No Illiteracy in Nicaragua by 2008
Eradicating illiteracy by August 2008 is the maximum aspiration of the organizers of the literacy campaign being carried out in Nicaragua using the Cuban method "Yo Si Puedo" (Yes, I Can).

The announcement was made on Friday by the coordinator of the national crusade, Orlando Pineda, who briefed reporters on the results of the first stage of the campaign, implemented in 53 of the country´s 153 municipalities from March to June this year.

According to Pineda, 21,606 Nicaraguans learned how to write and read during those three months at 2,146 "classrooms", mainly at homes in the communities.

The "professor", as he is called affectionately, noted that the classrooms were equipped with a TV sets and a VCRs donated by the Cuban government, as a complement to the program "Yo Si Puedo".

"It is the shortest method in the world," said Pineda when explaining that people learn how to write and read in just 12 weeks, compared to other systems used in the country.

He added that the second stage, which will begin next Monday and conclude in September, will benefit 27,288 students in 76 municipalities so far, although they expect to enroll 30,000.