Found a Library for 250 Mayan Kids in Guatemala

     Visit Instituto Kajib’ No’j and undoubtedly a few smiling teens will offer you a guided tour of their school.  We recommend that you take it!  In the band room aspiring musicians practice their drums and wind instruments in preparation for the upcoming community parade.  Melodies of Mayan forefathers float down the hall, played on the school’s marimba.  In the garden across the street, students harvest organic fruits and vegetables.  The tour continues, boasting clever systems of irrigation, water filtration and composting. 

     Thank you, GlobalGiving supporters!  Soon a school library will be included in that tour.  In July From Books to Brilliance volunteers delivered the first cache of literature to Kajib’ No’j’s students.  These hard-working, industrious teens already embrace the wisdom of their families, teachers and fellow citizens.  Now, with access to the world’s great literature, students are acquiring wisdom from the past as well.  In the Popol Vuh they read the Mayan story of creation, told by their own legendary ancestors.   El Señor Presidente, by Guatemala’s Nobel Prize-winning Miguel Angel Asturias, describes life under a merciless dictator.  Their world expands further when reading Don Quijote de la Mancha, Alice in Wonderland and the Life of Pi, to name just a few.  According to principal Pedro Eligio Ajxup, “the books are motivating students to set and achieve goals and dreams for their lives.”  Kajib’ No’j’s school board and faculty sent a letter of thanks, listing a dozen ways in which the books increase student learning and critical thinking skills.

     The creation of Biblioteca Kajib’ No’j is just beginning and there is much to do, and From Books to Brilliance does not work alone.  We have strong partners, educators at the Austrian Guatemalan Institute (IAG) in Guatemala City.   In fact, IAG founded Kajib’ No’j over twenty years ago to provide education to Momostenango’s Mayan children.   Our partners are committed.  They will provide needed bookshelves and furniture, and prepare the space that will accommodate hundreds, hopefully thousands of books for all Kajib’ No’j’s students, ages five to sixteen.

     From Books to Brilliance remains committed as well.  Through the books and resources your generous support provides, these talented children are able to expand and pursue their educational goals.  Kajib’ No’j sends their heartfelt appreciation.  We'll keep you updated on all progress.