November, 2012 — Librarians Without Borders is proud to announce Jorge Chojolán’s North American speaking tour, which includes events in Toronto, London (ON), Ottawa, Montreal, and Los Angeles . Our Guatemalan partner, Jorge, is the founder and director of the Asturias Academy, a progressive K-12 school that offers education for students from low-income and indigenous families. The speaking events will focus on education reform, leadership, indigenous issues, libraries and literacy in Guatemala and take place from Nov. 11-29, 2012. For more information on specific cities: http://tinyurl.com/968mmms.

An overextended and underfunded school system has failed to meet the educational needs of Guatemalans, especially the indigenous population, which has a 65 per cent rate of illiteracy. Jorge has spent his life committed to improving access to education for low income and indigenous families in Guatemala and has created an alternative school system designed to spur improvements in education throughout the country. The Ashoka Foundation recognized the impact of his social entrepreneurship with a prestigious fellowship.

Since 2009, Librarians Without Borders has worked with Jorge and the Asturias Academy to promote literacy and libraries in Guatemala. Through many hours of fundraising, planning and hard work, Asturias was able to open a community library to students and their families in January 2011.

Tour Dates
Toronto, ON Nov. 12 and 13 • London, ON Nov. 14 • Ottawa, ON Nov. 16 • Montreal, QC Nov.19 and 20 • Los Angeles, CA Nov. 29

About Librarians Without Borders
Librarians Without Borders (LWB) is a non-profit organization that strives to improve access to information resources regardless of language, geography, or religion, by forming partnerships with community organizations in developing regions. We believe libraries have a fundamental role as defenders of intellectual freedom and providers of equal access to information.

Access to information is vital in supporting learning and literacy, reducing poverty, empowering citizens, and building healthy, strong communities.

For More Information
Melanie Sellar and Mark Gelsomino
Co-Executive Directors,
Librarians Without Borders
exec@lwb-online.org
310-303-7303 or 613-863-5450