The Cuban government is once again placing the spotlight on Fidel Castro in its educational propaganda just days before the 2026-2027 school year kicks off. Using the slogan "Fidel in Every Classroom," the regime attempts to highlight Castro's influence, while numerous families voice concerns about their children returning to schools plagued by power outages, food shortages, water issues, and a lack of school supplies.
The Cuban Ministry of Education announced on Wednesday with the message "See you in the classrooms!" accompanied by the hashtags "#FidelInEveryClassroom," "#September1st," and "#StartOfSchoolYear."
While the slogan seeks to celebrate the former leader's impact on the Cuban educational system, it has sparked an entirely different reaction among citizens who used the announcement to highlight the dire conditions under which the academic year is set to begin.
Parental Concerns and Criticism
One mother was adamant that she would not send her children to school if basic needs were unmet: "If they don't sleep well, they won't go. If they don't have a snack, they won't go. I'm the mother and the highest authority," she declared.
Another person stressed the importance of even more basic needs: "Let's at least hope there's water so the kids can attend class in proper hygiene."
Others listed the shortages that, in their view, turn the authorities' optimism into mere propaganda: "Without uniforms, backpacks, snacks, lunches, and with blackouts, but we'll see you in the classrooms. They have no shame."
Irony and Discontent
One internet user responded with irony to the celebratory tone of the announcement: "Oh, how lovely... I hear the trill of birds fluttering around us joyfully and violins playing a harmonious melody that intoxicates us with hope."
The hashtag "Fidel in Every Classroom" thus becomes an uncomfortable reminder for the official narrative.
For critics of the regime, it's not only the political image of Fidel Castro that will be present but also the enduring consequences of the system he led for decades. These are evident today in children who arrive at schools after sleepless nights due to outages, families struggling to prepare snacks, and homes dealing with water supply issues.
Public Outcry and Official Statements
As the regime ramps up promotion for the start of the new school year, criticisms have simultaneously intensified.
Several mothers have openly stated they won't send their children to school if minimum conditions aren't met, focusing their demands on rest, nutrition, water, and electricity.
The dissatisfaction stands in stark contrast to the words of Education Minister Naima Ariatne Trujillo Barreto, who recently claimed that the start of classes on September 1 would be "a great celebration in Cuba," despite acknowledging the "difficult situation" facing the country.
Families have been voicing the same concerns for days. Some mothers have warned that their children won't attend if power outages prevent them from getting adequate sleep.
Other Cubans responded to the official school year announcement by questioning, "With what electricity, with what water, with what snack?" challenging the authorities' insistence on presenting a crisis-conditioned school start as normal.
Criticism also emerged in response to messages from Miguel Díaz-Canel about school preparations, summarizing the situation as "a lot of will but few conditions."
Concerns About Education and Infrastructure in Cuba
What is the main slogan being used for the Cuban school year?
The main slogan being used is "Fidel in Every Classroom," highlighting Fidel Castro's legacy in the educational system.
What concerns are families expressing about the new school year?
Families are concerned about power outages, food shortages, water issues, and a lack of school supplies affecting their children's ability to attend school.
How has the public responded to the government's educational propaganda?
The public has responded with criticism and skepticism, highlighting the contrast between the government's optimistic propaganda and the harsh realities families face.