The Provincial Education Department in Artemisa announced new measures to adapt the educational system to the country's energy crisis, including flexible schedules, shortened sessions, and even the authorization to attend without a uniform.
The adjustments, communicated by Wilfredo Cabañas González, Deputy Director of Basic Education, aim for "the continuity of the educational teaching process" in light of the increasing limitations imposed by power outages, reported the provincial newspaper El Artemiseño.
According to reports, all municipal offices must cover the hours from 8:00 to 9:00 in the morning with complementary activities, allowing students to gradually join without missing out on essential content.
In the childcare centers, the entry time is also extended until 9:00 a.m., and the pick-up of children will begin at 2:30 p.m. However, the institutions will maintain their usual hours to accommodate family needs, the official indicated.
In basic secondary schools where the school snack cannot be guaranteed, only one class session will be held. Additionally, due to difficulties in washing and ironing uniforms, students are authorized to attend in appropriate clothing, “as long as decorum is ensured and respect for the school dress code is maintained.”
The measures highlight the forced adaptation of the education system to a prolonged crisis scenario. While the official discourse insists on the continuity of the teaching process, the reality reflects the worsening of precarious conditions that directly affect school and family routines. The classroom adjusts to power outages, and education adapts to survival.
Provinces such as Camagüey, Holguín, and Matanzas have experienced power outages that exceed 20 hours a day, leading to increasing discontent among the population.
The lack of maintenance in power plants, the scarcity of fuel, and an outdated electrical infrastructure are factors that contribute to this crisis.
The prolonged blackouts and the lack of drinking water in several provinces have sparked outrage among parents, who question the government's demand that they send their children to school without minimum conditions for their well-being. In many places, there isn’t even bread for snacks, due to the scarcity of flour, and the lack of water and electricity.
The disconnection of key units has caused the collapse of the National Electroenergetic System (SEN) on several occasions, which has led the government to suspend classes in schools and close non-essential state institutions to reduce energy consumption.
However, these actions have not succeeded in mitigating the impact on the daily lives of Cubans, who face difficulties in carrying out basic activities such as cooking, preserving food, and accessing essential services.
According to the official report issued by the Electric Union (UNE), the electricity generation deficit will reach 1,700 MW this Tuesday during peak hours, which guarantees prolonged blackouts in almost the entire country.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Energy Crisis and Its Impact on Education in Cuba
How does the energy crisis impact education in Artemisa?
The energy crisis has led the Provincial Education Directorate in Artemisa to implement flexible schedules and shortened sessions in schools. Additionally, students are allowed to attend without uniforms due to the difficulties in washing and ironing clothes. These measures aim to mitigate the impact of blackouts on the educational process.
What measures have been taken to address the power outages in schools in Artemisa?
To address the blackouts, flexible entry and exit times have been established, allowing students to gradually return to school activities. In basic secondary schools where school snacks cannot be guaranteed, class sessions have been reduced to one.
Why are students allowed to attend without a uniform in Artemisa?
Due to the difficulties in washing and ironing uniforms because of prolonged power outages, it has been authorized for students to attend without uniforms, as long as decorum and respect for the school dress code are maintained.
What impact do prolonged blackouts have on the daily lives of Cubans?
Prolonged blackouts severely impact the daily lives of Cubans, making basic activities such as cooking, food storage, and access to essential services challenging. The lack of electricity also affects education and health, leading to increasing social discontent.
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