Yelisa Torres Hernández, a young woman from Santiago who achieved a perfect score on the recent entrance exams for higher education in Cuba, was honored by her local Committee for the Defense of the Revolution (CDR). Manuel Falcón Hernández, the city's governor, proudly shared the young woman's academic milestone on Facebook this past Sunday.
"Coming from a humble family, Torres has shown that with dedication, effort, and the support of family, friends, and neighbors, it is possible to achieve outstanding academic success," noted the official.
According to Falcón, the young woman from the El Salaíto neighborhood was praised by her community for her "determination, academic excellence, and commitment to the neighborhood's progress." In the midst of one of Cuba's largest migration crises, the official expressed his confidence in Torres, stating that "she will become an inspiring example for other young people in the region. Her story is a testament to Cuba's commitment to education and youth development."
A Deeper Look at the Education System Crisis
Despite the celebration of Torres' success, the entrance exam results in the province of Ciego de Ávila highlight a profound crisis within the Cuban educational system, characterized by a lack of resources, student disinterest, and a significant exodus of educators.
The regime acknowledged that the province recorded its worst performance in the History of Cuba exam, according to figures provided by local authorities. Approximately 500 students took the exam, and only 65.01 percent passed, as reported by the official newspaper Invasor.
Nevertheless, the Ministry of Higher Education of Cuba will maintain the same schedule for university admissions this year, including those who failed or did not even take the entrance exams. The entity disclosed on its Facebook page that "there are university and technical careers available for all young people who wish to enter the university."
Cuban Education System: Challenges and Opportunities
Here are some frequently asked questions about the current state of the Cuban education system and the recent events surrounding entrance exams.
What challenges are facing the Cuban education system?
The Cuban education system is currently facing numerous challenges, including a lack of resources, student disinterest, and a significant exodus of educators.
How did the province of Ciego de Ávila perform in the recent entrance exams?
The province of Ciego de Ávila recorded its worst results in the History of Cuba exam, with only 65.01 percent of approximately 500 students passing the exam.
Will the Ministry of Higher Education in Cuba change the admission schedule?
No, the Ministry of Higher Education in Cuba will maintain the same schedule for university admissions, including those who failed or did not take the entrance exams.