Learning Through Libraries

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Learning through Libraries (LTL) is a coalition of students from the Harvard Graduate School of Education, working to create school libraries in Caluco, El Salvador.

We work with local agencies already improving access to quality education by building a powerful coalition of supporters in El Salvador. These agencies continue to face two major challenges: resources and training.

To support the efforts already in motion, in January 2010, a delegation of HGSE students visited Caluco, bringing books and other learning materials, and offering literacy and library training to teachers, parents, and other education stakeholders.

LTL’s mission is simple and clear: sustainable change through cross-cultural exchange.

Our Local Partner

FEPADE is a local Salvadoran NGO started by business leaders to invest in educational development. Each year, FEPADE sponsors a National Book Drive. LTL has adopted the Caluco schools in partnership with these established initiatives.

Why El Salvador?

In El Salvador, nearly 25% of the population lives on less than $2 a day. While El Salvador has proven very successful in improving the quality of life for some citizens, access to opportunity and education is greatly unequal.

Why Caluco?

Caluco is the poorest municipality in El Salvador. Located in the state of Sonsonate, Caluco is in the heart of fertile coffee-growing land, not far from volcanoes and crater lakes. About 1,500 families live in Caluco, earning an average income of $185 a month. The families in Caluco have not yet been able to benefit from successes in other parts of the nation, but residents are sure that improved education and schooling are the keys to increased opportunity!

Context is Key

When entering a foreign environment, it is essential to know the cultural context in which we are working. This is why we are fortunate to have the local expertise of Debra Gittler, co-founder of LTL. Deb worked in El Salvador for the past three years, expanding literacy initiatives.