The Minister of Education, Dr. Naima Ariatne Trujillo Barreto, announced this Tuesday on the Mesa Redonda program the adjustments planned for the final stage of the 2025-2026 school year. Which will conclude early, from June 15th to 30th.
The decision, she explained, stems from a “deep and sensitive human evaluation” of the complex situation facing the country. Marked by a total lack of fuel, logistical limitations, and the tightening of the U.S. embargo.
During her remarks, the minister explained that this is the third time they have been forced to make adjustments of this magnitude. And she expressed her gratitude for the ongoing dialogue with families and the educational community.
The minister described the process as one of “extraordinary sensitivity, sacrifice, and tremendous commitment.” Emphasized that, on many occasions, it bordered on “everyday heroism.” She explained that the need to adapt to multiple approaches. To ensure the continuity of the school year has demanded an extraordinary effort from professionals, families, children, and adolescents.
She detailed that this adjustment does not represent a substantial modification of the planned exam schedule. Rather the beginning of a gradual closure with different approaches. Also she explained that educational institutions will not close completely. As ways will be sought to connect schools to the Community Youth Network to support the most vulnerable children in their learning. And maintain their active participation in educational spaces and in the prevention of social problems.
Regarding Special Education, she specified that it will close this month of May. It is currently a high priority in terms of resource allocation for the transportation and relocation of its students.
Moreover she also noted that priority is given to the final years of each school cycle. Thanks to a tremendous effort on the part of the relevant authorities, decision-makers, students, families, and the community at large.
Regarding Higher Education
For his part, Walter Baluja García, Minister of Higher Education, explained that given the demands of what he considered an extremely complex semester. A process of decentralizing enrollment in the provinces was necessary. This presented challenges such as ensuring the continuity of studies. For more than eight thousand students in national programs who returned to their home provinces.
He emphasized that this has been a difficult process in the current context. In which a large part of the university community has faced serious problems with connectivity and transportation. Therefore, it has been necessary in many cases to adopt blended and distance learning modalities. With adjustments based on individual circumstances and special attention to the final years of study.
With this in mind, he reported on the completion of the academic year, scheduled for the first half of July. For the most part, in all universities across the country. The curriculum was adapted to a more specific approach where necessary. To ensure the continuity of studies and allow students to complete any outstanding subjects and academic assignments.
Regarding university entrance exams, he clarified that although the initial plan was to maintain them and postpone them until early June. The worsening lockdown conditions have made their suspension an exceptional measure.
Therefore he indicated that, admissions will proceed as usual except for the exams. Also it will be based on students’ cumulative grade point average from their upper secondary education.
Despite this decision, Baluja García reassured families and prospective university students. Stating that there are places available for each of the more than 32,000 pre-university students. In over 100 degree programs across the country. More than 4,000 places have been pre-assigned through competitive entrance exams or aptitude tests. Other complementary options such as distance learning courses offer more than 47,000 places.
With information from Cubadebate and CNA
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