ABOUT
US
ABREN
is a small 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to improving
educational opportunities in rural Nicaragua. We operate
the Amigos Children’s Library and Learning Center
in Pueblo Nuevo, Estelí, in the northern mountains
of Nicaragua. This center houses the only public library
in the large municipality of over 30,000 and offers
a wealth of programs designed by the community to meet
the needs of their youth, including school programs
that reach both students and teachers throughout the
area’s public school system.
Creating
a Model
We
have made the conscious decision as an organization
to focus our efforts on this one project. We want to
do what we do well so that this library center can
serve as a model for what is possible and share it
with others involved in this type of work.
Amigos
Children’s Library is a project that grew out
of Peace Corps service. Many current Peace Corps volunteers
have visited the project to see a model of how to engage
local communities in sustainable community development
around the creation of a community library. Other non-profit
organizations promoting literacy and libraries have
also visited the library.
Building
Community
Another
important aspect of ABREN’s work is promoting
cultural understanding by facilitating cross-cultural
relationships between North American and Nicaraguan
communities. As part of this mission, school children
engage in pen pal communications, teachers in both
countries share ideas about best practices, and US
donors share more than their financial donations by
sending pictures and letters about themselves and their
families. In addition, ABREN is currently developing
a service-learning program aimed at increasing solidarity
between our communities by facilitating visits to Pueblo
Nuevo by US families. Our first trip in 2007 was a
wonderful adventure in friendship and a powerful learning
experience for all.
At
ABREN, we believe that becoming involved in community
development projects like this one enriches all of
our lives. We invite you to join us!
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