Background, Current Status, and Future Plans of Book Aid International and Hawassa University Partnership Project

1. Background
The partnership project between Book Aid International (BAI) and Hawassa University (HU) was initiated in September 2020 [1]. The project proposal, titled “A Partnership Request to Support Primary, Secondary Schools & Public Libraries & Higher Education Libraries found in Sidama National Regional State of Ethiopia,” was prepared by Mulugeta Woldetsadik, the librarian at Hawassa University, and submitted to Book Aid International [1]. Book Aid International, a leading book donation and library support charity based in London, was approached to create a partnership with Hawassa University [1].

2. Current Status
As of 2024, the partnership project between BAI and HU is ongoing. In 2023, Book Aid International donated brand new educational books with an estimated value of 7.6 million ETB to Hawassa University for institutional use and outreach programs in primary, and secondary schools, and college libraries in the Sidama National Regional State of Ethiopia [3]. This donation has significantly contributed to improving access to educational resources in the region.

3. Future Plans
The future plans of the BAI-HU partnership project include further collaboration and support to enhance library services and educational opportunities in the Sidama National Regional State. Some potential future plans may include:

* Continued book donations: Book Aid International may continue to provide book donations to Hawassa University and other educational institutions in the region to support their library collections and educational programs.

* Capacity building: The partnership project may involve capacity-building initiatives such as training programs for librarians and educators to enhance their skills in managing libraries and promoting literacy.

* Infrastructure development: There may be plans to improve library infrastructure, including the establishment of new libraries or the renovation of existing ones, to create conducive learning environments for students and the community.

* Digital initiatives: The partnership project may explore digital initiatives to expand access to information and resources, such as providing e-books or digital platforms for learning and research.

These future plans aim to strengthen the collaboration between Book Aid International and Hawassa University, ultimately benefiting the educational community in the Sidama National Regional State of Ethiopia.

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Author: MULUGETA WOLDETSADIK, Outreach Librarian/Information Professional-Library Books and Digital Resources Donation Projects Manager at Hawassa University, Ethiopia

Mulugeta Woldetsadik, Outreach Librarian/Information Professional from Ethiopia, has a career spanning various libraries in Ethiopian educational institutions, from schools to universities. Currently, he collaborates with international donor organizations to boost book and digital resource donations. Dedicated to promoting information and digital literacy, he specifically targets libraries in primary and secondary schools and participates in community outreach programs. His work is vital in improving access to information and technology and highlighting the educational resources and services provided by libraries in rural areas of Ethiopia's Sidama region. View all posts by MULUGETA WOLDETSADIK, Outreach Librarian/Information Professional-Library Books and Digital Resources Donation Projects Manager at Hawassa University, Ethiopia