A Cuban expatriate in Brazil, identified as Danay, shared an emotional account on Facebook regarding her son's school experience in Brazil. This comes as Cuba commences its 2026-2027 academic year amidst a severe crisis.
"There are things that might seem normal to some, but for a Cuban mother, they mean a great deal," wrote Danay.
In Brazil, her son attends a public school where he receives free breakfast, lunch, and snacks, along with all the necessary school supplies. Danay describes the classrooms as clean and well-maintained.
Striking Differences Between Cuba and Brazil
The stark contrast with Cuba is evident. Danay notes that on the island, the monthly fee for school lunches at semi-boarding schools is seven Cuban pesos. However, the food quality is notoriously poor, and nearly half of the students do not even have access to this service.
"I am not writing this to compare which country is better or worse. Every nation has its own challenges and realities. My aim is to highlight the concern here for ensuring that a child can attend school and receive meals, regardless of their family's financial situation. As a mother, this deeply touches my heart," she expressed.
Challenges in Cuban Schools
According to August statistics from the World Food Program, 48.5% of Cuban students aged six to eleven do not receive any meals or snacks at school. Providing just breakfast and snacks for a school-aged child can cost a family over 10,000 Cuban pesos per month, which far exceeds the average income on the island.
The Cuban Minister of Education conceded that ensuring school meals in the new academic year would demand a "tremendous effort," while the Communist Party described the opening of classes as "another act of heroism."
Brazil's Commitment to Free School Meals
Conversely, in Brazil, free school meals have been legally guaranteed since 2009 through the National School Feeding Program (PNAE), which supports over 40 million students in approximately 150,000 public schools nationwide.
Danay's testimony garnered a flood of reactions from other Cuban expatriates sharing similar experiences.
One user commented, "I was a teacher in Cuba and often had to say 'eat it, my love, it's delicious' when it was inedible by any standard. Here in Brazil, my children have everything, and it's free without paying a single real."
Another commented that her daughter receives breakfast, a morning snack, lunch, an afternoon snack, and even dinner if she isn't picked up before five in the afternoon, as well as a free backpack and a daily communication agenda with parents.
A Cuban who has lived in Brazil for two years summed up her experience: "I have never had to buy even a pencil. In fact, today they gave out school coats to all the students at my son's school."
Another reader offered a powerful reflection: "It's not about making comparisons; it's about opening many eyes that have been shut for 67 years. They boast about free education and health. At what cost? In Cuba, it's free, yes, but even the basics are lacking."
Growing Cuban Community in Brazil
This emotional dichotomy is echoed among thousands of Cuban families settled in Brazil, a destination that has seen considerable growth. In 2025, there were 41,919 asylum applications from Cubans, an 88% increase from the previous year, with between 100,000 and 150,000 Cubans currently residing there.
Understanding the Cuban Educational Crisis
What benefits do Cuban children receive in Brazilian schools?
In Brazilian public schools, Cuban children receive free breakfast, lunch, and snacks, as well as all necessary school supplies. The classrooms are described as clean and well-maintained.
How does the school meal situation in Cuba compare to Brazil?
In Cuba, school meals have a monthly fee and are often of poor quality, with nearly half of the students lacking access to this service. In contrast, Brazil provides free meals to students through a national program.
What challenges does the Cuban education system face?
Cuban schools struggle to provide meals, with a significant portion of students going without food at school. The costs for families to supply basic meals often exceed average incomes.