Nicaragua: A Literary Crusade by Natalie Orozco

This documentary chronicles the Sandinista National Liberation Front’s mission to eradicate illiteracy in Nicaragua in 1980. The Nicaraguan Literacy Crusade occurred immediately after the fall of the Somoza dictatorship in 1979 and lowered the illiteracy rate in the country from 50% to 12% within a period of 6 months. After four decades under dictatorship, it was clear the regime relied on an uneducated population to maintain control and exploit farm workers. Inspired by the educational theories of Paulo Freire and other Latin American literacy campaigns, the Sandinistas launched a nationwide literacy campaign to empower citizens, particularly farm workers, by teaching them to read and write. The film utilizes archival footage from the Nicaraguan Institute of Cinema to document the widespread participation and profound impact of this movement, highlighting how it fostered class consciousness and solidarity.

Amidst subsequent U.S. intervention, this historical moment has often been overshadowed and excluded from the historical narrative. The documentary aims to celebrate the victories and sacrifices of the revolution's heroes and martyrs, emphasizing the crucial role of education in achieving liberation. As a librarian I feel a deep connection to this movement, underscoring the power of education and knowledge in transforming lives. By translating interviews and presenting this story in an accessible and engaging format, the documentary seeks to amplify the voices of those involved and honor the legacy of Nicaraguan ancestors.