Library for Uspantan

According to a recent report by UNESCO, Guatemala is in last place in literacy in Latin America. There is also a lack of accessible literature for those who can read. Many teenagers have not had access to books other than perhaps a Bible or a comic book. Mayor Vctor Hugo Figuroa of Uspantan is wanting to turn that around for his community. He has a vision for a public library that would not only have books in Spanish for people of all ages, but would also have literature in the regional Mayan languages of the region, Quiche, Kekchi and Uspantec. The library could also meet the need for adult literacy programs and school materials such as maps and references books.

In June 2005, United by Friendship worked with the citizens of Uspantan to form a library committee and assisted them in expanding their view of what a library can be. UbF volunteers made arrangements for the representative of the Uspantan library committee to visit other libraries around the country and introduced them to library resources, such as the Riecken Foundation. Uspantan has committed to providing the land and building for the library and it is their hope that the Riecken Foundation will spearhead the construction and furnishing of libraries in Uspantan and two neighboring communities. United by Friendship is in a position to be able to advocate and network on behalf of impoverished communities and empower their citizens to make a difference.