A CIMEX branch in Havana promoted the sale of school supplies in dollars this Wednesday, just days before the start of the 2026-2027 school year. This announcement sparked numerous criticisms from people questioning how families can purchase these supplies when their salaries are paid in Cuban pesos.
The Habana Oeste branch of CIMEX published the promotion on Facebook and, ironically, invited customers to look for school supplies at Galería Parcela 70, located at Avenida 3ra and 70, in the Playa municipality.
The shared images show shelves with calculators, stationery items, and other school supplies.
However, as could be expected, the publication raised questions mainly focused on the fact that the marketing is conducted in a currency in which most Cuban workers are not paid their wages.
What Cuba do these people live in?, asked a user, pointing out that in the country, apparently, several parallel realities coexist.
Another reaction mocked: «Free education with material costs in USD and salaries in CUP, a marvel of the Cuban economy».
"Well, let them buy from the one who charges in dollars," wrote another person, while a mother questioned, "And what Cuban mother gets paid in dollars to go there and shop?"
There were also those who argued that basic supplies should be available in national currency so that more families can access them.
Other comments pointed directly to the cost of preparing a child for returning to school. "And with what salary do I buy the school supplies?" asked a user, while another noted: "You can't even cover a child's notebook in Cuba anymore."
The controversy arises amid other challenges faced by Cuban families at the start of the school year.
In Ciego de Ávila, the authorities recently acknowledged that the delivery of uniforms will prioritize only preschool, fifth, and seventh grades, while approximately 2,700 garments were still pending production.
The nutrition of students is another current concern.
In this regard, a Cuban mother questioned what children will be able to take as lunch to school and claimed to have found oil at 4,000 pesos and sausages at 1,200, prices that make even simple options difficult for many households.
Another personal calculation regarding the breakfast and snack expenses for a child placed the monthly cost at 10,160 pesos, not including lunch, meals, transportation, shoes, clothing, notebooks, or backpack.
Related videos:
Filed under: