On November 2, a busy routine filled almost all schools and education centers nationwide. A moment greatly missed during these long months of pandemic. Dressed in school uniforms and facemasks, students reunited with their teachers and professors even though this time the reunion did not include hugs and kisses.
Cuba return to school in another step in the battle against the pandemic, a happiness shared by students, parents and teachers, who speak of this moment with the certainty that, from schools and educational centers, life is protected too.
Eleven provinces and the Isla de la Juventud special municipality start the 2020-201 school year on Monday. Havana resumes the 2019-2020 school year, interrupted for more than seven months. This return to school is the result of a multisectorial work to guarantee both the education and the health of all students.
This new academic year is also the result of the great efforts made to adjust the curriculum to a shorter school time without hindering the quality of the education and knowledge children and young people should receive.
From November 2 on, every day will pose a challenge for both family and school. Winning the battle against COVID-19 takes more than written protocols and containers with disinfectant. Awareness and responsibility should become an inherent part of collective actions to guarantee a safe school year and not just two words written on the blackboard.
IN NUMBERS
23 % of the State budget is allocated to educational services in Cuba.
1,000+ schools undergone repair works for this school year.
1,000+ day care centers are open and have not reported COVID-19 cases since the month of September.
3,000+ education professionals support the educational process in Havana.
1,209 educational centers opened in the capital.
314,095 students are enrolled in those centers.
2,087 students are in boarding schools.
172,125 are in day school.
Sources: Cubadebate website, Mesa Redonda TV show and Juventud Rebelde newspapers.
Translated by ESTI
