Education Minister Luis Ignacio Gomez told the press on Thursday that Cuba is ready for the new school year that begins Monday September 3.

Gomez was enthusiastic about preparations. He noted that many schools had received repairs, school materials purchased in far off countries arrived on time and that the number of teachers continues to increase.

In a small number of cases where repairs have yet to conclude the children will start the year at other nearby schools, said Gomez. The minister noted that many workers had sacrificed their summer vacations to try and get the construction work done on time.

Jorge Hidalgo, deputy education minister, said each principals office receives a detailed list of all the resources supplied to them that makes known what materials correspond to each child in each grade level.

Hidalgo also informed that this year Cubas daycare centers will be equipped with 39 learning games as well as blenders, grinders, pots, pans, and a scale for their kitchens. He said the quota of art teaching materials, such as paints and modeling clay, was increased for the coming school year.

Meanwhile, distribution of sports equipment has begun for primary, junior and senior high school and polytechnic schools.

Source: By Joel Mayor Loran, Granma