CISPES - Washington, DC

Literacy Brigade to El Salvador

Summer 2015

Presentation by Marvin E. Centeno

Introduction: CISPES Delegations

Historical Context

● Historically, many Salvadorans were excluded from education system

● In 2007 18% of the population over the age of 15 couldn’t read or write

● Illiteracy rates are higher among women than men

Confronting education inequalities is crucial “to achieving economic, social and political development.”

-President Salvador Sánchez Cerén

The Programa Nacional de Alfabetización was launched in 2010.

Goal: Eliminate illiteracy across the country by 2021.

What is the National Literacy Program & why is it important?

Inspiration for the Literacy Program

Literacy Circles Radio Lessons

How does the program work in El Salvador?

Since 2009:

• over 200,000 people have been taught to read

• illiteracy rate decreased by 5.2% (from 17.9% to 12/7%)

• 21 towns have been declared “Free of Illiteracy”

What has the program accomplished?

FMLN allocated more resources: In 2009, the adult literacy budget went from $4 million to $40 million

Impoverished and marginalized communities are prioritized

The efforts of tens of thousands of volunteer

The Cuban method is proven and tested

What Makes this Program Successful?

• Limited resources

• Political opposition from the right-wing

• International Monetary Fund (IMF) pushing for El Salvador to cut social spending

Political and International Challenges

That’s why we need you!

https://vimeo.com/60722981

People who:

• Are proficient in Spanish

• Have an interest in popular education and international solidarity

*Students, teachers, and Salvadoran/Salvadoran-American youth are encouraged to apply*

Who Can Help?

• Promote the literacy program through outreach to members of the community

• Participate in local events and workshops

• Visit different government-sponsored social programs

• Meet with teacher unions, student organizers, and local activists

• Enrich your knowledge on Salvadoran politics, history, and social context

• Investigate US government-led education efforts in the country

What will I do as a brigadista?

When is it? July 18-August 1, 2015

Where Will I Stay? Hotels, guesthouses and community spaces

Can I Receive School Credit? Possibly

Logistics for the Volunteer Brigade

How Much Will It Cost? $1000 + airfare

Are there scholarships available? Yes, and fundraising support, too.

Application Deadline: April 15, 2015

Costs and Fundraising

Questions, Comments, Concerns…..?