Empower Women & Girls in Guatemala with Technology

Riecken Community Libraries has always played a strong role in bringing access to technology and training in its use to many who otherwise, simply would not have any other resources. In 2015 we were able to expand programs that put technology training, mobile devices, office software, and safe, effective use of social networks into the hands of teachers, students, and all library users, especially where Internet is available.

In San Juan Chamelco (Alta Verapaz, Guatemala), Community Library Gabriela Mistral 22 women are trained in technology. The use of audiovisual manuals has been implemented to facilitate the learning process, and now, Women have full domain of the Microsoft Office Word program, and a new group of women is currently starting.

Technology is our “excuse” to promote the human, organizational, and social capabilities of rural women.

Let us share with you some words of Ruth Noemí Coy Sacul. She is 29 years old and lives in  Barrio Nueva Concepción, in San Juan Chamelco. Shi is part of women group of the Community Library Gabriela Mistral.

“To be part of women's group has helped me a lot. Here, I have found the opportunity I never imagined; In the workshops, I have learned to be a better person every day. Before, I was very shy person, I was very scared to express myself but now I see and feel a great change in me. Now I am a woman who defends her rights and I like to share what I learn; I like to support my colleagues in all what I can. Also, I consider myself an active person in the project because I want to overcome myself.”

Links:

• Communities Libraries at work