On Wednesday, Miguel Díaz-Canel utilized the commencement of the 2026-2027 school year to counter claims of a looming collapse in Cuba. In a video posted on his Facebook page, he addressed critics directly, asserting that "over 1.5 million children and adolescents will return to classrooms on Tuesday, September 1st."
The short video, lasting just over a minute, ends with a statement encapsulating the government's stance: "Together we defend the social achievements of the Cuban revolution."
This message was released merely two days after Díaz-Canel told the Brazilian newspaper Folha de São Paulo, "No, we are not on the brink of collapse." However, he did admit in the same interview that the nation is experiencing "one of the most challenging times."
The official rhetoric extends beyond the president. Walter Simón Noris, the Communist Party's first secretary in Camagüey, claimed on social media that "no one can imagine the political blow we are delivering to imperialism by starting classes on September 1st." This statement sparked a wave of ridicule and indignant responses.
The harsh reality faced by Cuban families starkly contrasts with such declarations. The educational system is entering the new school year with a shortage of at least 24,000 teachers—representing 12.5% of the necessary positions—with provinces like Camagüey and Matanzas each having over 2,000 vacancies.
A teacher from Holguín publicly challenged the leadership, highlighting that "we haven't been paid since May."
Challenges Beyond Teacher Shortages
Beyond the lack of educators, basic material conditions are also lacking. School uniform production reached only 2.2 to 2.3 million pieces against a demand of 3.6 million, meaning merely 20% of students will receive new uniforms.
According to the World Food Program, 48.5% of Cuban children aged six to 11 do not receive meals or snacks at school.
Frequent power outages, which in some areas last over 20 hours a day, further impede rest and learning capabilities. "With what electricity, what uniform, what water, what snack?" summarized a Cuban internet user in the comments of an official post.
Parental Concerns and Government Response
Given these circumstances, numerous Cuban mothers have publicly stated they will not send their children to school unless minimum standards are met. "If there is no good quality for my children, they will not go to school... They just won't," wrote Roxana San Gil in the Facebook group "Madres Cubanas Luchadoras 2."
The government acknowledges these difficulties without abandoning a tone of triumph. Naima Ariatne Trujillo Barreto, the Minister of Education, assured during a national tour to check preparations that efforts are being made to ensure a "dignified and sustainable" school year, albeit adjusted to the country's conditions with flexible solutions tailored to each region.
Universities will begin with a mix of in-person and remote learning, switching to full attendance only when conditions allow.
The previous academic year ended early, between June 15 and 30, due to the energy crisis and fuel shortages, and university entrance exams were canceled in May and replaced by high school academic scores because minimal conditions could not be guaranteed for their execution.
Cuba's Educational Crisis and Government Response
What challenges are Cuban schools facing at the start of the 2026-2027 school year?
Cuban schools are facing a severe shortage of teachers, with a deficit of at least 24,000 educators. There is also a lack of basic material conditions, including school uniforms and meals for children.
How is the Cuban government addressing the educational challenges?
The government, acknowledging the difficulties, is working to ensure a "dignified and sustainable" school year with flexible solutions tailored to each region. Universities will operate with a mix of in-person and remote learning.
What has been the parental response to the current educational situation in Cuba?
Many Cuban parents have expressed their reluctance to send their children to school unless minimum standards are met, citing concerns over the lack of educational quality and basic necessities.