A Cuban mother has taken a firm stand against the start of the new academic year, declaring that she will not send her children to school until frequent power outages no longer disrupt their sleep. This decision comes amid a crisis that, according to her, also hinders her ability to provide basic necessities like food and cold water.
Marianela Hernández shared her stance on Tuesday within the Facebook group Alamar Calle Ancha, coinciding with the start of the 2026-2027 school year in Cuba.
"When Cubans learn to say enough is enough, then there will be change in this country," she stated in her post.
Hernández described herself as an "exhausted" mother, witnessing her children grow up without prospects and seeing how the daily crisis impacts their ability to rest and eat.
She explained that even buying groceries becomes problematic due to extended power cuts, as lack of refrigeration makes it impossible to preserve food.
Hernández emphasized that she speaks from the perspective of a family unable to afford alternative solutions to frequent blackouts. "I'm just an ordinary Cuban; I can't afford solar panels or EcoFlow to at least keep the ground beef cold," she noted.
She expressed her frustration over not being able to provide "the basic needs that every human requires" and, more importantly, fearing her children will remain trapped in a situation that worsens by the day.
"And the worst part is seeing my children stuck in this misery that gets worse every day," she lamented.
Back-to-School Frustrations
The start of the school year only deepened her frustration. Hernández recounted how her daughter felt faint after a sleepless night and then had to stand for over an hour in the sun waiting for school activities to begin.
For Hernández, returning to school is now "a new torture for the children and even more so for the parents." Among the challenges, she mentioned the struggle to find water and electricity to wash school uniforms.
She noted that at her children's school, teachers insist on uniforms, refusing entry to students in casual clothes, which contrasts sharply with the hardships many families face.
Community Reactions and Support
Her comments resonated with many, sparking numerous reactions, particularly about the uniform requirement. Some pointed out that the Ministry of Education had announced flexibility regarding uniforms due to the electricity and water shortages.
One person commented, "Since last year, there has been flexibility with the uniform use," while another added, "Even the minister said uniforms aren't mandatory given our current conditions."
Hernández also highlighted another daily issue with the return to school: providing snacks for the children and keeping drinks at a reasonable temperature during long school days.
Her conclusion was stark: parents end up imposing more hardships on their children by sending them to school after sleepless nights and under conditions of scarcity.
"As a mother, I sacrifice to put a plate of food on the table, not great, but at least they can say they ate something. But I can't ask children to sacrifice for something when there's no future here for them," she concluded.
Questions Arise Over School System
Her post garnered many reactions, with several parents identifying with her situation. One person commented, "If I can't prepare meals and breakfast for them, they won't go to school."
Another shared a similar story, noting, "How do you prepare breakfast — a piece of hard bread and something to drink — during a blackout? My child has to leave at 6 a.m. to get to school, after a night of blackouts."
This individual also decided not to send their child to school when unable to prepare breakfast, saying, "I can't let them spend nearly eight hours outside with just a piece of bread."
Some responses criticized the idea of keeping children at school all day under current conditions, suggesting classes be limited to a single session and condemning schools for asking families to provide both snacks and lunch.
"With everything going on, I don't understand the obsession with keeping kids at school all day," wrote one user.
Other comments supported Hernández's decision. "That's what all mothers should do," wrote one person. Another agreed, "Mine won't go either," while someone else added, "That's how it should be done, don't send them to school and see what happens."
However, opposing views also emerged. Some warned that keeping children out of school could harm their education, while others advised that parents can send their children in casual clothes and challenge the school on excessive demands.
Challenges Amid Power Outages
Hernández's message comes at a particularly tough time for families. The school year began amid widespread blackouts, following a day with 24-hour power disruptions and generation deficits exceeding 2,000 MW.
The Minister of Education herself had acknowledged the potential impact of sleepless nights on students and families, in a scenario further complicated by issues with uniforms, school supplies, food, and teacher shortages.
Social unrest over the conditions facing children was also evident on Tuesday in Arroyo Naranjo, where several mothers blocked a street with their children to demand solutions to problems affecting the start of the school year.
FAQs on Cuban Education Crisis
What prompted Marianela Hernández to keep her children out of school?
Marianela Hernández decided not to send her children to school due to frequent power outages that prevent them from getting adequate sleep and rest.
How has the community reacted to Hernández's decision?
Her decision has sparked numerous reactions, with many parents expressing support and identifying with her struggles, while others voiced concerns about the potential academic impact on children.
What issues do Cuban families face with the current school system?
Cuban families struggle with power outages, lack of food, difficulties in maintaining school uniforms, and the challenge of providing snacks and drinks during long school days.