One million enrolled in the
Youth Computation Clubs
• Fidel praises the advance of this informatics program

BY NAVIL GARCIA ALFONSO —Granma International staff writer—

AT the end of the upcoming Youth Computation Club course in June, one million students will have enrolled in this program, guaranteeing that informatics is becoming a powerful scientific, economic and political force for Cuba, affirmed President Fidel Castro at the event celebrating the 15th Anniversary of the Central Palace of Computation and the inauguration of 300 new centers of this type throughout the country.

Fidel highlighted the advances achieved by the program since its inception by incorporating modern technology and increasing the number of installations to a current total of 600 Youth Clubs, which will enable some 200,000 youth to discover the world of informatics and communications through the 50 courses that are given in these centers, including some specialized classes for senior citizens and persons with disabilities.

Over the years, other installations have been created for teaching computation science such as the Information Science University, which produces educational software, and several technical schools where around 40,000 students are studying informatics.

Fidel reported that by the end of this year, some 30,000 youth from Latin American and other nations will be studying medicine and other specialties in Cuba with the objectives of saving the lives of millions of people throughout the world, reducing infant mortality and raising life expectancy.

He also affirmed that Cuba is number one in the world in the prevention and treatment of visual disorders and stressed that the 20,000-plus Cuban doctors and technicians that are lending their services in Venezuela are utilizing computers to study languages and pursue masters or doctorate degrees in medical science.

Speaking on the excellence of health services and the incorporation of new technologies to detect and combat illnesses, Fidel noted the restructuring of the polyclinics (primary care facilities) that has allowed them to assume some of the work of hospitals, as they are now equipped with ultrasound and intensive therapy devices that require a broad understanding of informatics.

Linked to the development of computation in Cuba, Fidel stated that within all of the actions of the energy revolution energy conservation is central.

"The economy is growing, advancing on solid foundations in various sectors such as transportation, and electrical energy is increasing at a rate of 80 000 kW per week. In 2005, the economy experienced a growth of more than 10%, and this year it will be higher," he emphasized.

Fidel handed out diplomas of recognition to the Central Palace of Computation for its 15 years’ work and to the provincial directors of the Youth Club movement for fulfilling the most recent investments made in each territory.