Children with special needs attending the Dora Alonso School in Ciudad Escolar Libertad, located in the Marianao municipality, face challenging conditions as they travel to school in a bus that leaks during rainy days. This situation has sparked outrage on social media platforms. A video shared by journalist Mario J. Pentón reveals the dire transportation conditions for these young students, who must use raincoats and umbrellas to stay dry inside the bus.
"These are the conditions for children attending the special education Dora Alonso School in Marianao, Havana. Our children—who have special educational needs—spend three hours on this bus. It's terrible," a source told Pentón while sending the video.
Social Media Outcry
The citizen journalism and social media profile La Tijera published photos of the bus on Facebook, accompanied by a mother's complaint about the "precarious conditions" of the bus transporting children with autism. According to this unidentified individual, “the children, teachers, and driver get soaked inside the bus and arrive home drenched.”
The mother explained that the school lacks the resources to repair the bus. Complaints have been filed with various governmental bodies, including the Government's Office of Population Attention and the Education Department of the Cerro municipality. The mother was made to sign a letter stating that the issue fell under the jurisdiction of Marianao’s Education Department, not Cerro's.
After presenting the situation to the transportation base management and the provincial school transport chief, the response was that there were no available resources to fix the bus. “Right now, several children are sick from the rain on September 1st. A mother and her one-month-old baby have contracted the flu because her older daughter got sick that day. What are we waiting for? A tragedy? For a child to get pneumonia? These children, who mostly cannot speak or express their discomfort, are difficult to medicate, and there are no medicines available,” the mother questioned in her complaint.
Parental Concerns
Frustrated, parents wonder if they are the ones who must resolve this situation, questioning whether teachers also deserve such conditions after a long workday. They are making their complaints public, demanding that authorities address the transportation issue for children with special needs. "Every rainy afternoon, it’s heartbreaking to see what happens. There are videos of waterfalls inside this bus," said a concerned mother.
"As a mother of a child who rides this bus, I demand an immediate solution. Many of us suffer every rainy afternoon, praying that our children don’t get sick," she added.
In April 2013, the deputy director of the Dora Alonso Special School, Yaima Demósthene Stering, discussed with state media the methods used in special schools in Cuba to address autism—a disorder affecting socialization, communication, and behavior. These methods include stimulation programs and specialties such as speech therapy, physiotherapy, music, and computing. Stering emphasized the importance of continuing the school’s teachings at home and generalizing them in social environments.
At the school's inauguration, dictator Fidel Castro praised the dedication of teachers and staff, highlighting their relentless efforts and satisfaction derived from each achievement. A Tribuna de la Habana article from January 2020 noted that the school had gained significant experience in educating children with autism over 18 years, providing the necessary material and human resources for individualized and intensive care. It might be time for official journalist Norma Ferrás Pérez to revisit the Dora Alonso Special School and expose how, four years later, Cuban children with autism travel in a bus that endangers their health and well-being.
Meanwhile, Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel tweeted a message wishing a happy start to the school year, praising educators for preparing and opening schools with love and care. In response, a Cuban mother highlighted the financial struggles faced by many, noting that some parents could not afford expensive backpacks and shoes, and many children lack snacks for school.
Frequently Asked Questions about Special Needs Transportation in Cuba
The following section addresses common questions and concerns regarding the transportation of children with special needs in Cuba, particularly focusing on the current situation and the challenges faced by families and educators.
What are the current conditions of the buses transporting children with special needs in Cuba?
The buses transporting children with special needs, such as those attending the Dora Alonso School, are in poor condition. They have leaks that cause the children, teachers, and drivers to get wet during rainy days.
What actions have parents taken to address the bus issue?
Parents have filed complaints with various governmental departments, including the Government's Office of Population Attention and the Education Department, but have received responses indicating a lack of resources to fix the problem.
What are the health risks posed by the current bus conditions?
The poor condition of the buses poses significant health risks, including children getting sick from exposure to rainwater. There have already been cases of children and their family members contracting the flu.
What has been the response from Cuban authorities regarding this issue?
The response from Cuban authorities has been that there are no resources available to fix the bus, leaving parents and educators frustrated and concerned for the children's well-being.