Day 405 of travel experiences giving smiles – walking around Havana and giving stationery to local kids
Have you ever been to the capital of a country and wondered at the contrast between the old and the new, the haves and the have nots? In spite of the strong communist influence in the economy of Cuba, there is a parallel black market economy where everything is available if you have the money.
On day 39 of our long trip we finally got a chance to explore the Cuban Capital at Havana.
Our first stop was at the open revolution square, ogling at the fancy classic car taxis and taking pictures in front of the revolution memorial tower and the huge images of their political heroes – Fidel Crasto and Che Guevara.
Then we went on the two hour walking tour among the 4 ancient open squares, along with our guide. The first was the Cathedral square in front of the obvious Catholic church..I also got time to get a local to make braids in my hair for enhancing the free spirited feel in the environment. We also went to the old and new market square and the military square too.
At night we just had to drink margarita at Floridita – the bar where Ernest Hemingway used to sit. While the other youngsters on our tour went on a pub hopping spree, we joined them in our final night of bonding with our tour friends at Zero kms night club.
Now we need to give you some information about the education system in Cuba.
Education is free and compulsory for all up to std.9
After Kg, the primary school is from grade 1 to 6..
After that the Secondary school is from grade 7 to 9
Pre university is for students when they choose from 3 options – technical or military or normal one
Previously there were boarding schools meant for students to work in lands in rural areas, but kids prefer to stay with parents, so this has now been eliminated
Maths Spanish history is compulsory Sometime just 1 teacher would be set up in remote areas for just1 student
At the end of normal pre university sessions the student again has to select 3 options for final graduation e.g.. Law, journalism or diplomatic studies..the student can get selected for a course option depending upon the grades
Then university studies is also free..with student allowance of 2$ a month..only 30 % of children go to university..it is compulsory for all to study up to 9th std after which most kids drop out to work and earn some money.
Travelling up and down by the erratic public sysrem and even getting good food in school is expensive
After the free education period, all girls have to do 3 years of social service on government projects earning only 12 dollars a month while boys have to do one year of military service on turning 18 and 2 years of social service after graduation.
Even after graduation the average monthly salary is hardly around 40 dollars a month!
Red and white is the colour for primary school uniform
Mustard and white is for secondary school uniform
Puc uniform is white and brown for technical uniform
Military uniform is green
Normal uniform is blue
This is the Same colour for all schools in Cuba.
However parents find it difficult to give the children supplies. We had carried some variety of stationery..
The crayons pencils, erasers, paint boxes and colouring books were received with surprised happy smiles by the local kids
So are you aware of your new travel experience that can give you a big thrill?
Please become aware of new things during your travel giving you thrilling smiles
Recent Comments