Books for Bekoji (Anteneh Zewde) - Ethiopia

Project Goal: $21,000

Current Progress: $1,000 (5.00%)

Books for Bekoji

Filling the Library That Built Dreams

Our Story

Bekoji is a small Ethiopian town with an extraordinary legacy. It has produced more world-class long-distance runners per capita than anywhere else on Earth. This is where Olympic and World Championship gold medalists train, where Kenenisa Bekele—the greatest distance runner in history—went to school.

But Bekoji's strength has always been about more than running.

I grew up in this town, sitting in classrooms alongside future champions like Kenenisa. While they broke records on the track, I did my running with pen and paper. My father, a teacher himself, understood something profound: "Education is the only thing I can pass to you." Those words became my foundation.

Thanks to his wisdom and the education I received at our local school, I became one of the top students to ever graduate from there—a record that still stands. I went on to fulfill not just my dreams, but my father's dreams for me.

Why We Need Your Help

In 2024, I returned to my school after 20 years. Walking into the library felt like stepping back in time—and not in a good way. The shelves looked emptier than I remembered. The books were the same worn copies from decades ago. In a town that produces world champions, our students are still struggling to access the knowledge they need to become champions in every field.

Our teachers want to inspire. Our students are hungry to learn. But they lack the most basic tool: books.

Our Mission

Books for Bekoji aims to transform our school library into a thriving center of learning. We want to:

Fill empty shelves with books across all subjects—science, mathematics, literature, history, and more
Provide both English and Amharic language materials
Supply reference materials and textbooks for all grade levels
Create a sustainable library system that serves generations to come
Honor the teachers like my father who believe in the power of knowledge

The Impact of Your Donation

Every contribution will directly purchase books and educational materials for Bekoji school students and teachers. Your donation will:

Give a child access to knowledge that could change their life
Support teachers who work tirelessly with limited resources
Help a small town continue producing not just world-class athletes, but world-class thinkers, scientists, writers, and leaders
Honor the legacy of educators who believe that education is the greatest inheritance

Join Us

Bekoji has given the world its fastest runners. Now let's give Bekoji the resources to develop its brightest minds.

Your donation—no matter the size—will help fill our library and fuel the dreams of the next generation.

Together, we can ensure that every child in Bekoji has the same chance I had: the chance to run their own race, whatever form that takes.

"Education is the only thing I can pass to you."
— A teacher's words that changed everything

Contact: Anteneh Zewde, antzewde@gmail.com