Yenia Silva Correa

"In comparison with last year, the situation for the present academic year is much better in terms of teaching staff, the distribution of study materials, the availability of facilities – despite difficulties – and with respect to the issue of maintenance," announced Dr. Ena Elsa Velázquez Cobiella, Cuba’s minister of Education, in a press conference held to discuss the opening of school.

September 1, some 10,366 education centers will open their doors to 1,800,000 students in primary, basic secondary, professional-technical and pre-university education. Photo: Jorge Luis González.

This coming September 1, some 10,366 education centers will open their doors to 1,800,000 students in primary, basic secondary, professional-technical and pre-university education.

In 11 of the country’s provinces, enrollment in preschool day care centers will increase with some 3,000 new openings available. Likewise a greater number of boarded students are registered, the total of which should reach 75,900 students this year. This increase is primarily due to the number of students enrolled in residential pedagogical high schools.

Additionally, some 20 new areas of study will be offered at professional-technical high schools, where more than 4,000 annex classrooms will function with the support of specialists from different branches of production and services.

Some 20 new areas of study will be offered at professional-technical high schools, where more than 4,000 annex classrooms will function with the support of specialists from different branches of production and services.

Dr. Velázquez emphasized the role of teachers, and the importance of their preparation, a priority issue addressed by her ministry. She reported that of the 183,100 teachers needed, the country currently has 93.1%.

A significant contribution to dealing with this deficit will come from graduates of pedagogical high schools, who will be incorporated as teachers in primary, pre-school and special education, with the guidance of mentors; some 1,820 graduates of two-year programs; and more than 3,300 new teachers who graduated with degrees in Education this past July, the Minister reported.

Beginning this September, schools will have more authority to establish their schedules and make adjustments. "It is the responsibility of the school," Velázquez said, "to organize the educational process and make adjustments taking into consideration possibilities both within and beyond the center."

All pre-university high schools across the country will be equipped with Chemistry, Physics and Biology laboratories.

The adjustments are the result of a consultation process which included parents and teachers, looking to perfect work with students and will "in no way," negatively affect learning, she said.

All pre-university high schools across the country, this year, will be equipped with Chemistry, Physics and Biology laboratories, and workbooks will be available for the first semester.

While schools for deaf students will benefit from the recent acquisition of 16 new audiometers, and professional-technical high schools have received needed tools for the study of electricity and tailoring, Velázquez reported.