Cuban Minister of Education Naima Ariatne Trujillo announced that more than 1.4 million students will begin the 2026-2027 school year on September 1st. Despite the complex national situation exacerbated by the blockade.
Speaking on the television program Mesa Redonda, the minister specified that more than 10,000 general education institutions will open their doors next Tuesday. That this level will have more than 135,000 teachers.
Trujillo noted that the priority for the school year is to guarantee in-person learning as much as possible. Since for children and adolescents, nothing replaces human contact with their peers. Which is essential for their future development.
She also highlighted the crucial role of municipalities in responding promptly to the specific problems of each institution.
Also she emphasized that all boarding schools in the country, including the Pre-University Institutes of Exact Sciences. It will begin the school year, although their admissions cycles will be adapted to the current conditions.
Amid the complexities affecting this educational model, especially in terms of housing, food, and transportation. Trujillo stressed that making it sustainable will be a significant challenge.
The minister also detailed that work is underway on alternative energy supply solutions. For educational centers, primarily boarding schools and special education schools.
Regarding teacher staffing, she noted that a shortage of teachers persists. But a grassroots mobilization of university students, professionals from other sectors, and retirees is being implemented.
For her part, the National Director of Training and Professional Development at the National Institute of Physical Education and Sports, Emilia Rebeca Hernández. She stated that more than 13,000 students will enroll in sports initiation schools.
Among the main directives for this school year, Hernández mentioned ensuring as much in-person learning as possible. Strengthening students’ connection with their educational institutions and faculty. And gradually reorganizing the local community level.
She also stated that priority will be given to the initial grades of each educational level. Systematizing the necessary content based on current adjustments. Guaranteeing specialized attention for twelfth grade and continuity of studies.
In the province of Holguin, more than 131 students will return to classrooms on September 1st. This province boasts the largest school network in the country. Comprised of more than 1,300 institutions, and has the minimum essential resources. Including consumable study materials and food programs for early childhood and boarding students. Reported Luis Felipe Batista Rodríguez, General Director of the sector.
The General Director of Artistic Development and Training at the Ministry of Culture, Ariadna Padrón. She announced that more than 40 art schools will be open this school year. Offering instruction in seven specialties and more than 30 profiles.
Moreover this school year will be a heroic one, hence the importance of the role of the community, families, and teachers. Adding that more than two thousand new students have enrolled.
The news program reiterated that education is a fundamental principle of the Cuban Revolution. Starting the school year under the current difficult conditions demonstrates the country’s political will to continue defending this achievement.
With information from Prensa Latina
- If You Stop With Me, You Move Forward Safely - 29 de August de 2026
- Nearly 1.5 million students will return to classrooms in Cuba; more than 131,000 will be from Holguin - 29 de August de 2026
- Canada, Cuba, Dominican Republic, and Puerto Rico vie for Olympic spot in volleyball - 28 de August de 2026