Education is the foundation of opportunity, and for many children in remote communities, it’s a path to a brighter future. Nicolás Fund for Education (NFE) is paving this path by creating village libraries in underserved areas of the Central Highlands of Guatemala. These libraries are not just collections of books—they are hubs of hope, resources, and empowerment designed to break the generational cycle of poverty.
The Need for Village Libraries
Guatemala’s remote Ixil region faces unique challenges when it comes to education. Public elementary schools operate part-time and have limited resources, leaving children without access to books or the ability to build critical language and literacy skills. The majority of parents in these communities are illiterate and predominantly speak Mayan languages, meaning that children must learn Spanish—the official language of education—within the confines of an under-resourced school system.
Compounding the issue, there are no public libraries in these areas to offer additional learning support. This void has long hindered children’s ability to succeed in school and beyond, as poor Spanish fluency and limited vocabulary severely affect their academic progress.
NFE’s Visionary Solution
Recognizing this gap, NFE launched its first village libraries in 2020 and has since expanded the initiative rapidly. Starting with three libraries, the program grew to five more in 2021, an additional one in 2023, and aims to open its 10th library in Vichibala in 2024.
These mini-libraries are carefully designed to meet the unique needs of each community. They’re stocked with culturally relevant books in Spanish, including works by Guatemalan authors and age-appropriate educational materials. These libraries serve as bridges between language, culture, and opportunity.
Building Communities Through Books
The work doesn’t end with establishing libraries. NFE collaborates with village leaders to ensure sustainability and community engagement. Volunteer librarians are trained, and students at Nicolás Christian School, supported by NFE, build durable bookshelves as part of their carpentry classes.
With each library launch, NFE fosters a culture of reading that previously did not exist. These libraries promote curiosity and learning and support crucial vocabulary development. Did you know 90% of a child’s vocabulary growth comes from reading? These libraries equip children with the tools to succeed in school and beyond.
Stories of Transformation
Behind every library lies stories of incredible change. Consider the children in the village of Ixtupil, where one of the first libraries was opened. Within months, teachers noticed a marked improvement in reading comprehension and class engagement. Parents, many of whom are illiterate, expressed pride at seeing their children excited and eager to read. These village libraries are breaking down barriers and opening a world of possibility.
You Can Make a Difference
The success of NFE’s village libraries would not be possible without the generosity of donors and education enthusiasts like you. But the work isn’t finished. The upcoming library in Vichibala needs more books to become a reality. You can help by donating books—or even an entire bookshelf.
Here’s how your contribution supports this transformation:
- Donate a Single Book ($15): Each book added to a library impacts dozens of young minds, teaching them new words, stories, and ideas.
- Build a Bookshelf ($1500): Entire bookshelves provide a full range of resources, creating a comprehensive community learning hub.
The Sophos Bookstore in Guatemala City partners with NFE, offering a 20% discount on books and shipping them directly to the highlands. This ensures every contribution maximizes its impact.
Why Your Support Matters
Your gift is more than just a book; it’s a tool for change. These libraries are helping children build their vocabularies, overcome obstacles to Spanish fluency, and prepare for academic success—a critical step in breaking the generational cycle of poverty.
Beyond education, supporting these libraries also helps cultivate future leaders in the Ixil region. Empowered with knowledge and skills, these children have the potential to transform their communities.
Join the Movement
You have the opportunity to be part of this life-changing initiative. Whether you’re an educator, a passionate reader, or someone who believes in the power of knowledge, your contribution can make a lasting difference.
Please help us bring the gift of books to Vichibala. Visit Book Drive – Nicolás Fund for Education to donate a book, a set of books, or a bookshelf. Together, we can foster a love of reading, create learning opportunities, and ignite the spark of leadership in these underserved communities.
Education has the power to transform lives. Join us in empowering Guatemala’s next generation through the simple yet profound act of reading.
