Teaching fringe hears of “life changing” delegation
News from Cuba | Thursday, 4 April 2024
Cuban teachers attend education conference
The NEU’s long-standing solidarity with Cuban teachers continued in the first week of April, as the union welcomed Maria Camacho Caballero, Regional Secretary for Havana, and Miroslava Pozo Pinares, National Executive Member, from Cuba’s National Union of Education, Science and Sports Workers (SNTECD) to its annual conference in Bournemouth.
Speaking at the fringe meeting on Thursday 4 April, Miroslava thanked the NEU and CSC for the support and solidarity the SNTECD, Cuban teachers and children had received over the years. “We want to thank you for the invitation that you have kindly extended to our organisation, asking us to participate in this conference. This underlines the deep relationship of friendship and cooperation that exists between our organisations.”
“You are an example of permanent solidarity with Cuba, against the economic, commercial and financial blockade imposed by the government of the United States of America, which is the main obstacle to the Cuban economy fulfilling its potential,” she told more than 80 delegates in attendance.
CSC Chair Kevin Courtney, former General Secretary of the NEU, chaired the meeting and asked delegates why the US Government would persist with such a cruel policy: “Because Cuba is an example of how a society can be built and run differently; of what can be done when you prioritise education, just next-door to the US. That’s why.”
NEU members spoke about their experiences on the 2023 delegation to the island and the extraordinary achievements of the education system in Cuba despite the shortages imposed by the blockade.
Louise Birch, a primary school teacher from Cumbria and former president of the union, said the delegation changed my teaching practice and it changed my life.” She described how bonds of love and community underscored everything that was done in Cuban schools.
Mairead Canavan, member of the NEU’s national executive committee and a secondary school IT teacher from south Wales, spoke about the severe shortage of equipment facing Cuban schools. Despite a lack of computers, Mairead “found it fascinating to see classes of 15-20 pupils in a classroom, learning theory and discussing presentations.” The task of repairing or obtaining new equipment, she said, “is made difficult if not impossible by the US blockade.”
One aspect of the Cuban approach to education which consistently stands out to visitors to the country is the emphasis placed on arts and music. Sala Ba from Croydon told delegates that Cuban children often receive arts education from world-class artists. She explained how this emphasis is part of the Cuban educational ethos to “nurture well-rounded individuals,” not just train students to achieve certain targets. “If you can, grab the opportunity to go on the delegation this year,” she urged.
Nikki Ajibade from Warwickshire highlighted the stark contrast in the provision of education for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) compared to the UK. “It’s about developing the child holistically,” she said, and explained how special schools in Cuba are all ‘transition schools’, meaning that all SEND pupils, when they are ready, will move to mainstream settings. “This approach stems from Cuba’s revolutionary ideals – which assert that everyone has something to contribute to society.”
Reporting on the role of the SNTECD and its relationship with government, Rachel Hesselwood from Bradford said, “it’s hard to believe, as the system is so different to ours. They are hand-in-hand partners in making education work.” She described how no laws affecting workers are passed without consulting unions, and how educators are the ones who make education policy. “If there are problems, they are discussed and worked through.There is a real feeling of collaboration and cooperation.”
Emma Rose also took time out of her busy presidential schedule to give her greetings and to celebrate the NEU’s work with CSC and the SNTECD. “Solidarity with Cuba is such a huge part of the work that we do. The delegation in particular empowers our members to come back home and fight for a better world,” she told the fringe.
CSC National Secretary Bernard Regan concluded by encouraging all delegates to consider applying for the 2024 delegation and to ensure that their districts are affiliated to CSC. He also introduced Cuba Vive, CSC’s new medical aid appeal, and pointed out that much like the Viva la Educacíon appeal, it was not about charity but a practical demonstration of solidarity.
In the evening CSC organised a Cuban salsa night, featuring Omar Puente and his live band. More than £450 was raised by a raffle for campaign work, and delegates filled the dancefloor all night, with Mariela and Miroslava leading the way.
