Construction of our new library has been under way now for a few weeks! The first NCA library was started about 20 years ago, and consisted of a small collection of donated books stored in a cramped room. Our current library is slightly larger and our collection of books has increased over the years, but we have now reached the point of outgrowing our existing area.
Libraries are not only uncommon in Nicaragua, but are almost unheard of. There is a National library just a ten minute drive from NCA, but patrons are not allowed to check out books. There are a few lending libraries in communities around the country, primarily run by non-profit groups, but these are few and far between. The average public school in Nicaragua does not even have a complete set of textbooks for their classrooms, let alone a library. So while the majority of people in Nicaragua know how to read, the idea of reading for enjoyment or self guided learning through books does not happen for most of the population.
We are excited at NCA to be raising up a generation of readers who know how to think critically, to solve problems, to evaluate the world around them, and to come up with innovative ideas. NCA recently implemented the Accelerated Reader program to provide incentives to students for reading books, and we have seen huge increases in our library use. Reading is such an important skill to unlock language development and comprehension in all areas of study!
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