An old pedagogical school in Cuba that is now in ruins has caused sadness among its former students and teachers, who suffer at the sight of what remains of a place where they experienced happy times.
The Camila Henríquez Ureña Pedagogical Branch, located in the municipality of Caimito, Artemisa, where the first groups of the Manuel Ascunce Domenech Pedagogical Detachment were trained, is now completely abandoned.
"How sad it is to remember what you once were; anyone who studied here must have very good memories of this place. Many truly great professionals came from this school and others like it. When I tell my story to my children, I will have to share many memories and many true friends who emerged from this place. (...) To those who are no longer here, like some teachers, I honor their indisputable professionalism with my words," shared Diosvani Orta on his Facebook wall.
The post generated numerous comments from former students and staff of the center who today lament its deterioration, a reflection of the decline of education in Cuba.
"My God, so many memories and a story, all shattered," "What a disaster, this is how every institution in this country ended and will continue to end," "Anyone who saw it before and sees it now, doesn’t it make you want to cry?" or "I spent my last year of high school there, it's sad to see what it used to be and that today it is completely abandoned and neglected like many others," were some of the testimonials.
Founded in 1975, little remains of what was once the cradle of the Rubén Martínez Villena Higher Pedagogical Institute, where thousands of young people trained as educators during a time when the government boasted about its educational system.
Surrounded by weeds, with its windows vandalized and its structures damaged, the building, long forgotten by the authorities, still stands despite the passage of time, amid fallen trees and others that threaten to collapse onto the property.
"Total destruction, if the branch looks like this in plain sight for everyone, just imagine C3, lost in the mountains and the jungle, completely destroyed, and the ones that are operational are prisons," denounced Raúl Capote from Artemisa.
"I saw it from the very first steps of its construction, I graduated there with a degree in Primary Education, with excellent teachers. It was the pride of the region, it was respected and well cared for..." recalled a teacher.
"It's sad that, like that, almost all changes, whether due to regionalism or whatever, have been for the worse. Instead of maintaining and improving, everything has deteriorated. Well, what can I say, that's how it has happened with everything," lamented another former student.
"What many do not know is the immense number of books, notebooks, etc., that were lost—or rather, that they allowed to be lost—very valuable books; this is the harsh reality," revealed a resident of Caimito.
"Those of us who saw it blossom, grow, and bear good fruit, in addition to the many other services it provided to the community, now find it uncomfortable to witness its state of abandonment and deterioration," expressed a resident of Havana.
"It was a gem, with beautiful gardens. I inaugurated it in 1975, wonderful memories," said a professor.
A former deputy director of the school expressed that seeing it feels like losing a beloved family member. "I feel nostalgia, melancholy, but an anger that overwhelms me. (...) How can they stand by in the face of such destruction! Truly, this is how my heart feels. Generations of students and teachers have given their best for so many years," she noted, reflecting on the place she felt so proud of.
"Today I feel just like her, wilted, destroyed, as if something inside me has died. I even feel a longing for the little dogs I lived with and fed so much! And doesn't it hurt anyone? That's just how we are," she emphasized.
"But what happened there, it's such a sadness to see schools that once were icons of education in Ceiba or Caimito in such a deplorable state. In the theater of the branch, how many events were held," reminisced a Cuban from Miami.
"How far does the neglect towards the people go? According to them, everything belongs to the people, but what actually happens is that the people's needs are left unattended while only a few hotels and the casas de los pinchos are kept running," criticized another person from Amsterdam.
"The school you had to walk along the edges because the floor was always spotless, a Biology lab that was unnecessary, first-class teachers," detailed another graduate.
"And with such a need for housing, people are living in overcrowded conditions and no one seems to care," pointed out a resident of Artemisa.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Deterioration of Schools in Cuba
What has happened with the Camila Henríquez Ureña Pedagogical Branch in Caimito?
The Camila Henríquez Ureña Pedagogical Branch is in a state of disrepair, causing sadness among former students and teachers. This school, once a benchmark in teacher training, has fallen victim to neglect and lack of maintenance, experiencing deterioration that worsens over time.
What is the overall condition of schools in Cuba?
The condition of schools in Cuba is concerning, with numerous educational centers showing signs of structural wear and lack of maintenance. Incidents such as partial collapses are common, putting the safety of students and teachers at risk.
What impact has Hurricane Rafael had on the schools in Artemisa?
The hurricane Rafael caused significant damage to at least 157 educational institutions in Artemisa. The main impacts include deterioration of roofs, ceilings, and carpentry, further complicating the situation of educational infrastructures in the region.
How does the deterioration of schools affect Cuban students?
The deterioration of schools in Cuba severely impacts students, who must conduct their academic activities in precarious conditions. This includes safety issues and a lack of adequate resources, which hinders their learning process.
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