How Does Cuba Keep Its Schools Open Under an Oil Blockade?

“What do school kids do when there’s no electricity? In Cuba, families find a way.”

“I wake up early. We get everything ready for him: his snacks, his books. His uniform—we try to keep it clean,” said Dailén Digón Brito, a Cuban student’s mother.

“Where I live, one block has electricity and another block doesn’t. So we take turns, or we ask a neighbor to help us iron the uniforms,” Digón explained.

“At 5:00 a.m., we got up. He took a shower, had breakfast, and we got here at 6:30 a.m.,” said Digón.

“I can’t even explain all the work it takes to get everything ready. But anyway, everything’s ready to start school,” she added.

“Monday was the first day of classes in Cuba. Despite blackouts and shortages, 1.4 million students returned to school.”

“I have a rechargeable lamp and try to have him study early. You really have to prepare everything so they can study. What matters is that they keep learning,” said Patricia Domenech, a student’s mother.

“As parents, we have to focus on what matters most, making sure they learn and have everything they need,” Domenech emphasized.

“In elementary school, the blackouts never affected me. It was a little difficult at first, when the blackouts started. But I got used to doing my homework at school.”

“Now that I’m in middle school, I can do my homework in the afternoon, when I get home after lunch. Then I can play, read, or watch TV if there’s electricity,” said Samuel Orta Pacheco, a middle school student.

“Despite all the shortages because of the blockade, we’re a country willing to give it our all, and we’re ready for this new school year,” said Zulema Rodríguez Leyva, a preschool principal.

“I haven’t seen my classmates for about two months. Honestly, I’m really happy to be back here,” Samuel said.

“I’m happy to be in class, studying with my teachers,” said Emily Guerra, a middle school student.

“I’d like to be a soccer player. It’s a sport I’ve loved since I was little,” said David Morales Trejo, an elementary school student.

“I want to study economics, programming, or law,” Samuel explained.

“I’m starting ninth grade. I want to study at the Art School. I’ve always loved the world of theater,” said Emily Guerra.

“Do you love being a teacher?” asked Yohan.

“I love it,” replied Rafaela, an educator.

“Why?” Yohan asked.

“It’s my greatest pride to see them learning and showing what they know,” Rafaela explained.

“What I love most is interacting with the children, being with them all the time, seeing what they need, and giving them the care they deserve,” said Zulema Rodríguez Leyva.

“Because they are the hope for the world.”