Economy, Quality Mark New School Year in Cuba

Havana, Sep 5. -Concern for the rational use of economic sources and quality education marks the beginning of the 2011-2012 school year in Cuba for more than 2.3 million students.The 2011-2012 academic year will focus on economic awareness among students and teachers without forgetting other important educational processes in this country of 11.2 million.

Teachers' training will be prioritized at the elementary to high school level, an essential factor in improving efficiency.

According to Deputy Minister of Education Cira Piñeiro, it is fundamental to raise professional levels and rigor in the area of methodology.

More than 10,900 schools are ready to start the academic year, including 67 universities, Piñeiro said.

Challenges include vocational training and encouraging students to major in education, in order to meet admission goals in those areas with the best possible preparation, she said.

Piñeiro pointed out that laboratories for physics, chemistry and biology have been repaired, contributing to a better education in those specialties, where the goal is to have higher enrollment.

First Deputy Minister of Higher Education Rodolfo Alarcón said that entrance examinations for higher education improved the level of admitted students, but regretted the low numbers in some courses and majors. (Prensa Latina)