The Riecken Foundation promotes a network of innovative community libraries in Honduras and Guatemala that awaken the spirit of discovery and social participation through activities in the libraries. We have shown that community libraries are essential to a democratic society. Libraries are institutions that citizens use to make informed decisions and reach their full potential. They provide essential knowledge, encourage critical thinking, and encourage self-education and lifelong learning.
650 million people live in extreme poverty. We cannot solve this challenge alone. We work with incredible partners at different levels to help women lift themselves out of poverty. Our programs aim to reach the most marginalized communities, such as women, indigenous peoples, people with disabilities and internally displaced people. Our participants are the ones with the ideas and determination to end extreme poverty. Our approach allows us to partner with women starting their own microenterprises and improve financial inclusion.