"The Rural Libraries of Cajamarca: A Peruvian Dream Realized" is the name of this note that appeared on the blog of the Sisters of Saint Joseph, in Canada:
“Since the early 1960s, the Sisters of Saint Joseph have been present in Peru. During those years, a priest from England, Father John Medcalf worked in the Andes in Cajamarca, mainly with the indigenous population located in small agricultural communities. Focusing on education, he wondered why anyone would want to learn to read when they didn't have access to newspapers or books. As a result, he creatively developed a simple but effective book loan system with a presence in every small community. Fifty years later, his dream still promotes and encourages reading to enhance education and critical thinking. Critical thinking that includes indigenous land rights with ecological protection. The coordinator of the Rural Libraries of Cajamarca, Alfredo Mires Ortiz, has contributed a blog focused on the continuous evolution of this broadened educational dream.
Sr. Mabel St. Louis, C.S.J
http://www.csjcanada.org/blog/wizjfg56gqm1d96o8dm2lha0fkcjfe
In this excellent fifteen minute video, Alfredo Mires Ortiz, Coordinator of the Rural Libraries Network, shows us the creative ways in which the people of Cajamarca participate in "libraries in motion" with their local 'librarian' hosting books at home, and the volunteer who carries the books on their back in backpacks to the next hill town. Books don't just provide practical knowledge. As Alfredo explains in the introduction and conclusion, the library recovers Peruvian history from the false claims of the Spanish conquest, replacing it with the truth. The library then informs and supports, celebrates the history, culture, values and dignity of Peru.
Link with English subtitles: http://vimeo.com/21726471
Sr. Wendy Cotter, C.S.J
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