5 minutes of reading support for a child in Nicaragua

A look at the educational situation in Nicaragua has recently caused concern: almost 92 percent of children attended primary school in 2018, but only 43 percent graduated. The official literacy rate in the same year was almost 83 percent (EPDC, 2018), but the reality is different today. There is great inequality in education, especially in rural areas. According to the experience of local staff, many students here cannot read a simple text after completing six years of primary school. In the few village schools, only the teacher usually has a book, because reading material is rare and expensive. The state education system is reaching its limits. In addition, 43 percent of Nicaraguans live in poverty. This mainly affects people in rural areas, especially children. With a daily income of less than one US dollar, many families cannot afford to invest in education (GIZ 2022). The political crisis that has been ongoing in Nicaragua for years is serious and is causing an increasing lack of prospects for the population. The reading projects coordinated by the German-Nicaraguan Library work to combat (educational) poverty - they reach more than 2,000 young bookworms every month, who are provided with important reading material, among other things. They improve the living conditions of many young people in the country through free access to literature. Because reading means knowledge. Those who can read discover and develop ideas and learn to question things critically. This is the basis for change and paves the way for a self-determined life.