Díaz-Canel's Back-to-School Message Sparks Outcry Among Cubans

Miguel Díaz-Canel, the Cuban leader, wished children and young people across Cuba a happy start to the school year this Monday. However, his message was quickly met with demands for transparency from numerous internet users.

"A hug to the teachers and education sector workers who prepared and opened the schools with love and care," wrote the appointee of Raúl Castro on X. A day earlier, he had assured that "nothing will prevent Cuban schools from opening their doors to more than 1.6 million students on September 2. Despite an unprecedented economic blockade that mercilessly harms the education system, #Cuba will continue to strive for quality education for all."

However, rather than encouragement, his words prompted reflection among many Cubans who are well aware of the hardships and shortages facing children, adolescents, and teachers as they begin this school year.

"I imagine that 'hug' is for the few teachers left, as this new school year starts with a deficit of 24,000 teachers," noted one internet user in the comments, highlighting a recurring issue in Cuban schools.

"Congratulations to those children who can start the school year today. There are mothers who couldn't afford backpacks costing 8,000 to 10,000 pesos and shoes that are extremely expensive, not to mention the many children who have nothing to snack on," warned another user.

There were also criticisms regarding the image posted by the Cuban leader.

"The showcase children of Cuba to deceive the world," said one user, demanding that he show "the real ones." She also asked him to tell the world "how you imprison Cuban mothers and fathers for asking for freedom and leave their children at the mercy of vices and criminals. Tell about the hardships Cubans face to visit their parents in your dungeons, while you go celebrate your birthday in Barbados on a plane with your entire family. Shameless, your miserable life won't be enough to repay the damage you do to the Cuban nation."

Comparisons with the Flourishing Hotel Infrastructure

Comparisons with the abundant hotel infrastructure were also made, in a country where investments in tourism surpass those made in education.

"The economic blockade harms the education system, the health system, and the social security system of Cubans... the only thing it doesn't harm is the flourishing tourism sector and the hotels of GAESA," pointed out one user.

Another user added, "This September 2, the Luis Alberto Rodríguez López-Calleja primary school is inaugurated, which we managed to build despite the cruel blockade," referring to the so-called Tower K, a hotel built in the middle of El Vedado in Havana.

A major demand came from another profile suggesting that Díaz-Canel should "resign now," calling him "immoral."

"It's not the blockade; it's the totalitarian repressive communism that you imposed. In freedom and with free elections, this wouldn't happen. Resign and give way to democracy and its error-correcting systems. Do a favor to those poor people," wrote another user.

The reality is that despite the fanfare with which the authorities claim that "essential methodological, technical, and logistical assurances are guaranteed," as stated by Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz on X, the fact remains that the 1.6 million students in primary, secondary, and pre-university education across the country are called to classrooms with 12.5% of teaching positions unfilled—one in every eight—and without most of the school uniforms being delivered.

Before this Monday, which marked the official start of the school year, a Cuban mother took to social media to express her frustration over the poor conditions of the classroom where her child would be attending classes.