In the town of Sumidero, in Limonar, Matanzas, teacher Idalmis faced humiliating treatment from Cuban government officials after she went viral on social media for transforming her porch into a makeshift classroom. This initiative aimed to ensure her students continued their education despite inadequate school facilities.
Instead of acknowledging her effort, authorities demanded she dismantle the learning space she had set up for her students.
Idalmis's story was brought to light on September 5 by journalist Christian Arbolaez. She had turned her porch into a classroom due to the deplorable condition of the local primary school, Rigoberto Corcho López, the only one in town. The school suffered from closed bathrooms, termite-infested woodwork, rotted beams, and a partially collapsed roof.
The situation garnered widespread attention, prompting Matanzas government officials to visit Sumidero. According to neighbors interviewed by Arbolaez, the visit included the Limonar's mayor, who reportedly arrived with an arrogant demeanor, ordering the removal of desks, chairs, and the dismantling of the classroom Idalmis prepared for the children.
Minimal Official Response
The official response to the underlying issues was inadequate. The local delegate was informed that "there were no resources to repair the school as needed." The limited measures taken included patching the roof, repairing some damaged doors, and updating the bathrooms before sending the children back to the school.
Parents remain worried. Arbolaez reports that they "fear the school's wooden beams are rotting and worry that the roof or tiles might collapse on the students."
"Ultimately, the complaint brought the authorities to Sumidero, but it didn't deliver the solution the school desperately needs," Arbolaez commented. "The saddest part is that Idalmis, who only wanted to help her students, ended up being the one mistreated."
Ongoing Safety Concerns
Parents' fears are not unfounded. In February, two children were injured when a ceiling tile fell in another structurally compromised Cuban school. Following the incident, authorities inspected the building, claiming "the center's ceilings are in good condition," including the one that fell.
One child needed three stitches, while both received a general check-up before being discharged.
Public complaints about school conditions in Cuba typically lead to official visits to the schools, but rarely result in genuine improvements to the buildings' physical state. Those who attempt to independently address the regime's inaction often face repercussions.
Educational System in Decline
Many teachers are leaving their positions. The teacher exodus and educational collapse worsened at the start of the 2026-2027 school year, which began on September 1 with a national shortage of approximately 24,000 teachers—12.5% of the positions needed—and only 73% teacher coverage.
Compounding the issue are the power outages affecting the country and the scarcity of resources. Some schools, accommodating hundreds of students daily, opened without access to potable water.
FAQs on Cuba’s Educational Crisis
What prompted teacher Idalmis to create a makeshift classroom?
Idalmis set up a makeshift classroom on her porch because the local primary school was in a state of disrepair, with closed bathrooms, termite-infested woodwork, and a partially collapsed roof.
How did the government respond to the makeshift classroom?
The government officials demanded that the makeshift classroom be dismantled, providing only minimal repairs to the existing school without addressing the fundamental issues.
Are the safety concerns in Cuban schools justified?
Yes, concerns are justified. Previously, children have been injured in schools due to structural failures, highlighting the ongoing risks in educational facilities.
What is the current state of teacher availability in Cuba?
Cuba is facing a significant teacher shortage, with a national deficit of about 24,000 teachers, leading to only 73% of teaching positions being filled.