Literacy Project

Ezam Books Literacy project

Children throughout Ethiopia do not have access to books in their home, schools, or communities. But books, like access to education, are fundamental tools for building literacy, expanding learning, preserving and enriching children's social, cultural, and traditional knowledge.

Early language and literacy development within the first three years of a child's life sets the foundation for children’s educational path. During this critical developmental period, children acquire the ability to become adept communicators, readers, writers, and lifelong learners. Exposure to developmentally and language rich books, print materials, and frequent conversations with children are all critical elements in promoting early language and literacy skills. Equally important is the availability of age-appropriate, culturally relevant, and visually representative books. These early experiences help young children develop their vocabulary, comprehension, and communication skills. It's an opportunity to introduce them to new words, ideas, and concepts, setting the stage for future reading and learning.

It is with this conceptual and practical knowledge that we have launched, the Ezam Books Literacy Project. For the next five years we plan to provide education, expand our rural literacy program and work towards ensuring that every household in Ethiopia has one book per child.

Raising Readers, Growing Thinkers!

  • Training, Education and Development

    We recognize the essential role that parents, educators, and caregivers play in nurturing and supporting the language and literacy skills of young children. Ezam Books is dedicated to providing valuable assistance and resources to empower these individuals to support young readers effectively in various settings, be it at home, school, or within their communities. Our commitment lies in offering developmentally and culturally appropriate tools and strategies to facilitate the growth of young readers.

  • Rural Literacy Sponsorship Program

    We recognize that rural communities often face significant challenges when it comes to accessing books that resonate with children's unique contextual experiences. At Ezam Books, we have taken a thoughtful approach to create books that empower these communities by celebrating their rich traditions and cultural heritage, which children carry with them like treasures in their invisible backpacks. Our Rural Literacy Sponsorship Program is tailor-made to cater to the needs of children aged birth to eight in rural settings, ensuring that they have access to books that truly reflect their world.

  • Reach to Read

    We want every home to a have a shelf full of appropriate interesting and diverse books regardless of socio-economic status. Providing a diverse range of books that reflect various people, abilities, cultures, experiences, and perspectives is also essential to building critical thinking skills in young children. Exposing children to the world near and far through books promotes empathy, tolerance, belonging and inclusivity of others from an early age.