Early Childhood Literacy & Nutrition in Guatemala

Riecken Community Libraries contribute directly to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by promoting inclusive and sustainable development at the community level. Their programs support quality education (SDG 4), gender equality (SDG 5), and decent work and economic growth (SDG 8), with a strong focus on strengthening local capacities. Through literacy, skills training, and community engagement, these libraries create safe and accessible spaces where people—especially women and families—can develop knowledge, confidence, and opportunities to improve their living conditions.

A clear example of this impact is the testimony of Arelys , from the El Tejar Community Library in Guatemala. As she explains:

“Community libraries are linked to the Sustainable Development Goals, especially in the economic area, where inclusive and sustainable growth is promoted. The El Tejar Community Library promotes actions that strengthen women’s capacities with the purpose of improving the economic sustainability of the family.”

Arelys, a 30-year-old woman, describes how before joining the library she lived a routine life without opportunities to discover her abilities. Through her participation in a women’s group focused on leadership, participation, and household economic improvement, she states: “These spaces have allowed me to recognize my values, my potential, and to believe in my abilities to achieve my goals.”

The library has become a place of growth and empowerment for Arelys, enabling her to become an active volunteer and to apply the skills she has learned in income generation and personal development. This process helped her receive support from an organization to build her home, while her new economic skills will allow her to finance its cost in the short term. 

As she shares: “I feel more motivated and enthusiastic to face new challenges and grateful for the opportunity to be part of the library, where there is surely much more to learn. Through the library’s activities and programs, I have been able to spend quality time with my daughter and strengthen our relationship. I want to continue learning and growing as a person, and the library will be a key resource to achieve this.”