CUBA-CRISIS/EDUCATION

September 6, 2026 - 17:19

A teacher is seen at the doorway of a classroom in Havana on August 27, as the island nation struggles through a severe shortage of fuel, public transportation, and electricity. The start of the academic term, normally a moment of anticipation, has been overshadowed by the daily reality of blackouts and the near impossibility of commuting for both students and staff.

Many schools have adjusted their schedules to cope with the power outages, which can last for hours at a time. In some districts, classes are being condensed into the morning hours when electricity is more likely to be available. For students living in rural areas, the lack of bus service means long walks or relying on bicycles, if they have them. Teachers report that attendance has dropped in the first week, not due to lack of interest, but because families cannot afford the time or energy to make the trip.

The government has promised that no child will be left out of the classroom, and has called on local communities to help with transport and meal provisions. However, the reality on the ground is that the crisis is reshaping the educational experience. Parents are worried about the long-term impact of interrupted learning, while educators are doing their best to keep lessons going with limited resources. The situation is a stark reminder that the island's broader economic problems are now reaching into every corner of daily life, including the education of its youngest citizens.