Miguel Díaz-Canel utilized his visit to the Special Education School "Solidaridad con Panamá" in Havana to broadcast a message on his X account, exalting the Castro legacy and reinforcing the regime's propagandistic narrative.
On Saturday, Díaz-Canel attended a quinceañera celebration for 19 students with physical-motor disabilities—nine girls and ten boys—who marked their 15th birthday at the institution. The following day, he expressed his gratitude on social media.
"It is always deeply moving for me to return to this institution founded by Fidel and always supported by Raúl, where nothing is impossible, where love triumphs over all shortages, and where our children with physical-motor disabilities receive the most professional attention and the closest, most loving care," wrote the Cuban leader.
The event was also attended by Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz, other Party and Government officials, and the Panamanian ambassador to Cuba, Edward Pitty Madrid.
The celebration was dedicated to Raúl Castro, who was absent but received greetings. One of the celebrants, Yelena Sans Duarte, had invited Díaz-Canel through a letter written with her mouth.
The School's History and Propaganda Role
Inaugurated on December 31, 1989, by Fidel Castro, the school serves as a national reference center for special education focusing on children with physical-motor disabilities, particularly cerebral palsy. Currently, it hosts over 200 students, ranging from preschool to ninth grade. The tradition of celebrating students' quinceañeras began in 1999 and was only paused in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The use of the institution as a propaganda showcase is not new. In December 2024, Raúl Castro and Díaz-Canel attended the 35th anniversary of the center, marking one of the few joint public appearances of the former leader with his successor, seen as a political endorsement amid a severe economic crisis that has slashed Cuba's GDP by 23% since 2019.
A Stark Contrast with Reality
The reality many Cuban families with disabled children face is starkly different. On April 2, families of individuals with autism sent an open letter to Díaz-Canel demanding attention for autistic adults confined to homes from ages 16 or 18 due to a lack of inclusive projects.
In September 2025, the Ministry of Education denied enrollment to Félix Berto, a six-year-old boy with moderate autism, in a specialized center, despite having a medical certificate. His mother, Yislainet Lara, publicly denounced the case.
While the regime turns the quinceañera celebration at the "Solidaridad con Panamá" School into a showcase of the Revolution's supposed humanity, hundreds of Cuban families with disabled children face neglect and exclusion from a State lacking resources to support them, yet keen on political imagery.
Understanding the Reality of Special Education in Cuba
What is the purpose of the "Solidaridad con Panamá" School?
The school was established to serve as a national reference center for special education, focusing on children with physical-motor disabilities, particularly those with cerebral palsy.
How has the school been used for propaganda?
The school has been frequently used as a platform by the regime to showcase the supposed achievements and humanity of the Revolution, despite the lack of resources for broader inclusive initiatives.
What challenges do families with disabled children face in Cuba?
Many families struggle with neglect and exclusion due to insufficient resources and support from the State, as highlighted by open letters and public denouncements from affected families.