Synopsis:

Puppets are a powerful tool to stir imagination, teach literacy, and motivate children and adults. Following the Mexican Revolution, the government launched a rural literacy program using puppetry to raise literacy and to communicate vital information on health and nutrition. Over time, however, this pedagogical tool morphed into mere (and enjoyable) entertainment. Libros para Pueblos, in collaboration with master puppeteers from La Bruja puppet theater in Humantla, Tlaxcala, has revived this tradition to promote reading among children, adolescents and adults in communities throughout the State of Oaxaca with tremendous impact.

This presentation will focus on different themes: You’ll see a brief slide show illustrating the 1920s Mexican literacy campaign, videos of children in different communities responding to the puppet presentations, a live puppet show, and a testimonial about the project’s impact. 

For more information, contact info@librosparapueblos.org

Presenters:

José Luis Zárate, Executive Director, Libros Para Pueblos. José Luis has more than 20 years of experience working for the non-profit sector in programs that contribute to improving the quality of life of socially and economically disadvantaged people.

Alberto Orozco, internationally recognized master puppeteer and founder of puppet theater and workshop, La Bruja, in Humantla Tlaxcala. https://www.facebook.com/labrujahuamantla/

Michael Bronn, member of Board of Directors, Libros Para Pueblos. After working in “family literacy” programs in the Oaxaca district of Los Angeles, Mike has six years of involvement with Libros Para Pueblos.