Kirea Library

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Title:

Kirea Library

Function:

Library and cultural center

Designer:

Kirea Volunteers Team

Year:

2026

Sqm:

60

CP:

40.000 Euros

In partnership with Tesfa, our foundation is proud to support the creation of a library and cultural center at the Tesfa Orphanage in Lalibela. This initiative aims to open doors to knowledge, creativity, and personal growth for both the children of the orphanage and the surrounding community.

Currently, children in Lalibela have very limited access to books, educational resources, and spaces for cultural activities. The new center will address this gap by providing a welcoming environment where learning and exploration are encouraged every day.

A Place to Learn and Discover

The library will offer a wide range of books, study materials, and digital resources to stimulate reading, curiosity, and academic success.

Cultural Activities for All Ages:

Workshops in music, arts, storytelling, and creative projects will allow children and young people to develop new skills and express themselves.

Community Hub:

Beyond serving the orphanage, the center will be open to local families, students, and educators, creating a space for interaction, discussion, and shared learning experiences.

Support for Vulnerable Children:

By providing access to knowledge, mentorship, and cultural programs, the center will enhance the growth and opportunities of orphaned and disadvantaged children.

Skill-Building and Training:

Staff and volunteers will receive training in library management, educational support, and cultural programming, promoting local expertise and sustainability.

Promoting Ethiopian Heritage:

The center will celebrate local culture and traditions, helping children and visitors connect with Ethiopia’s rich artistic and literary history.

Lifelong Learning:

By fostering curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking, the center will encourage a love for learning that lasts a lifetime.

Strengthening the Local Community:

The library and cultural center will serve as a resource for the wider Lalibela community, benefiting schools, families, and cultural initiatives.

Funds will be used to:

Build the library and cultural center; procure books, educational materials, and equipment; organize workshops and cultural programs; and train staff and volunteers.

The center will be jointly managed by Kirea and Tesfa, with local oversight to ensure its long-term sustainability and effective operation. It is envisioned as a dynamic space for learning, creativity, and community engagement, empowering the children of Tesfa and inspiring the wider Lalibela community.

The Bashilo Library project will be constructed on the Tesfa site, located directly opposite the orphanage, with the aim of creating a dedicated space for education and community use.

The project includes the development of a shared study area, a storage room, and restroom facilities, ensuring both functionality and comfort for its users.

The building will be constructed using reinforced concrete, with external cladding in stone and bamboo. The roof will feature a pitched design, with a timber structure and straw covering, in keeping with the traditional architectural language of Lalibela.

The interior of the library has been designed to emphasize a strong connection with the surrounding landscape. A large opening on the eastern façade will frame views of the Lalibela mountains, while smaller lateral openings will provide controlled natural light. The space will be organized so that users are fully immersed in books, arranged into clearly defined thematic sections.

The estimated total cost of the intervention, including all elements necessary to initiate the library’s activities, is approximately €40,000.

Kirea will operate with full transparency and will provide a detailed report outlining all project-related costs.

The reference images and drawings are for illustrative purposes only and represent a preliminary design, which may be subject to modifications during the construction phase.

For any further information or clarification, please do not hesitate to contact us.