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.

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EBC event at the Ethiopian Community Center

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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.