The comedian Ulises Toirac has voiced his opinion on the return of field schools in Cuba, which will now take place in urban areas instead of agricultural camps, involving work in organoponics or maintaining places of interest. Ulises shared a post on his Facebook page stating that the idea has "some major (glaring) conceptual errors."
The first issue the actor criticizes is the schedule: from 9:00 am to 11:00 am and from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm, which he calls an "inefficient scheme." "It is preferable to work four consecutive hours rather than two and two," Toirac emphasized, noting that while in intellectual work the universal practice is to take a five-minute break every 45 minutes, physical labor is different.
Critique of Work Schedules and Transportation
In this type of work, "there is an initial 'warm-up' period that can take half an hour, after which productivity gradually increases until reaching a plateau after 45 minutes to an hour." Then, some time before the end of the shift, productivity decreases, he pointed out.
"Bureau geniuses, try carrying boxes for two hours and then have lunch with just a croquette and half a glass of water... Trying to get back to work after that is extremely hard," Toirac highlighted.
The comedian also addressed the issue of transportation, which, amid the current crisis, will pose a significant additional problem for students. "Bureau geniuses: try finishing loading boxes for two hours, then go out on your own to find 'chaucha' (without the allocated one for your positions), eating the croquette and half a glass of water. Imagine finding transportation to return 'to work' and then to go home... Mmmm, any ideas?" he said.
Finally, Ulises confessed that personally, field schools taught him independence, knowledge, judgment, and a certain degree of responsibility. "Something very different from what it caused to the economy in its vast majority. But believe me: times are vastly different," he concluded.
Last week, the Cuban regime announced the return of field school days, mentioning that they come back as a "different field school." According to the general director of Education in Havana, Karenia Marrero Arrechea, the objective of this return is for "the student to feel connected to impactful tasks."
FAQs on the Return of Field Schools in Cuba
Here are some frequently asked questions about the return of field schools in Cuba, addressing the key points raised by Ulises Toirac and the implications of this new initiative.
What are the main criticisms of the new field school schedule?
Ulises Toirac criticizes the new schedule as inefficient, advocating for four consecutive hours of work rather than splitting it into two separate sessions.
How does transportation pose a problem for students?
Transportation is a significant issue in the current crisis, making it difficult for students to commute back and forth from their fieldwork locations, adding an unnecessary burden.
What personal benefits did Ulises Toirac gain from field schools?
Ulises Toirac mentioned that field schools taught him independence, knowledge, judgment, and a certain degree of responsibility.