Alfalit - Literacy Programs

Inspired by the teachings of Jesus Christ to serve, Eulalia Cook, and Justo and Luisa Gonzalez founded Alfalit International, Inc. in 1961. Today Alfalit remains a faith-based, nonprofit organization, true to its founders’ mission: eradicate human suffering caused by illiteracy.

Alfalit offers programs in literacy, basic education, early childhood development/preschool, health, nutrition, job and skills training and community development to the poorest in 24 countries throughout Africa, Latin America, Europe and the United States. Alfalit reaches very poor and remote areas and provides high quality, cost-effective education with compassion and respect for the people we teach.

Alfalit has been described as the best program for illiterate youth and adults considered to be “nontraditional students” by sending teachers and facilitators, mostly volunteers or former Alfalit students themselves, to teach people in remote villages and public facilities in urban areas. Alfalit maintains high-quality training, testing and consistent evaluation of its teachers and facilitators to ensure student success. Rooted in a proven method supporting the goal of “Each One Teaches One,” the Alfalit approach means each one who learns to read and write is strongly encouraged to teach another.

85% of Alfalit students graduate from the Literacy program.

Beyond education, Alfalit provides job and skills training, programs in health and nutrition, agriculture, micro-business improvement through math and business instruction, courses in sewing and scholarships for students seeking to attend formal schools and universities. Alfalit’s work has been recognized with awards and honors from UNESCO, USAID, and at several White House events under Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama.