Our vision

To Build on the success of our founders

Continue to deliver literacy, basic education and life-changing programs free of charge to the neediest populations around the world.

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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Alfalit International's History

2015

2015
Jessica Milton launches the Alfalit International Young Professionals Board to bring the next generation of leaders and volunteers into the work of Alfalit.

2015

2015
President Joseph Milton announces the expansion of Alfalit Haiti and pledges to serve 8,000 students by the end of 2016. Alfalit South Sudan commences classes.

2014

2014
Alfalit – Dem. Republic of the Congo graduates its first French literacy class. Rev. Roberto Perez retires as President of Alfalit and passes the baton to Joseph Milton.

2011

2011
Roberto P. Perez, Alfalit’s President, received the Presidential Citizens Medal from U.S. President Barack Obama for his involvement with Alfalit as a volunteer for over 40 years.

2011

2011
President Bush and First Lady visit Liberia and listen to the testimony of an Alfalit student.

2006

Alfalit Liberia begins operations with USAID support. Alfalit Bolivia is chosen as model program by First Lady Laura Bush and UNESCO.

2004

2004
Methodist Bishop James Lloyd Knox raised funds to begin Alfalit’s programs in Mozambique.

2004

2004
The U.S. government partners with Alfalit to provide programs in the Dominican Republic.

2002

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

2000

2000
Alfalit Angola established.

1993

1993
Alfalit becomes an official partner of several Ministries of Education across Latin America.

1992

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

1990

1990
A premier partnership begins with Läkarmissionen, a Swedish humanitarian foundation.

1983

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

1975

1975
Alfalit International Headquarters established and recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as a nonprofit organization. Roberto Perez becomes the first President.

1968

1968
Alfalit expands to the Caribbean.

1963 - 1974

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

1961

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Alfalit is born. Eulalia Cook and Justo and Luisa Gonzalez established Alfalit headquarters in Costa Rica, using the Laubach method as a basis for teaching.

1943

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Dr. Frank Lauback, a world-literacy pioneer, presents the Laubach method in Latin American and Cuba.

1943

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Dr. Frank Lauback, a world-literacy pioneer, presents the Laubach method in Latin American and Cuba.

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 17 countries. Alfalit provides its programs FREE OF CHARGE to all its students.

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Just $14 a month can help provide
basic literacy skills.

Make a
donation now

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 for themselves and their families.