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

2. “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

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

4. 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

5. The Derg,

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

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

8. 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

9. 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

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

11. Axum, Ethiopia University of Aksum
General Studies Library

12. Axum, Ethiopia University of Aksum
Circulation
Acquisitions

13. Axum, Ethiopia University of Aksum
Periodicals Department

14. Axum, Ethiopia University of Aksum
Reference section

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

16. 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

17. 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.

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

19. Axum, Ethiopia Axumite Heritage Foundation
New Library and Cultural Center

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

21. Axum, Ethiopia Axumite Heritage Foundation
Windows and façade installed

22. 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.

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

24. 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

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

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

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

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

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