Once again, Cuban authorities have turned educational institutions into platforms for political propaganda. This time, children and teenagers are being compelled to endorse a statement backing Nicolás Maduro's regime. The campaign has been orchestrated by the Ministry of Education across schools nationwide.
The event, officially promoted by the Ministry of Education (MINED), is portrayed as an act of solidarity with Venezuela. However, it is part of a nationwide signature-gathering initiative directed by the central government. The MINED clarified through social media that the activity is occurring in "all provinces from September 24 to 30." They emphasized, "Our signatures will add to our unwavering solidarity with the legitimate President Nicolás Maduro, his people, and his government, who are subjected to one of the most infamous campaigns by the empire."
In one official MINED post, it is stated that "Cuban students and educators affirm their support for the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela," accompanied by hashtags like #CubaConVenezuela and #CubaMined. Images shared on social media depict individuals signing documents backing the Venezuelan regime, as well as teenagers in high schools participating.
At the Máximo Gómez Báez mixed educational center in Camagüey, over 1,500 people endorsed the government-promoted declaration. Claudia Pérez Saladrigas, a twelfth-grade student, declared, "Cuba stands with Venezuela," while tenth-grader Oliangel Cruz Sánchez asserted, "we reaffirm our solidarity with the Venezuelan people and reject the illegal and unjust actions undertaken by the government of Donald Trump."
Signature collection events were also held at the Tomás David Royo Pre-University Institute in Plaza de la Revolución, Havana. According to their official Facebook page, students signed the "Declaration of the Cuban Revolution," which includes the phrase: "it is urgent to prevent a military aggression against the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela."
Even children participated in political activities. At the José Martí Primary School in Ciro Redondo, Ciego de Ávila, a morning assembly was held in support of the Venezuelan people, as shown in a social media post by Aleida Delgado. Although the children did not sign, they were present at the event.
Cuban journalist José Raúl Gallego has criticized this process on his Facebook profile, stating that "children and teenagers, mostly unaware of what is happening in Venezuela, are being led to take a political stance in state-organized events." He added that this is "another example of the indoctrinating and instrumental nature of education in Cuba."
These actions are part of a broader national political campaign. Official media reports indicate that the Communist Party launched an initiative for the entire Cuban populace to sign in support of Maduro. Roberto Morales Ojeda, the Secretary of Organization for the Central Committee, stated that once the process concludes, "the books containing signatures will be sent directly to the Venezuelan leader," with the expectation that "millions of Cubans will endorse them."
Understanding Cuba's Political Influence in Education
Why are Cuban schools involved in political campaigns?
Cuban schools are often utilized as venues for political campaigns as part of the government’s strategy to instill its political ideology in students from an early age.
What is the aim of gathering signatures in Cuban schools?
The goal is to demonstrate widespread support for Nicolás Maduro’s regime in Venezuela, as orchestrated by the Cuban government, which aligns itself with Maduro against perceived external threats.
How are students and educators responding to these campaigns?
While some students and educators may express support, others, including critics like journalist José Raúl Gallego, argue that these campaigns are manipulative and serve as tools for indoctrination.