In Cuba, university education is “free,” as are all mandatory studies. It’s free in the sense that it is unnecessary to pay with money for the years of coursework received. However, once someone graduates, it’s necessary to repay with work for the knowledge acquired in the classroom. This is known as fulfilling social service.
Read MoreWho should control the content of philosophy classes? Sparks fly when this question is raised in Cuba. In this hot corner of the world, this leads us directly to the question of how and under what standards the issue of education is conceived; or better yet, what is the function of education and who is it for? Let’s begin at the lowest rung -the students- and then move up.
Read MoreI feel nostalgia for a sonorous city that I’ve never known. Havana -according to a friend- is full of jazz, son and bolero singers, who crone equally for lost love as for the pleasure of good rum. That is a Habana located far removed from what I experience; it is one with a projected image that makes us appear to be what in fact we are not.
Read MoreWhen self-employment was authorized in 1990s, the walkway in front of the Naval Hospital was soon filled with food stands of all the sizes and colors offering orange juice, pastry, pizza, sandwiches, coffee, sodas, fried bananas, boxed traditional Creole takeout, etc.
Read MoreAt first sight, one notes how salsa and reggaeton have taken over broadcasting media, while there is a void of critical art, like performers Ray Fernandez y Los Aldeanos. This latter group, a hip hop band, was mentioned by Juanes when it was not present at his Havana Peace Day concert. A coincidence or not?
Read MoreHis bike was old, like mine which I’ve had since the nineties when the difficulties of the epoch made this form of transportation absolutely necessary. But he distinguished himself with different stunts on his and he kept asking me what I thought of them.
Read MoreIt’s true that education and health services are free, but that’s only half the story. The leaders only distribute -albeit fairly equally- according to the budget of a revolution that up to now we’ve supported. That’s why I believe that the government doesn’t “give” us anything.
Read MoreI’ve never heard the calling of God. It’s not that I don’t have halfway mystical experiences to relate; in fact I have tons of them. But these have never inspired me to seek out the church and completely surrender myself to prayers and devotions.
Read MoreYes, it’s good that there is mass and free education for all the children and young people in Cuba. However, it’s like destroying with kicks that which has been crafted with hands if such collective achievements demand the relinquishment of individual rights.
Read MoreI’m attracted by the idea that the founders of our republics were also human beings, endowed with their respective gender roles. I take note of the changes that have occurred since their time; changes that I find fascinating.
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