Roberto Morales Ojeda, a prominent figure within Cuba's Communist Party, sparked a wave of criticism on social media following his message for International Student Day. Many Cubans questioned his encouragement to "seize opportunities" in a nation plagued by shortages and hopelessness.
As a Member of the Political Bureau and the Secretary of Organization of the Communist Party of Cuba, Morales Ojeda described the occasion as "a day of celebration, collective opportunities, and gratitude to a nation that has expanded the concept of being a student."
"Regardless of the shortages, the limitations, and a fierce blockade that significantly impacts student life, we will continue to strive to keep the doors of knowledge and opportunities open for everyone," stated Morales Ojeda, seemingly unaware that a significant portion of the youth is eager to emigrate.
He further claimed that Cuba, a small country in the global south, is capable of providing high levels of education and free access to higher education, commending the students for understanding the historical moment they are living through.
However, the overly optimistic tone of his message led to a flood of responses on Facebook. Users voiced their frustration at what they see as rhetoric detached from the harsh realities of the country.
"With an empty stomach," wrote user Orlando Pedraja. Another, José Ramón García, retorted, "Most will dream of emigrating. No one wants to study to go hungry. Enough is enough."
Other comments directly criticized the failure of the educational model and the tough conditions facing young Cubans. "We congratulate them and encourage them with a blackout all night," Pedro Michel León remarked sarcastically.
Yasser Torriente denounced the hypocrisy of the official discourse: "A government exposes its incompetence when it normalizes misery and punishes those who refuse to live in disgrace as if it were a virtue."
In a similar vein, Rafael Barreto pointed out that the regime repeatedly uses the "blockade" as a constant excuse. "The blockade is mentioned incessantly, like a mantra. It shapes the minds of many, both inside and outside of Cuba, who still believe it is to blame for the disaster," he commented.
The public reactions highlight the growing social discontent on the island, where thousands of young people are abandoning their studies or emigrating due to economic despair, frequent power outages, food shortages, and low wages.
Despite these challenges, the regime's top officials continue to laud the "achievements" of the Revolution in education, while the population endures one of the deepest crises in decades.
Impact of Cuba's Educational Policies
Why are Cuban students expressing discontent with the educational opportunities?
Cuban students are frustrated due to economic hardships, frequent power outages, and scarcity of resources, which make the pursuit of education challenging and unappealing. Many seek to emigrate for better prospects.
How does the Cuban government justify the current state of education in the country?
The government often cites the U.S. embargo as a major factor hindering progress, while emphasizing the country's ability to provide high levels of education and free access to higher learning despite these challenges.