Anita's Revolution

Anita's Revolution is a work of historical fiction, primarily, but not exclusively, for young adults. The setting for the story is Cuba, 1961. One quarter of Cuba's six million people are illiterate; one million adults and half a million school-age children. Cuba's new government, led by Fidel Castro, is determined to give these illiterate people and the country a different future. But how? A national literacy campaign is planned and Cuban youth of all ages are called upon to volunteer as literacy teachers prepared to go wherever needed to live with or near the learners for months on end. The protagonist Anita, a 14-year-old girl, is one of the more than 100,000 young people who volunteer. Many, including Anita, endure primitive conditions, great challenges, and even dangers while on their assignments. On December 22, 1961 Cuba raised a flag in Havana's gigantic civic square proclaiming Cuba: Territory Free From Illiteracy. Due to the dedication and enthusiasm of those youth, illiteracy was almost abolished. The country was transformed. Anita's Revolution honours the potential of youth, and champions the importance of education and knowledge.