community libraries

Most communities in the region have historically had little to no access to books.  Knowing that literacy is one important factor in ending the cycle of poverty, it is troubling that local teachers continue to cite the lack of adequate books as a major need in their classrooms.

Un Mundo has been working and will continue to work to remove this barrier to literacy.  Currently, a library housed in the public high school has become a center of learning for the youth of El Pital.  Parents and others in the community have worked hard to raise funds to purchase books, and, more recently, a plot of land, to construct a new library building.
The mobile library project, an aspect of the Bibliobandido program, travels by mule to the various mountain hamlets of the area to expand access to the growing collection of books housed in El Pital, helping to combat illiteracy among the most isolated populations. 
More than simply a room where books are kept, the Library and Literacy Program supports communities in the Cangrejal River valley through:
  • regular, captivating story times led by area youth which encourage children to read and write
  • Open library hours that cater to the working schedules of adults and seniors as well. 
  • Providing a space for extracurricular learning after school, where students can receive tutoring and literacy resources en a comfortable environment - an important aspect to consider given that most students live in small, often crowded homes that can be distracting when trying to read, do homework, etc.
  • Active programming to promote literacy that includes adult classes, creative writing, bookmaking workshops, visiting writers, and more
  • Providing resources and support for teachers who are often neglected by the national education system
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The diverse aspects of this project are all aimed at raising the literacy rates among young and old, improving school attendance, providing a gateway to other subjects of study, and developing the ability to think critically.