The Cuban TikTok user @soy_martinez.art shared a video in which he ironically documents his experience during lunchtime at the Faculty of Medical Sciences in Bayamo, in the province of Granma.
"Join me for lunch at the university," she says at the beginning of the video, as she is seen standing in line with other young people in uniform. "As is customary in Cuba, we stand in line for everything, but well, we're going to skip the line," she remarks before entering the dining hall with her tray.
According to him, they hand out little slips of paper to be able to have lunch. Once inside, he describes the menu with sarcasm: “steamed dry Eastern seeds, chickpeas soaked in water, and South American tubers boiled without salt.” He then adds, “there's no missing the suicide attempt with a stone in the rice.”
"Such is the lunch schedule at my third-world university," she concludes, before deciding with a friend—playing "rock, paper, scissors"—who will carry the trays.
The post has generated hundreds of comments. Some users expressed outrage at the food conditions depicted, while others shared similar experiences and highlighted the effort involved in studying in Cuba.
"For those who say that in other countries you have to pay for your education, I tell them that upon graduating, you will earn enough to make it worth paying for. In Cuba, you pay with tremendous effort, shortages, and sacrifice, only to end up with a salary that you can’t survive on for even a week or to finish with a degree hanging on the wall and working in a café," wrote one person.
Another person added: "And what do you think, that in Cuba it's free? That's what they sell to the world (from seventh grade, you work in the fields without pay, and after you graduate, you have to work where they send you, and they tie you down in such a way that you can't leave the country without a permit. Do they call that free? I don't think so."
There were also messages of support and admiration. “And yet, as a Venezuelan, I can say that despite so many shortcomings, you all become excellent professionals. It's admirable how, despite the difficulties, you manage to move forward,” commented a user.
The author of the video confirmed that he studies at the Faculty of Medical Sciences in Bayamo, Granma.
It is not an isolated incident
In July 2024, an image of lunch at the Faculty of Medical Sciences of Santiago de Cuba was shared on Facebook: rice, watery beans with bugs, and plantain. “The hours of dedication, study, exams, and shifts deserve at least a good meal,” commented a doctor.
In May 2023, students from the University of Oriente, also in Santiago, displayed a tray with rice, peas, and half a loaf of bread. "That's every day," they stated.
A year earlier, in 2022, a young man from the University of Matanzas posted a picture of his lunch: rice with beans. “There’s nothing else. Surprise: there’s no main dish,” he wrote. He also expressed regret that the only alternative is private vendors' kiosks, which are unaffordable for many due to their prices.
Frequently Asked Questions about Food and Conditions in Cuban Universities
What are lunches like at Cuban universities?
Lunches at Cuban universities often consist of basic, low-quality foods, such as rice, beans, and tubers without seasoning. Students have documented the lack of protein and the overall poor quality of the food, which has sparked outrage and comments on social media.
What do students think about the quality of education and the conditions in Cuba?
Despite the material and food shortages, many students and citizens acknowledge that Cuba produces good professionals. However, they criticize that this effort is not rewarded with decent salaries or adequate working conditions, which leads many to seek opportunities outside the country.
What is the economic and labor landscape like for graduates in Cuba?
The economic and labor landscape for graduates in Cuba is discouraging. Despite receiving free education, low wages and poor working conditions do not allow professionals to live with dignity. Many are forced to work in informal jobs or abroad to maintain an acceptable standard of living.
What alternatives do Cubans have in the face of scarcity and low wages?
In the face of scarcity and low wages, many Cubans turn to informal work or rely on remittances from abroad. The Cuban State does not provide effective solutions, which forces the population to seek additional income through small private businesses or support from relatives overseas.
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