The Cuban ruler Miguel Díaz-Canel wished a happy start to the school year this Monday "to the children and youth of all of Cuba," a message that immediately received a response from several internet users who demanded transparency in his words.
"A hug to the teachers and workers in the Education sector, who prepared and opened the schools with all love and care," wrote on X the appointee of Raúl Castro.
A day earlier, he assured that "nothing will prevent Cuban schools from opening their doors on September 2 to more than one million six hundred thousand students. In the midst of an unprecedented economic blockade that ruthlessly damages the educational system, #Cuba will continue to bet on quality education for all."
However, more than encouraging, her words prompted reflection among several Cubans who are aware of the hardships and shortages that children, adolescents, and teachers face as they begin this school year.
"I imagine that this 'hug' is for the few teachers that remain, given that this new school year begins with a deficit of 24,000 teachers," said an internet user in the comments, highlighting a recurring issue in Cuban schools.
"Congratulations to those boys and girls who can start the school year today; there are mothers who couldn't buy backpacks that cost 8,000 and 10,000 pesos and shoes that are extremely expensive, not to mention the number of children who have nothing to snack on today," warned another user.
Critiques regarding the image posted by the Cuban leader were also read.
“Cuban children in showcases to deceive the world,” said an internet user, demanding that he show “the real ones.” She also asked him to tell the world “how you imprison Cuban mothers and fathers for asking for freedom and leave their children at the mercy of vices and addicts. Share the hardships that Cubans endure to visit their parents in your dungeons, while you go spend your birthday in Barbados on a plane with your whole family. Stone-faced, your miserable life won’t be enough to repay the damage you do to the Cuban nation.”
Comparisons with the abundant hotel infrastructure were also present, in a country where investments in tourism surpass those made in education.
"The Economic Embargo damages the educational system, the healthcare system, and the social security system of Cubans... the only thing it does not damage is the flourishing tourism sector and the hotels of GAESA," noted an internet user.
While another user added that "on September 2, the Luis Alberto Rodríguez López-Calleja primary school is being inaugurated, which we were able to build despite the cruel blockade," referencing the well-known Torre K, a hotel built in the middle of El Vedado in Havana.
A major outcry arose from another profile that suggested "resign now," calling him "immoral."
"It's not the blockade; it's that repressive totalitarian communism they imposed. In freedom and with free elections, this won't happen. Resign and give way to democracy and its error correction systems. Do a favor for that poor people," he wrote.
The truth is that despite the fanfare with which the authorities claim that "the essential methodological, technical, and logistical guarantees are in place," as Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz said on X, the reality is that the 1.6 million students in primary, secondary, and pre-university education across the country are called to the classrooms with 12.5% of teaching positions unfilled – this means one in eight – and without the majority of school uniforms being delivered.
Prior to this Monday, the date that marked the official start of the school year, a Cuban mother exploded on social media over the poor conditions of the classroom where her son will be teaching.
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