Be a part of creating a library from scratch!
Cofradia Bilingual Center Preschool + School
Cofradia, Cortes, Honduras
300 Books
Training for Teachers
Read more about CBC School here: https://www.facebook.com/CBCSCHOOL/about
Why You Should Help (from Letitia Bunge)
I want to share a little about why this library project means so much to me. These fourth graders are some of the students I taught in Honduras, along with first, second, and older English beginners. They are full of energy, for sure, but also so full of heart. When I left to return to the U.S., every single one of the 11 classes made farewell signs and cards for me, and they even sang "Yellow" by Coldplay, accompanied by another teacher on the ukulele. I tried so hard not to cry, but they made it impossible.
Teaching in Honduras has been life-changing. I first went in January 2023 for 3 ½ months, and because a 5th grader made me "pinky promise," I went back again this year for two months. Now, I plan to return every January and February to help start their school year.
Here’s the thing: these amazing kids don’t have a library. They don’t have Spanish or English books. Many of them can’t afford textbooks, so their teachers make copies of the pages. Imagine learning without books to explore or dream through. But we have a chance to change that.
The Parents' Organization is raising funds and working hard to convert a large storage room into a library space with bookshelves, carpet, beanbags, and more (see our progress below). But they can only cover the space itself. That’s why I’m asking for your help.
We need books. We’re partnering with CHISPA, an organization that can provide bilingual books at cost (shipping books from the U.S. is far too expensive). CHISPA will also train the teachers—most of whom only speak Spanish—on how to use books effectively in the classroom. These kids and their teachers are eager to learn, grow, and dream, but they need tools to make that possible.
Your support can bring books into their hands, open doors to imagination, and give these students a chance to thrive. If you can help, it would mean the world to me—and even more to them. Thank you for being part of this dream.
Chispa Project is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization, EIN number 81-1094634, and donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law.
Checks can be made out to:
Chispa Project
10556 Combie Road, Suite 6643
Auburn, CA 95602
What all does the library program entail?
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This library includes:
150 books in English
150 bilingual and Spanish books
2 trainings for the Library Committee and Teachers
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All our schools have to go through a rigorous vetting process. We look for schools that demonstrate dedication to incorporating a library and integrating reading habits into everyday classroom reading activities.
The school commits to creating a committee of parents and teachers who will run and promote the library with training from Chispa Project. In this special project with CBC, we’ll also train teachers on strategies to use these books in class!
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Creating school libraries, providing teacher development opportunities, and international volunteer partnerships, Chispa Project works with Honduran educational institutions to spark a passion for learning within local communities. Approximately 50,000 books have been brought to more than 110 different institutions to create school libraries since 2016.
Chispa Project has a unique approach in bringing books directly to schools in a community-driven development approach. Library programs are implemented together with a school’s library committee made up of teachers, parents, and students to manage the library. The committees create a plan of action and guide the direction and layout of their library space and activities offered.
Checks can be made out to:
Chispa Project
10556 Combie Road, Suite 6643
Auburn, CA 95602