Cuban school year to begin in September after early closure due to crisis

Cuba is preparing to commence the 2026-2027 school year on September 1, adhering to the official calendar. This follows an early closure of the previous academic period in June, necessitated by a profound energy crisis gripping the island, which has been intensified by U.S. oil blockades, according to official media.

As part of the preparations, the Minister of Education, Naima Trujillo, is set to embark on a nationwide tour to inspect educational facilities and ensure they are adequately equipped to begin the academic term. The decision to prematurely end the last school year was described by Trujillo as a "deep and sensitive human evaluation" of the country's complex situation, driven by a "total lack of fuel and logistical limitations" stemming from the U.S. oil blockade.

Cuba has been grappling with a severe energy crisis since 2024. The situation has worsened due to U.S. sanctions imposed in January. Power outages have become endemic, with Havana typically experiencing only about three hours of continuous electricity daily, while provinces face blackouts exceeding 40 hours. This year alone, seven total blackouts have been reported, paralyzing the economy and forcing the government to implement contingency plans across all sectors, including a shift to semi-presential education for most levels last year.

The precarious state of Cuba's education system has raised alarms among international organizations like UNESCO. The organization has warned of a systemic risk to learning and the future of an entire generation on the island. Anne Lemaistre, director of UNESCO's Regional Office in Havana, cautioned in May that the energy crisis is jeopardizing education, making it difficult for both teachers and students to attend classes, learn effectively, and maintain a normal social life.