Is the library open yet? Three months ago Instituto Privado Mixto Kajib’ No’j received a beautifully constructed wood and glass bookshelf, a gift from our partners, the Amigos at the Austrian Guatemalan Institute. This gorgeous piece now holds Guatemalan textbooks for all primary subjects and grades, as well as world literature for the school’s more advanced readers. The classroom, where last year young musicians practiced the marimba, now serves as the library. Tables and chairs moved in, and students began to occupy them. Yes, Ladies and Gents, the Biblioteca Kajib’ No’j is now open and serving its community.
Principal Pedro Euligio claims that this project strengthens the development of critical thinking skills as well as enriches the knowledge and vocabulary of the students. Purportedly this nascent library, with only a few hundred books, is already influencing educational outcomes for Kajib’ No’j’s elementary and middle school students. The library is indispensable because it provides various sources of information and at the same time encourages our students to read, says one teacher. To date the library in this school has had a great influence on learning, says another.
A library is much more than a venue. It is a hope, a dream, a future. It is power. From Books to Brilliance and our generous supporters work hard to invest resources where libraries like this one will thrive. It is the complementary hard work and persistence of the faculty that inspires students to read, study, and to take advantage of those resources. Their enthusiasm inspires us as well. During our annual trip to Guatemala in July, we expect to grow this tiny library, tailoring all books and educational materials to the specific needs and requests of staff and students at Kajib’ No’j. Please watch for upcoming news and thank you so much for your support!
February 28th it is! Biblioteca Paz y Vida will open at last. Serving citizens young and old, there will be books to read, classes to take, crafts to make and celebrations to attend.
The village of Paz y Vida has you and many others to thank for their new library. With your generosity, From Books to Brilliance is able to provide everything a nascent library requires...books, paper, maps, globes, puzzles, games, furniture and much more. However, we do not construct the building, employ the staff, or manage the facility. For all of that we depend on partners.
Indira Morales, Projects Coordinator for the Association of Nicaraguan Women Luisa A. Espinoza (AMNLAE), is that partner for Biblioteca Paz y Vida. Last fall, when funds from the Frankfurt Granada Association to construct the building were depleted, Indira wrote to the German Embassy in Managua. Awarded was a grant to finish the first floor, where Paz y Vida's preschool and the library will coexist. In the evenings vocational classes will provide adults with new found skills and job opportunities. This multi-use building will soon become the heartbeat of the community.
So we say Danke to our German partners, Gracias to our Nicaraguan ones, and Thank you to you. It is an honor to serve the citizens of Paz y Vida and a privilege to partner with you all.
Autumn in Guatemala brings many reasons to celebrate. Mid-October marks the beginning of the dry season, the harvesting of coffee, and the end of the school year! Teachers and students are now on vacation and Instituto Kajib’ No’j is closed. Festivities continue with Christmas, followed by el Día de los Reyes. On January 15 students return to their studies, having enjoyed a three-month break.
Nevertheless, Kajib’ No’j’s school library progresses as anticipated. We thank our partners, Sigfried Ganster and Karin Sibora, who serve as volunteers for the "Amigos" program at the Austrian Guatemalan Institute (IAG), and now for our organization as well. In November, due to your generous support, Karin and Sigfried purchased textbooks for grade levels one through six from Piedra Santa, a well-renowned Guatemalan publisher.
These textbooks, specifically requested by the faculty and school board, will be available in the library for all to use. Beginning this year teachers will align daily lessons to the goals and standards of Guatemala’s Ministry of Education using Guatemalan-approved resources. This is a major step forward for faculty and students alike.
And just in time, the custom-made bookshelf arrived, compliments of our Amigos partners at IAG. This cabinet, constructed of wood and glass by craftsmen in their own town of Momostenango, took the strength of five men to deliver. We can rest assured that it will safely house these textbooks, as well as all of the world literature donated in July.
Alicia Ambrocio, Kajib’ No’j’s school secretary, recently spoke to us by phone. "The students are really enjoying the novels we received last summer. They are books we didn’t know existed," she exclaimed. Alicia asked that we wish you the best of holidays in this Christmas and Hanakkuh season. ¡Gracias y Feliz Navidad!
