Curiosity is nurtured when people enjoy learning.  Stories are the perfect beginning to a love of learning.

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Most Nicaraguan communities have virtually no access to books, especially children's books. Unsurprisingly, literacy and reading comprehension are unacceptably low. This, combined with traditional rote instruction and under-resourced teachers, provides children few opportunities to develop their love of learning.

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Our literacy program promotes a culture of reading in homes and schools. The Nicaraguan team leads weekly story hours in public parks, schools, after-school daycares, and in popular community hangouts. 

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At story hours, we introduce books, model how to read aloud, lend books, and teach caregivers how to use stories to deepen literacy.  Children also have unstructured time to independently explore books.  The team also hosts puppet shows, skits, and celebrations of cultural holidays.

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The program is called "The Curiosity Circle" in the United States.  But for Spanish-speakers it's called "Viva León Leyendo" after a popular cheer in the city of León: “¡Viva León Jodido!”, which basically translates to “Long Live León, H*** Yeah!” We want that too, but we made a slight change: “Long Live León Reading!”
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$20 enables the team to host one weekly story hour where they ignite love for reading and lend children's books to families and educators. Fight poverty through literacy by becoming a monthly donor.