Cuba is set to commence the new school year as scheduled despite facing a significant crisis impacting transportation, electricity, teacher availability, and the supply of essentials like uniforms. The country’s education minister announced that nearly 1.4 million children and adolescents will return to school in September.
Acknowledging the challenges, Education Minister Naima Trujillo emphasized the importance of proceeding with the academic year despite the difficult circumstances. The crisis has deepened since June, when students were let out of school early due to issues with transportation and power, exacerbated by increased sanctions from the U.S. government under President Donald Trump.
The U.S. has imposed additional sanctions on Cuban officials, alleging anti-American activities and intensifying pressure on the communist leadership in Cuba. In response, Havana has accused the U.S. of attempting to harm its economy and hinder the provision of essential services.
Although Cuba has long prided itself on its free and universal state education system, severe shortages, exacerbated by U.S. sanctions, have raised doubts about its sustainability. Official statistics indicate that teacher coverage in Cuban schools has dropped to 73%, with many educators leaving the profession for better opportunities elsewhere.
To address the staffing shortages, the education sector plans to recruit university students, professionals from other fields, and retired teachers, while providing additional incentives to retain staff. In critical areas like Havana province, where staffing shortages are acute, approximately 3,000 teachers will be relocated from regions in eastern Cuba with better teacher availability.
The scarcity of school uniforms has also been a challenge, with only 12% of the demand for primary school children being met due to ongoing power outages affecting production facilities. The education minister encouraged schools to be accommodating by allowing students to attend in casual attire along with their signature red neckerchiefs.