ASODECO Waspan Sur Community Library

The community of Waspan-Sur is not unlike many neighborhoods found in the capital city of Managua. It is plagued by poverty, unemployment, violence, and drugs. Many are uneducated because they cannot afford school which is why 60% of the 10,000 that live in the community are jobless. Many children and youth are not in school lending to a young population that is lacking a positive perspective of life and the world they live in. The people here face many battles daily just to survive, but there is a source of hope spreading in Waspan-Sur.

The Community Library promises a way to rise above the difficulties faced daily. It gives those not able to afford education a way to become educated and employable. The library is a way out of a tough situation. A community library has been a dream of many in the Waspan-Sur community for years and slowly with the help of many organizations a community library was officially opened May 15, 2009. The library is not supported by any government or city funds. It relies of the help of organizations and donations. The librarian, Alba, is a member of the community and she donates her time every day to help others in her community. The library has about 800 books, 600 of which were purchased through Books for Life along with the gift of 2 computers and printers.

The focus of the library right now is children and youth, getting kids into the library to read and help them with homework and research. Activities at the library include story time for young children and reading discussion groups for older youth. The Asodeco Waspan-Sur Community Library is fundamental in the education and development of this community. It provides free education for those than cannot afford it which will in turn develop them into employable individuals able to provide for themselves and their families. The dream of this community library has just begun, there is so much more needed to become a complete library working up to its potential. You can partner with the community of Waspan-Sur by assisting them in the following needs:

Books

Library furniture – tables, chairs, shelving

Computers

Alba Maria Sequeira is a woman of strong character, driven emotionally by her will to succeed. She grew up in Waspan-Sur and was a top student in her high school; however, she was forced to drop out of school because of financial reasons. The 4 years that followed were years of hopelessness. Then, in 2005, an organization from Spain began to work with the community of Waspan-Sur with the desire to develop the youth in the areas of culture, sports, education, and health. Alba became a leader in the group and a year later she became involved in a Community Movement group. She was able to take classes and became very involved in the community. Alba was inspired by many youth she came in contact with and she started to think of ways to help her community. Alba began to dream of a community library for Waspan-Sur. After much hard work and patience her dream became reality. Alba volunteers daily at the community library and works enthusiastically to help the children, youth, and adults of her community achieve a more fulfilled life and give hope for the future.