6-08-06, 10:06 am

Havana, June 7 (ACN).- Participants in the International Literacy Congress being held in Havana urged UNESCO to adopt a Cuban literacy method known as the 'Yo Si Puedo' (Yes I Can) program.

Argentinean Claudia Camba --who spoke on behalf of the International Support Front in favor of the Cuban initiative which has already been successfully applied in over 15 countries-gave a UNESCO representative a petition with over 2,000 signatures endorsing the request.

University officials, academics, journalists, small farmers, workers and social organizations have demonstrated their support for this simple yet scientific method of mass literacy, which in a short period can reach the objective of a quality education for all, said Camba.

Camba spoke during the first day of sessions in the International Seminar on Literacy Policies and Programs which will run until Friday at Havana's Convention Center with some 600 delegates from over 30 nations. 'Yes I Can' is --above all-- a program of social inclusion which offers the traditionally excluded sectors the best tool to fight against exploitation, because those who do not know how to read of write are condemned to the worst form of slavery, said one of the Argentinean politicians. 'We can even witness a change in the way they talk, dress and interact with other people, said Jorge Obey, a governor from Argentina, as he thanked the Cuban people, the government and President Fidel Castro for their solidarity, love and cooperation in the field of education. Testimonies of the efficiency of the 'Yes I Can' program, which includes the use of audiovisual equipment, were given by representatives of the Dominican Republic, New Zealand, Bolivia, Ecuador, and Mexico, among others.