A student from Guáimaro, attending the University of Camagüey—located about 50 miles away—spends approximately 1,000 pesos weekly solely on transportation. This figure excludes expenses such as food, study materials, or any additional costs associated with living away from home. Monthly, these expenses can surpass the income of his parents. In today's Cuba, "1,000 pesos could equate to about four pounds of rice or a liter of oil," according to a piece from the state-run newspaper Adelante. This highlights that pursuing education on the island has evolved from being a guaranteed right to a daily act of resilience.
Despite student residences being operational throughout the academic year, many students opt to return home weekly due to the inadequate conditions and insufficient food provided in the dormitories. Often, meals must be purchased from university cafeterias, adding an expense that not all can afford. Thus, the university not only serves as a place of learning but also becomes a financial burden that many families struggle to bear, with students often shouldering these costs themselves.
Balancing Work and Study
Adelante acknowledges that economic hardships compel many university students to work while attending classes. Numerous young Cubans are either primary breadwinners for their families or contribute significantly to household expenses, including their educational costs. Some students switch to evening courses designed for working individuals, while others may temporarily or permanently abandon their studies. Many, while still enrolled in day courses, take up jobs as waiters, mechanics, or sales assistants in private businesses, sometimes within the university itself.
The newspaper suggests that staying in school also hinges on the quality of prior education, as "the quality of students entering higher education from high school is currently compromised." The once-feared entrance exams have become merely a way to rank students wishing to attend university, with high school graduates having access, especially those who pass the three exams.
Challenges in Higher Education Access
There are instances where students are admitted to programs such as engineering, veterinary medicine, or law without taking entrance exams, a clear indication of declining standards. Some of these students eventually drop out, unable to keep up with the demanding coursework. Meanwhile, others struggle to remain in university, determined to study in Cuba and plan their future there, but often, they are the ones who cannot continue in a system where priorities seem misaligned.
For years, Cuban parents have increasingly shouldered the financial burden of improving their children's living and study conditions at university. Purchasing school supplies at exorbitant prices is a major challenge for families already grappling with rampant inflation, shortages of essential goods including food and medicine, and a government that has gradually deprioritized "social spending" in favor of investing in sectors like tourism.
Having a child in college can be a true ordeal. In addition to clothing, footwear, and other necessities, parents must secure a locker for their child's belongings and sometimes even small refrigerators to preserve food for the week. Official data from 2023 revealed that around 800,000 young Cubans are neither working nor studying. The dropout rate is alarmingly high, with nearly 20% of college students in Sancti Spíritus alone abandoning their studies.
Understanding the Educational Crisis in Cuba
Why are Cuban university students struggling to afford education?
Cuban university students face financial challenges due to the high costs of transportation, food, and study materials, which often exceed their families' incomes. This economic burden is compounded by inadequate living conditions in student residences and the need to purchase meals separately.
How does working impact Cuban students' education?
Many Cuban students must work to support themselves and their families, which can detract from their studies. Some switch to evening classes or drop out entirely, while others juggle both work and day classes, impacting their academic performance and well-being.
What are the implications of the declining educational standards in Cuba?
Declining educational standards mean that students may enter university without adequate preparation, leading to high dropout rates and a workforce that may lack necessary skills. This decline affects the overall quality of higher education and the country's future development.