Support literacy and learning for 1,900 Maya youth

Pedro, a seven-year-old from Chajul became a member of the Limitless Horizons Ixil Community Library about a year ago, drawn in by the games and math activities. Soon, Pedro found himself picking up new skills — in math, science, drawing, and writing — and something just as valuable: new friends. The library, he adds, has helped him study, learn new things, and practice good manners.

And Pedro isn't alone. This year, Limitless Horizons Ixil, with the help of three Colegio Horizontes students, set out to better understand how the Community Library is shaping young learners like Pedro. Staff and students surveyed library members ages 6–14, and the results were striking: 100% of respondents said the library helps them be better students. Nearly all (96%) said they enjoy the library and its activities, and more than 90% reported making new friends and feeling engaged by programming.

The library's reach and programming continues to grow and serve as an important place for local students like Pedro to jump-start learning and reading, get homework help, and continue their education beyond the four hours they spend in public school each day. By the end of 2025:

• Homework help had surged — hours of homework assistance jumped 85%, with average daily attendance holding strong around 41 students
• Math classes expanded — hours of math instruction grew 45%, with average attendance more than doubling
• Science instruction grew by 80%
• Book lending increased by 60% 
• And membership renewals have risen 12% — a sign that students like Pedro keep coming back

The library also got a fresh look this year. New signs now identify key areas, a Dewey Decimal System guide helps members find books on their own and new Values, Emotions Traffic Light, and Library Rules signs help create a clean, welcoming space for everyone. What makes these signs especially special: the cartoon characters featured on them are drawn in traditional Ixil dress, adapted from photos of actual library members, like Pedro, reflected back to themselves.

Your support makes all of this possible. Thank you for helping create a space where children feel seen, supported, and excited to learn.