During this time of social distancing and isolation, the people of Cajamarca have had time to reflect on what is meaningful in life. With books from the Rural Libraries to keep them going, and through valuing the local traditions and hard work of farmers, the community is kept alive and thriving. 

Thankfully the network of Rural Libraries held their General Assembly the weekend before the state of emergency was called, which allowed the librarians to exchange books and take them back to their communities before the lockdown. The lockdown is strict in Cajamarca, and no-one is allowed to leave their house between 8 pm and 5 am. Anyone who is found breaking the rules is detained by the police or the army.

Here are some photos of everyone together at the March assembly -  a wonderful time to remember. Librarians, coordinators and families came together to review the activities of the libraries and reunite, ‘’knowing that we are deeply united and cared for as a family and community.’’

Due to the global Covid-19 outbreak, the communities of Cajamarca are quarantining to reduce the spread of the virus, yet facing the situation with optimism, patience and faith. Taking advantage of having more time to spend with each other, families are coming together to read the books from the Rural Libraries. Through sharing stories and improving their knowledge of the local traditions, the library books have provided much entertainment and fun for all the family.

Reading in quarantine

It’s been an exiting time as books sent from Lima have now been distributed among our Network of the Rural Libraries. Encyclopaedias, dictionaries, literature, law and educational books will be of great benefit to the isolated communities of Cajamarca. By improving literacy through reading, knowledge of local traditions and culture can be recorded. Hundreds of books have now been published by the Rural Libraries, which keep these local indigenous skills alive. It is vital to retain awareness of these skills, as the mainstream education system excludes teaching the culture of indigenous people of Peru. 

A huge thank you to Rosita Vásquez for sending such a valuable donation.

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