Escuela Aldea El Tunal, Salamá

Posted on October 27, 2011 by

Escuela Oficial Mixta Aldea el Tunal, El Tunal for short, is a wonderful school that has participated in Books for a Better World for several years. Bookshelves in each classroom proudly displayed books donated in previous years by Books for a Better World.

The Director/principal is fabulous, and strongly encourages reading in all of the classes.  For example, the teachers told us that each class reads for 30 minutes every single day.  This has made a huge difference in the reading levels and accomplishments of the students.  This school is a great example of the combination of donated books AND a dedicated group of teachers who use them to improve instruction and increase literacy.

After a few years of BBW donations and dedicated teachers, the students associate reading with fun and learning.  At El Tunal, the students told us their favorite books, and also knew all about the books because they had read them several times.  They were very excited to receive new books, especially favorites such as Curious George, dinosaurs, and princesses.

As volunteers read stories, students eagerly volunteered to walk around the class showing the books to all of the students.

The older students also volunteered to read a page from the book to the class.  Each volunteer received a Books for a Better World pencil for their efforts.  The volunteers received lots of smiles and even a few hugs.

Annalisa Cardon and Alice Gartell, BBW volunteers, visited this school in July 2011.

Posted in (G) El Tunal, GUATEMALA Libraries | Leave a comment

Escuela Aldea La Laguna, Salamá

Posted on October 27, 2011 by
Escuela Oficial mixta Aldea La Laguna, La Laguna for short, had its first visit by Books for a Better World volunteers this summer, 2011.  The school had no story books at all, just textbooks and workbooks for the students in grades 1 – 6.  The school director/principal was very pleased to receive the box of books.

La Laguna is in a farming area just about 20 minutes down the road from El Tunal, a very successful school that has been using BBW books for several years.  The director at El Tunal suggested that we start giving books to La Laguna, and it was a very good idea.

The students welcomed us warmly.  We read books to them and with them, depending on the ages.  During a free reading period, several young girls really enjoyed being with volunteer Annalisa.  They read to her, shared a few prize stickers, and especially liked her pretty red hair.

Volunteer Annalisa adored by the children

Volunteer Alice read a silly story to the youngest children in a circle.  We especially loved the smiles of the two boys reading together.  As always, these smiles make all of our efforts worthwhile.

 

This was the first year for donations to this school, but it certainly won’t be the last.

 

 

Annalisa Cardon and Alice Gartell, BBW volunteers, visited this school in July 2011.

Posted in (G) La Laguna, GUATEMALA Libraries | Leave a comment

Maria Margarita Rodriguez, Santa Elena

Posted on October 27, 2011 by

Up a very steep hill, this school with grades 1-6 all in one room is run by Yashmina, a very strict but caring teacher of the 26 students at this school.

Steep road up to the school. Two years ago the road was so bad we had to walk up instead of drive.

When we got there, a few little girls were very excited and wanted to read us stories from last year’s collection. While they were still sounding out the words, we could tell they knew the story and enjoyed the pictures. They were learning little by little how to read the books that they enjoy.

G is for Gato (cat)! We took turns reading aloud from this book. It was especially fun to read because while it was an ABC book, each page was an animal with a little tongue twister rhyme to go with it.

They have reading time every Friday, when they can choose their own books to read by themselves.

The school says "Gracias" for all of their new books!

This school was visited by volunteers Kira and Alice Gartell in July 2011.

Posted in (H) María Margarita Rodríguez, Santa Elena, HONDURAS Libraries | Leave a comment

More photos from La Laguna school

Posted on October 27, 2011 by
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    Kids very happy with their new books.
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    Reading to the younger children, with many raised hands.
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    Free reading time with the new books.
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    Two boys reading a book together.
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    They noticed our camera and gave us big smiles.
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Posted in (G) La Laguna, GUATEMALA Libraries | Leave a comment

More photos from Tunal

Posted on October 27, 2011 by
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    These boys like the big book.
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    Excited children as teacher reads a new book.
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    Children enchanted with silly dinosaur book.
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    Two pretty girls.
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    Eager to volunteer.
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    Adorable little boys listening intently to the story.
Posted in (G) El Tunal, GUATEMALA Libraries | Leave a comment

Escuela Canton La Concepcion, El Salvador

Posted on October 8, 2011 by

Our faithful driver, Don Pabel took us to the Centro Escolar Canton Concepcion, where we were greeted by lots of kids wanted to read!  This K-7 school has the lower grades meet in the morning, and then the older kids have school in the afternoon, for a total of 113 kids in 3 rooms.

Pabel's trusty truck that takes our volunteers to the schools, and their muddy futbol field.

There is no running water, and only 1 room has electricity. They are hoping to be able to work with the mayor of the nearby town, San Pedro Puxtla, to be able to get more electricity in the future. The government doesn’t supply much, a few textbooks and a meager lunch is about it. We noticed some drums in the corner of the library, which were so they can have music classes.

Most of these books are textbooks. We are working on getting the books more accessible for the kids.

This is the 3rd year that Books for a Better World has visited this school, and their reading program is definitely growing. The students now have time every day for reading. They can choose their own books from the few that they have. The books are just stacked on shelves for now, so we are trying to work with them to get them organized by grade level, and also so the kids have better access to them.

Welcome! Kira reads a silly story about dinosaurs to the kids

Of the 14 who will graduate, the director said only 5 or 6 will continue on to high school. This is due to the distance and cost of continuing education. But at least they have these books to enjoy while they can.

"The Snoring Bear" was a favorite this year

This school was visited by volunteers Kira Gartell and Erik Wennstrom in July 2011.

Posted in (ES) Cantón La Concepción, San Pedro Puxtla 2009, EL SALVADOR Libraries | Leave a comment