Houston, TX, September 1, 2026 —

Millions of students and teachers across Cuba have returned to classrooms as the academic year begins, facing significant challenges due to ongoing shortages of essential resources. The reopening comes at a time when the island nation is grappling with deepening economic crises, which are exacerbating pre-existing deficits in fuel, water, electricity, teaching staff, and fundamental school supplies.

The Ministry of Education has initiated the new school year, but the operational environment is reportedly strained by a lack of adequate fuel, impacting transportation and school operations. Persistent issues with water availability and intermittent power supply are also creating difficult learning and teaching conditions.

Beyond infrastructure and resource shortages, the education sector is also experiencing a deficit in qualified teachers, a situation that has been a growing concern. Compounding these issues is a scarcity of essential supplies necessary for daily classroom activities, from textbooks and writing materials to basic sanitation items. The current economic downturn on the island is widely cited as the primary driver behind the severity and persistence of these shortages, affecting multiple sectors, including public education.

The reopening of schools represents a critical juncture for Cuba, as the government aims to maintain educational continuity despite significant domestic economic headwinds. The extent to which these persistent shortages will impact the quality and accessibility of education for Cuban students remains a central concern as the academic year progresses.


Story summarized from the original created by Dánica Coto, Associated Press on www.click2houston.com, see more information here.

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