Cubans Reflect on Pioneers' Oath: "That's What We Said, and Now We're All in the States"

A video capturing a ceremony of young pioneers in Holguín, shared by Joel Queipo Ruíz, the first secretary of the Communist Party in the province, has sparked a wave of satire and criticism among Cubans both on the island and abroad. The clip highlights the stark contrast between the children's pledge of loyalty to communism and the ongoing mass exodus from Cuba.

The footage shows the children reciting in unison: "Study, work, and fight. Inspired by the example of the nation's heroes. To be worthy heirs of the glorious Communist Youth Union. Pioneers for communism, we will be like Che!"

Among the over 100 comments on the post, a common sentiment emerged from a generation disillusioned with their upbringing: "That's what everyone in my class used to say, and now we're all immigrants," noted one user. Another added with sarcasm, "Three Doritos later, we're all in Miami."

The slogan "Pioneers for Communism, We Will Be like Che!" was adopted by the José Martí Pioneer Organization in 1968 and remains a cornerstone of the political indoctrination of children that the regime enforces from an early age.

Comments went beyond irony, with several users questioning the real living conditions of these children as they chant praises to communism. One user challenged, "Ask how many kids had a bit of milk and a piece of bread for breakfast and how many slept without being bitten by mosquitoes." Another elaborated, "Did they sleep through the night, did they rest with electricity, air conditioning, fans, did they have meat, beans, rice, milk, ice cream, yogurt, juices for dinner... what did they have for breakfast...?"

One comment harshly summarized the critique: "To be worthy heirs of blackouts and trash, a macabre system that cooks your brain with lies from innocence."

Many users labeled the practice outright: "Brainwashing from a young age," "Pure indoctrination, I don't know how they're not embarrassed to post these videos," and "Abusive indoctrination... instead of letting each child grow and choose as they understand society."

One commentator mentioned Jenny Sotolongo's case, "the girl from the rallies," used by Fidel Castro as a propaganda figure in the '90s: "She was indoctrinated by Fidel and now sings for Cuba's freedom."

Sotolongo, now exiled in Houston, Texas, released a song titled "The Voice They Lent Me" on June 1, dedicated to Cuba's freedom, symbolizing the contradiction brought to light by the video.

Over a million Cubans emigrated between 2021 and 2025, and 93% of those surveyed in 2026 expressed a desire to leave "tomorrow if they could." One hopeful comment noted, "Soon those children will be free and able to see their emigrated parents in a free Cuba."

This video surfaces as Cuba's educational system faces its worst crisis in decades. The 2025-2026 school year commenced with a shortage of about 24,000 teachers, leaving one in eight positions unfilled. The government preemptively closed the school year from June 15 to 30 due to "logistical limitations," including blackouts, and shortages of fuel and food.

In March, power outages impacted 63% of the electric demand, leading to class suspensions in Havana. Despite the crisis, days later, Havana's schools organized "anti-imperialist tribunals," featuring children dressed as judges to accuse the United States, highlighting the regime's persistent indoctrination as the nation continues to empty.