Hi all,

I visited a school last June in urban Guatemala City and met the principal, Edwin Tecun. He was so passionate about finding books for his students and begged me to help him build a library. So, I did what I shouldn’t have done and promised to help before I knew what I was in for. In any case, I have located a contractor in Guatemala who is willing to help with shelving, etc. I have contacts with two publishers, one of which specializes in publishing Guatemalan authors (and as much as possible, Guatemalan illustrators—their books are fantastic—see attached). I have reached out to a shipping company to see if they will donate a container that can be converted to a library. (Check this out: https://www.gatewaycontainersales.com.au/shipping-container-libraries-making-books-accessible-across-the-world/ ). I am waiting for a response from their corporate office in Geneva, Switzerland and even offered to go there to make a presentation. I have a partner in the Bay Area who is also making some inquiries about containers. 

This project could probably be completed for around $10,000 USD, and it could be parsed into smaller projects: Container (if I have to buy it instead of have it donated), or construction if the container is not feasible. Books to stock the shelves. Furniture (stacks, chairs, etc.). Solar lighting, if possible. 

This project is easily scalable, and I am also thinking about taking it to Egypt’s rural areas. One thing to know about Guatemala’s school system is that the Ministry sends a box of books, every year more or less, with around 40 or 50 books to each school. That’s not enough for even a classroom, but what is worse is that the administrators are afraid that if a book is lost or destroyed they will have to pay for them. In every school, I have seen the boxes stored in a corner virtually unused by the kids. I’ve been trying to get an appointment with the Minister for some time, but with the elections this year that was not possible—every Minister knows that he is toast when the new President takes office so quits working a year in advance. Crazy.

On the other hand, check out the photos—the children are eager to read, and we can help.

Best, DeVere
SoJ eClub Rotarian TD Wolsey