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.

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1943-2019 Alfalit Internationl's History

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

Alfalit literacy and basic education programs gain tremendous momentum across Central and South America.

1968

Alfalit expands to the Caribbean.

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

UNESCO awards Alfalit in Peru the First Prize for World Literacy.

1990

A premier partnership begins with Läkarmissionen, a Swedish humanitarian foundation.

1992

UNESCO once again recognizes Alfalit’s successes, this time for its programs in Guatemala.

1993

Alfalit becomes an official partner of several Ministries of Education across Latin America.

2000

Alfalit Angola established.

2002

USAID partners with Alfalit to provide programs in Angola and Bolivia.

2004

Due to the success of Alfalit’s first contract with USAID, the U.S. government partners with Alfalit to provide programs in the Dominican Republic.

2004

Methodist Bishop James Lloyd Knox raised funds to begin Alfalit’s programs in Mozambique.

2006

Alfalit Liberia begins operations with USAID support.

2006

Alfalit Bolivia is chosen as model program by First Lady Laura Bush and UNESCO.

2011

President Bush and First Lady Laura Bush visit Liberia and listen to the testimony of an Alfalit student who thanks them personally for the USAID – Alfalit partnership.

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

Alfalit – Dem. Republic of the Congo graduates its first French literacy class.

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

Alfalit South Sudan commences classes.

2015

Jessica Milton launches the Alfalit International Young Processionals Board to bring the next generation of leaders and volunteers into the work of Alfalit.

Help End the Cycle of Poverty

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.

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