Alfalit Historical Timeline
Every teacher a student. Every student a teacher.
Eulalia Cook and Justo and Luisa Gonzalez established Alfalit headquarters in Costa Rica. Using the Laubach method as a basis for teaching, Justo and Luisa Gonzalez wrote Alfalit’s first instructional books that are still used today.
The original books were published through the Florida Methodist Women’s Bishop Branscomb Fund, with the effort spearheaded by Mrs. Vail Weems, President of the Women’s Society at the time.
1943
Dr. Frank Lauback, a world-literacy pioneer, presents the Laubach method in Latin American and Cuba.
This method proved to be one of the most successful strategies in teaching an illiterate individual to read, write and do math within a few months.
1943
In the same year, Eulalia turned to Cuban educators Justo Gonzalez and his wife, Dr. Luisa Garcia Gonzalez, to assist her with the literacy program.1961
Alfalit is born. Eulalia Cook and Justo and Luisa Gonzalez established Alfalit headquarters in Costa Ria. Using the Laubach method as a basis for teaching, Justo and Luisa Gonzalez wrote Alfalit’s first instructional books that are still used today.
The original books were published through the Florida Methodist Women’s Bishop Branscomb Fund, with the effort spearheaded by Mrs. Vail Weems, President of the Women’s Society at the time.
1963 – 1974
1968
1975
Alfalit International Headquarters established. In 1975 Alfalit International, Inc. is recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as a nonprofit organization, and the organization is registered with the state of Florida.
Roberto Perez becomes the first President.
1983
1990
A premier partnership begins with Läkarmissionen, a Swedish humanitarian foundation.1992
1993
2000
2002
USAID partners with Alfalit to provide programs in Angola and Bolivia.2004
2004
2006
2006
2011
2011
Roberto P. Perez, Alfalit’s President, received the Presidential Citizens Medal from U.S. President Barack Obama at a White House ceremony for his involvement with Alfalit as a volunteer for over 40 years.
The medal is the second-highest civilian award given to United States citizens for exemplary deeds or services.
2014
2014
Rev. Roberto Perez retires as President of Alfalit and passes the baton to Joseph Milton.2015
President Joseph Milton announces the expansion of Alfalit Haiti and pledges to serve 8,000 students by the end of 2016.2015
2015
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For just $14 dollars a month, you can help eradicate illiteracy and end the cycle of poverty around the world.
Our Work has Global Impact
We do our best to reach and teach as many students as possible, wherever they may live. Some of our classes are held in old shipping containers in Liberia, under a mango tree in Mozambique, and in donated spaces. Where there is thirst for knowledge, Alfalit tries its best to deliver programs. Alfalit has been recognized by USAID as an organization committed to providing programs in the hardest-to-reach areas of post-conflict countries. Every year, we teach more than 120,000 in 15 countries. Alfalit provides its programs FREE OF CHARGE to all its students.
JUST $14 A MONTH CAN HELP
PROVIDE BASIC LITERACY SKILLS.
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Make a difference in the lives of children and adults in the United States and beyond. Alfalit’s free literacy and educational programs help enable women to build a better future themselves and their families.
