The Revolution trusts in its youth
• Union of Young Communists: 9th Plenary of National Committee

"WHAT you are doing demonstrates what youth is capable of, the youth of always, that of Moncada, that of the Granma, the underground movement, the literacy movement, the internationalist missions, the youth currently fighting for the Five, and the youth that is now confronting the crisis."

That was affirmed by José Ramón Machado Ventura, first vice president of the Councils of State and Ministers, closing the 9th Plenary of the National Committee of the Union of Young Communists (UJC). And he added, "The youth have given displays of unity, patriotism and cohesion to their genuine leaders. The Party has every confidence in you and not because of the lack of an alternative, but because we have examples of what you have done at every point in history."

Machado Ventura’s words were preceded by debates prioritizing the participation of students and young people and productive tasks.

Machado emphasized the ideological importance of mobilizations and called on the youth to assess their economic results; to know every detail of what was produced in each working session and even the transport and food costs. If that isn’t done students will not feel useful. He stated that if there is no work content it was preferable not to organize sessions, while giving the example of producers who allege that they don’t need a workforce when they have land that has not been sown. He went on to call for making all land productive.

Miguel Díaz-Canel, member of the Political Bureau and minister of higher education, stated that the application of the work and study concept was weakened some time back and young people have not been given the opportunity to work the land. He acknowledged the take off at this point in time and stated that the upcoming course year in all higher education classes includes one month on agricultural tasks for all first to third year students, while those in fourth and fifth years will be linked to centers related to their specialties.

Julio Martínez, first secretary of the UJC National Committee, said that in the wake of the devastating damage inflicted by the hurricanes many students have participated in camps, brigades and contingents trained in recovery. We members are responsible for production and, in consequence, with the integral training of our youth, he said.

Also participating in the debate were Ulises Rosales del Toro, member of the Political Bureau and minister of agriculture; José Ramón Fernández, vice president of the Council of Ministers; Lázara Mercedes López Acea, member of the Central Committee Secretariat; Ena Elsa Velázquez, minister of education; and other leaders.