"My Cuban children are starting school for the first time in Madrid, and since becoming a mother, this will be the first time I won’t have to save up for several months to buy them a pair of shoes," says the emotional Cuban user @yexelagonzlez in a TikTok video.
From Spain, this emigrant mother reflects on the privilege of being able to experience this moment without anxiety: “This will be the first time I won’t worry about the food being bad and insufficient at school, this will be the first time that neither the school uniform nor the books are a topic of conversation at home.”
"This will be the first time that my only conversation the day before is to remind them to behave and enjoy the experience," she states in a tone that blends gratitude with the pain of migration.
But his testimony goes beyond the personal. "Today I thought a lot about the parents in Cuba; things as simple as school snacks are a challenge for a Cuban parent; things as trivial as providing a decent pair of shoes and some white socks are almost a utopia," he laments.
"Many parents in Cuba have emigrated to provide their children with simple things like a rechargeable fan to avoid suffering through blackout nights, and they have had to give up the invaluable experience of their children’s childhood," he adds.
The video, accompanied by the message “Cuban mothers deserve all the beauty and I send them my hugs,” generated hundreds of supportive reactions: “Just like you, I feel that way when I see the school year starting and I don’t have to buy anything because my daughter has everything. I can only think of all the Cuban mothers,” commented one user.
Another person wrote: “Congratulations and good luck to those champions. You will notice the profound difference,” while another reflected: “You have done everything possible to improve your family's life... and I also embrace the Cuban mothers and fathers.”
In June, this same mother had already shared a heartfelt testimony about the reasons that led her to emigrate, where she stated: “I was happy in Cuba… but when I became a mother, I understood that I had to leave my country” and “I don’t want to be a grandmother trapped in Cuba.”
The contrast between their current reality and that of millions of Cuban families has become even more pronounced with the start of the school year on the Island. While the government celebrated the return to classes as a collective achievement, Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez stated on social media that "today joy once again floods Cuban schools."
That statement sparked a wave of criticism and responses, as evidenced in the testimonies from parents who dismantled the official narrative with images of blackouts, shortages, and hardship.
In light of the scarcity of materials and conditions, citizen initiatives emerged such as the campaign led by activist Lara Crofs to assist Cuban children with notebooks, backpacks, and shoes, reminding us that “a notebook, a backpack, or a pair of shoes may not change the system, but it can change a child's life.”
Other testimonies like that of a mother in Camagüey who sees her child reliving his childhood during blackouts confirm that in Cuba, educating is also a form of resistance.
This school year has begun marked by the incomplete distribution of uniforms, notebooks for two subjects, and deteriorated schools, as acknowledged by the Ministry of Education itself.
In total, over 1.5 million students have returned to classes amid power outages, a shortage of teachers, and a lack of resources, according to official figures released by the Cuban government.
"In that context, the final message from @yexelagonzlez resonates strongly: 'From the fortune I feel starting a school year in Madrid on Monday, I also thank the world for the joy of being here and being with my children.'"
Frequently asked questions about the impact of Cuban emigration and the start of the school year in Spain
Why did the Cuban mother decide to emigrate to Spain with her children?
The Cuban mother decided to emigrate to secure a better future for her children, as in Cuba she faced difficulties in providing them with basic necessities like a good education, suitable clothing and shoes, and an environment free from constant blackouts. Furthermore, she wanted her children to experience simple joys, such as going to a zoo or a water park, which were unattainable in Cuba.
What is the current situation of parents in Cuba regarding the start of the school year?
In Cuba, many parents face serious difficulties in sending their children to school due to the shortage of school supplies, appropriate clothing, and footwear. The economic situation on the island makes even providing a school snack a considerable challenge, and the conditions of the schools are affected by frequent blackouts and a lack of basic resources.
How does family separation impact Cuban mothers who emigrate?
Family separation is a significant emotional burden for Cuban mothers who emigrate, often having to leave their children in Cuba under the care of relatives while they seek a better future abroad. This decision, though painful, is made with the hope of securing a better future for their children, but it is not without criticism and a deep sense of grief due to the distance.
What initiatives have emerged in Cuba to assist students and their families?
In response to the lack of materials and adequate conditions for studying, citizen initiatives have emerged to assist Cuban children, such as the campaign led by activist Lara Crofs, which seeks to provide notebooks, backpacks, and shoes to Cuban students. These initiatives aim to alleviate, even if only partially, the difficulties faced by Cuban families.
Filed under:
