Jimma, City of History

The history of Jimma, Ethiopia is full of rich stories and world-changing discoveries, like the coffee-plants that grew wild in the ancient kingdom's forests. It was known for its skilled horse riders and thriving markets, and its elaborate wooden palace, carved by hand with ancient tools. Today, Jimma's treasures include modern wonders like a university and airport, but its people maintain the skills of their ancestors, passed down like heirlooms. Skilled carvers still use ancient tools to carve whole chairs out of tree trunks. Skilled horse riders can still be heard galloping down modern roads. And skilled farmers still bring natural treasures like coffee beans and tea to thriving markets. Discover the fascinating history of one of Ethiopia's many ancient kingdoms in our look at the origin of coffee.

Ready Set Go Books, an Open Hearts Big Dreams Project, is focused on increasing the literacy rate in Ethiopia through giving readers books with stories in their heart languages, full of colorful illustrations with Ethiopian settings and details. Profits from book sales are used to create, print, and distribute more Ready Set Go Books to kids in Ethiopia, Africa's second most populous country. Ethiopia's population is 44% children, ages 0-14 (43 million out of 97 million total). Only 5.5% of children attend pre-school or kindergarten, and the adult literacy rate is 49%. Our books are based on wise Ethiopian sayings that often rhyme in Amharic. If an adult says the first half, many children can chant the second half. Sometimes the meaning of these sayings is clear. Sometimes it has to be puzzled out and argued over. But sayings and idioms and proverbs help people express truths and beliefs in unusual ways. Since late 2017, OHBD has published over 100 unique #ReadySetGo dual language titles in four Ethiopian languages plus English and has plans to publish another 100 titles and add more languages in the coming years. New titles and/or languages are added monthly; follow our author page to get new release announcements. Open Hearts Big Dreams Fund (OHBD) is a 501(3)(c) not for profit organization that believes the chance to dream big dreams should not depend on where in the world you are born. Our mission is to inspire and enable youth in Ethiopia through READY SET GO books, STEM and Innovation Projects in collaboration with individuals and organizations providing literacy, education, and leadership opportunities.