Cuba's educational system has undergone significant improvements over the years. By the early 1900s, although the country had a strong educational system, its benefits were limited to only half of the children in Cuba. Unfortunately, the poorest Cubans were unable to access schools, resulting in a low literacy rate, especially in rural areas. Prior to 1959, a staggering 22% of Cubans over the age of 15 were illiterate, and an additional 60% were semi-literate due to limited education.
However, after the Cuban Revolution, the new government prioritized the reconstruction of the education system. They established a comprehensive list of five key objectives, which served as the foundation for Cuba's educational reforms. One of the most significant changes was the introduction of mandatory elementary education, ensuring that all children, regardless of their socio-economic background, had the opportunity to receive an education. This particularly benefited children living in poverty, as they now had access to education completely free of charge, a privilege that was previously beyond their reach.
In Cuba, school attendance is compulsory from the ages of 6 to 15 or 16, encompassing basic secondary education. Notably, all students, regardless of age or gender, are required to wear school uniforms, with the color representing their grade level. Primary education spans a duration of six years, while secondary education is divided into basic and pre-university levels. The primary and secondary school curricula are built upon principles of "hard work, self-discipline, and love of country", ensuring a holistic approach to education.
Upon completion of basic secondary education, students have the option to pursue pre-university education or technical and professional training. Those who choose the pre-university track are awarded the Bachillerato qualification. On the other hand, technical training offers two levels of qualification - skilled worker and middle-level technician. Graduating from this program grants access to technological institutes.
Higher education in Cuba is primarily provided by public universities, higher institutes, higher pedagogical institutes, centers of higher education, and higher polytechnic institutes. The Ministry of Higher Education (Ministerio de Educacion Superior (MES)) oversees undergraduate and postgraduate education, governing aspects such as teaching methods, courses and programs, student allocations, and specialization courses offered by various higher education centers. It is worth noting that all institutions hold equal status. Currently, Cuba boasts 47 universities, with an approximate enrollment of 112,000 students.
Furthermore, Cuba extends its educational offerings to foreign nationals through state-subsidized programs. Notably, U.S. students have the opportunity to study medicine at the Latin American School of Medicine, where they receive full scholarships, including accommodation. The aim of this program is for graduates to return to the U.S. and provide affordable healthcare services to underserved communities.
Overall, Cuba's educational system has made significant strides in ensuring accessibility and quality education for all, even beyond its own borders. The reforms enacted after the Cuban Revolution have played a crucial role in expanding educational opportunities and narrowing the literacy gap in the country.
Introduction:
In 1960, Fidel Castro embarked on a groundbreaking literacy campaign, targeting more than 700,000 illiterate adult Cubans. Despite being viewed by the world through the lens of communism, this campaign is widely regarded as the most successful in history. Drawing inspiration from Cuba's model, countries worldwide, irrespective of their political ideologies, should consider adopting similar approaches to combat illiteracy. The importance of literacy cannot be overstated: it serves as a crucial component of both societal development and individual growth. UNESCO reports that today, the global illiteracy rate stands at 26%, affecting a staggering 1 billion people. Therefore, examining Cuba's practices becomes essential in finding meaningful solutions.
The Cuban Literacy Campaign:
The Cuban Literacy Campaign called upon 250,000 volunteer teachers from across Cuba to educate illiterate individuals. As dedicated and passionate citizens, most of these teachers were young women who lived and worked with the families they taught. Despite facing various adversities, including attacks during the Bay of Pigs invasion, the campaign remained resolute in its mission to prioritize literacy alongside the nation's ongoing struggles on the international stage. Ultimately, the campaign achieved overwhelming success, transforming Cuba's literacy rate from around 70% in the 1950s to an astounding 99.8% today.
Cuba's Commitment to Education:
As Cuba experienced a revolution in the 1950s, education became a central pillar of the country's progress. Recognizing its transformative power, the Cuban government allocated a significant portion of its budget towards education. By attaining near-universal literacy within two years, Cuba's achievement caught the attention of UNESCO, prompting a deeper examination into the campaign's methodology. Previously skeptical, the World Bank also grew more open to the idea of funding literacy programs, realizing that education could serve as a tool for both peace and economic growth.
The Global Response:
The response to Cuba's literacy campaign was mixed, partly due to the ideological tensions during the Cold War. While some capitalist countries recognized the value of eradicating illiteracy, they hesitated to fully embrace the Cuban model. This reticence stemmed from concerns regarding Cuba's broader educational policies, including the abolishment of private education, predominantly funded by religious institutions. Additionally, the timing of the campaign coincided with the Bay of Pigs invasion and the Cuban Missile Crisis, creating unfavorable optics for countries engaged in an ideological battle against Cuba. Despite these reservations, Cuba had successfully developed an efficient and effective system to address its illiteracy crisis, demonstrating that the needs of the people should ultimately prevail over political considerations.
Looking Forward:
Cuba's historic literacy campaign provides valuable insights into the power of education and the tangible benefits of prioritizing literacy rates. With one billion illiterate individuals globally, countries must prioritize eradicating illiteracy to foster democratic societies and informed decision-making. By embracing Cuba's successful initiatives and adapting them to local contexts, nations can make significant strides in combating this pervasive issue. It is crucial to set aside ideological differences and focus on the collective needs of our people, as education remains a fundamental human right and a critical pathway towards progress.
Conclusion:
The Cuban Literacy Campaign of 1960 serves as a shining example of how a nation can effectively combat illiteracy through dedicated volunteer efforts and prioritization of educational resources. Despite the campaign's association with communism, its remarkable success cannot be denied. Countries worldwide should adopt a similar approach to eradicate illiteracy, valuing literacy as an indispensable component of societal development. As we strive for democratic societies with informed citizens, it is essential to prioritize the needs of our people over political optics. Cuba's literacy campaign stands as a testament to the transformative power of education and should inspire global action in the fight against illiteracy.
A 1998 study by UNESCO reported that Cuban students showed a high level of educational achievement.
Cuban third and fourth graders scored 350 points, 100 points above the regional average in tests of
basic language and mathematics skills.
The report indicated that the test achievement of the lower half of students in Cuba was significantly higher
than the test achievement of the upper half of students in other Central and South American countries in the study group.
How does Cuba literacy rate compare?
Literacy rates of 15-24 years old, both sexes, percentage. Higher is better. Year 2008
Cuba 100% |
Argentina 99.10% |
Mexico 98.40% |
Brazil 97.80% |
Colombia 98.00% |
Honduras 93.90%
In terms of visiting Cuba, legal travel from the USA has been all but impossible for over half a century.
Right now, however, a rare alteration in travel regulations made by former US President Barack Obama offers US citizens the opportunity to go to Cuba under the General License for Educational Activities, Support for the Cuban People, Professional Research, among others.
After the publication of the new amendments to the Cuban Assets Control Regulations (31 CFR Part 515) on June 9, 2022, all 12 categories of legal Cuba travel remain unaffected; except for the Individual People-to-people General License for Cuba travel which has been ended (the Group People-to-people General License) has been re-authorized though.
The future of travel from the US to Cuba is uncertain, and right now, US travelers still have the chance to go to Cuba legally for Professional Research, Support for the Cuban People, Professional Meetings, Religious Activities, and other venues.
If you’ve got an idea of which style of trip will suit you best, take a look at our different trip themes below, as there’s something to suit everyone. Not only are there themed tours to fit any budget and interest, each Authentic Cuba Travel® experience immerses you in the authentic Cuba so hard to explore while just staying in full packed beach resorts.
Our festival tours give travelers VIP access to all venues and happenings of Cuba’s famous international events such as the Havana Jazz Festival, Book Fair, Ballet Festival and others.
Through peer to peer interaction, our Cuba Study Tours® transcend ordinary tourism by immersing American students in the local culture, history, politics, music and contemporary arts.
Cuba Pathfinder® is your gateway to discover the unique Cuban cultural heritage, a set of traditions & memories not showcased in museums but much alive & thriving.
An architectural passage through Cuba’s best preserved colonial cities and unique architectural heritage, our architecture tours visit all UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Cuba.
Capturing stirring pictures of authentic Cuban destinations it is not the only mission of our photography tours. Capture the essence of the Cuban culture and the kindness of its people.
Our educational tours represents a great opportunity for K-12 teachers, university & college professors to explore Cuba’s education system while exploring colonial cities, towns and villages.
An odyssey into Cuba's tropical paradise, our nature & bird watching tours gain access to the most pristine natural sites, from UNESCO Biosphere Reserves to National Parks.
A journey into the Jewish history in Cuba, our tours will strengthen the ties between Cuban Jewish communities and North American Jews. All while visiting 4 UNESCO World Heritage Sites!
What sets our sports tours apart are the private exchanges with players, coaches & staff as well as sports journalists & personalities. Then you have best seats at the games!
Select your authentic Cuba trip from over 70 Cuba tours in seconds. Sort by departure date, price, destination and even Cuba travel theme.
QUICK CUBA TOUR FINDERReal Cuba Tour 1
Havana, Las Terrazas, Vinales
Jan 11- Jan 18, 2025
$2,599 Book Now
Cuba Engage Tour 1
Havana, Bay of Pigs, Trinidad
Jan 11- Jan 18, 2025
$2,599 Book Now
Cuba Jazz Festival
Havana, Cienfuegos, Trinidad
Jan 26- Feb 3, 2025
$3,099 Book Now
Santiago Jazz Festival
Santiago de Cuba
Jan 27- Feb 3, 2025
$2,899 Book Now
Havana Jazz Festival
Havana, Vinales
Jan 29- Feb 3, 2025
$2,499 Book Now
Havana Book Fair
Havana, Cienfuegos, Trinidad
Feb 7- Feb 14, 2025
$2,799 Book Now
Havana Art Biennial
Havana, Vinales
Feb 21- Feb 28, 2025
$2,799 Book Now
Real Cuba Tour 2
Havana, Las Terrazas, Vinales
Feb 8- Feb 15, 2025
$2,599 Book Now
Cuba Engage Tour 2
Havana, Bay of Pigs, Trinidad
Feb 8- Feb 15, 2025
$2,599 Book Now
Habano Cigar Festival
Havana, Vinales
Feb 22- Mar 1, 2025
$2,999 Book Now
Cuba Education Tour 1
Havana, Cienfuegos, Trinidad
Feb 22- Mar 1, 2025
$2,599 Book Now
Cuba Education Tour 2
Havana, Cienfuegos, Trinidad
Mar 1- Mar 8, 2025
$2,599 Book Now
Cuba Al Natural
Havana, Zapata, Trinidad
Mar 1- Mar 12, 2025
$2,859 Book Now
Cuba Business Tour 1
Havana, Matanzas, Varadero
Mar 8- Mar 15, 2025
$2,599 Book Now
Healthcare Cuba Tour 1
Havana, Cienfuegos, Trinidad
Mar 8- Mar 15, 2025
$2,599 Book Now
Real Cuba Tour 3
Havana, Las Terrazas, Vinales
Mar 8- Mar 15, 2025
$2,599 Book Now
Cuba Engage Tour 3
Havana, Bay of Pigs, Trinidad
Mar 8- Mar 15, 2025
$2,599 Book Now
Cuba Art Explorer I
Havana, Vinales
Mar 8- Mar 15, 2025
$2,599 Book Now
Bird Watching Tour
Havana, Zapata, Trinidad
Mar 8- Mar 15, 2025
$2,599 Book Now
Cuba Education Tour 3
Havana, Cienfuegos, Trinidad
Mar 8- Mar 15, 2025
$2,599 Book Now
Cuba Education Tour 4
Havana, Vinales
Mar 15- Mar 22, 2025
$2,599 Book Now
Photography Tour I
Havana, Vinales, Trinidad
Apr 5- Apr 12, 2025
$2,629 Book Now
The Nature of Cuba
Havana, Vinales, Trinidad
Apr 5- Apr 14, 2025
$2,799 Book Now
Real Cuba Tour 4
Havana, Las Terrazas, Vinales
Apr 5- Apr 12, 2025
$2,599 Book Now
Cuba Engage Tour 4
Havana, Bay of Pigs, Trinidad
Apr 5- Apr 12, 2025
$2,599 Book Now
4 Biosphere Reserves
Rosario, Zapata, Buenavista
May 2- May 11, 2025
$2,999 Book Now
Real Cuba Tour 5
Havana, Las Terrazas, Vinales
May 10- May 17, 2025
$2,599 Book Now
Cuba Engage Tour 5
Havana, Bay of Pigs, Trinidad
May 10- May 17, 2025
$2,599 Book Now
Photography Tour II
Havana, Vinales, Trinidad
Jun 7- Jun 14, 2025
$2,629 Book Now
Cuba Art Explorer II
Havana, Cienfuegos, Trinidad
Jun 7- Jun 14, 2025
$2,599 Book Now
Cuba Education Tour 5
Havana, Cienfuegos, Trinidad
Jun 7- Jun 14, 2025
$2,599 Book Now
Real Cuba Tour 6
Havana, Las Terrazas, Vinales
Jun 7- Jun 14, 2025
$2,599 Book Now
Cuba Engage Tour 6
Havana, Bay of Pigs, Trinidad
Jun 7- Jun 14, 2025
$2,599 Book Now
Cuba Fire Festival
Havana, Santiago de Cuba
Jun 29- Jul 6, 2025
$2,799 Book Now
Real Cuba Tour 7
Havana, Las Terrazas, Vinales
Jul 5- Jul 12, 2025
$2,599 Book Now
Cuba Engage Tour 7
Havana, Bay of Pigs, Trinidad
Jul 5- Jul 12, 2025
$2,599 Book Now
Cuba Business Tour 2
Havana, Matanzas, Varadero
Jul 5- Jul 12, 2025
$2,599 Book Now
Healthcare Cuba Tour 2
Havana, Cienfuegos, Trinidad
Jul 5- Jul 12, 2025
$2,599 Book Now
Cuba Education Tour 6
Havana, Santiago de Cuba
Jul 5- Jul 12, 2025
$2,799 Book Now
Cuba Education Tour 7
Havana, Las Terrazas & Vinales
Jul 12- Jul 19, 2025
$2,599 Book Now
Jews of Cuba Travel
Havana, Santa Clara, Cienfuegos
Aug 7- Aug 14, 2025
$2,799 Book Now
Real Cuba Tour 8
Havana, Las Terrazas, Vinales
Aug 9- Aug 16, 2025
$2,599 Book Now
Cuba Engage Tour 8
Havana, Bay of Pigs, Trinidad
Aug 9- Aug 16, 2025
$2,599 Book Now
Photography Tour III
Havana, Vinales, Trinidad
Aug 9- Aug 16, 2025
$2,629 Book Now
Cuba Education Tour 8
Havana, Cienfuegos, Trinidad
Aug 9- Aug 16, 2025
$2,599 Book Now
Cuba Art Explorer III
Havana, Vinales
Aug 9- Aug 16, 2025
$2,599 Book Now
Cuba Legal Travel
Havana, Vinales
Aug 9- Aug 16, 2025
$2,799 Book Now
Cuba Architecture I
Havana, Cienfuegos, Trinidad
Aug 9- Aug 16, 2025
$2,599 Book Now
Seven Cities II
Havana, Santiago de Cuba
Aug 9- Aug 20, 2025
$3,329 Book Now
Real Cuba Tour 9
Havana, Las Terrazas, Vinales
Sep 6- Sep 13, 2025
$2,599 Book Now
Cuba Engage Tour 9
Havana, Bay of Pigs, Trinidad
Sep 6- Sep 13, 2025
$2,599 Book Now
Baseball Tour
Havana, Cienfuegos, Trinidad
Sep 6- Sep 13, 2025
$2,999 Book Now
Real Cuba Tour 10
Havana, Las Terrazas, Vinales
Oct 4- Oct 11, 2025
$2,599 Book Now
Cuba Engage Tour 10
Havana, Bay of Pigs, Trinidad
Oct 4- Oct 11, 2025
$2,599 Book Now
Dance Cuba Tour
Havana, Las Terrazas
Oct 4- Oct 11, 2025
$2,599 Book Now
Performing Arts Tour
Havana, Cienfuegos, Trinidad
Oct 4- Oct 11, 2025
$2,599 Book Now
Cuba Ballet Festival
Havana, Vinales
Oct 25- Nov 1, 2025
$2,999 Book Now
Jo Jazz Havana
Havana, Las Terrazas, Vinales
Nov 5- Nov 12, 2025
$2,799 Book Now
Seven Cities I
Havana, Santiago de Cuba
Nov 6- Nov 17, 2025
$3,329 Book Now
Cuba Nature Tour
Havana, Vinales, Trinidad
Nov 7- Nov 16, 2025
$2,799 Book Now
Real Cuba Tour 11
Havana, Las Terrazas, Vinales
Nov 8- Nov 15, 2025
$2,599 Book Now
Cuba Engage Tour 11
Havana, Bay of Pigs, Trinidad
Nov 8- Nov 15, 2025
$2,599 Book Now
Cuba Business Tour 3
Havana, Matanzas, Varadero
Nov 8- Nov 15, 2025
$2,599 Book Now
Healthcare Cuba Tour 3
Havana, Cienfuegos, Trinidad
Nov 8- Nov 15, 2025
$2,599 Book Now
Havana Film Festival
Havana, Vinales
Dec 8- Dec 15, 2025
$2,899 Book Now
Real Cuba Tour 12
Havana, Las Terrazas, Vinales
Dec 26- Jan 2, 2026
$2,599 Book Now
Cuba Engage Tour 12
Havana, Bay of Pigs, Trinidad
Dec 26- Jan 2, 2026
$2,599 Book Now
Cuba Education Tour 9
Havana, Cienfuegos, Trinidad
Dec 26- Jan 2, 2026
$2,599 Book Now
Cuba Education Tour 10
Havana, Bay of Pigs, Santa Clara
Dec 26- Jan 2, 2026
$2,599 Book Now
Cuba Education Tour 11
Havana, Santiago de Cuba
Dec 26- Jan 2, 2026
$2,799 Book Now
Bird Watching Tour
Havana, Zapata, Trinidad
Dec 26- Jan 2, 2026
$2,599 Book Now
Cuba Architecture II
Havana, Cienfuegos, Trinidad
Dec 26- Jan 2, 2026
$2,599 Book Now
Cuba Art Explorer IV
Havana, Las Terrazas
Dec 26- Jan 2, 2026
$2,599 Book Now
Photography Tour IV
Havana, Vinales, Trinidad
Dec 26- Jan 2, 2026
$2,729 Book Now
Jewish Heritage Tour
Havana, Cienfuegos, Trinidad
Dec 26- Jan 2, 2026
$2,799 Book Now
Family Discovery Tour
Havana, Cienfuegos, Trinidad
Dec 26- Jan 2, 2026
$2,699 Book Now
Sign up for email updates from Authentic Cuba Travel®. Our monthly newsletters are full of information on Cuba Study Tours®, Cuba Education Tours, Cuba Cultural Tours, Cuba Architecture Travel, Cuba Festival Travel, Cuba Nature & Bird Watching Travel & Sport Tours. Free Familiarization (FAM) Cuba Tours for educators. Get discounts from Authentic Cuba Travel®!
NewsletterBella Travel Group Ltd. (Federal Corporation number: 765324-7) owns and operates the following registered trademarks: Authentic Cuba Travel® is a trademark registered at the Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO), Registration No. TMA975677 | Cuba Pathfinder® is a trademark registered at the Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO), Registration No. TMA997988 | Cuba Pathfinder® is a trademark registered at the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), Registration No. 5498353 | Cuba Study Tours, Make Cuba Your Classroom® is a trademark registered at the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), Registration No. 5833051.
Authentic Cuba Travel® offers travelers a $100 referral discount per person in all our Cuba tours to make it more affordable for friends and families travelling together.
Couples traveling together automatically get a $200 discount ($100 per person).
You will also receive a $100 discount per each person that joins you on the trip. Invite 1 friend to join you and pay $100 less. Invite 2 friends and pay $200 less. Invite 3, and pay $300 less, and so on.
The people that travel with you will be grateful as they will also get an additional $100 per person discount.
For example, if you invite 8 people to join in, you will receive an $800 discount. Your friends also receive a $100 discount per person, for a total group discount of $1,600.
If you happen to recruit 2 more travelers, for a total of 10 people besides you, you will receive a complimentary ground package!
Yes, if you are able to recruit 10 travelers, you will pay nothing, cero, nada for your ground package!