Early Childhood Literacy & Nutrition in Guatemala

Introducing the modern American library to Central America has brought positive change to the lives of individuals, their families, and their communities. As a key driver of this new paradigm, Riecken Community Libraries celebrates a culture and tradition of innovation each time one of its libraries opens its doors.  In this process Riecken is proud to advocate for its partners and the US values Riecken brings to the region. But the most important thing of all is that it will be the same community, represented by volunteer community leaders, that will transparently oversee the management of the library, and, by extension, leading programming based on access to information, reading and participation. youth. Programming aimed at the development of your community.

The three libraries which have built with the support of ASHA/USAID are opened and have begun to offer their information access services and reading programming to their communities. The Toj Suj / Senderos de Conocimiento Community Library (Paths of Knowledge) in Palestina de los Altos (Quetzaltenango) was opened on On January 25, 2024, the Forjando Mentes Brillantes Community Library (Building Brilliant Minds) in El Tejar (Chimaltenango), on January 28, and on September 26, the Tierra Fértil Community Library (Fertile Land) in Catarina, San Marcos opened its doors to the community this last September.

In the town of El Tejar, Chimaltenango, Guatemala, Forjando Mentes Brillantes community library has become much more than a place for books. It is a space where children, youth, and families find access to reading, information, and technology. Guided by principles of inclusion and equality, the library fosters civic participation and encourages local volunteerism, especially among young people who are learning the value of social commitment.

One inspiring example is Dulce Judith, a 20-year-old volunteer who has dedicated her time to supporting children’s programs at the library. Her commitment did not go unnoticed: through her volunteer service, she became eligible for a scholarship program supported by the BFB Foundation.

“For me, continuing my studies seemed impossible because of financial challenges,” Dulce shares. “Volunteering at the library has changed my life in ways I never imagined.”

With the scholarship, Dulce is now pursuing her dream of becoming a nurse. She has successfully completed her first semester of university and feels motivated to keep moving forward. “This opportunity has allowed me to grow as a person, develop my skills, and work toward supporting my community,” she says.

For Dulce, education is not only a personal achievement but also a way to give back. Thanks to the support of the library and the BFB Foundation, she now feels confident, hopeful, and equipped to reach her goals. Her journey shows how community libraries, volunteerism, and educational opportunities can open doors to brighter futures.

Riecken Community Libraries are a social platform and an essential space for the social cohesion present in 14 communities in Guatemala and 52 communities in Honduras. Learn more about the work of the Riecken Foundation and its network of community libraries in Guatemala and Honduras.