Luis Soriano

Colombian teacher creating mobile libraries on donkeys for rural education

Luis Soriano, a rural Colombian teacher, founded Biblioburro in 1997, a mobile library using donkeys to deliver books to remote villages in La Gloria. His initiative addresses illiteracy and limited access to education in conflict-ridden regions. Inspired by his own childhood without books, Soriano transformed two donkeys, Alfa and Beto, into symbols of hope.

Every weekend, Soriano travels over 18 kilometers, distributing books to children and adults. His collection grew from 70 books to over 7,000, donated globally. Biblioburro's impact is captured in the documentary Biblioburro: The Donkey Library, highlighting how literacy fosters resilience amid Colombia's civil war.

Despite threats from armed groups and logistical challenges, Soriano persists, believing education is a weapon against violence. His work inspired similar projects worldwide, proving grassroots efforts can bridge systemic gaps. In 2020, he launched a digital library initiative, adapting to pandemic restrictions while maintaining his physical deliveries.