Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - As part of Leer y Crecer, a program designed by the National Honor Society (NHS) students at the American School of Puerto Vallarta (ASPV) to promote reading among public school children, students recently delivered books (bought with money donated by the International Friendship Club) to schools in rural communities.

ASPV Junior, Emily Corley, who is also the National Honor Society Vice President, reports:

As a group, we decided that the best thing to do was deliver 30 different books to 8 different rural communities. Many of these communities are more than an hour away from our school, so we did a meet up in a community called Arboledas. We put each set of books into permanent plastic boxes and drove out to Arboledas with Mrs. Lisa Schalla to deliver everything.

Five of the eight school instructors were able to come to receive their books, and the other three will receive them later. Six of our National Honor Society (NHS) members went. We presented the books to the instructors and each of the communities received a certificate explaining to them that the books are from NHS and were purchased with money donated by the IFC.

Then, each NHS student took a box and went to share the joy of the books with the teachers. As an observer, it was obvious that the teachers were not only overwhelmed with happiness but also filled with gratitude. We could tell how much this meant to all of these dedicated educators.

After spending about 15 minutes going through the books in smaller groups, Mrs. Schalla led a small discussion with the teachers. They described how they are able to protect new material in communities where they schools aren't developed enough to ensure safe protection of materials inside their schools.

We also discussed a way to ensure the good quality of a new book, or make sure they don’t get lost in the children’s possession. While each teacher has a different way to preserve their small libraries, all have found effective ways to appreciate the books as well as teach the children to appreciate and respect their reading material. We couldn't have chosen a better way to spend the money that the IFC has given us.

All members of our community are encouraged to join the American School of Puerto Vallarta's Leer y Crecer program in spreading the joys of reading. For more information, please email leerycrecer(at)aspv.edu.mx or call the American School of Puerto Vallarta at (322) 221-1525, ext. 301.

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The American School of Puerto Vallarta (ASPV) is a place where bright, energetic and motivated students and teachers work together to discover the joys of learning. Offering a bilingual-bicultural education to international students from preschool through grade 12, the American School provides students with a strong academic, personal, and social learning environment. ASPV students prepare for their future education and life choices by learning new languages; exploring diverse cultures; and participating in community service projects. Visit the ASPV website HERE.