Schools reopen across Cuba as fuel, food and teacher shortages persist
- Cuba began its new academic year for roughly 1.4 million students amid severe economic hardship, including critical shortages of fuel, food, uniforms, and qualified teachers.
- Nationwide teacher coverage dropped to 73 percent due to low salaries and widespread emigration, forcing officials to relocate thousands of teachers and recruit retirees and university students.
- Widespread power cuts and financial constraints left official uniform production at just 12 percent of primary demand, prompting schools to permit students to wear comfortable civilian clothing.
- Shortages have left some schools with only a 15-day reserve of food, shifting the burden onto parents and local private businesses to assist in providing daily student lunches.
- Daily blackouts often exceeding 20 hours and heat above 90 degrees Fahrenheit have forced parents to purchase their own basic supplies and equip children with portable rechargeable fans for classrooms.
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