This Monday marks the beginning of the 2024-2025 school year in Cuba, heavily impacted by the ongoing crisis that affects all aspects of life on the island. One of the most apparent manifestations in the educational sector is a significant shortage of 24,000 teachers.
A total of 1.6 million students from primary, secondary, and pre-university levels are expected to return to classrooms. However, 12.5% of teaching positions remain unfilled—equivalent to one in every eight positions. Additionally, the majority of school uniforms have yet to be distributed.
The Cuban Minister of Education, Naima Trujillo Barreto, acknowledged that this "will be a challenging school year," but emphasized that "nothing will prevent" the island from maintaining its "principles of free and universal education" along with its "quality aspirations."
Teacher Shortage in Cuba
One of the primary challenges, exacerbated by unprecedented migration, is the critical shortage of teachers. According to data from the Ministry of Education—cited by the agency Efe—the current staff for the new school year comprises 156,000 teachers, with an additional 12,000 returning, including retirees. However, the country would need approximately 24,000 more teachers to meet the demand.
The teacher shortage is particularly acute in secondary education and pre-university exact sciences programs, affecting both Havana and other provinces in the western and central parts of the country.
This crisis has been fueled not only by massive emigration but also by teachers leaving for better-paying sectors in the economy and a lack of students enrolling in pedagogical careers.
Uniform Distribution Issues
Minister of Education Trujillo also acknowledged issues in the sale of uniforms due to "organizational and planning deficiencies" among responsible agencies, including the purchase of fabrics from abroad. Official data indicates a demand for 4.2 million uniforms, with a priority for 1.7 million for the initial courses of each cycle, as reported by the Group of Light Industry, part of the Ministry of Industries of Cuba.
Regarding the distribution of materials, this school year is set to provide 13 million notebooks and 38 million pencils for free, albeit with "adjusted norms," according to the Ministry of Education. Authorities have highlighted that despite the complexities, this will be one of the best-supplied school years in terms of educational materials, including textbooks aligned with the recently approved educational improvement plan.
Miguel Díaz-Canel recently stated on social media that "nothing will stop" the opening of Cuban schools "amid an unprecedented economic blockade (by the United States), which mercilessly harms the educational system." On the same day, he wished students a "happy return to the classrooms."
In a post on X, Prime Minister Manuel Marrero wrote that "amid the country's complex economic situation and a heightened blockade, essential methodological, technical, and logistical support is guaranteed."
Beyond statistics and governmental self-praise, the reality is that thousands of children return to classrooms today, presenting a significant challenge for parents who must ensure breakfast, snacks, and shoes throughout the school year—a daunting task given the current crisis in Cuba.
Addressing Cuba's Educational Challenges
The following questions and answers provide further insights into the ongoing issues faced by Cuba's educational sector, especially in light of teacher shortages and uniform distribution challenges.
Why is there a significant shortage of teachers in Cuba?
The teacher shortage in Cuba is primarily due to unprecedented migration, teachers leaving for better-paying jobs in other sectors, and a lack of students enrolling in pedagogical careers.
How is the Cuban government addressing the uniform distribution issues?
The government has acknowledged organizational and planning deficiencies among responsible agencies and aims to prioritize the distribution of 1.7 million uniforms for initial courses. However, challenges remain due to difficulties in purchasing fabrics from abroad.
What materials are being provided to students for free this school year?
Students will receive 13 million notebooks and 38 million pencils for free, although with adjusted norms. Authorities claim that this year will be among the best-supplied in terms of educational materials.