The Nicaraguan Literacy Crusade

The Nicaraguan Literacy Crusade, like many other aspects of the Nicaraguan Revolution, is highly controversial. Its objectivesto extend to all Nicaraguans the social and economic benefits of the Sandinista Revolution, to teach more than 50% of the population how to read so they can help improve the agricultural and industrial sectors, and to lay the foundation for a permanent program of adult educationhardly seem controversial. The reason for the controversy is the highly political nature of the Literacy Crusade and the partisan nature of that political involvement. This article discusses the planning, organizing, implementation, and teachings of the Nicaraguan Literacy Crusade and speculates about its political impact.