María Elena Díaz Suárez, a Cuban educator aged 89, conveyed in an interview her desire to witness Cuba "blossom once more" and return to what she described as “those times” marked by greater commitment to work and the revolution.
Her story was featured in a report on the YouTube channel Visión Tunera, which highlights her career as an educator from the province of Las Tunas. She explained that although she retired in 1996, she returned to teaching: "In 2000, when Fidel called, I immediately responded to that call,” she states in the video.
During the interview, Díaz Suárez reflects on her connection to teaching and what it means to her: “My life is the school. Working with children is my reason for being.”
At another point in her testimony, she voices her hope to witness positive change in the country before her passing and reminisces about what she considers periods of greater dedication to work and the revolution: “I wish to see my country flourish again before I leave, to return to those times that gave us so much life, so much commitment, to work, to the revolution.”
A snippet of this moment was later shared by the Facebook page CiberCuba Noticias, sparking numerous reactions among users.
Many comments criticized the notion of returning to that era, linking it to the nation’s current situation. One remark pointed out: “If you return to those times, the result of that work is the 2026 we see now.”
Other users rejected the idea of reverting to the past. “No, I don’t want to go back to anything, I want to move forward with freedom and prosperity,” wrote one person.
Additionally, some comments interpreted her words as nostalgic. “How sad, she still believes in the ‘Revolution’,” commented another user.
Some messages questioned the impact the educational system had on various generations, according to them. “It’s because of fanatics like her that fascist and murderous dictatorships like Cuba’s are forged,” a commenter stated.
On the other hand, messages emerged urging respect for the educator due to her age or professional career. “An elderly, elegant, and educated woman. Her ideals should be respected, that’s democracy,” affirmed a user.
Others highlighted her dedication to teaching and personal conduct. “This lady deserves all the recognition in the world,” expressed another comment, while someone else wrote: “She has never harmed anyone.”
The words of this teacher reflect a perspective still present in part of her generation, whose professional life unfolded over decades within the educational system established after the revolution, designed as a tool for political indoctrination and dissemination of the regime’s official narrative.
The reactions to the clip shared on social media, however, illustrate the stance of many Cubans who reject that legacy, blaming it for the economic crisis, lack of freedoms, and social deterioration plaguing the country.
Cuban Educational System and Its Legacy
What did María Elena Díaz Suárez express in her interview?
She expressed a wish for Cuba to "blossom again" and return to times of greater commitment to work and the revolution.
How did people react to her interview on social media?
Reactions were mixed; some criticized the idea of returning to past times, while others urged respect for her age and dedication to education.
Why do some people blame the educational system established after the revolution?
Many see it as a tool for political indoctrination and hold it responsible for the country's current economic and social issues.