharic fiction, poetry, and study guides were also added due to student requests.
- A Corner for Kindergarten – A cozy reading nook for the youngest learners was created, with child-friendly shelving and a rug to make reading fun and accessible.
- Librarian Training – We trained the school librarian in best practices for organizing and maintaining the library, and in how to help students find the right books for their needs.
- A Book Lending Program – Students can now borrow books to read at home – extending learning beyond the classroom.
Looking Ahead
At the end of the academic year, we’ll evaluate how the new library has impacted learning – tracking library usage and book borrowing, and speaking with students and teachers about its effects on study habits and classroom outcomes.
Dr. Ribka Amsalu, the project’s key funder, was inspired to act after seeing our previous library project at Hibret Elementary, funded by another former Gondar student. Her generosity, in memory of her father, continues the beautiful cycle of giving back to one’s roots.
We’re honored that Together We Learn’s work on both projects has been recognized by Gondar City Administration for cost-effective, high-quality delivery. It’s a true testament to the dedication of our team and our supporters.