Collaborating for Sustainable Libraries: Working with the Diaspora Janet Lee/RPCV Ethiopia

“If you’ve ever lived in Ethiopia, you never really put it behind you “If you’ve ever lived in Ethiopia, you never really put it behind you. You follow the news, any you can get, avidly. You look for people who have just been there. You find Ethiopians on the outside, or they find you. You collect stories. You wait for any chance to go back.” Maria Thomas

Peace Corps Days 1974-76 My Gurage home Chicka bet (mud house) after land reform

The Revolution His Imperial Majesty, Lion of Judah, King of Kings, Emperor Haile Selassie, reigned Nov. 2, 1930 – September 12, 1974 Ethiopian New Year, September 11, 1974

The Derg, 1974-1991

The Derg, 1974-1991 “Red Terror” Martyr’s Museum HIM Haile Selassie being escorted to a Volkswagen “Ethiopia First” slogan Wall of Martyrs

History of Peace Corps Ethiopia 1962-1977, 1995-1999, 2007- Current: 235 To date: 3615 Program Sectors: Education, Health, Agriculture, Environment Norman Rockwell, Dessie, 1963. Marc Clausen

The Diaspora 251,000 1st and 2nd generation Ethiopians 2014 0.5 percent of total U.S. foreign-born population Second largest African immigrant group after Nigeria Half are U.S. citizens 60 percent arrived during or after 2000 due to family reunification or diversity visa programs California, Virginia, Maryland, Minnesota, Texas Established numerous, well funded organizations in DC and Los Angeles: development of Ethiopia, social services, integration assistance to the Ethiopian population to the U.S.. Denver 7th largest Ethiopian population

Nonprofit organizations with Ethiopian ties Aurora (CO) Sister Cities/Adama, Ethiopia 2014 Ethiopian Community Development Council/Axumite Heritage Foundation 1993 Denver Sister Cities/Axum Ethiopia 1996

Axum, Ethiopia Stelae Denver Street Stelae Chapel of the Ark of the Covenant

Axum, Ethiopia University of Aksum General Studies Library

Axum, Ethiopia University of Aksum Circulation Acquisitions

Axum, Ethiopia University of Aksum Periodicals Department

Axum, Ethiopia University of Aksum Reference section

Axum, Ethiopia University of Aksum Outdoor kitchen….baking injera

Ethiopian Community Development Council Arlington, VA , 1983 Established in 1993 to establish library and cultural center Established in 2001 to assist in resettling refugees in Denver Dr. Tsehaye Teffera, Founder and former Peace Corps language instructor

Axum, Ethiopia Axumite Heritage Foundation Governor’s Palace (the ’Inda Nebri’id), once a striking building, fell into disrepair when the Derg used it as a barracks and military prison. Renovated as a library in 2002.

Axum, Ethiopia Axumite Heritage Foundation Reading rooms, stacks, and computer room

Axum, Ethiopia Axumite Heritage Foundation New Library and Cultural Center

Axum, Ethiopia Axumite Heritage Foundation Features handicapped ramp, elevator, grand entrance

Axum, Ethiopia Axumite Heritage Foundation Windows and façade installed

Axum, Ethiopia Axumite Heritage Foundation Children’s room features colorful seating, a media area with tiered seating, shelving, windows, librarian’s desk, toys and books.

Axum, Ethiopia Axumite Heritage Foundation Dwight Sullivan, RPCV 1960s, and a current Volunteer demonstrate sewing machine techniques to a group of nuns

Adama, Ethiopia Aurora (CO) Public Library Aurora Mayor, Steve Hogan, signs memorandum of understanding with Adama, Ethiopia Mayor, Abreham Adula Oge at Worldfest in 2014   Ethiopian delegation, including Mayor Abreham Adula Oge and Deputy Ambassador with Aurora Public Library Director, Patti Bateman  

Adama, Ethiopia Aurora (CO) Public Library Adama Mayor and delegation tour the Aurora Public Library

Adama, Ethiopia Aurora (CO) Public Library Aurora Mayor Steve Hogan visits Adama, Ethiopia

Adama, Ethiopia Aurora (CO) Public Library Book drive and shipping container

Adama, Ethiopia Aurora (CO) Public Library A display of culture with the Aurora History Museum

Taste of Ethiopia Coffee ceremony Returned Peace Corps Ethiopia across the decades Ethiopian Youth Dancers of Colorado