The academic year in Cuba kicked off on September 1, yet six-year-old Félix Berto, diagnosed with moderate autism and intellectual disability, was left out of the classroom. This situation arose after the Cuban Ministry of Education refused his enrollment in a specialized school, as revealed by his mother, Dr. Yislainet Lara, who holds a doctorate in Stomatology.
In a heartfelt social media post, Dr. Lara called for support to shed light on her son's plight. "The Cuban Ministry of Education has decided to overlook, thereby stripping him of his legitimate and universal right to attend an educational institution," she expressed on Facebook alongside a photo of Félix wearing his school uniform.
The anguished mother further stated her desire for "the entire world to know about this injustice and violation of the rights of children and individuals with disabilities." Despite having a medical certificate that confirms Félix's diagnosis—a document she also shared online—educational authorities sent him back home, suggesting that the community, rather than a school, should be responsible for his care.
"It's like taking away these children's opportunity to awaken and improve, at least during their primary years," she lamented in a video posted on her Facebook profile. Clearly frustrated, she pointed out that even children with more severe conditions, like cerebral palsy, are entitled to schooling worldwide.
"How much more, then, should my son be entitled to the same right? I'm determined to keep fighting because he needs it; ever since he was one year and three months old, he has been receiving stimulation outside our home, and I know that school is the best place for him," she emphasized.
Dr. Lara's complaint stands in stark contrast to the official narrative celebrating the start of the school year in Cuba as an "educational festivity." For her, however, the day was marked by exclusion and uncertainty over when Félix might finally join his peers in the classroom.
Coincidentally, the Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel applauded the new school term on social media platform X, describing it as "one of the most beautiful and vital achievements of the Revolution." Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez remarked that "joy once again fills Cuban schools," highlighting that over 1.53 million students have commenced classes across the nation.
Nevertheless, while the Cuban state touts celebrations and proclaims inclusion principles in its Constitution and the Human Rights Convention it claims to uphold, Félix Berto's reality tells a different story—one of a child with disabilities being denied the right to learn, socialize, and grow alongside his peers.
Understanding Education Rights for Children with Disabilities in Cuba
What is the current situation of education for children with disabilities in Cuba?
Despite official claims of inclusion, children with disabilities like Félix Berto are often denied access to specialized education, highlighting a significant gap between policy and practice.
What action did Félix Berto's mother take?
Dr. Yislainet Lara made a public appeal via social media, sharing her son's story and calling for global awareness and support against the injustice he faces.
What is the Cuban government's stance on education for all?
The Cuban government publicly celebrates educational achievements and inclusivity, though cases like that of Félix Berto suggest discrepancies in the implementation of these values.