00:14As Cuba begins a new school year, the island is reaffirming its commitment to protecting every child's right to education,
00:21determined to keep students in the classroom and education going, despite escalating U.S. aggressions.
00:26Belanda Los Santos with the story.
00:32It's the start of a new school year in Cuba, as the island bows to keep children in the classroom,
00:38despite increased U.S. aggressions that have extended blackouts, reduced transportation and hindered production.
00:45I think that is also the biggest challenge. How, under these conditions and by anticipating the problems that may arise,
00:50we can protect the standards that Cuban education has become known for,
00:53both among its people and around the world, because there is international recognition of this.
00:58According to the minister, the keys to this school year are flexible strategies to achieve a common goal, identifying issues
01:04and drawing up solutions for each community, all to protect the children's right to an education.
01:13I'm happy because this is our last year of primary school, and I won't be able to stay with my
01:17classmates when I move on to secondary school because I'm going to hide the sports school.
01:24I'm very happy to learn new things, to be able to study again and to see my classmates.
01:28Amid foreign aggressions, Cuban teachers are leading a major effort to provide quality education, even as the violent oil blockade
01:36affects daily life across the island.
01:42It really is a challenge. It's an effort that we're going to make, but it's necessary because children need to
01:47continue their education and continue developing.
01:49This is the work we chose, and we do it with love.
01:52The determination is clear. Education is a top priority, and as U.S. aggressions escalate, every last effort will go
02:00to shielding the kids' future.
02:02For them, meanwhile, the excitement and hopes of a new school year remain.
02:09What excites me most is moving on to ninth grade.
02:13I hope to gain new knowledge and have more opportunities like this.
02:19Study hard, fulfill all your responsibilities, and remember that every day is a new day to learn.
02:24What I want is for this year to go by quickly because I'm really looking forward to going to the
02:29sports school,
02:30to feel a little older and a little more responsible.
02:32Belen de los Santos for Tell Us Your English from Havana, Cuba.
