Cuba readies school year amid shortages, U.S. sanctions

The situation has deteriorated since June, with transportation and electricity failures leading to an early summer break for students. These issues have been exacerbated by intensified sanctions from the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump, which Havana claims are aimed at damaging its economy and hindering its ability to provide basic services. Cuba has historically prided itself on its free and universal state-provided education, but current shortages, worsened by U.S. sanctions, are raising questions about the model's sustainability.

Official statistics indicate that teacher coverage in Cuban schools has fallen to 73%, with many educators emigrating or seeking better-paying employment. To address this, Trujillo stated that the sector plans to hire university students, professionals from other fields, and recall retirees, alongside offering additional compensation. Havana province, facing critical staffing shortages, will receive approximately 3,000 teachers from more adequately staffed eastern provinces. Furthermore, shortages have severely impacted school uniform distribution, with available official garments meeting only 12% of the demand for primary school children due to factory blackouts. Schools have been advised to be flexible and welcome students in comfortable attire and their traditional red neckerchiefs.