Canberra, September 7, 2026. The Embassy of the Republic of Cuba in Australia received Jack Beetson, Executive Director of the Literacy for Life Foundation (LFL), this morning, accompanied by a delegation from that organization comprised of directors, teachers, and students, in a meeting aimed at further strengthening cooperation in education.
During the meeting, they discussed the potential for expanding collaboration based on the positive results achieved with the implementation of the Cuban "Yes, I Can" method in Australian Aboriginal communities. Professor Beetson explained the favorable impact the program has had on these communities, highlighting the sensitivity, commitment, and human qualities of the Cuban collaborators who have participated in its implementation. He also thanked Cuba for its continued support of literacy efforts among Indigenous peoples in Australia and other countries.
The Cuban ambassador to Australia expressed Cuba's appreciation to the Literacy for Life Foundation for its confidence in the Cuban method and for over a decade of uninterrupted cooperation. She emphasized Cuba's commitment to further strengthening educational ties with Australia, particularly for the benefit of the Indigenous population, and highlighted the importance of maintaining initiatives that contribute to human development and social inclusion, thus allowing for the continued expansion of this collaboration.
The results achieved since the implementation of the "Yes, I Can" method by LFL have been recognized in numerous forums. Currently, over 1,000 adult students have become literate, and more than 100 jobs have been created for First Nations individuals. Furthermore, the 60% retention rate, significantly higher than that of other adult literacy programs in Indigenous communities, was emphasized, demonstrating the effectiveness of the Cuban model adapted to the Australian context.
The Literacy for Life delegation that visited the Embassy will participate on September 8 in the ACAL 50-Year Symposium, a national event celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Australian Council for Adult Literacy (ACAL) and bringing together specialists, organizations, and professionals dedicated to adult education, literacy, and educational reintegration. LFL's presence at this forum provides an opportunity to showcase the Cuban-Australian experience and its contribution to human development in vulnerable communities.