My Nonprofit Reviews

HJH Libraries for All Foundation supports a much loved local library in San Juan del Sur Nicaragua, but that place is much more than just a library, it's a community center providing computers and textbooks for doing homework in a welcoming environment, internet access to receive or send emails or just explore the various offerings of the web. It provides classes in the use of cutting edge technology, ie. 3D printers and recently access to RACHEL - (Remote Area Community Hotspot for Education and Learning) offering a collection of the world's best free Open Education Resources.
I am on the Board of the HJH Libraries for All Foundation and also a volunteer. Even after being involved with the Foundation for more than 15 years I am still in awe of the many ways that the Foundation contributes to the welfare of the community.

The HJH Libraries for All, is exactly that- a library for all no matter where they live! The Library lends books not only in its town location, but also to children who live out in the countryside, and who without the Biblioteca Movil (book mobile) piece of the operation, would never have access to books and the knowledge, experiences, wisdom and adventures that books offer. I was lucky enough to go on a day trip with the Biblioteca Movil truck to visit one of the local elementary schools. The truck had a bench on each side for us to sit on, the middle part stocked with boxes filled with books. I sat on the back of the truck with library staff and visiting volunteers as we bounced thru uneven dirt roads, crossed small creeks, saw spider monkeys swing from tree to tree, but the best part was yet to come. As we approached the school where the children were waiting for the Library truck, some of them came running toward us. There were smiling faces all around as the children waited for the library staff to set up the area for the event. A table was set up where the books were to be signed out, boxes of the books were lined up against the school wall. The children crowded around the several book boxes, picking out books and gleefully flipping thru the pages as they shared their finds with each other. After the children signed out the books they were going to take home, it was time for arts and crafts. The Library staff brought paper and glitter and scissors and showed the children how to make “stuff”. One of the children wanted to be read to, she cozied up to me and showed me the book she wanted me to read. Not being Spanish literate, but able to read the Spanish with an American accent I read the book, pointing to the pictures and we both laughed at my pronunciation and the funny pictures. We parted with hugs all around, the children waving and running behind the truck as we drove away. It was such a heartwarming experience. I will treasure the memory and will always be grateful for HJH Libraries for All for making that experience happen for me, but most importantly for the children of Nicaragua.