In a serendipitous coincidence with my new tasks on the Literacy Spark Team, an invitation found its way into my hands from 
the Riecken Foundation to attend a presentation about their local programs. I’d previously heard great things about Riecken’s work with libraries and was curious to learn more.
My visit to Riecken’s Antigua office began with a tour of the model community library that they use in each of the 64 libraries supported in Honduras and Guatemala. Each library has a similar layout, including the following features:
- A colorful children’s area, complete with personal-sized reading mats and easy-reach access to a range of storybooks
- A semi-private youth area for book groups and other activities
- A rotating thematic exhibit that highlights some aspect of the library’s collection (this month the theme was Mayan Culture)
- A “transparency corner,” where library directors post monthly information about donations received and how the donations were invested
- A collection of at least 1,500 books, classified according to a color-coded Dewey Decimal system for easy searching
- A technology corner, including computers with community-supported free internet access
After the tour of the model library, we heard a presentation about Riecken’s history of involvement in libraries in Central America. Staff told us about their tailored reading interventions for each age group, from story hour for the youngest readers to an adolescent debate program to collaboration with a national literacy programs for adults. Then each of the invited organizations present gave a brief synopsis of our work. It was exciting to imagine the possibilities for mutual exchange, like Riecken staff consultations about how Common Hope could better integrate our library with other educational programs, or how Common Hope might rotate part of our own library collection through Riecken’s community libraries.
Kudos to the Riecken Foundation for making the first move in strengthening relationships with other local non-profits engaged in educational work. Far from feeling like we have to compete for scarce resources, close collaboration offers the best path to achieving our interwoven missions in Central America.
Latest posts by Lisa Hetzel
- Evaluating Our Impact - December 23rd, 2009
- Educational Exchange with New Hope Teachers - December 15th, 2009
- How to Get Your Home-Culture Fix - December 4th, 2009
- What Are You Thankful For? - November 26th, 2009
- Nonprofit Network Launches Website - November 20th, 2009
- Graduation Season - November 13th, 2009
- Milking Your Tax Dollars from Afar - November 6th, 2009
- Going Green(er) in Guatemala - October 16th, 2009
- The Hidden Benefits of Volunteering - October 9th, 2009
- Secrets to Landing a Volunteer Position - October 2nd, 2009
