A viral video circulating on social media captures a heated exchange between a teacher and several students who are voicing the severe challenges many young people encounter just to attend school daily.
The footage, shared by journalist Mario J. Pentón, shows the teacher questioning the students' absenteeism and warning that she will summon their parents to discuss academic issues.
However, one student responds by highlighting that many families endure conditions as dire, if not worse, than the students themselves.
The exchange reaches a peak of tension when another young woman describes the hardships faced by some students.
“You don’t know what it’s like to go a whole night without eating anything and then wake up at five in the morning to again eat nothing and come to school,” she states tearfully.
The student further elaborates on the long distances and physical exhaustion some classmates endure to attend classes, especially when public transportation is unreliable and many families live in severe poverty.
In response to these grievances, the teacher attempts to defuse the situation, suggesting that students could be allowed to arrive late to school, but she acknowledges that absenteeism will likely persist.
The video does not specify which educational institution was involved, but it surfaces amid growing tensions within the Cuban educational system, which is severely impacted by economic turmoil, resource shortages, and frequent power outages affecting schools and universities nationwide.
This unrest has also been evident in recent student protests. On March 9, about thirty students staged a sit-in on the steps of the University of Havana, decrying the difficulties of studying amid power outages and poor connectivity.
During this peaceful protest, students argued that power cuts and internet issues hinder their ability to complete academic assignments and participate in educational activities.
University officials approached the scene to persuade the students to relocate their dialogue to another area on campus.
The crisis has also affected other educational institutions. In February, students at the Higher Institute of Art held a silent protest following the indefinite suspension of in-person classes due to the nation’s energy emergency.
These events underscore the growing frustration of a generation striving to pursue education amid prolonged blackouts, economic hardships, and the increasingly visible deterioration of living conditions on the island.
Challenges in Cuban Education System
What sparked the student protests at the University of Havana?
The protests were sparked by challenges such as power outages and connectivity issues, which hindered academic activities and tasks.
How are students affected by the current crisis in Cuba?
Students are impacted by long commutes, unreliable public transportation, and economic hardships, compounded by frequent power outages affecting their education.
What measures are teachers taking to address absenteeism?
Teachers are considering allowing students to arrive later at school as a measure to accommodate the challenges faced, though absenteeism continues to be a concern.