April is School Library Appreciation Month, Bilen's Story At Mudula High School Library
“I want to be a pilot and see the world- I want to see many countries, and be able to support my family.” [image description: a teenage girl is sitting with a book and smiling.]
Recently, we met Bilen, a lovely 16-year-old 10th grader, at the Mudula High School Library. Bilen and a few other classmates often spend their lunchtime at the school library, studying and working on homework. Bilen is the top student in the 10th grade and dreams of someday being a pilot.
Bilen is the oldest of four children in her family. She spends most of her time (outside of school) studying at Degale Library, where her father works. She, like many other students at Mudula High School, is deeply invested in her academic studies, taking advantage of the resources and support available at her school library. Bilen shared her gratitude for WEEMA's ongoing support at her school:
“I am thankful from the bottom of my heart for all you do for us and all my friends.”
April is School Library Appreciation Month, highlighting school libraries' critical role for students in Central Ethiopia. School libraries provide a quiet and safe space for students to access books and educational resources. Most families in the communities we serve are unable to afford any resource materials for their children. Our school libraries ensure all students have access to the resources they need to succeed, regardless of their economic circumstances.
Mudula High School Library is a bright space with resource materials readily available for students. [image description: a large, bright room, with long tables and chairs, and bookcases along the walls filled with books]
A wide ramp was constructed to allow easy access for students with disabilities. The ramp is connected to other walkways, making it easy to move from one building to another. [image description: a group of people are walking on a concrete ramp that is connected to a building]
A wide ramp was constructed to allow easy access for students with disabilities. The ramp is connected to other walkways, making it easy to move from one building to another. [image description: a group of people are walking on a concrete ramp that is connected to a building]
Mudula High School has approximately 2,000 students (50% male, 50% female), and the library is at capacity on most days. We are deeply invested in supporting and empowering these young minds- recently providing 500 updated reference books for the library, building a ramp to make it more accessible for students with disabilities, and giving the building a fresh coat of paint.
Salomon (L) and his friend Meratu (R) are both in the 11th grade, and spend their lunchtime studying at the school library as well. [image description: two teenage boys are sitting at a long desk, working on schoolwork]
Investing in quality school libraries is essential for students- these spaces are hubs for collaboration, research, and exploration.