A young Cuban who identifies as a revolutionary has been denied access to university due to a series of "errors" at his school. After a long stint as a youth leader, Luis Leandro Álvarez Leal feels frustrated and disillusioned with the administration of the high school he attended, which, through a series of irregularities and irresponsibilities, has left him out in the cold.
Leandro, a graduate of IPU Carlos Manuel Calcines Pérez in San Miguel del Padrón, Havana, was a notable "great student leader." He served as president of the Federation of High School Students (FEEM) of the municipality and vice president of the Organizing Committee of the Provincial Assembly (COAP). "I received several provincial-level decorations," he shared in the Facebook group "Reporting Crimes in Cuba."
The young man filled out his form for career assignments, opting for Medicine, but his form "disappeared" at his own pre-university institute. "As a result, I couldn't take my entrance exams for Higher Education," he lamented.
Following this initial setback, the requirement was to fill out another form at the University of Havana's Admission Committee, but the school's deputy director, Marbelis, informed him a week too late, leaving no time to complete it.
"The deputy director, upon realizing her mistake, promised to help us, and since April, I've been waiting for a response. Today, I'm still out in the street with nothing to do, eager to continue my studies," Leandro explained.
"A career I've admired since childhood, with the dream of becoming a great doctor in our socialist Cuba and helping others, has been taken from me simply due to the poor work of the country's leaders and teachers," he emphasized.
Disillusioned, the young man questions how it is possible that "after contributing to the Revolution from my small corner of the world, they forget about me." He claims to have been an excellent student and to have fought hard for his dreams. "How can they do this to me? I need an answer as soon as possible," he concluded.
Frequently Asked Questions about University Admission Issues in Cuba
Here are some common questions and answers regarding the challenges faced by students in Cuba when seeking university admission, especially in light of bureaucratic errors and administrative issues.
What should students do if their admission forms are lost?
Students should immediately contact their school administration and the university's admission committee to report the issue and seek guidance on the next steps to rectify the situation.
How can students ensure their forms are properly submitted?
Students should request a receipt or confirmation from the school administration upon submitting their forms. Additionally, keeping a copy of all submitted documents can help in case of discrepancies.
Who should be held accountable for administrative errors in schools?
School administrators and responsible staff members should be held accountable for any administrative errors. It's essential to have a transparent and efficient system to handle such issues promptly.