Lives - Jose Marti and Cuban Educator Leonela Relys Diaz

A window on the Latin American continent, as seen through the eyes of people, either well known or ordinary individuals, who give the viewer an insight into the essence of the region. Today's program begins with a look at the life and accomplishments of Cuban independence hero Jose Marti on the 162nd anniversary of his birth. Marti, also known as the Apostle, was also an author and poet, and a prominent forerunner of literary modernism in Latin America. Then a report on Cuban educator Leonela Relys Diaz, who created the world-renowned literacy program "Yes, I Can". The program, successfully applied in 28 countries across the globe, most recently in Venezuela, was given the King Sejong award by UNESCO for its contribution to eliminating illiteracy. Thanks to "Yes, I Can", eight million people from 30 different nationalities have been taught to read and write. Relys died on January 17, 2015 in Havana, Cuba. teleSUR