Cuba to begin school year Tuesday with 73% of teaching posts filled

State Electric Union reports disconnection affecting 3.4 million people

Cuba’s government confirmed Thursday that approximately 1.4 million students will begin the school year on Tuesday, as Education Minister Naima Trujillo acknowledged the country’s “tremendous difficulties” and announced measures to keep classrooms open. The Education Ministry will allow greater flexibility in in-person attendance, school schedules, and uniform requirements, according to the Cuban News Agency.

President Miguel Díaz-Canel reinforced the announcement by posting a video on X showing him visiting several educational institutions. “To those who talk about collapse in Cuba: More than 1.5 million children and adolescents return to classrooms on Sept. 1,” Díaz-Canel wrote. “To the Education Ministry, local governments, educators and families: Thank you.” His post framed the opening as a defense of the revolution’s social achievements.

The Education Ministry’s decision followed warnings from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization — UNESCO — about risks to students’ futures if schooling were disrupted further, and came amid rumors that the start of classes could be postponed because of the energy crisis. Authorities reaffirmed Thursday that instruction would begin as scheduled.

Shortly after the official announcement, Cuba’s state-run Electric Union reported another partial disconnection of the National Electric System, knocking out service in areas between Holguín and Guantánamo — a region home to approximately 3.4 million people.

At a news conference, Trujillo acknowledged the country’s “tremendous difficulties” and said the greatest achievement of the coming school year would simply be carrying it out. She said staffing remains one of the main challenges, with Cuba expected to fill only 73% of teaching positions nationwide. The most acute shortages, she added, are concentrated in Havana and other western provinces.

Producing school uniforms poses another challenge. Trujillo said production in August reached only 12% of the amount needed for primary school students, with similar levels for secondary schools. She attributed the shortfall to power outages at factories, a lack of fuel to transport fabric, and difficulties importing supplies.

On school meals, Trujillo said initial supplies are available in all regions, although coverage varies significantly. Authorities have prioritized securing food for the first 15 days of the school year, she said, and the government will seek local alternatives to address transportation difficulties for students and teachers who live far from their schools.

The new measures follow social-media debate among families who questioned the decision to reopen classrooms amid power outages, food shortages, and difficulties purchasing shoes, backpacks, and other school supplies, Diario de Cuba reported.