Education authorities assess school network damage in Holguín
- Written by Yanela Ruiz González
- Published in Holguin
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The province of Holguín, with the largest school network in Cuba, has quantified more than 193 educational institutions structurally damaged as of Thursday following Hurricane Melissa, a figure that could increase after assessments carried out in the province during these days.
Preliminary assessments revealed damage mainly to roofs and windows, many of which can be repaired with the help of the institution's staff, families and the community, said Luis Felipe Batista Rodríguez, Director General of Education in the province.
According to the data collected so far, the municipalities of Holguín, Cacocum, Gibara, Báguanos, Mayarí, and Sagua de Tánamo (the latter with two partial collapses) are reporting the most damage.
Sector officials have begun touring the affected areas to assess the extent of the damage and provide support for the recovery efforts, as there are some areas that have not yet been reached.
The greatest effort is to revitalize early childhood institutions (childcare centers) as soon as possible, due to the need for working mothers to return to their jobs.
Teachers and staff have also been called upon to gradually reopen classrooms and schools and to develop strategies for the continuation of the school year, which will be done progressively, depending on the situation in each school and region, as the date has not yet been set, pending the decision of the Defense Council regarding when the necessary conditions are in place.
The General Directorate of Education is working with education directors to finalize the development of teaching materials, with an emphasis on psychological support, to help children return to their schools after the days they have spent isolated at home.
