Over the past 50 years, thousands of Cuban literacy teachers have volunteered in countries such as Haiti, Nicaragua and Mozambique. Critics claim that this is motivated by the desire to promote socialist propaganda and the governments reputation in these countries. But Dr Jaime Canfux Gutiérrez, director of literacy at the Latin American and Caribbean Pedagogical Institute in La Ciudad Libertad, insists that this initiative is about promotion of Martis principle of literacy without borders. This is about education for everyone as a human right, no matter who you are or where you live. The Cuban programme continues to be adapted for use all over the world, including in Canada, Venezuela and among Maori people in New Zealand today. But, insists Professor Macdonald, the speed and extent of Cubas advances in literacy struggle to be replicated elsewhere without the same political commitment to education and social change. Furthering this argument, Bill Greenshields, the former president of the UKs National Union of Teachers, believes that the achievements of the Cuban education system are so inextricably linked to its socialist principles, that they remain unpalatable, and largely overlooked, by many governments not so disposed to Cubas politics.
Posted on: Fri, 02 Jan 2015 10:16:26 +0000