IBP joins partnership to send books to Ethiopia The Azezo Demaza school district in northwestern Ethiopia serves over ten thousand students from the town of Azezo and surrounding villages. Its eight schools stand in disrepair, with holes in their roofs and few books in their libraries. Still children trek miles each morning simply for the opportunity to attend classes. Education is one of their only hopes for escaping the grinding poverty that governs their lives. But things weren't always this way. Once the home of a large military garrison, Azezo was a thriving community until the military left town in the mid 1990's, takings much needed jobs and resources with them. Now, Azezo's schools, like the town and villages that surround them, are virtually ignored by the Central government and crippled by the lack of economic support. These dire conditions have prompted some former students, many of whom now live in the United States, to take action. The Azezo Demaza Schools Alumni Association (ADSAA) was formed in 2004 as a means providing educational resources to the students in this area. One of ADSAA major initiatives is the "Books for Azezo Schools Project." With the help of the students and staff at Ironton Middle School in Ohio, most notably principal Kim Brown, ADSAA began collecting books and other school supplies for Azezo Demaza students. In concert with Ironton Middle School, the association began soliciting financial contributions to cover the shipping fees for the materials as well. IBP joined the effort when contacted by Brown this past spring, donating books and collecting money on behalf of the project. IBP plans to send a sea container that includes over 25,000 books and other school supplies, thanks to the hardwork of ADSAA and Ironton Middle School. The transportation costs for the shipment totals $13, 000, $5000 of which has already been raised by ADSAA and its partners. The Azezo Demaza schools will benefit greatly from this shipment as both books and schools supplies are scarce yet necessary commodities in the region. You can help improve the quality of education for Azezo Demaza students with a financial contribution to this project. No amount is too small and donations will go directly to covering shipping fees. Make checks payable to the International Book project and please note that your contribution is designated for the "Books for Azezo Schools Project," or visit our "Ways to Donate" section on our website at www.internationalbookproject.org where you can contribute, on our secure site, with any major credit card. Back to news