Global Literacy Matters

Dr. Bello has worked closely with Simmons College in Boston, MA and has been nominated to receive an honorary PhD for the her distinguished work in San Juan del Sur. Dr. Rosa Elena Bello has been a committed health care, adult education, and women's issues activist for almost 20 years in the port of San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua, working out of the Servicios Medicos Comunales (Community Medical Services). Dr. Bello started Servicios Medicos Comunales as an initiative to provide medical services to residents of San Juan del Sur and expanded the program into an educational project with adult literacy at its core. Building on this foundation, SMC has developed a unique community oriented literacy program. Responding to the request of basic literacy students to pursue secondary education, SMC created the High School Institute, providing free education and catering to the schedules of adults. Although the education is free, a...

In 1958, Dr. A.K. John returned to his hometown of Karthicappally, India, with a plan to launch an adult literacy program. He arrived from the United States bolstered by a new doctorate in theology and inspired by the teachings of world literacy pioneer Dr. Frank C. Laubach. LLET is ProLiteracy's longest continuing program partner -- this year marking the 50th anniversary of our partnership. Today, LLET can point with pride to a ground swell of evidence it has gathered as to the efficacy of adult basic literacy as a tool of solving problems and resolving social injustices. During the past 50 years, LLET has helped tens of thousands of newly literate men and women earn more income, improve family nutrition, and enjoy greater status and influences in the community. In each class, all learners are welcomed without regard for caste or religion. "The problems of illiteracy and poverty transcend social and religious boundaries. Our cause is universal." (Dr. A.K. John) Follow...

Parras, Mexico is a small eclectic town in the middle of the Mexican desert, located East of Saltillo. Sitting on an oasis in a dry, arid desert, Parras de la Fuente is particularly known for it's winery's and denim factories. In the midst of this small town ProLiteracy's partner, Nueva Vision, has found a unique and innovative way to utilize technology to further their cause and reach a large audience all over the world. The online radio station is maintained and updated daily, reaching over one million listeners. A variety of Spanish and English music is played and there are weekly discussions regarding social issues such as: literacy and education, political and legislative updates, cultural fairs and local events hosted by Nueva Vision, and interviews with other non-governmental organizations (NGO's) in Mexico and South America via Skype. " Radio Imagina " is run on a small lap top computer out of the "C...