A Cuban mother shared a photo on Facebook of the Gertrudis Gómez de Avellaneda Elementary School in Marianao, Havana, capturing a stark contrast to the regime's promises for the new school year: a vacant lot littered with debris and garbage, overgrown wild vegetation, a collapsed retaining wall, and a leaning power pole.
The post's author, Zea Gisselle, identified the school as her son's, located in what she described as a "marginalized neighborhood."
Her post directly challenged official statements: "Canel and the Cuban Presidency claim this school year will be a celebration. Well, then..." she wrote.
Zea also highlighted concerns about the quality of textbooks, printed in Mexico due to the incapacity of Cuba's printing industry: "We'll talk about the terrifying errors in the New School Improvement textbooks later, once they're handed out. That is, if there even are books or notebooks."
The Regime's Promises vs. Reality
The glaring disparity is hard to overlook. Education Minister Naima Ariatne Trujillo Barreto recently declared in Guantánamo that "September will be a celebration," while Díaz-Canel used the start of the new school term to deny that Cuba is in "collapse."
Communist Party leader Roberto Morales Ojeda echoed this optimistic rhetoric, although a resident from Matanzas refuted him in comments: "You must be a doctor in cynicism to talk about a school celebration. Today, Morales Ojeda spoke about it in a post and showed a classroom that I suppose was created with AI or from a model school. No classroom in Matanzas looks like that."
The post garnered reactions from citizens who recounted similar conditions in other schools. One mother mentioned that the Antonio Maceo School, on 102nd Street, "is in very poor condition, with a mountain of trash at the corner."
Mothers and grandmothers with children attending Gertrudis Gómez de Avellaneda expressed concern over its state.
"It's a farce to start the school year with schools in such conditions; that's communism," stated a hairstylist.
"What a lack of everything, and then with their special faces, they go on to talk nonsense to justify the unjustifiable. What a disgusting government, that's why I say these kids don't owe anything to the revolution," commented another user.
Another comment summed up the general sentiment: "Everything is destroyed. A country in ruins for those of us held hostage by the leadership."
Challenges Facing the New School Year
On August 21, just days before the school year began, a massive trash heap was reported next to a primary school in Holguín, with debris piled just meters from the school building.
The new school year starts on September 1 amidst a broad structural crisis: a shortage of at least 24,000 teachers, uniform production that covers only 20% of students, and power outages exceeding 20 hours daily.
According to the World Food Program, 48.5% of Cuban children aged six to 11 do not receive meals or snacks at school.
The previous school year had to conclude weeks earlier than scheduled, between June 15 and June 30, due to the energy crisis.
As the regime prepares what it calls a "celebration," Cuban mothers have announced they won't send their children if there is no electricity, potable water, lunch, or minimal rest conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cuban School Conditions
What problems are Cuban schools facing at the start of the new school year?
Cuban schools are dealing with issues such as significant teacher shortages, inadequate uniform production, and frequent power outages. Additionally, many school buildings are in disrepair and surrounded by garbage.
How is the Cuban government responding to the educational crisis?
The Cuban government is downplaying the crisis, with officials claiming that the new school year will be a celebration. However, many parents and citizens are skeptical, citing the poor conditions of the schools.
What are some citizens saying about the state of Cuban schools?
Citizens are expressing frustration and concern over the poor state of Cuban schools, criticizing the government for failing to address the issues and for presenting an overly optimistic view of the situation.