:: Welcome to eLife : Bridging the Education Gap Page by Page ::

What is eLIFE’s mission?

»	eLIFE seeks to promote the development of literate, self-confident, and productive citizens through the provision of free and publicly accessed learning centers all throughout Ethiopia as a place Ethiopians turn to for the discovery of ideas, the joy of reading and the power of information. By coordinating the development of public libraries and by empowering every Ethiopian with free access to information, eLIFE strives to be a catalyst for 100 % literacy in Ethiopia.
What are eLIFE’s principles?
»	To guide the Ethiopian youth towards the pursuit of knowledge and appreciation of books as a means of satisfying their thirst for information and learning.
»	To supplement the educational needs of school students, furnish timely and accurate, non-corrupt information.
»	To make information and materials available for the education, enjoyment, intellectual stimulation, and life style enrichment of the entire Ethiopian public.
»	To make available books and informational materials for Ethiopians of specialized needs – the blind, the deaf, and the disabled.
»	To create programs and services for all ages that encourage reading, learning, and cultural enrichment.
What are eLIFEs objectives?
»	The objectives of eLIFE are to:
»	Encourage a love of reading and learning in young children, and be a place for children to discover the joy of reading and the value of libraries
»	Provide reference services to students at all academic levels.
»	Provide materials for professional adults and information seekers.
»	Serve as a learning and activities center for all - making library facilities available for individuals, organizations and agencies to do community work.
What is the situation in Ethiopia today?
»	Today, Ethiopia has a massive rural population of 57 million, most of whom make a living as subsistence farmers. Around 50% of the population can’t read or write, few have access to newspapers, magazines, or books. Most have never used a computer in their life. The technological challenges are immense; the biggest obstacles to getting more Ethiopians to use computers are the cost of acquiring the hardware and the lack of adequate training. Much of the Ethiopian population is still in the dark when it comes to the Internet and the World Wide Web. There are just 30,000 Internet lines in a country of 72 million people, making it one of the lowest users of information technology in the world, according to a recent study by the World Bank. We at eLIFE believe that we can bridge this knowledge gap “page by page” through a dedicated volunteer effort.
What is eLIFE’s organizational status?
»	eLIFE is a legally incorporated, California based 501 c (3) non-profit, volunteer organization set up by Diaspora Ethiopians and friends of Ethiopia to promote the development of literate, self-confident, and productive citizens through the provision of free and publicly accessed learning centers all throughout Ethiopia.
Who runs eLIFE?
»	An 11-person elected executive board made up of Ethiopians and friends of Ethiopia, as well as 7 advisory and 5 honorary board members, and countless volunteers located all over the world, help run eLIFE.
Who are members of eLIFE?
»	eLife is an all-volunteer organization of Ethiopians and friends of Ethiopia. You can become a member by signing up here
What are eLIFE's needs?
»	· Financial contributions · In-kind donations - books and library materials · People to volunteer for eLIFE committee activities · People to help with fundraising and public relations activities · People to help with collection of books and educational materials · People to provide logistical support (pickup and transport and/or temporary storage) of books and donated materials. · People to form an eLIFE local grid in the communities where you live and coordinate solicitation of books and financial support.
What is eLIFE’s financial source?
»	eLIFE is funded through the generous financial contributions of individuals, businesses, and organizations like you. We also seek funding from federal and state agencies in the US and Ethiopia.
Who are the target beneficiaries of eLIFE?
»	Your kind donation will help make a difference in the life of each Ethiopian by helping launch the public accessed libraries to serve every citizen irrespective of location, ethnicity, age, and gender. These desperately needed libraries will serve fellow citizens - some of whom might be your family members, friends, and neighbors – and help them increase their literacy, self-confidence and productivity.
Where are eLIFE Libraries to be located?
»	The first of eLIFE’s libriaries is targeted to open in the city of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to showcase the multi-national effort, increase local awareness, and solicit more local support and donations from the Ethiopian government, UN agencies, international organizations and NGOs, and foreign Embassies resident in Addis Ababa. For the next phase, based on in-country coordination, location needs assessment, local government cooperation, and prioritization recommendations, we will build these learning centers throughout Ethiopia, one by one – starting from communities where they are desperately needed.
Who coordinates eLIFE's efforts in Ethiopia?
»	eLIFE has recruited equally enthusiastic and dedicated volunteers and supporters in Ethiopia. A committee of experienced professionals and retirees has been formed to oversee the coordination of efforts in Ethiopia and work very closely with the in-country Executive Director as well as the Executive board in the US.
Who will run the operations of eLIFE sponsored libraries in Ethiopia?
»	An in-country Executive Director hired by eLIFE Executive Board will be responsible to oversee all eLIFE projects and the day-to-day operations of eLIFE sponsored libraries in Ethiopia. The in-country Executive Director is also responsible for volunteer coordination activities and fund raising efforts in Ethiopia. The Executive Director is answerable to the Executive Board in the US.
How can I contribute?
»	You can contribute to eLIFE efforts in several ways: · You can provide financial support · You can donate books and materials (other in-kind donations) · You can be a volunteer for eLIFE committee activities · You can help with fundraising and public relations activities · You can help with collection of books and educational materials · You can provide logistical support (pickup and transport and/or temporary storage) of books and donated materials. · You can form an eLIFE local grid in the communities you live in and coordinate solicitation of books and financial support · You can provide your expertise and train Ethiopians to help professionally run the day-to-day operations and management of eLIFE sponsored libraries
I am not a resident of California. Can I still get involved?
»	Yes, eLIFE supporters and volunteers are all over the world. You can get involved in this noble effort from the community where you live. The idea is to coordinate the fragmented efforts of Ethiopians and Friends of Ethiopia whereever they are by forming a global grid for soliciting donations and collections of books and library materials. If you would like to form an eLIFE local grid to coordinate contributions, you can do so. Please contact us at admin@ethiopianlife.org for more information.
Where does my contribution go?
»	Your financial contributions to eLIFE will primarily be used to cover expenses associated with the coordination of logistics for the collection, storage, and shipping of donated books and library materials to Ethiopia as well as to cover costs of building and operating eLIFE sponsored libraries and learning centers all throughout Ethiopia. eLIFE will publish its audited annual financial report for regulatory agencies and public review.
What do I get back for my financial contributions and volunteer support to eLIFE?
»	By contributing to eLife’s efforts you can take pride in the fact that you are helping the people of Ethiopia to push back the boundaries of ignorance and bridge the existing technological gap, and giving them a chance to control their own destiny. You should also know that, when you do get involved in eLife’s efforts in whichever way you can, the difference you make in the life of each Ethiopian is immeasurable.
How much money should I contribute?
»	You can contribute any amount you wish. 100% of your financial contributions to eLIFE is tax deductible. Please see suggested contribution amounts here. You can make your financial contributions on-line on our website via a secure PayPal transaction using your credit card, or you can send your checks made payable to eLIFE at the address here.
Where can I send my contributions?
»	You can make your financial contributions on-line on our website via a secure Paypal transaction using your credit card or you can send us your checks made payable to eLIFE. Please see details here.
Who do I contact, where do I sign up to volunteer?
»	We need your support. eLIFE is a story of hope, help, and working together. And as an eLIFE contributor, you can help write the story and play an important role. Your donations and enthusiastic volunteer participation are critical to the success of eLIFE’s mission. We ask you to join us in our team effort in whichever way you can and know that, when you do, the difference you make in the life of each Ethiopian is immeasurable. Please sign up here.
What are the immediate and long-term milestones of eLIFE?
»	The first of eLIFE’s libraries is targeted to open in the city of Addis Ababa, in a temporary location by September 2006. Our new, permanent building will be completed by September 2007 to coincide with Ethiopia’s new millennium celebrations. This new setup in Addis will be used to showcase the effort and it is hoped that it will help solicit more local support as well as donations from the government, UN agencies, international organizations and NGOs, and foreign embassies resident in Addis Ababa
Do you intend to raise funds in Ethiopia?
»	Yes, the first of eLIFE libraries established in Addis Ababa will be used to showcase the effort, and it is hoped that it will help solicit more local support and donations from the Federal, regional and City governments, as well as UN agencies, international organizations, NGOs, and foreign embassies resident in Addis Ababa, to enable us to duplicate effort in every corner of the country.
What kind of books do you need?
»	The goal is to select, acquire, organize and preserve books and other materials of contemporary interest and permanent value through donations. We will collect books and library materials that are clean, conscious and non-corrupt. We accept used (no more than 3 years old) or new books, especially resource (text) books in science, medicine, engineering, business, economics, agriculture, information technologies, computers, literature, dictionaries, and kids books ,as well as all professional reference materials.
Where can I drop the books and materials I want to donate?
»	Please contact eLife at admin@ethiopianlife.org for specific drop-off locations nearest you or for pick up arrangements.
I am a Library professional. Is my service needed?
»	Absolutely!. We are looking for professional Librarians. You can provide your expertise and train Ethiopians to help professionally run the day-to-day operations and management of eLIFE sponsored Libraries.