CISPES 2013 Literacy Brigade is in full motion! There are 13 students and teachers as part of this years’ brigade from all across the United States. Delegates have been collaborating with promoters of the National Literacy Program and visiting grade schools and literacy circles in both urban and rural areas of the country. It has been inspiring working with the Ministry of Education and the National Literacy Program in their efforts to eradicate illiteracy. The program is based on the Cuban Literacy model “Yo Si Puedo”, and delegates had the privilege of learning directly from Cuban delegation which is advising the Salvadoran Ministry of Education in their initial training. The importance of including social, political, and economic topics in the literacy program was one elements impressed many delegates. We have been witness to the socioeconomic struggle many people face, but despite their conditions, this program has significantly helped build a sense of community and compassion in areas with high violence rates along marginalized groups of people such as women and people living in rural areas. Hearing testimonies of associates has been inspiring and reapetedly they have told delegates that education is one step on the road to liberation and justice. From the young students that are teaching family members how to read and write, to the elderly participants that for the first time are being granted the tools they need to live with greater knowledge; it has been an eye opening experience for everyone in this brigade. Our presence has been warmly welcomed, and we have successfully motivated new participants as well as continuing students to utilize the skills this new government is providing them. Delegates have had the opportunity of meeting and working with mayors of different municipalities in order to understand how the National Literacy Program is essential in mobilizing communities. All of the delegates are excited to continue the work here in El Salvador and have already started thinking and planning on how they are going to share the amazing changes that are happening in El Salvador with their communities when they return to the United States.