AN interest in learning about the Cuban educational system marked the visit to the island October 22 - 28 of a delegation composed of primary and secondary school teachers from the UK.

The National Union of Teachers (NUT) delegation visited primary, secondary, music, sports, and special education schools in Havana and Pinar del Río, where they presented several donations, including musical instruments and a Braille machine.

During their trip, they also spoke with officials from the Cuban Workers’ Federation (CTC), the National Union of Education, Science and Sports Workers (SNTECD), the Federation of University Students (FEU), the Institute of Friendship with the Peoples (ICAP) and the Federation of Cuban Women (FMC).

They were also deeply impressed to hear that Cuban educational policy is not changed without the agreement of teachers, students, and unions. They were surprised to know that monthly union meetings and other activities serve to channel sector professionals' concerns and proposals to government authorities.

The NUT junior vice president also noted that they had observed support for the arts and the practice of sport in Cuban schools. In contrast, she added that the current government in the UK is cutting back on the time and resources allocated for the arts and sports in the national curriculum, and downplays the importance of cultural activities in the learning process. Access to these areas of education is thus becoming the privilege of children from wealthy families and those in private education.

The secondary school teacher explained that the NUT has a membership of 334,000 teachers across the United Kingdom, making it one of the largest among the eight teaching unions in the country.

In this sense, as part of their activities, the SNTECD awarded its 55th Anniversary medal to Bernard Joseph Regan, a founding member and secretary of the Cuba Solidarity Campaign (CSC) and member of the NUT’s national executive, in recognition of his efforts in support of Cuba.

He added that NUT promotes travel to Cuba among its members, both to visit schools and participate in educational events. He noted, “Right now in London we are hosting an exhibition of the work of 31 young Cuban artists, to raise funds and buy teaching materials that can be sent here for arts education.”

Speaking of his love for Cuba, Bernard stressed, “I am inspired by the strength of a people consistent with their revolutionary ideals and political principles. I admire Cuba’s internationalist struggle, especially in Africa against apartheid.”

He also praised Cuba’s international medical collaboration in over sixty countries, especially in assisting victims of natural disasters and more recently in the fight against Ebola in West Africa and the cholera outbreak in Haiti. He concluded by assuring, “I will continue to work for Cuba until I draw my last breath.”