Adoctrinamiento En El Sistema Educativo De Cuba/Indoctrination In Cuba's Education System

Based on a document titled “PROYECTO DE ESCUELA SECUNDARIA BASICA” (Secondary School Project) published by the Education Ministry of Cuba, I refer and translate in English relevant sections showing how political indoctrination constitutes an essential part of the education system in Cuba.

Even though this document refers only to secondary school, which includes grades 7th, 8th and 9th, the process of indoctrination occurs at all levels in Cuba and with greater intensity in high school and university. Regardless of the date of this document, it serves as a means to help us understand through the terminology of the dictatorship in Cuba how the process of indoctrination has been been and continues to be an official state policy. Similar documents can be found throughout different periods of the regime, from the establishment of the Community Youth League to the present.

Note how this document mixes “patriotism, Cubanhood/national identity” with ideology. Patriotism, rather than being defined as a broad concept that transcends ideology, it is is narrowed down to the acceptance and allegiance to socialism and the ideas of Che Guevara and Fidel Castro. In other words, those who disagree with socialism and Fidel Castro are deemed as “anti patriotic” and therefore “anti cuban.” National identity and ideology are intertwined.

2. 1.- OBJECTIVES AND GOAL OF SECONDARY EDUCATION.

Purpose of Secondary School

The aim of Secondary school is the basic and comprehensive education of Cuban adolescents on the basis of a general culture that allows them to be fully identified with their nationality and patriotism. By knowing and understanding their past, they [adolescents] face their present and future preparation, consciously adopting socialism as a safeguard in the defence of the social conquests and the continuity of the work of the Revolution, expressed in their ways of feeling, thinking and acting.

General Educational Objectives

1. To show patriotism, expressed in a rejection of capitalism, hegemonic Yankee imperialism and in the conscious adoption of Cuba’s socialist option, through love and respect for national symbols, for the combatants of the Cuban Revolution and for the ideals and examples set by Martí, Che and Fidel as paradigms of Cuban revolutionary thought and consequent action.

Educational Objetives in the 7th Grade

1.2. To explain the extent of the work of the Revolution based on information gathered (through collective or individual study) and essential information provided by different subjects, and educational activities. Use that knowledge to ellaborate arguments. Find examples that show social justice in your territory.

1.3. To show a feeling of rejection towards capitalism and in particular towards Yankee imperialism based on the knowledge [acquired] on their aggressions against the economy, environment, people and socialist way of life in Cuba.

Educational Objectives in the 8th Grade

Eighth Grade

1. 1. To accept patriotism based on expert knowledge about the importance of the unity and interests of the socialist fatherland, the defence of national identity and sovereignty. Knowing, loving and valuing the main patriotic traditions, costumes and the most authentic cultural expressions, as well as feeling optimistic about the defence of the nation. Challenge all notions of defeatism.

1. 2. To independently argue on the scope of the work of the Revolution in its national and international framework, it’s supportive and internationalist character and accordingly express love for it. [This is accomplished] on the basis of studying the works of José Martí (historical projection), Che (his vision of the revolutionary movement) and Fidel (situation of today’s world). Moreover, based on the grade’s curriculum and various sources, to assess information in order to draw conclusions on third world countries, to support the struggle against yanqui imperialism.

1.3. To strengthen feelings of rejection towards the global capitalist system, Yankee hegemony and neoliberal globalization by knowing the serious ills generated by their methods of exploitation, the aggressive character of its foreign policy, the constant violation of human rights. [The fulfilment of this goal should] take grade curriculum as a starting point as well as the ideological, political and socialist preparation [of the student] in unity with the [Communist] Party.

educational objectives in the Ninth Grade

1.1 To be firm [defending] the right of Cuba to preserve our identity and national sovereignty, democracy, moral values and historial virtues of the Cuban people. To value unity around the [Communist] Party and its role in the Cuban revolutionary process. Be loyal to the fatherland and confront all attempts to put obstacles or attempt to go back to the past, which was marked by oppression.

1.2 To adopt a position of commitment to the Revolution by mastering the main traits of the humanistic and revolutionary thought of Martí, Che and Fidel as well as the historical role played by other personalities. Be loyal to their ideas and examples by showing willingness, effort, resistance and sacrifice to the duties and needs of the fatherland even in the most difficult conditions. This means to be protagonists in the Battle of Ideas.

1.3 To defend and argue, based on research of various sources, the key facts and laws that show the historical character of the aggressiveness of the United States towards the Cuban nation and Third World countries.

2.2. To master the main rights and duties of a Cuban citizen. Getting to know, based on the [student’s] age, the main aspects of the Criminal Code (crimes against childhood, youth and family, against patrimony, against life and physical integrity) expressed through arguments in defence of socialist legality. [This should be] expressed through protagonist participation in school assignments and involvement in the community as means for the [student’s] preparation to join mass based organization and the Communist Youth League (UJC) within the framework of the political system [prevailing] in Cuban society.

2.4 MANAGEMENT AND TECHNICAL BODIES

THE [SCHOOL’S] ADMINISTRATIVE BOARD

This board is integrated by the principal, the teaching secretary, the heads of grades, the guide professor, the secretaries of the Communist Party and the Youth Community League, Union section secretary, presidents of the Pioneer’s Council and School Council, representatives of the Federation of University Students, the school’s doctor, the deputy administrative principal, the deputy boarding school/production principal. This is the leading body guiding the educational strategy and ensuring fulfilment of the educational policy. The frequency of meeting is on a monthly basis and can be convened extraordinarily when the principal deems it as necessary.