The power of reading: Empowering Ethiopia’s future through books

 

BY LULSEGED WORKU

In a rapidly advancing digital age, where smartphones, tablets, and the internet seem to dominate every facet of life, it is easy to forget the timeless value of a simple book. Yet, beyond screens and pixels, lies an even more powerful tool for shaping young minds: the act of reading. For children, especially those living in Ethiopia’s most impoverished communities, access to books and literacy is not merely educational; it is a vital lifeline to hope, opportunity, and a better future.

 

Across the globe, stories of influential entrepreneurs and innovators reveal a conscious effort to prioritize reading over digital distraction. These stories serve as powerful reminders that nurturing a love for books is a deliberate and essential step toward developing well-rounded, creative, and critically thinking individuals. The example set by figures such as Elon Musk, Steve Jobs, and Mark Zuckerberg underscores a universal truth: encouraging children to read can influence their development far beyond the pages of a book.

 

Recently, a photograph surfaced that captured a moment of quiet reflection among some of the world’s most influential minds. Elon Musk, the billionaire behind Tesla and SpaceX, was seen with his children, one holding a book titled “The Secret of Mental Math” and another with a different literary work. What drew attention was not just the absence of cell phones or gadgets, but the evident choice to encourage their children’s intellectual growth through reading. Despite their wealth and access to technology, Musk’s children were immersed in books, their focus on learning rather than digital entertainment.

 

Similarly, the legendary Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple, was known for his commitment to fostering curiosity and creativity among his children. He believed that reading was a key to developing independent thought and innovation. Reports indicate that Jobs rewarded his children financially for reading books, emphasizing the importance of knowledge over passive consumption of digital content. His approach was intentional: to protect his children from becoming slaves to the digital world and to nurture their innate creativity.

 

Mark Zuckerberg, the mastermind behind Facebook, also exemplifies this mindset. His household reportedly has no television, as he and his wife prioritize reading and meaningful engagement over passive entertainment. Their family’s choice reflects a broader understanding: that reading cultivates empathy, critical thinking, and cultural awareness, skills essential for navigating an increasingly complex world.

 

While these stories may seem distant from Ethiopia’s realities, they carry an important message: the love of reading is a universal gift, and fostering it can have far-reaching impacts. For Ethiopian children-many of whom live in poverty, with limited access to educational resources-the act of reading can be transformative.

 

In Ethiopia, especially in marginalized districts like Korah (comoonly called Koshe Sefer) in Addis Ababa, access to books and learning materials remains a significant challenge. Many children grow up without owning a single storybook, and their exposure to literacy-rich environments is minimal. Without access to books, their opportunities for education, personal growth, and social mobility are severely limited. This reality underscores the urgent need for community-driven initiatives that bring books and literacy programs directly to these children.

 

One shining example of such an initiative is the Hope for Korah Reading Room. Located in the heart of Addis Ababa, this project exemplifies how local and international efforts can come together to create meaningful change. Funded by the Addis Ababa West Rotary Club and the Seattle 4 Rotary Club, the reading room has become a sanctuary of learning for children in one of the city’s most underserved areas.

 

Before the establishment of the reading room, many children in Korah had never owned a storybook. Their exposure to written language was limited, and opportunities for early literacy development were scarce. Recognizing this, Rotary International partnered with local community leaders and volunteers to create a resource-rich environment where children could explore books freely.

 

Today, the Hope for Korah Reading Room houses over 1,000 bilingual books, including titles in Amharic–English and Afaan Oromo–English. These books serve a dual purpose: helping children strengthen their mother tongue while also building their English language skills—a crucial factor in increasing their future educational and economic opportunities.

 

The bilingual nature of the books is especially significant. It promotes cultural pride, preserves local languages, and strengthens children’s confidence in their own identity. It also provides a bridge to learning new skills in a global language, opening doors to further education and employment.

 

The success of the Korah Reading Room is a testament to the power of collaboration. Local community members, dedicated teachers, and international partners have all played vital roles in fostering a culture of reading. One of the key supporters of this effort is Ellenore Angelidis, a member of the University District Rotary Club in the United States. Her club’s continued support, along with the efforts of Ethiopian Rotary Clubs, demonstrates how sustained commitment can make a real difference.

 

This project also marks a milestone: Ethiopia’s Rotary Clubs recently celebrated 70 years of service, a long history of humanitarian work and community development. The Hope for Korah Reading Room embodies Rotary’s core mission, “Service Above Self”, by providing access to books, nurturing imagination, and empowering children to dream beyond their circumstances.

 

For children in Korah, the reading room is more than just a place to borrow books; it is a symbol of hope and possibility. Each story read, each new word learned, and each moment of wonder in the pages of a book contributes to building a brighter future.

 

Investing in literacy and access to books is one of the most effective ways to break the cycle of poverty. When children learn to read, they acquire the skills necessary to succeed academically, gain confidence, and develop a lifelong love of learning. Literacy opens doors to higher education, better employment opportunities, and active citizenship.

 

Moreover, reading fosters empathy and cultural understanding. In a diverse country like Ethiopia, where multiple languages and cultures coexist, books can serve as bridges, helping children appreciate their own heritage while gaining insights into others’ experiences.

 

Beyond individual benefits, a literate population is critical for national development. Countries with high literacy rates tend to have healthier, more productive citizens, and are better equipped to face global challenges.

 

While stories of global leaders are inspiring, the responsibility to promote reading and literacy in Ethiopia lies with all of us, individuals, community groups, NGOs, and government agencies.

 

In Ethiopia, where many children face obstacles to education, be it poverty, lack of infrastructure, or cultural barriers, these efforts are vital. Small acts of kindness and community engagement can ripple outward, creating a culture where reading is valued and accessible for all.

 

The stories of the world’s most successful entrepreneurs choosing books over digital distractions serve as a powerful reminder: fostering a love of reading is a deliberate act that can shape individuals and communities for generations. For Ethiopia’s children, especially those in impoverished neighborhoods like Korah, access to books is not just about literacy-it’s about hope, dignity, and the opportunity to dream big.

 

As we reflect on these stories, let us remember that change begins with each of us. Whether through donating a book, volunteering our time, or supporting literacy initiatives, we can all contribute to building a future where every child has the chance to read, learn, and reach their full potential.

 

Because when children read, they don’t just learn; they unlock the doors to a brighter, more equitable tomorrow. And that future begins today—with a book in their hands and hope in their hearts.