According to the World Bank, those under 14 years of age make up 16.3 per cent of the entire population of the Republic of Cuba and according to UNICEF’s report of Cuba; there is a 100 per cent level of literacy as of 2012. High literacy has been achieved as part of the Government of Cuba’s strong efforts to move toward universal and integrated social protection for all. As such, Cuba has one of the highest school attendance rates in the region and its boys and girls have enjoyed access to free education since 1989. Universal primary, secondary and higher education is financed and administered by the Ministry of Education through a network of approximately 9,000 schools throughout the country.
Primary and secondary education in Cuba is compulsory for all boys and girls between 6 and 15 years of age and is structured upon a comprehensive curriculum designed to prepare students for higher education, also provided by the State, and active participation in the workforce. High standards for education are maintained through relatively small classroom sizes, which are regulated up to a maximum of 25 children per teacher in primary school and up to a maximum of 15 students per teacher in secondary school. Students with disabilities or special needs are eligible to attend a network of 425 specialized schools, currently attended by approximately 57,000 boys and girls. Those who are unable to attend school are provided with teachers at home to ensure equal access for all. The Government of the Republic of Cuba implements an integrated approach to ensure that children have access the benefits of education and nutrition and provides all students with school supplies, uniforms and nutritious meals at school. Through its integrated and targeted approach, 100 per cent of both boys and girls currently attend school in Cuba.
Cuba’s universal education system was realised through a process of reforms, which took place over a 30-year period between 1959 and 1989. Today Cuba’s education system demonstrates a very strong national commitment to universal social protection and has made great achievements since the 1950s, when approximately half of all children did not attend school. Cuba has continued to achieve excellence in its education through investments in infrastructure and capacity building for teachers to ensure the highest extent and level of coverage. Cuba’s compulsory education system makes solid investments in the next generation and forms an important part of a thriving national social protection floor.
Further Reading:
- Carmelo Mesa-Lago (2012). Social Protection Systems in Latin America and the Carribean: Cuba. United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Carribean, Santiago. Accessed from http://www.cepal.org/en/publications/social-protection-systems-latin-america-and-caribbean-cuba on December 2016.