Project: Buena Vista Library

Background

    • “The literacy rate in Guatemala is the second lowest in the entire western hemisphere. As a way to change this reality and provide the people of El Paredón and Cocalitos access to books, La Choza Chula opened the first community library in this area in June 2014.
    • The library was constructed using the exterior of an existing building from the primary school. That building was completely renovated inside and out, and furnished with the necessary facilities to begin activities as a new library.  
    • As of June 2020, we have over 3000 books. 
        • The library also serves as a community space for workshops, lectures, teacher training and more as well as providing resources and books, all of which improve the quality of education in El Paredón and Cocalitos. 
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The Buena Vista Library Goals

    • Increase usage and community understanding of the Library
    • Library and all library programs to be fully run by local staff in a structured manner
    • Strategically expand the reach of the Mobile Library (the most popular way to date of loaning books)
    • Implement & evaluate effectiveness of Literacy Curriculum and Help with Homework sessions in the primary school

Project Scope

In 2021/2022, we aim to improve our programs through the creation of formal structure for our 3 library programs, along with curriculum, content and professional development training and support, that will ensure the sustainability of these programs for years to come. 

 

These 3 programs are:

    • Morning Library Session: high quality literacy reinforcement for all grade levels
    • Afternoon Library Sessions: help with homework and catch up exercises as none of the primary school children have attended school since March 2020
    • Mobile Library Program: one of our most impactful programs to date, as it allows us to bring access to books and literacy directly to the homes of community members. In 2022, we would like to purchase a tuk tuk in order to make the delivery of books in the community much easier and increase reach, as well as provide a salary to our mobile librarian. 

 

**A.M Surf & Wellness & Friends has committed to raising the Project Total of $10,825 to fund training, materials, resources, repairs and maintenance at the Buena Vista Library from 2022 – 2025.**

 

      

 

You can find out more by contacting: sonal@lachozachula.org