The Communist Party of Cuba (PCC) highlighted as an achievement the return to classrooms of “almost one and a half million students” this Tuesday, despite the fact that the new school year began amidst blackouts, lack of teachers, shortages of uniforms and supplies, and even difficulties in ensuring students' meals.
The organization attributed much of the difficulties to the United States and maintained that, despite the problems, education will continue to be a priority.
“No obstacles have been lacking, exacerbated by the hostile policies of the empire, but the determination to overcome them and the right to education for the new generation is —and will continue to be— a priority in Cuba,” the message stated, accompanied by the tag “#CubaEstáFirme.”
The words of the PCC also sparked critical comments from users who questioned why the start of the course was presented as a victory when basic issues persist.
"Without breakfast, without sleep, the biggest obstacle is the PCC," wrote one of the internet users.
Another user recounted an even more specific situation during the first day: "Today was the first day of the course, and by 11 in the morning, students were already in the streets because there are no teachers, and even less so any snacks or lunch to attend classes all day."
From Havana, another internet user reported a shortage of materials at a specific center: "At the Fructuoso Rodríguez Primary School in La Lisa Municipality, first grade has no workbooks and only one textbook per table. What solution is there?"
Another comment summarized the conditions that, according to its author, many minors face: "Unable to sleep due to the heat and mosquitoes because of the blackouts, with their stomachs pressed against their spines from not having breakfast, yet 'Proudly' preparing for the future."
The triumphalist speech contrasts with the conditions acknowledged just hours earlier by the Minister of Education, Naima Ariatne Trujillo Barreto, who admitted that the 2026-2027 school year would begin under "very difficult" conditions.
Among the problems, he mentioned the lack of uniforms, limited availability of notebooks and other materials, difficulties in filling teaching positions, and serious challenges in sustaining school meals.
The minister acknowledged that it was not possible to ensure uniforms for all students and that the notebooks will be distributed under a “basic adjusted standard.”
To address the shortage of teachers, the Ministry will turn to university students, students from education programs, former workers in the sector, and professionals from other fields.
The Education Minister herself had previously acknowledged the impact of those nights without electricity on students and teachers: "After a night without power, going to school for the child [...] is a challenge."
The return to the classrooms coincided with one of the country's most critical electrical situations.
The Electric Union forecasted a peak demand impact of up to 2,310 MW for this Tuesday, after the deficit reached 2,323 MW on Monday, with blackouts persisting for 24 hours.
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