Smiles, Books, and Possibilities

This blog is written by board member and author Karen Schuder, who went on her first Chispa volunteer trip in March 2025 to Copan Ruinas. This special trip was the first time Chispa Project had a "voluntourism" experience – a full 12 days of volunteering to install two libraries, while also touring the historic Mayan ruins, learning about local ecosystems at the local Macaw Rescue and butterfly pavilion, engaging in local gastronomy through coffee tasting, and relaxing in local hot springs. Volunteers got to visit two distinct communities, including an indigenous Maya Chortí hub where villagers are working to maintain and revive the traditions, language, and community structure of their ancestors. Both of the partner schools, one of which was fully sponsored by the volunteers, demonstrated a profound commitment to student success within their community, from giving Chortí language lessons to hands-on classes in coffee production and roasting, a major economy in the region. A special thanks to Karen, who eagerly and passionately supports Chispa Project in so many ways!

Read more about Karen’s experience in her own words below.

Karen, enjoying dinner at the Tea and Chocolate Place in Copan Ruinas, Honduras

Smiles, Books, and Possibilities

Thanks to Chispa Project, I helped install libraries in 2 rural Honduran schools. We painted fun pictures on the walls such as bright red Macaws taking flight and giraffes reading. We put together book shelves, then filled them with colorful books for all reading levels. I witnessed the excitement of parents and educators committed to making the library possible. I loved seeing students peek through doorways with anticipation and then radiate smiles as they opened new books. 

Children looking at books in a library. Such an ordinary event for those of us who grew up with books, but this was life-changing for children, teachers, and parents at the schools. During a library inauguration I enjoyed helping 40 kindergartners and preschoolers pick out and read books. That was the first time many of the children had ever seen a picture book, and it feels great to be part of such important work.

I enjoyed reading books to children, talking with older students, and learning from Honduran teachers. I sorted hundreds of books and painted walls with new friends, a diverse group from the United States and Canada. Getting to know Chispa Project staff members and seeing their passion for literacy was powerful. I felt honored to work with such talented, kind people.

During the trip we saw the both beauty and brokenness of Honduras, and I always felt welcomed. I was deeply touched when parents at a Mayan village presented us with necklaces they had made. The people’s warm hospitality has made me thoughtful and thankful.   

We experienced Honduran culture, nature, and foods at their best. We enjoyed Honduran specialty cheeses, chicken baleadas, and locally cultivated chocolate. We walked down the mountain through a coffee plantation adorned with bright pink flowers. Tasting the freshly made coffee was a treat, but I especially enjoyed learning from a professional coffee taster. Trip highlights also included seeing bright red, blue, and yellow Macaws, and walking through Mayan ruins. Honduras has incredible beauty.  

The trip was a gift, because I gained more than I gave. I learned much about myself and our world. I highly recommend supporting Chispa Project. Their commitment to literacy is making a difference. Students not only have books to hold, but they learn to love reading and positively change their future. You can be part of the change.

Here are some highlights from the March trip. You can see the volunteers in some of the experiences Karen shared in her reflection above!