Gorgeous Photographs of Ethiopia - J.Goering Photography

We are pleased to share with you a great selection of photographs available for purchase - varied and insightful scenes from Ethiopia. For more information on Jonathan Goering Photography, custom prints and stock photography, visit the Addis Ababa Bed & Breakfast Website.

Ethiopia Reads Success Story in D.C.

A Capital Success!

Ethiopia Reads Meets the Community in Washington, D.C.


New friends were made when Ethiopia Reads Board members Christopher Kurtz, Catie Dupont and Chris Wineman met with members of D.C.’s large and vibrant Ethiopian community on Friday, November 17 and Saturday, November 18. We were honored to speak at three pillars of the Ethiopian community: the Ethiopian Embassy, the Ethiopian Community Center and at the annual gala dinner for Zethiopia Newspaper.


On Friday night at the Embassy of Ethiopia, after being warmly welcomed by Ato Fitsum Hailu, Chris Kurtz addressed a crowd of old and new friends of Ethiopia Reads, including diplomatic representatives of the Embassy. Many of the audience, including the diplomatic representatives, later expressed their appreciation for Ethiopia Reads’ work to promote literacy in Ethiopia and purchased books to take home to their families.


Saturday morning found Chris and Catie at the Ethiopian Community Center, located in the District, where they had an informal and intimate meeting with families and friends from the Ethiopian Community. Hermela Kebede, Director of the ECC, has been a great supporter of Ethiopia Reads since our first meeting with her this summer.


On Saturday night, Ethiopia Reads was a guest at a Gala dinner hosted by Zethiopia Newspaper (www.zethiopia.com), a publication that serves the Ethiopian community in major population centers around the United States. Dereje Desta, Zethiopia’s editor and publisher, proved to be a wonderful, hospitable host. He also throws one heck of a party: Saturday’s dinner was an entertaining evening that lasted until well after midnight complete with a delicious dinner, awards, comedians and remembrances honoring of the movers and shakers in the Ethiopian community, both past and present. Some of the presentations reflected the need for organizations like Ethiopia Reads: During one speech, a distinguished university professor spoke about the book famine in Africa and Ethiopia and particular, and what education can do for a person.


Over the course of the weekend, Chris K. had many chances to practice the Amharic he learned during his childhood in Ethiopia. His Ethiopian audiences encouraged him as he spoke about Ethiopia Reads’ work to create a culture of reading in Ethiopia by building libraries, publishing local language books and training teachers and librarians. There were moments when Chris was an unwitting comedian, too. People loved it when he spoke in Amharic and responded with much applause and general hilarity.


Chris K, Catie and Chris W. met an impressive array of Ethiopian businessmen, professors, scientists, inventors, educators, advisors to senators and presidential administrations – many of whom work on various projects to improve the lives of Ethiopian youths by providing role models and educational opportunities. It was inspiring to see so many people who share our dream. Thanks to everyone who attended these events.


Very special thanks to Dereje Desta of Zethiopia. Dereje has been a wonderful friend and resource for Ethiopia Reads since we met him.

Thank you to His Excellency Dr. Samuel Assefa, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary and all of the capable staff of the Embassy of Ethiopia for their hospitality and support in providing a venue for Ethiopia Reads. Special thanks to Solomon Kebede, who has held Catie’s hand through the process.

Thanks to Hermela Kebede of the Ethiopian Community Center, who is always gracious, helpful, and willing to embrace Ethiopia Reads. We look forward to our relationship growing in the future.

SilverChicks Kazuri Bead Sale!!

It's the day after Thanksgiving Early - Now through November 17, 200 all Kazuri beads are on sale for $1.00 each. Take advantage of the great prices and selection!

EBC event at the Ethiopian Community Center

Please spread the news - share this event information with anyone who might benefit! Thank you!


The Ethiopian Community Center, Inc.
In collaboration with Ethiopian Books for Children

Cordially invites you
To a Book Reading and Presentation by
Ethiopian Books for Children Board member & author, Chris Kurtz.

Saturday, November 18, 2006 at 10:00 a.m.
7603 Georgia Avenue, NW, Suite 100
Washington, D.C. 20012
Light Refreshments will be served.

R.S.V. P. to ethiopiareads@aol.com

Ethiopian Books for Children is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization that works to promote literacy in Ethiopia, for more information about their mission and
current projects visit, www.ethiopiareads.org.

Ethiopian Books for Children Event at Ethiopian Embassy in D.C.

Please spread the word and share with anyone that you think might enjoy this event. Thanks!


Ethiopian Books for Children
Cordially invites you to
A Presentation and Book Signing by
Chris Kurtz. Author and Board Member
Friday, November 17, 2006
6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at the
Embassy of Ethiopia
3506 International Drive NW, Washington D.C.
Light Refreshments will be served.

R.S.V. P. to ethiopiareads@aol.com.

Ethiopian Books for Children is a 501 (c) that works to promote literacy in Ethiopia.
For more information about their mission and current projects visit, www.ethiopiareads.org.

Ethiopian Books for Children - Fall Newsletter and Update

Dear Friends of Ethiopian Books for Children -



Thank you for your interest and support in EBC. We have a lot of news to share!



An exciting summer marked a new chapter for
Ethiopian Books for Children.

In July, we welcomed Gebregeorgis Yohannes,
our founder and Executive Director, to the United States for a series of meetings with our Board of Directors as well as supporters throughout Colorado, California, Kansas and Washington, D.C.


This year, we continued the successful operation of the first free Children's Library in Ethiopia, Shola Children's Library, as well as our reading center in Awassa and the mobile donkey library, pulled by the venerable Queen Helina, noblest of all the donkeys! We also expanded our book publishing to include an edition of Silly Mammo in Sidama, one of the languages spoken by children around Awassa.

EBC is also preparing to publish an English-Amharic version of my book, Pulling the Lions Tail. As an author and educator, I know how important it is for children to see their own lives reflected in words and images.



That's just the beginning! Our friends at Room to Read, a pro-literacy nonprofit in San Francisco have pledged $20,000 to publish four additional books in Ethiopian local languages if EBC can raise a matching $20,000.
This exciting challenge could place thousands of books in the hands of Ethiopian children. That is EBC's mission in action!



All of these changes are moving EBC closer to our founder, Yohannes Gebregeorgis', dream
of improving life in Ethiopia, one book at time.

As Yohannes says, books change lives.



Please read on and visit our website for more information on how you can get involved.

Thank you,

Jane Kurtz

President, Ethiopian Books for Children Board of Directors






Click here to read more about the current goals and accomplishments of EBC.


Ethiopia - The Need to Read



Do you remember the first book you loved as a child? Remember the magical experience of getting to know and love the characters and even missing them when the book was finished? For children, books can be so many things: comfort, learning tools, windows to other worlds both far-away and familiar. Books teach us that we have the right to dream.



Since EBC opened Ethiopia's first free children's library, thousands of children have experienced the joy of reading for the first time. This seemingly simple act has had a profound impact on their young lives. In Ethiopia, books represent hope. Ethiopia is a beautiful country, with breathtaking scenery and a vast richness of culture and spirit. But it faces tough challenges. Reading will equip today's children with the skills to become tomorrow's problem solvers.


There are many obstacles to education. Consider:


-58% of Ethiopians age 15 and above cannot read.

-Classes in government schools around typically have
approximately 180 students at a time.

-At present, 99% of schools in Ethiopia have no
libraries!



EBC sees the difference that just one library, one book, one story can make in the life of a child. We see it in the faces of the thousands of children who visit Shola Children's Library every month. Last year, we logged 60,000 visits. Is there any question Ethiopia's kids love books?



Please join EBC in our mission to develop a reading culture in Ethiopia by connecting children with books. We are working to encourage children's book publishing, reading, and literacy in Ethiopia, which is often listed as one of the poorest nations in the world. The average annual family earns the equivalent of about $125 per year. That is about the cost of McDonald's and a movie for an American family of four.



Here is how you can
make a difference.



Ethiopian Books for Children welcomes your tax-deductible donation in any amount, which can be made through Paypal

or by printing and mailing this
donation form.



For a limited time, with a contribution of $100 or more, we are offering a copy of Silly Mammo, EBC founder Yohannes Gebregeorgis' retelling of a beloved African folktale, or EBC President Jane Kurtz's Saba: Under the Hyena's Foot, winner of the 2004 Children's African Book Award.


Interested in Volunteering for EBC?
Click here!

Article about John Wood, Room to Read - Huge supporter of Ethiopian Books for Children

Ex-Microsoft exec spreads the words with books for poor
Goal is 10 million volumes for libraries across Third World

By Bill Scanlon, Rocky Mountain News
October 16, 2006

BOULDER - John Wood earned plenty of money and saw plenty of the world's richest and poorest people by the time he was 35.

As a Microsoft executive, the 1986 University of Colorado graduate traveled the Pacific Rim - its glitzy capitals and its downtrodden villages - for the world's largest software company.

"I noticed this incredible gulf between the opportunities we take for granted in the First World and the utter lack of opportunities for kids in the Third World," he said.

To Wood, that gulf started with books - the dozens of books a middle-class kid reads in the United States before age 10, compared with the scarcity of books in many of the world's villages.

"It's inherently unfair to live in a world with this much abundance where there are 1 billion people in the world who lack basic literacy," he said.

So Wood took the lessons of Microsoft - think big, double your size every year - and left the corporate world for the philanthropic world.

"The question was how to create a long-term systemic change," he said. "The answer to me was to get education right, to give kids a better possibility to become self-sufficient."

His goal is to put 10 million books into nascent libraries in Third World villages and schools.

His foundation, Room to Read, started with one library in a school for 450 students in Nepal.

That was just the beginning.

"At Microsoft, the saying was 'Go bigger or go home,' " he said. "I decided we really need to go big on this."

Now, Room to Read publishes its own books in the local languages of villages in Vietnam, Nepal, Cambodia, India, South Africa and elsewhere.

The organization also builds schools and libraries, computer labs and language labs.

The books don't contain political ideology or anything about condoms or avoiding HIV or religious animosities.

"It's simple things," he said. "ABCs, one-two-three books about animals, moral lessons. But nothing heavy-handed."

This year, 75 new titles will be published, and next year 100 new ones. By the end of the year, 2 million Room to Read books will be in Third World libraries.

Despite his years at Microsoft, Wood is skeptical about electronics and computers solving the Third World's problems.

"Most of these places lack electricity or a phone grid," he said. "Throwing computers at the problem doesn't help.

"Once kids gain basic literacy, they're on their way. Ninety percent of this is low-tech."

Wood worked at Microsoft for nine years.

"I learned a lot about thinking big, about global organization and management," he said. "I was there at the right time.

"But then I said, 'OK, I'm 35. I can go the rest of my life toward making rich people richer. Or I can devote my life to helping the poor get educated.' "

His Microsoft experience opens a lot of doors in his fundraising role, he said.

"I get meetings with people who otherwise wouldn't take meetings," he said.

"The human brain is the most amazing thing ever designed," Wood said. "Get a kid at a young age looking at a book . . . they become lifelong learners. The hope is that if they continue to read for a lifetime, they become aware of the possibility of self-sufficiency and break the cycle of poverty."

Wood credits his CU undergraduate years with opening his eyes to the world at large.

"I was meeting students from China, Venezuela, reading The Economist. I had professors at the business school with a global view of the world. I traveled overseas on summer holidays. The world grew for me."

Wood was in Denver and Boulder this weekend to promote his new book, Leaving Microsoft to Change the World, and to attend the CU-Texas Tech football game.

He encourages students to help with fundraising for his efforts by having read-a-thons, bake sales or other events.

Room to Read

• For information, go to www.room toread.org, or call 415-561-3331.

Thank you from Ethiopian Books for Children

As the board and volunteers of Ethiopian Books for Children work toward their Fall goals - a big thank you to those in the D.C. metro area who have already offered their support - in one way or another.

- Global Fund for Children

- Meridian International

- Ethiopian Community Center

- Zethiopia

Thank you!

EBCEF celebrates Ethiopian New Year in Oakland

EBCEF News

Sunday, September 03, 2006
EBCEF Celebrates Ethiopian New Year in Oakland
Today, on a sunny day by beautiful Lake Merritt in Oakland, Bay Area EBCEF supporters celebrated Enkukatash (a few days early) with the Bay Area Ethiopian communities at a joint festival organized by both San Jose and Oakland community organizations.

Apart from several traditional craft and Ethiopian food stalls, the wonderful "Mesgana" young girl dancers from Ethiopia performed to great acclaim. The EBCEF stall had "adaye abeba" (meskel flower) making and drawing for children, so they could celebrate the new year, had copies of "Silly Mammo" for sale and held a very popular raffle for a "Saba" doll and book. Many Bay Area Ethiopian families and Ethiopian adoptive families showed great interest in EBCEF's work, were particularly excited to hear about the several upcoming new bilingual children's books and many signed up for our newsletter.

Everyone had a great time and EBCEF at Enkutatash looks like becoming a regular event in the Bay Area! Many thanks to local supporters Martha Wold, Mikael Tilahun, Veselka Budimir and family, Marina and Lily Lakew.

Continuing to update our Kazuri bead inventory -

we just added hundreds (literally) of these beads...

Braids - an out of print original show poster - Wyeth

"Braids" - a print by Andrew Wyeth


"Braids" Poster by Andrew Wyeth. These were stored, forgotten and undisturbed since 1987. They are in Mint condition. These are the last 12 available.




This is the out-of-print original show poster for the Andrew Wyeth's 1987 National Gallery show of the paintings of Helga Testorf in Washington D.C. These posters are very hard to come by and are currently valued at between $200.00-250.00. This is the print from one of Andrew Wyeth's masterpieces, the egg tempera, "Braids", a true National Treasure. Enjoy.


This print is being offered on SilverChicks.com by Cart Fine Art & Prints.

August Morning, a print by Chris Cart

"August Morning",

a lithograph print by Chris Cart of Maine from the original watercolor. The print is signed and numbered by the artist. This popular, and now rare, limited edition of 400 is almost sold out. There are only 5 left. (image size: 15.25 x 16.75 inches; paper size: 18.5 x 20 inches)





The original painting is a drybrush watercolor of the artist's wife.


Christopher Cart American (born 1961)


Christopher Cart's most recent major work is a 40 by 6 foot mural, a composition of color and movement with 22 almost life-sized dance figures showing strength in human form. Throughout his career he has painted other murals, countless watercolors and oils, portraits in both oils and watercolors and illustrations for many books and periodicals. His professional career encompasses virtually every aspect of the visual fine arts.



Christopher Cart studied art and art history at the University of Washington, Seattle and Coker College, South Carolina. After leaving school he began selling his paintings and sculptures at several galleries in the Seattle area. Now he is represented by galleries in his native New England region.



From the late 80's and into the 90's Christopher Cart illustrated six of the best selling Frugal Gourmet cookbooks and since that time he has created art for many other books and hundreds of illustrations for publications. Most recently his work has been published as book covers for many classics of American literature, including Lydia Bailey and Northwest Passage. And he is working on a fully illustrated edition of one of his personal favorites, Moby Dick by Melville.


Cart received the official commission for the portrait of Maine Chief Justice Daniel Wathen which was unveiled at a ceremony in the Superior Court in the State Capital in the spring of 2001.


In 2005 Cart was invited to contribute a portrait for the Portraits of Conscience exhibit sponsored by Amnesty International and the Lincoln Street Center. This portrait is now part of a traveling exhibit which can be seen at the University of Maine, Augusta through October and November 2005.


Two paintings, a watercolor and an oil, were recently included in the Contemporary Realism Exhibit at the Centre for the Living Arts in Mobile, Alabama.

The Venezuelan Consulate on 5th Avenue, New York City hosted the Representing Reality exhibit which included three lyrical oil portraits from Cart's series of young musicians.


Christopher Cart's watercolor, Sunday Walk, was featured in The Art of Maine in Winter,by art critics Carl Little and Arnold Skolnik, a book featuring many of Maine's top artists both old and contemporary.


Gallery Representation: Clark House Gallery, Portland ME; Harbor Square Gallery, Rockland, ME: Mast Cove Galleries, Kennebunkport, ME.

You can view more art by Chris Cart at SilverChicks.com.

Lea's Flowers - a print by Chris Cart, s/n by artist

Lea's Flowers - a print by Chris Cart, signed and numbered by the artist.


Lea's Flowers, a lithograph print by Chris Cart of Maine from the original watercolor. The print is signed and numbered by the artist. A very popular limited edition of 650. There are less than 100 left. (image size: 15 x 11 inches; paper size: 19 x 15 inches)


You can view this print and many more lovely pieces of art at SilverChicks.com.

Zethiopia

Zethiopia is a diversified news and information newspaper that represents America's local and national Ethiopian community. Zethiopia is a free bilingual newspaper whose production is based in the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Area. Zethiopia is published bi-monthly by the Ze Ethiopia Corp.
The newspaper's motto is, "Not just both sides, all sides!"
Visit the Zethiopia Home Page for more information about subscribing or the publication itself.

It was my pleasure to meet the editor of Zethiopia, Dereje Desta, when he interviewed the founder of EBCEF. I think Dereje is doing great things for the Ethiopian communities in the United States.

Ethiopian New Year

Enkutatash or Ethiopian New Year is celebrated on September 11th according to the Western or Gregorian calendar. Ethiopia still follows the Orthodox Julian calendar which consists of 12 months of 30 days and a 13th month, Pagume, of five or six days, depending on whether or not it is a leap year. The Ethiopian calendar is seven years and eight months behind the Gregorian calendar.

Enkutatash is an important festival in the lives of Ethiopians. After three months of heavy rains the sun comes out creating a beautiful clear fresh atmosphere.

( A personal note is that Addis is never as lovely as it is after the rains - the skies clear and the views from Entoto mountain are fantastic - the lovely yellow blooms of the Meskel flower temporarily change the look of the entire countryside.)

When the Queen of Sheba, returned to Ethiopia, after her famous visit to King Solomon, her chiefs welcomed her forward by giving her jewels. Enkutatash which means gift of jewels - has been celebrated ever since in the Spring.

On New Year's Eve, torches of dry leaves and wood bundled in the form of tall and thick sticks are also set on fire in front of houses as the young and old sing.

As part of the celebration, in the morning everybody goes to Church wearing traditional Ethiopian clothing. After attending the religious ceremony, there is a family meal of injera and doro wat.

Jane Kurtz - Notable Book List - Congratulations!

2006 Kansas Notable Book List Announced

Topeka, KS- August 17, 2006
State Librarian Christie Brandau and Roy Bird, Director of the Kansas Center for the Book, today announced the 2006 Kansas Notable Book List. Fiction, nonfiction, and children’s books all populate the list which is considered to contain the best of the books published by Kansas authors or about Kansas in the preceding year.

“Each title—fiction or nonfiction, poetry, children’s or young adult books—speaks to the rich cultural heritage of Kansas,” said Bird. “This list proves without a doubt that some of the greatest stories spring from the prairies of our state. It is an inaugural Notable Book List of which we can be proud.”

The Kansas Notable Book List project of the Kansas Center for the Book (KCFB) at the State Library of Kansas is an annual selection of up to twenty titles of books by Kansans or about Kansas published in the previous year. A committee of the KCFB Board of Affiliates is responsible for identifying the titles. This year’s Kansas Notable Books selection committee included representatives from an academic library, a public library, a regional library system, booksellers, a publisher, a media representative, and a college children’s literature professor.

The Kansas Notable Book authors will be honored at the first Kansas Book Festival in Wichita on September 29 and 30. A special presentation will be made to each author at the Black, White, and READ All Over Ball, a gala during the Festival on the evening of September 29. For more information about the Kansas Book Festival, visit www.kansasbookfestival.ks.gov.

The alphabetical list by title of the 2006 Kansas Notable Books follow:

Airball: My Life in Briefs, by L.K. Harkrader
Capote in Kansas: A Drawn Novel, Ande Parks
The Darkest Dawn: Lincoln, Booth, and the Great American Tragedy, by Thomas
Goodrich
Deputy Harvey and the Ant Cow Caper, by Brad Sneed
The Great Blues, by Steve Semken
A Hungry Heart: A Memoir, by Gordon Parks
In the Small, Small Night, by Jane Kurtz
The Kansas Guidebook for Explorers, by Marci Penner
Maggie Rose and Sass, by Eunice Boeve
The Moon Butter Route, by Max Yoho
Oceans of Kansas: A Natural History of the Western Interior Sea, by Michael J. Everhart
Ordinary Genius, by Thomas Fox Averill
Wildflowers and Grasses of Kansas: A Field Guide, by Michael John Haddock
The Youngest Brother: On a Kansas Wheat Farm During the Roaring Twenties and the
Great Depression, by C. Hugh Snyder

Updated Availability on Most Popular Kazuri Beads

We have just received a shipment of Kazuri beads and have updated the quantities avialable on the most popular pebbles and pita pat style beads - now is the time to stock up on your favorite styles. These beads are available on eBay and our website, but we have NOT put them on Amazon.

Here is a sampling:

Ethiopian Coptic Cross Necklace with Melon Chevrons

The SilverChicks are proud to present Silver Tukul Jewelry by artist Melissa Nordstrom.

We know that you will enjoy her creations & innovative use of African materials as much as we do.


This gorgeous necklace is made with wonderful African components.


Ethiopian Orthodox Cross from Gondar Region, home of Fasilade's Castles.

Handmade and Handpainted Ceramic Kazuri bead from Kenya.

Green Venetian Melon Chevrons from the African trade.

Cobalt blue German annulars - Bohemian Glass from the African Trade.

Silver beads, made from Maria Theresa Dollars.

The cross is hand forged of nickel; the necklace was made using waxed cotton cord and a pewter clasp.

Russian Blues and Venetian Chevron Necklace with Coptic Cross

The SilverChicks are proud to present Silver Tukul Jewelry by artist Melissa Nordstrom. We know that you will enjoy her creations & innovative use of African materials as much as we do.

Russian Blues and Venetian Chevron Necklace with Coptic Cross Pendant

This gorgeous necklace is made with wonderful African components.
An Ethiopian Orthodox Cross from Gojam Region is the pendant on this necklace.
Antique, rare Venetian six layer chevrons.
Faceted Russian Blue beads from the African Trade.
Ankara beads (sky blue glass cylinder beads) - Bohemian Glass.
Cobalt Blue German annular beads.
The cross is made of handforged nickel.
The piece is finished with a pewter clasp.

Kazuri Necklace - Beehive Colors

24 inch Kazuri Necklace in the Pebbles Design and the Beehive Color Family.

Beehive is a sumptuous color family with warm amber browns and black designs - very sophisticated.




These necklaces are handmade in Kenya.

Kazuri means small and beautiful in swahili and that is the absolute best description of these beads.



We have a large selection of Kazuri Necklaces and beads available on our website, eBay, and Amazon.com.

New Kazuri Necklaces at SilverChicks.com

This Kazuri Necklace is available in 18 and 24 inch lengths - we love the colors and the design - which is called Porini.


Handmade and handpainted ceramic beads from Kenya.

New Kazuri Beads at SilverChicks.com

We just received a new shipment of Kazuri beads & necklaces - here is one of the new designs.

Wardrobe Must Haves - Basic Black Earrings

Sterling Silver Mother of Pearl and Onyx Earrings
Gorgeous earrings - .925 Sterling Silver with Mother of Pearl and Onyx Inlay design hanging from a Kidney Wire!

Gorgeous Classic Earrings - Detailed Silver Swirl Post with Hinged Onyx Inlay.

Kazuri Necklace - Black and White - Contemporary Design

Here is another peek at Kazuri Necklaces we have recently added to our website, eBay, and Amazon. This necklace has a very contemporary look - black and white, and is available in 18, 24, and 36 inch lengths. Hate to admit that we know for a fact that this necklace looks great with a v-neck white t-shirt and jeans.

Kazuri Pebbles Necklace in Deepwater Colors

24 inch Kazuri Necklace - Pebbles Design in Deepwater Color Family.



We love these handpainted beads and gorgeous necklaces.


Kazuri means small and beautiful in swahili and that is the absolute best description of these beads.


The SilverChicks have a fondness for the Kazuri beads, they are handcrafted by women who work diligently to improve themselves and the lives of their families, and they are truly artisans.

We have a wide selection of Kazuri necklaces available on our website, Amazon.com, and eBay. We also have great bracelets, like the one below, designed and made by SilverChicks - with Kazuri beads - that complement the Kazuri Factory jewelry.

Queen Helina and the Donkey Mobile Library of Awassa - EBCEF

Latest Press Release about the Growth of EBCEF

Awassa, Ethiopia -- Queen Helina stepped confidently into the street, resplendent in her red cape and her silver-lined red crown. A retainer with a red umbrella shielded her from the sun, separating her from two other donkeys pulling a cart of books. Behind them were 3,000 children, marching in the inaugural parade of Ethiopia’s first Donkey Mobile Library in Awassa, a town 166 miles south of Addis Abbaba. The Children were chanting; "Queen Helina We Want Books!"

“Queen Helina and her fellow donkeys are at the forefront of bringing books and the love of reading to Ethiopia’s rural areas,” said Yohannes Gebregeorgis , founder of the Ethiopian Books for Children and Educational Foundation (EBCEF). Since the parade last year, Queen Helina’s team has increased to four donkeys, enough to share the burden of carrying more than 2,000 books. The Donkey Mobile Library sets up shop in poor neighborhoods of Awassa where children check out books for the day or just sprawl on the bare ground to read.

This mobile library is the latest project Yohannes uses to reduce illiteracy and promote reading in Ethiopia. Not much has changed since he fled his country as a political refugee more than 25 years ago. The government estimates that 58 percent of Ethiopians aged 15 and older cannot read. A World Bank study reveals that only 76 percent of boys and 52 percent of girls enroll in primary school. A third of them leave before reaching second grade.

Yohannes grew up without access to a library and he did not read his first non-fiction book until he was 19. As a political refugee in the USA, Yohannes studied to be a librarian. He then worked as a children’s librarian at the San Francisco Public Library. Despite the large Ethiopian community in the area, he found few books in Amharic or other Ethiopian languages.

In 1998, together with children’s book author Jane Kurtz, they organized EBCEF. Their first project was to publish a book based on an Ethiopian tale, Silly Mammo. Sales of the book, as well as grants from The Global Fund for Children and others, now support the EBCEF’s work.

Yohannes returned to live in Addis Abbaba in 2002 with a container of 15,000 books. In 2003 he opened the Shola Children's Library -- the first such library in Ethiopia – in the groundfloor of his house. Eventually two tents were pitched outside to accommodate more children.

About 8,000 children use it, making as many as 60,000 visits a month. An 8-year-old boy, Robel, who used to hold books upside down until he learned to read, is now the library’s star reader, reading aloud to other children every Saturday. “We have successfully connected the children with books and have given them a sense of empowerment,” said Yohannes.

His passion for literature and the need to raise literacy rates led Yohannes to establish a reading center and the first mobile library in his home region of Awassa. There Queen Helina reigns as a symbol for reading and Yohannes plans to expand her kingdom with more libraries for Ethiopia’s children.

Arussi Necklace from Ethiopia

This necklace is one of my favorite finds from my last trip to Ethiopia. The vibrant colors are inspiring.


22" Gorgeous Beaded Strand from Sidamo Ethiopia


This beaded necklace, from the Arussi in Ethiopia, is exactly how I found it in an "antique" shop in Addis Ababa.

Gorgeous deep red white hearts are the base for this colorful & unique beaded necklace.

Sterling Silver Teacher Appreciation Charms

We love to give teachers charm bracelets and then coordinate filling the bracelet up with charms that will make the class room memorable - as a class gift. We choose charms that represent the year long events, including field trips and special parties. Great gift.

Simple and Fun Summer Abalone Earrings !

Gorgeous, eye-catching Abalone earrings - .925 Sterling Silver. Hinged dangle earrings on kidney wires.

Kazuri Necklace - Fantastic Monsoon Blues

30 inch Kazuri Necklace - in Edith Design and Monsoon Color.

Monsoon Color Family is made of vibrant blues and rich greens. This necklace is 30 inches long, we like to wear it wrapped twice as a choker.

These necklaces are handmade in Kenya.
We love these handpainted beads and gorgeous necklaces.
Kazuri means small and beautiful in swahili and that is the absolute best description of these beads.
We have this necklace and so many more available on our website at www.silverchicks.com. You can also find them on Amazon - search for silverchicks. Last, we're on eBay - user i.d. silverchicks.

Kazuri Necklace in Diani Design & Moonwalk Colors

18 inch Kazuri Necklace - Diani Design and Moonwalk Color Family.

I love the way this necklace looks, the larger bead has a dot/eye on each bead.



These necklaces are handmade in Kenya.

Kazuri means small and beautiful in swahili and that is the absolute best description of these beads.



Click on the picture and enlarge to a great close up of your item!

---

Antique Copper Twist Necklace from Silver Tukul Designs

The SilverChicks are proud to present Silver Tukul Jewelry by artist Melissa Nordstrom.

We know that you will enjoy her creations & innovative use of African materials as much as we do.



This gorgeous necklace is made with wonderful African components.



The copper twist is collected from Ethiopian pastoralists who use copper to adorn themselves and their horses.

Handmade copper and brass beads from Ethiopia.

Leather beads and twisted cord are handmade by Aksumite monks from the Tigray region of Ethiopia.

Brass accent beads.

Black bohemian glass beads.

The piece is finished with a pewter closure

Gorgeous Necklace with Harar Silver

The SilverChicks are proud to present Silver Tukul Jewelry by artist Melissa Nordstrom.

We know that you will enjoy her creations & innovative use of African materials as much as we do.




This gorgeous necklace is made with wonderful African components.


The focal point is rare antique silver ball, from Harar, Ethiopia. One like it can be seen in Angela Fisher's wonderful coffee table book entitled "Africa Adorned". Harar is in East Ethiopia near Somalia and is known for it's wonderful silver (and gorgeous baskets!).


Hand twisted leather by Aksumite monks. Aksum is in the Tigray region of Ethiopia.

Brown hippo bone, from Kenya.

Ethiopian silver accents, from Oromo silversmiths.

Blue Annular and Powder Glass Necklace

The SilverChicks are proud to present Silver Tukul Jewelry by artist Melissa Nordstrom.

We know that you will enjoy her creations & innovative use of African materials as much as we do.


This gorgeous necklace is made with wonderful African components.


Ethiopian Silver Promise Ring as focal bead.

Coral Powder Glass from Ghana - gorgeous.

Silver spacer beads from old Ethiopian rosaries.

Cobalt blue German annulars from the African trade.


This necklace is set on woven cotton, hand-spun in suburbs of Ethiopia's capital city, Addis Ababa.


The piece is finished with a pewter clasp.

Brass Mask and Millefiore Necklace

The SilverChicks are proud to present Silver Tukul Jewelry by artist Melissa Nordstrom.

We know that you will enjoy her creations & innovative use of African materials as much as we do.



This gorgeous necklace is made with wonderful African components.



"Lost Wax Method" Brass mask from the Ivory Coast.

Solbera brass beads from the Ivory Coast.

Vintage Venetian Millefiore Beads.

Small white glass beads, Southern Nations of Ethiopia, the Bume Tribe, beads are commonly referred to as Goomba beads.




The brass mask is made one-at-a-time by means of an intense artistic process in which each mold produces only ONE mask. Each mold must be destroyed to remove the freshly cast mask.




The piece is finished with a pewter clasp.

Kenyan Batik and Carnelian Double Strand Necklace

The SilverChicks are proud to present Silver Tukul Jewelry by artist Melissa Nordstrom.

We know that you will enjoy her creations & innovative use of African materials as much as we do.



This gorgeous necklace is made with wonderful African components.


Carnelian Spacers (red stones) from West Africa.

Black and white bone batik beads from Kenya.

Coconut shell disks.

Ethiopian Silver two hole terminators.

The piece is finished with a pewter clasp.

Silver Tukul - Turkana Bone Pendant Necklace

The SilverChicks are proud to present Silver Tukul Jewelry by artist Melissa Nordstrom.

We know that you will enjoy her creations & innovative use of African materials as much as we do.


This gorgeous necklace is made with wonderful African components.


The Turkana bone pendants are used by village healers to ward off evil spirits of sickness, these elongated bone beads are covered with "eyes", adding additional protective measures.

The black center bead is a bone bead from Zanzibar.

The oval shaped beads are bone beads from the Great Rift Valley of East Africa.

The Coconut Shell spacer bead and black glass beads came from Nigeria.

Copal Amber and Coptic Cross Necklace by Silver Tukul Designs

The SilverChicks are proud to present Silver Tukul Jewelry by artist Melissa Nordstrom.

We know that you will enjoy her creations & innovative use of African materials as much as we do.



This gorgeous necklace is made with wonderful African components.


Ethiopian Orthodox Silver Cross, Dessie Region.

Antique silver fertility beads, Gojam, Ethiopia.

Venetian Millefiore Beads from the African Trade.

Copal Amber.

Black glass, Nigeria - Bohemain Glass.

Silver closure finishes piece.

Caramel Colored Kazuri Choker Necklace - SilverChicks

Simple Pacific Blue Kazuri Choker Necklace

Super Kazuri Pendant Bead Choker Necklace - SilverChicks

Blue Kazuri Bead Choker by SilverChicks

Kazuri Flag bead Bracelet - with Mother of Pearl

7 1/2" Flag Kazuri Bead bracelet featuring mother of pearl, black onyx beads, sterling silver Bali beads, and a sterling silver toggle. We love these diamond shaped beads from Kazuri - they are great fun to work with.

Natural Mother of Pearl Pendant Necklace

Simple and elegant 16 inch Greek Leather cord necklace with a Natural Mother of Pearl, swarovksi crystal, and Bali bead pendant.

Glorious Original Beaded Belt from Maji, Ethiopia

Traditional Beaded Belt

Rustic, tribal beaded belt from Maji, Ethiopia - fabulous beaded detail with multi-color glass beads and cowrie shells. The beaded part of the belt measures 30" in diameter and is approximately 8" from top to bottom. There is an additional 6" of rope to tie the belt around your waist.

You can find this on SilverChicks.com & Amazon.com - look for more authentic African beaded items to be posted.

Strand of Antique Moon/Opalite/Annular Beads - African Trade

30 inch strand of wound European glass moon beads, the bead dealer in Ethiopia referred to them as opalite, but they are commonly called white annulars or moon beads by the other bead dealers in Ethiopia.


These beads average 12 mm in diameter and 8-10 mm in thickness, the holes are 4-5 mm. There are approximately 100 beads on this strand. Please note that these beads are temporarily strung and are not a necklace. We show them on the bust, so that you may better see the entire strand.

Ethiopian Silver Coptic Cross Necklace

Silver Ethiopian Coptic Cross measuring 22x35mm from the Gojam region of Ethiopia. This cross is hanging on a 16 inch Black Greek Leather cord that is finished with a sterling silver clasp.


For over 1600 years Christian Ethiopians have worn neck crosses as a proud confession of their faith. Ethiopian crosses are either cast by the lost wax method or cut from Maria Theresa dollars. The crosses are usually named after the towns or provinces of the highlands of Ethiopia - and each has their own design.

Rustic Hand Forged Ethiopian Brass Cross Necklace

Rustic brass cross from Ethiopia that measures 25 mm x 19 mm and is on a 16 inch black Greek Leather cord finished with a Sterling Silver Clasp.

Ethiopian Coptic Cross Necklace - from Gondar region

Ethiopian Coptic Cross Necklace
This heavy silver cross measures 50mm x 35mm and is from the Gondar region. The cross is hanging on a 16 inch Black Greek Leather Cord finished with a .925 sterling silver clasp. If you need the necklace to be longer you can purchase a 2 inch sterling silver extender.

For over 1600 years Christian Ethiopians have worn neck crosses as a proud confession of their faith. Ethiopian crosses are either cast by the lost wax method or cut from Maria Theresa dollars.
(The crosses are usually named after the towns or provinces of the highlands of Ethiopia - and each has their own design.)