CubaMinrex. Sitio del Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores de Cuba

Nicaraguan Education Minister Dedicates Literacy Campaign to Fidel Castro

CUBA, January 27, 2009. Nicaraguan Education Minister Miguel De Castilla said the eradication of illiteracy in his country will be dedicated to Fidel Castro, the leader of the Cuban Revolution. Speaking announced today during the “Pedagogia 2009” International Education Congress, De Castilla said Nicaragua’s National Literacy Campaign, dubbed “From Marti to Fidel,” also pays homage to the Cuban people, their government, Fidel Castro and President Raul Castro.

Nicaragua is expected to be declared the fourth country on the continent to eradicate illiteracy —after Cuba (1961), Venezuela (2006) and Bolivia (2008)— on July 19, the date that marks the 30th anniversary of the Sandinista Popular Revolution.

De Castilla explained to participants in the conference underway in Havana, that the Cuban teaching method known as “Yo si puedo” (Yes I Can) is being used in Nicaragua to teach illiterate people how to read and write. The method has been implemented in nearly 30 countries, noted the Nicaraguan minister.

The “Yes I Can” program has been widely recognized by international organizations including the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, which presented it the King Sejong award. (Cubaminrex- ACN)