Support literacy and learning for 1,900 Maya youth

In our bustling Saber sin Límites (Limitless Knowledge) community library, our two interns for this year, Ana and Teresa, have woven unique narratives of personal and professional growth. Despite their diverse academic backgrounds, both have found common ground in the enriching environment that the library provides.

Ana: Unearthing Passion and Skills

At the age of 20, Ana, a former Limitless Horizons scholar who graduated high school in 2021, began our internship program, taking on a role in our library. Although her academic roots lie in biology, she found herself drawn into her new role of teaching and mentoring children and teenagers in this position which she didn’t anticipate as part of her professional journey. Initially challenging, her love for books and working with youth revealed a newfound appreciation for the work of teachers and librarians. Ana's experience has helped her learn valuable life skills - from teamwork and punctuality to emotional resilience.

Ana's reflections extend beyond the library walls, envisioning the application of her newly acquired skills to her future professional dreams of becoming an agronomist. She draws parallels between maintaining a positive atmosphere for students and the necessity to navigate teamwork and emotional management in her future career. With aspirations of securing a scholarship to study in Costa Rica, Ana views her library experience as a foundation for success, providing her with invaluable tools for the future.

“Sometimes when we get to the library we might feel sad because of things happening in our life, but we can't transmit that to the students as our primary goal is to create an environment where they can enjoy their time. Thus, we strive to find ways to uplift our spirits, allowing us to present a positive and welcoming atmosphere for everyone who enters.” -Ana

Teresa: From Numbers to Narratives

At 19, Teresa, also a former Limitless Horizons Ixil scholar, stepped into uncharted waters upon joining the library. With a background in accounting and proficiency in math, she found that her time at the library and engaging with young visitors helped her build patience. 

Although familiar with the company of nieces and nephews, the daily surge of children at the library initially overwhelmed Teresa. This immersion pushed her beyond her comfort zone, yet surprisingly, she swiftly adapted. Instead of feeling drained, she found herself recharged by the positive energy of the children and inspired by their evident joy in being there.

In addition to leading activities for our library users, Teresa delved into the intricacies of book categorization, inventory management, and the art of crafting library cards. Her time at the library has been more than just a transitional period; it has become a blueprint for her future endeavors. She recognizes the significance of teamwork, a lesson ingrained by her close collaboration with fellow interns and library staff, whom she is grateful to for their support. With university aspirations on the horizon, she views her time at the library as a valuable asset, preparing her for the challenges that college life may present. When her internship at the library ends, Teresa plans to look for another job to help pay for the cost of tuition. 

“This experience will help me in my future because you never know what kind of job you may have and no matter what job I have, it's important to give it my all. Also, it's always important to know how to work as a team. If you try to do everything alone, things don't always turn out how you want them to, so these lessons are going to help me a lot.”  - Teresa

For Ana and Teresa alike, this internship has surpassed their expectations, serving as a rich environment in which they have not only contributed to the community but also discovered new qualities and skills they each have that will help them in their futures. As they prepare to transition into the next chapter of their educational journeys, the library stands as a testament to the benefit of hands-on experience and a supportive community.

With a deep understanding of the value of cultivating young minds and physical well-being alike, our dedicated staff at our Saber Sin Límites (Limitless Knowledge) Community Library takes joy in organizing a variety of engaging group activities and events for our thriving community of nearly 500 library members. Among these activities are our highly anticipated field days, where we step outside our library's walls and move from academics to focus on the physical and social growth of our young library members while emphasizing the importance of community bonding.

Field days are a celebration of children's hard work in the library. On these fun-filled days, we recognize and reward their dedication to learning, showing that effort and commitment lead to enjoyable outcomes. This sense of achievement bolsters their self-esteem and motivates them to persist in educational activities with enthusiasm. Additionally, through field days, we actively promote gender equality by providing equal opportunities for girls and boys to participate in sports and games. With this inclusive approach, we break down stereotypes and empower all children to explore their interests and talents.

Last month, our library team held a successful Field Day at a local indoor soccer field. Here, we share the insights gained from this gathering:

• Fostering Community Bonds:

Beyond being repositories of knowledge, libraries serve as gathering spaces where friendships can flourish. Events like field day provide a unique opportunity for children of all ages and backgrounds to come together, form teams, and engage in activities and friendly competition. This camaraderie cultivates a sense of belonging and inclusion among attendees, creating lasting memories and connections that extend beyond the library premises.

• Promoting Physical Movement and Holistic Development:

Opportunities for physical movement in a safe and enriching environment can be hard to find but are essential for promoting overall health and well-being. Engaging in active play, such as a game of soccer, enhances cardiovascular health, motor skills, coordination, and muscle development. It also induces the release of endorphins, alleviating stress and nurturing mental health. By choosing an indoor soccer field as the setting for field day, we not only provided an avenue for releasing pent-up energy but also encouraged children to be active participants, fostering an appreciation for physical activity that can translate into lifelong habits. The smiles and laughter observed throughout the day were evidence of this positive impact! 

• Cultivating Essential Life Skills:

Field day goes beyond just a day of recreational play; it serves as a powerful platform for cultivating essential life skills such as teamwork, collaboration, problem-solving, and leadership. Within this framework, team sports like soccer transform into immersive classrooms that adeptly instruct participants in working together strategically, fostering an understanding of both individual strengths and collective dynamics. As they maneuver on the field, children learn the art of cooperation, refine their communication prowess, and embrace leadership roles whenever the situation demands. These lessons transcend the soccer field to impact their approach to challenges and collaborations in other areas of their lives.

At Limitless Horizons Ixil, we view our Saber Sin Límites (Limitless Knowledge) Community Library as a hub for cultivating not only knowledge but also a thriving community where girls feel empowered to pursue their passions and dreams! Our goal is to help build values of teamwork, inclusion, and physical well-being in the community's future leaders! This redefines the role of the library, making it a catalyst for holistic development and social cohesion within our served community.