“I Feel Reduced to Nothing in This Country”: Cuba’s Education System in Tragic Decline

A university campus in Havana stands nearly empty days before the academic year begins, reflecting the strain Cuba’s energy crisis is placing on education.

At the Varona University of Pedagogical Sciences in Marianao, the buildings are described as partly dilapidated. Christian Miranda, a 25-year-old education student who is working as a guard at his faculty, says almost nobody has visited the campus for more than six months. “In fact, for more than six months nobody has come to the university anymore. Before, it was buzzing, there were people everywhere, in the walkways and on the benches,” he says.

The crisis has affected school schedules and learning conditions. University students have completed their studies under difficult circumstances and are now beginning a second semester in a semi-attendance format, with most courses delivered online.

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In fact, for more than six months nobody has come to the university anymore. Before, it was buzzing, there were people everywhere, in the walkways and on the benches.