The first day of school in Cuba
Sept. 2: Today is the first day of school in Cuba. Here in Havana, near the studios of Havana Radio Cuba, a multitude of children could be seen, walking to their schools in their school uniforms, new book bags in hand, accompanied by their parents and grandparents. At the Mella Memorial, a few blocks from here, first year students of the University of Havana were addressed by leaders of the Federation of University Students.
Since the triumph of the revolution in 1959, the Federation of University Students, with membership of more than 90% of students, has played an active role in the construction of the socialist project. For example, during the past year, it was active in the national debates with respect to the new Cuban constitution, and its members were present as volunteer workers following a devastating tornado in a densely populated neighborhood in Havana.
Since 1959, similar mass organizations have been developed in the primary, middle, technical, and pre-university schools. These organizations also have extremely high levels of participation, and they play an important role in the education of children and youth into socialist values and responsible citizenship.
