Books for Life

Franciscan Alcantarine Sisters Library

Mothers of children who visit Franciscan Alcantarine Sisters Library are so impressed with its impact on their children that they are partnering with the Sisterhood that founded it to keep it open every day of the week. Says Sister Esther, when describing how they work together to take care of each other, “One hand washes the other hand. And two hands wash the face.”

Las Mujeres Milagrosas/The Miraculous Women

Tisma Carpentry

Las Mujeres Milagrosas (“The Miraculous Women”) is a group of women of Tisma who joined together in 2006 to school 80 children who otherwise would be playing in the streets. They are now seeking to found a carpentry shop in order to teach valuable vocational skills and to make the school self-sufficient.

Masaya Library

The city of Masaya is known as the city of folklore and holds a weekly festival celebrating folktales of the Nicaragua. Amidst this rich cultural heritage, the Masaya Public Library is working to enhance its ability to provide resources to high school and university students.

San Jorge Library

The San Jorge Public Library is working to reduce unemployment, improve the local environment, and provide education. Classes offered at the library would help many people, such as Fatima, a young woman of 17 who is in the 6th grade.

Yahoska Protection Center Library

Yahoskas Protection Center Library

The Yahoska Protection Center is located on the edge of San Marcos, a town characterized as a “college town.” Ave Maria University, the only American university found in Central America, is located here. The University classes are in English and students from around the world come to San Marcos to attend. The influence of foreigners is evident by the efforts made to help those in need in San Marcos.

San Juan de Oriente Library

San Juan Oriente is a small village known for its ceramics, and where children often enjoy flying kites on warm afternoons. Building a library is the first step in their endeavor to start a high school, which would allow children to complete their education in the village.

Chiquilistagua Community Library

Chiquilistagua is a rural community on the edge of Managua. A missionary family from the United States is constructing a community center which provides educational resources as well as sports activities to keep kids off of the streets and out of gangs.

Masatepe Community Library

The first inhabitants of Masateppe were native villagers who lived in straw huts, but the city now boasts a thriving population. The Masateppe Public Library lies at the center of the city and provides resources for children of all ages. Marlon is a young man who can be found reading the books from the library everywhere he goes: riding the bus, eating, and even when walking.

Niquinohomo Community Library

The Niquinohomo Community Library is located in the former home of Augusto Sandino, an important figure in Nicaraguan history who fought for independence. The library is used by primary, secondary, and university students, many of whom cannot afford to buy the books they need for school.

Batahola Cultural Center Library

The Batahola Cultural Center began in 1983 as an oasis of transformation. It offers programs for kids and youth to instill interest in literacy and the arts. Adult classes, often attended by single mothers, focus on leadership training and other skills: cooking, crafts, accounting, cashier training, and computing.