Our Community Service Committee approved a grant to donate 1000 bilingual OHBD books https://ohbd-rsgbooks.com/ to 15 different organizations serving diverse communities across Seattle. The organizations included Solid Ground, Akin, the Ethiopian Community of Seattle, YMCA, the University of WA Horn of Africa program, East African Community Services and more. Ezra Teshome was a co-sponsor. The project was unique in that it donated books in languages that are hard to find for many communities including Amharic, Tigrinya, Somali, Spanish, Vietnamese, Afaan Oromo, and Arabic. The feedback was universally positive. Here are a few examples:
“Sand Point families expressed gratitude for receiving books that they could read with their children in their native language – many shared that it allowed them to connect with their children through stories from their own upbringing and cultural roots. “It was powerful to see families bond over storytelling in such a familiar and meaningful way,” shared Scott Moorhouse, our Family & Children’s Program Manager. One Sand Point parent also told us that their child, who usually avoids reading, has asked to be read to from the books in their home language for the first time in weeks – sparking a new nightly routine for the family.”
“At Broadview, Open Hearts Big Dreams books are a source of comfort for families who are navigating big transitions – from living with an abuser, to living homeless, to reaching safe housing at Broadview. Families love coming to our onsite library and picking out books to read together – and for families who speak a first language other than English at home, Open Hearts Big Dreams is an incredible gift that allows us to offer these parents the same opportunities to read stories that reflect their languages and cultures. We’ve seen that these books are especially impactful for kids and parents still learning English – allowing them to read in and practice both of their languages and connect with other family members through shared stories. One of our Broadview Children’s Advocates shared: “It makes it easier for us as advocates
to build relationships when families feel seen and understood. I have heard only positive reviews of the stories that have been told and how the families were so entertained!”.
From the Akin leadership, “Bilingual books served three key purposes: (1) supporting language development, (2) providing cultural representation so children see themselves in stories, and (3) introducing young readers to diverse cultures and traditions. Families could engage with materials in their home languages while expanding their cultural awareness.”
My Ethiopian born daughter inspired the creation of these bilingual books as a toddler https://openheartsbigdreams.org/ and Ezra has supported us since the early days. We are delighted that because of the Magic of Rotary we can provide hope and joy through bilingual books to more kids and families around Seattle. If other Rotary clubs are interested in funding book donations, please encourage them to reach out. A second round of funding for new books was approved by our club, and we are excited to see the impact grow.
