Cuba to open 2026-27 school year amid teacher, fuel and uniform shortages
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Cuba is preparing to start the 2026-2027 school year on schedule despite shortages of fuel, electricity, transport and essential goods. Education Minister Naima Trujillo said the situation remains complex and that starting the year itself is a major achievement. Only 12 percent of required primary school uniforms have been produced, and nearly 3,000 teachers will be sent from eastern regions to Havana.
Key Facts
- Cuba's 2026-2027 school year is set to begin on schedule despite shortages of fuel, electricity, transport and essential goods.
- Only 12 percent of required primary school uniforms have been produced, according to official data.
- Nearly 3,000 teachers will be sent from eastern Cuba to Havana to partially cover the teacher shortage.
- University students, professionals from other sectors and retired teachers will be recruited to fill teaching gaps.
- Education Minister Naima Trujillo said starting the school year itself is a major achievement under current conditions.
Teacher Shortage
Low salaries and economic hardship are the main reasons teachers are leaving Cuban schools. Inflation has reduced teachers' purchasing power, pushing some to better-paying jobs and others to leave the country. Research shows teacher departures to other sectors have continued since the 1990s, making the shortage a long-term problem. To fill the gap, the government will recruit university students, professionals from other fields and retired teachers. Teachers taking on additional workload will receive extra pay.
Havana Shortage
The situation in Havana is particularly acute. Nearly 3,000 teachers from eastern regions will be sent to the capital to partially cover the shortage. The teacher shortage is compounded by shortages of fuel, electricity and transport that affect schools nationwide.
Uniform and Supply Shortages
Electricity outages and production difficulties have disrupted school uniform supply. Only 12 percent of required primary school uniforms have been produced, according to official data. The Education Ministry has urged schools to be flexible on dress code, allowing students to attend in comfortable clothing with traditional red neckties instead of uniforms.
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Cuba to open 2026-27 school year amid teacher, fuel and uniform shortages
