Oxfordian Life
Oxfordians Enrich IBD: Leija
For the past 14 years The Oxfordian School has been invited to take part in IBD (International Book Discussion), which Letty Leija, director of the Library & Cultural Arts department in Edinburg, Texas, discusses with us in this interview.
Leija described The Oxfordian School’s participation as “highly significant”, since it “helps strengthen the ties between the communities of Edinburg and Reynosa, confirming the importance of collaboration and cultural exchange”, and therefore “enriches the IBD experience and contributes to the success of promoting literature, friendship and inclusivity”.
IBD is a discussion forum, held in English, on a previously selected book, around which playful activities are also developed to enrich the experience of learning through literature and of strengthening intercultural ties.
From her perspective, IBD has served as a “platform for fostering intercultural understanding by promoting literature and celebrating the pleasure of reading”. She also described her experience of taking part as positive and enriching. “It is moving to see children from different schools come together to discuss literature, share their perspectives and form connections with one another.”
“The camaraderie and enthusiasm shown during the discussions highlight the power of literature to unite communities and break down cultural barriers. In addition, the variety of activities and events organised as part of International Book Discussion — such as question-and-answer sessions with authors, games and crafts — add excitement and appeal to the event,” she said.
Proud representatives
The event, organised jointly by UTRGV and the Dustin M. Sekula Memorial Library, is a literary discussion requiring fluency, conversational skill and outstanding reading comprehension in English, which is why The Oxfordian School has been invited as Mexico’s sole representative — because its students possess these qualities.
On this point, Leija made clear that to be at this event “command of English and level of reading comprehension must be prominent”. She recalled that “engaging in discussions and activities centred on literature in a second language requires a solid grasp of vocabulary, grammar and comprehension skills”.
She highlighted the preparation of the Oxfordians, noting that “their significant level of command of English allows them to participate quickly and effectively in discussions and activities related to the selected book. Their development at such events reflects their dedication to language learning and their ability to navigate complex texts and discussions in a language that is not their mother tongue”.
“The students’ ability to engage in discussions and activities in a second language speaks strongly to their commitment to learning and to the excellence of the teaching they receive at The Oxfordian School,” she emphasised.
The importance of community libraries
She also turned to the community library project the school has built, which she considers a reflection of “the school’s dedication to serving the entire community, beyond its educational role. This initiative demonstrates leadership, vision and investment in education, as well as in the wider community, showing the school’s confidence in the transformative power of reading and lifelong learning”.
She considers the benefits the Community Library brings to the community to be far-reaching, “enriching their lives, empowering them with knowledge and skills, and strengthening community ties”.
She stressed that “libraries play a crucial role in communities, serving as invaluable resources for education, information and cultural enrichment. They provide access to a wide range of books, resources and educational opportunities, as well as serving as safe havens and community centres where people can gather and connect with others”.
Finally, she explained that “libraries are essential institutions for the community that enrich lives, promote learning and foster a sense of belonging and connection. They play a vital role in empowering individuals, as a foundation of education and in strengthening communities”.
Leija congratulated the school on the initiative of making our libraries at all five Oxfordian School campuses available to the entire community, and has been an important ally in contributing to their growth through the donation of books, as well as constantly lending her valuable knowledge so that the Oxfordian Community Library continues to grow stronger.
