A month of library magic in our Comayagua Network

We have some exciting updates from the network of school libraries in Comayagua, Honduras. Get ready: there’s a lot of library magic that has happened in just one month!

Background
This year, Chispa Project is refocusing on rural schools, which led us to the Comayagua area and three public schools outside the city who were eager to have their own libraries. We later included a fourth, larger and more centrally located school, expanding our vision into a small network of four libraries across the region, all installed in March.

A key priority was intentionally including kindergartens, which often operate separately from their partner schools. By reaching these classrooms, we ensure that reading begins at a critical stage of development.

To bring this vision to life, nearly 30 international volunteers committed to joining us. Your support also played a vital role in making these libraries—and this network—possible.

Just before installation week, however, one school experienced a flea outbreak. Yes—fleas. While we couldn’t visit that school with volunteers, we still have a positive update to share below!

Teacher Training
From March 9–11, teachers from all four schools participated in our Lighting the Spark through Literacy workshop. They learned techniques ranging from how to hold a book during a read-aloud to research-backed strategies that promote deeper student engagement with reading.

Teachers participated enthusiastically—including a reader’s theater-style recreation of a wordless story—and left with new tools and ideas to implement literacy-focused lessons in their classrooms.

Installation and Inauguration
During the week of March 15, nearly 30 international volunteers joined us in Honduras to build three libraries. With so many hands on deck, each library was completed in under two days.

The highlight of each installation is the Inauguration Fair. Students become travelers in a world of literacy, moving from activity to activity with their Chispa Project passports. They connect stories to art, science, problem-solving, creativity, and more—all while experiencing their library for the first time, guided by Lucia, our trusted hand puppet.

It’s a whirlwind of activity—pure, joyful chaos—and an unforgettable introduction to their new space.

Manuel Bonilla (the fourth school!)
And what about the school with the flea outbreak? We didn’t forget them.

Because the school is smaller and lacked a dedicated library space, we adapted by creating individual reading corners in each classroom, with books tailored to students’ reading levels.

Although they missed the volunteer week, they installed their reading corners shortly after. The celebration included traditional music and dancing, and the excitement on students’ faces as they explored their new books made it clear: these spaces will have a lasting impact.

Spanish Language Day and World Book Day
April 23 is a major celebration in Honduras, marking both Spanish Language Day and World Book Day. Schools embraced the occasion with decorations, costumes, and book-centered activities.

At one school, students created advertisement posters—an activity introduced in our literacy workshop—highlighting their favorite books and sharing them with peers.

At another, students wrote and illustrated their own books, showcasing both creativity and storytelling. They also designed posters featuring powerful phrases from Honduran poets.

The Day-to-Day
Following the inaugurations, our team revisited each school to deliver additional resources, including reading logs, and to reinforce our Reading Goals:

Reading in class three times weekly (at least 15 minutes each session)
Visiting the library once weekly
Rotating books for classroom book boxes monthly

Each school is now adapting the library space in its own way. Some have added seating and resources, demonstrating ownership; others have begun rotating books and building consistent classroom reading habits.

Students are not only enjoying their first books—they’re sharing favorites with one another, a powerful sign that a reading community is taking shape.