By Erika Lucas | Project leader
René first came to the library when he was eight years old, driven by curiosity and a desire to explore. Our first impression was of a deeply loved child, surrounded by the love of the women in his family: his mother, his grandmother, and his aunt. He still retained a touch of childlike charm that made him endearing; his character was gentle, kind, and somewhat shy, but it was clear that he had grown up in an environment filled with warmth and affection.
Years later, René remains the same warm and kind person we met, but he has also developed greater self-confidence, leadership skills, and a clearer vision of his future. These qualities are reflected in the way he interacts with others and in the role he plays among his colleagues.
Today, René leads the Bosque y Mar youth group and has become a role model for other young people. He seems to have found his place in the world thanks to the example, guidance, and support of the volunteers and mentors who have accompanied him over the years.
René grows up in a small fishing village that is currently facing increasing social challenges linked to drug trafficking. In this context, teenagers and young adults have become one of the most vulnerable groups, frequently exposed to pressures and risks that can profoundly affect their opportunities and their future. Despite this reality, René clearly understands that education is fundamental to building his future.
He considers higher education an important goal and recognizes the library as a foundation that has helped her imagine and prepare for what comes next: a safe and stimulating space where she has been able to learn, grow and expand her sense of possibilities.
When we asked René what changes he believes the library has brought to his life, he shared: “The library is a very special place for me. It has helped me overcome my fear of speaking up and has taught me many things. There, I`ve read about the sea and learned about it. I´ve also met children and women from my community and made new friends. I like it because I can learn, lay, and grow freely. Plus I am surrounded by gardens and plants; I love planting, caring for the land, and learning about my roots.”
Stories like René's are only possible thanks to your support and generosity. Your contribution helps create opportunities and pave the way for a better future for young people like René.
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SPANISH TRANSLATION ( TRADUCCIÒN AL ESPAÑOL)
René llegó a la biblioteca por primera vez cuando tenía ocho años, impulsado por la curiosidad y el afán de explorar. Nuestra primera impresión fue la de un niño profundamente querido y rodeado del amor de las mujeres de su familia: su madre, su abuela y su tía. Aún conservaba algo de grasa infantil que lo hacía adorable; su carácter era suave, amable y algo tímido, pero era evidente que había crecido en un ambiente lleno de calidez y afecto.
Años después, René sigue siendo la misma persona cálida y amable que conocimos, pero también ha desarrollado una mayor confianza en sí mismo, dotes de liderazgo y una visión más clara de su futuro. Estas cualidades se reflejan en su forma de relacionarse con los demás y en el papel que desempeña entre sus compañeros.
Hoy, René lidera el grupo juvenil Bosque y Mar y se ha convertido en un referente para otros jóvenes. Parece haber encontrado su lugar en el mundo gracias al ejemplo, la guía y el apoyo de los voluntarios y mentores que lo han acompañado a lo largo de los años.
René crece en un pueblo pesquero artesanal que actualmente enfrenta crecientes desafíos sociales vinculados al narcotráfico. En este contexto, los adolescentes y jóvenes se han convertido en uno de los grupos más vulnerables, expuestos con frecuencia a presiones y riesgos que pueden afectar profundamente sus oportunidades y su futuro. A pesar de esta realidad, René comprende claramente que la educación es fundamental para construir su futuro.
Considera la educación superior un objetivo importante y reconoce la biblioteca como una base que le ha ayudado a imaginar y prepararse para lo que viene después: un espacio seguro y estimulante donde ha podido aprender, crecer y ampliar su sentido de las posibilidades.
Cuando le preguntamos a René qué cambios cree que la biblioteca ha traído a su vida, compartió:
"La biblioteca es un lugar muy especial para mí. Me ha ayudado a no tener miedo de hablar y me ha enseñado muchas cosas. Allí he leído sobre el mar y he aprendido a conocerlo. También he conocido a niñes y mujeres de mi comunidad y he hecho nuevas amistades. Me gusta porque puedo aprender, jugar y crecer con libertad. Además, estoy rodeado de huertos y plantas; me encanta sembrar, cuidar la tierra y aprender sobre mis raíces".
Historias como la de René solo son posibles gracias a su apoyo y generosidad. Su contribución ayuda a crear oportunidades y a fortalecer el camino hacia un futuro mejor para jóvenes como René.
Links:
By Rut Roman | Volunteer
By Rut Roman | Public Affairs Volunteer
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