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The “YES I CAN" literacy programme

The “Yes, I Can” Literacy Program uses various teaching methods, together with the alternative use of radio and television, which has allowed to reach a large number of people who are illiterate or under-educated.  The program uses examples in the lessons and learning materials which are drawn from daily life, the work context and relationships reflecting each country’s reality.

The Cuban Literacy Programme established the basic principle of follow-up activity identified with the “Yo sí puedo seguir” (I can continue learning) method.

As antecedents for these important cooperation programmes in the educational sector, the work carried out by the “Ernesto Che Guevara” Internationalist Detachment in Angola is worth mentioning.  This Detachment is composed of over 21, 000 professors, as well as the initiative called “Cruzada por la Alfabetización” (Literacy Crusade) in Nicaragua where around 16 000 elementary school teachers took part.

Some actions are being taken to follow-up on and implement the “Yes, I Can” Literacy Method in 28 countries, 15 from Latin America, 5 from the Caribbean, 5 from Sub-Saharan Africa, 1 from Asia, 1 from North America and 1 from North Africa.  A total number of 839 cadres and teachers from the Ministry of Education provide the advice so that this program be properly implemented in the various countries.

Through radio and television, over 3, 634 239 people from 23 countries have learned how to read and write.  These countries are Venezuela, Haiti, Paraguay, Argentina, Mexico, Ecuador, Bolivia, Brazil, Peru, Panama, Guatemala, Uruguay, Honduras, Nicaragua, Dominican Republic, New Zealand, Mozambique, Nigeria, El Salvador, Colombia, Guinea Bissau and Equatorial Guinea, Timor L’Este).

Over 333 218 illiterate people from 17 countries are currently being taught with the advice of Cuban collaborators.  These countries are Venezuela, Haiti, Argentina, Mexico, Ecuador, Bolivia, Peru, Panama, Guatemala, Uruguay, Honduras, Nicaragua, Mozambique, Colombia, Grenada, Guinea Bissau and Timor L’Este).

In order to facilitate the expansion and generalization of the Programme, 14 versions of the “Yes, I Can” Literacy Method have been made: eight in Spanish for Venezuela, Mexico, Argentina, Ecuador, Bolivia, Colombia, Uruguay and Panama; one in Portuguese, one in English; the Quechua and Aymara versions were made for Bolivia; in Creole for Haiti and in Tetum for Timor L’Este).

At present, arrangements are being made to start this educational programme in Angola and Dominica.

Last Update: 18 June 2008.