The Cuban regime reaffirmed the central role of political-ideological work in university education through a national workshop that brought together administrative, political, and student leaders from the 40 universities across the country.
The event focused on strengthening the leadership of these institutions and enhancing the teaching of values, principles, and the application of science in educational processes, according to a report from the National Television Newscast (NTV).
“It's a crucial moment for us to share these experiences with all training centers and, of course, to also offer our insights regarding the political-ideological preparation of university students at the University of Oriente, which is our main focus of work,” stated an official from the prestigious higher education institution in Santiago de Cuba.
The workshop covered 14 fundamental preparation topics, including the response to the U.S. embargo, the use of social media, and the fight against so-called "cultural colonization." In this last area, officials from the official cultural sector Abel Prieto and Miguel Barnet participated, offering a specific session on the topic.
During the event, there were also interventions from ministers and leaders of political organizations, who analyzed the role of their institutions in the ideological preparation of students and emphasized the importance of political training as a key responsibility in preparing future professionals for Cuban society.
The workshop will conclude next Saturday and is part of the Cuban regime's efforts to maintain ideological control within academic institutions, in a context where social media and access to independent information challenge the official narrative.
This event is part of the political and ideological transformation program approved by the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba in October 2021. This program prioritizes the education of young people in the "defense of the Revolution" and the consolidation of political thought in the classroom.
Additionally, in December 2024, the Cuban government reaffirmed the importance of intensifying this indoctrination work as one of the priorities for 2025, highlighting the use of digital technologies and ideological surveillance within educational spaces.
Ideological control in higher education: The regime strengthens its influence in the classrooms
The prioritization of political-ideological work in Cuban higher education reflects the regime's intention to perpetuate its influence on new generations, a concern that permeates all its policies and decisions.
While in other countries universities prioritize scientific research, innovation, and freedom of thought, in Cuba there remains a commitment to an educational model focused on training citizens loyal to the political system.
The emphasis on the "defense of the Revolution" and on the control of social networks highlights the government’s concern about the increasing influence of independent information sources and about young people's access to alternative discourses.
Ideological surveillance in the university setting, rather than promoting critical thinking, limits the diversity of opinions and reinforces dependence on the State in professional training.
This type of initiative also highlights the lack of academic autonomy in Cuban universities, as their educational work is subordinate to political guidelines.
In a global context where higher education aims to prepare students for the challenges of the future, the educational policy of the Cuban regime remains anchored in an ideological control framework that restricts free thought and openness to the world.
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