Amidst the mountains of Intibucá, where the Lenca roots embrace the present, a book is not just a gateway to other worlds: it is the key that transforms lives.
As we all know, reading comprehension and the ability to communicate effectively, while understanding and discerning messages and information, are incredibly valuable life skills. Without this ability, even the best ideas can remain unexpressed, becoming a barrier to personal or community progress. If we want to share a message that impacts others and brings benefits, the lack of the right words and clear expressions becomes an obstacle.
Intibucá is a beautiful yet underserved region, one of the most disadvantaged departments in Honduras, facing unique challenges. From difficult access between communities to economic limitations, even making a simple phone call can be a struggle in many areas. However, this department is home to the proud Lenca people, whose rich culture shows that origins do not limit personal growth or development. Every year, hundreds of brilliant children are born here with big dreams. We believe in these children and their potential, knowing that all they need is an opportunity to succeed—for themselves, their families, and their communities.
A Success Story in Reading
Shoulder to Shoulder, in partnership with the Departmental Education Directorate of Intibucá, is pleased to share the success of the third edition of the reading program in 2024. This year, we engaged 247 schools, 587 teachers, and more than 30,000 children across the 17 municipalities of Intibucá. Students of all ages, from first grade to twelfth grade, participated. They are not just learning new vocabulary and improving comprehension, but they are entering the transformative world of reading.
While the program's intrinsic motivation sparks initial interest, once students are immersed in the transformative power of reading, we see a positive shift in their expression, thinking, and future projections.
An Inspiring Speech from the Departmental Director of Education
The powerful speech of Gloria García, Departmental Director of Education, highlighted the transformative impact reading has had on students' lives. In her opening words, she expressed deep gratitude to Shoulder to Shoulder, the teachers, and especially the children, emphasizing how their lives have changed through reading. Passionately, she affirmed: “Reading is dreaming with open eyes, traveling without a ticket, living other lives and times.”
García also shared a personal anecdote about her early connection with books like Marianela and Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea, which left a lasting impression on her life. This reinforces the core idea of the program: reading changes lives. “A person who reads is never alone... they have the ability to discern, synthesize, and analyze.”
She also reflected on the influence of social media on young people, noting that while platforms like TikTok and Snapchat have their utility, education, and reading are essential for expanding the mind: “We can't allow young people to be content with a reality that only lasts a minute.”
For the teachers, her message was clear: reading not only offers knowledge but also develops soft skills such as emotional intelligence and social skills, essential for personal growth and harmonious living. She encouraged them to be a source of inspiration for their students: “We must inspire our children to feel the need and desire to read.”
Empowering Future Leaders through Reading
Helen Nicol Pineda, the winner of first place in the High School Level, expressed pride in representing her community and acknowledged the effort behind her victory, thanking her family and teachers. She stressed the importance of reading Honduran writers and encouraged other young people to keep reading, saying, "Reading opens many doors. I’ve read between 22 and 25 books, mostly by Honduran writers. My invitation is to keep reading because it always opens doors.”
Annie Gissel Hernández, the winner in the third cycle, shared how reading The Little Prince taught her valuable life lessons. She expressed deep gratitude to her parents and school, asserting that reading is fundamental to learning: “Reading is something so beautiful that can only be learned by reading.”
Jhaziel Samai Flores Gómez, the second-cycle winner, impressed everyone with his deep understanding and oratory skills, especially when narrating The Green Bird. He touched hearts with his reflection on how books can transport us to unimaginable places: “We don’t need a ticket to travel the world—just opening a book lets us imagine it.”
Investing in Technology for Learning
As part of the reading program, we have big ambitions. We’ve invested in classroom technology, motivating mayors to join our efforts in providing better resources so that every child can access quality reading materials through the Kolibri platform. This platform gives students access to high-quality content, free and without the need for an internet connection, including thousands of public domain titles from libraries such as Biblioteca Elejandría, CommonLit, Biblioteca AMFI, and CREE+.
For students without Kolibri, we provide PDF resources, which can be accessed by any basic smartphone. These are often sent to their parents’ devices, creating a reading community where parents and children gather to read and develop this habit together.
I’ve witnessed firsthand the incredible impact it has on children and communities. I deeply believe in the power of reading to develop young people's critical thinking and leadership skills. Reading is a powerful key that opens doors to knowledge and gives us the power to transform our lives and the lives of those around us.
Each contribution we’ve made through this program demonstrates how reading can change lives and has become a fundamental tool for development here in Intibucá.
Building a Reading Culture for a Better Future
Shoulder to Shoulder is proud of the remarkable outcomes of the reading program. After a year of dedicated effort, we are seeing the future take shape through the eyes of these young readers. These achievements stem from our strong partnerships with the Secretariat of Education and local mayors. Together, we are making a meaningful impact on those who need it most.
We deeply thank our donors and everyone involved in organizing and executing this beautiful project, which is bringing great benefits to our children and youth. With every text read, they develop greater critical thinking and reading comprehension skills, boosting their self-esteem, worldview, and leadership abilities—essential qualities for the development of our communities.
Together, we are planting the seeds of readers today and harvesting the leaders of tomorrow.
