In Magdalena

Our friend José Julio Estela took with him, to the Magdalena district, Cajamarca, a collection of our Peasant Library - Series “And other stories”.

After only a few days he already wrote to us with lively enthusiasm:

“It's amazing what can be done. The students of the school were very motivated and at recess they continued reading and listening to what others were reading. Then they told stories and drew. There are some who have already signed up to tell their own stories! 

Then, from other classrooms, all these children asked to read Cajamarcan stories in their free time. Thank you for the gift of Rural Libraries: these stories fascinate children!”

Encounters

The enthusiasm and commitment of our brother Alfredo Mires and of the coordinators of Rural Libraries, of our entire organization and of the organizations that show solidarity with us, are making possible the promotion of reading and the rescue of our culture in Educational Institutions of different communities.

The Encounter of Rural Libraries with the Educational Institutions in our Base has been an opportunity to feel, once again, proud of our roots and, as good community members, to share techniques and strategies to attend libraries, learn together, celebrate our achievements and reflect on our shortcomings.

And, as if that were not enough, to enjoy the oral tradition embodied in the books produced by the Network and the taste of our produce that came together again in the common pot.

What a school of solidarity and life we share here!

Pleasant visit

We received the visit of the Contumacino painter Óscar Corcuera Osores. By the hand of his daughter Rocío, they came to the headquarters of our Network of Rural Libraries in Cajamarca to learn about the experience and present the book that the Corcuera family published about Oscar E. Corcuera Florián, born in 1885.

We appreciate and celebrate the pleasant visit.

New BRIE

After a workshop in Cajabamba, teacher Sonia Eslava was encouraged and encouraged her community of the educational institution to apply together for their rural library; so today the children, families, and teachers of EI No. 82289 have their rural library to read more and better our land, our Cajamarcan traditions and learn to be more together, in community.

Mrs. Antonia Loya Torres is the librarian of this BRIE (Rural Library in Educational Institution), to whom we congratulate and thank her enthusiasm.

In San Juan de Cuñacales

And now the community of San Juan de Cuñacales, in the province of Hualgayoc, already has its rural library.

Many thanks to our brother Víctor Carranza, Sector Coordinator and animator of the initiative. Congratulations!

Live without bubbles

I arrived in Ecuador recently, for reasons of studies.

Just about to reach the border, the bus staff told us that due to the strike that had started there, we might not reach our destination. However, I managed to get to Quito and, there, an unexpected blow of reality changed my perception of the continent and its people.

In Ecuador, a decree that multiplied the cost of fuel had recently been approved and, therefore, the cost of living had doubled. A friend told me that, for example, his father - who works in the distribution of food in the city - used an estimated $10 to cover a full day's work; as a result of that decree, he now invested about $26 per day.

In the following days, the struggle worsened with the insertion of indigenous organizations and the deployment of state forces throughout the country.

Within the universities - to my great and pleasant surprise - aid brigades were organized for the comrades who day by day defended the sovereignty of their people.

It would be not only commendable but also necessary that, in Peru, the great centres of studies became a benchmark for change in similar times, which in my homeland are not lacking. Because it is very good to promote research and cultivation of the intellect, but this work must always be accompanied by activities for solidarity and social good. Problems in our continent are never lacking, so we cannot be indifferent to situations like this, especially if they are directly or indirectly the engine of our knowledge development. Stop living in a bubble and start feeling reality, getting off the absurd pedestals imposed by society.

Rumi Mires, October 2019

1st Meeting of the BRIE

On September 13, 14 and 15, we held our First Meeting of Rural Libraries in Educational Institutions, attended by students, teachers and directors of several provinces of Cajamarca who are already part of the great family of the Network, volunteers and librarians committed to Cajamarca's cultural tradition and those who are willing to undertake the task of inspiring transformative and critical reading. And to strengthen our ties with the land and the community.