Education appeal advances

An update on Viva La Educación fundraising

Thank you to everyone who has donated to the Viva La Educación appeal since its launch in February. Almost £40,000 has already been raised to send essential classroom and teaching materials to Cuban schools.

Individuals, trade unions, local CSC groups and others from across Britain and abroad have all supported this joint appeal by CSC, the NEU and the Cuban teachers’ union SNTECD.

Numerous NEU regions and districts have donated, together with CSC local groups including Brighton, South Wales, Birmingham, Sheffield and Oxford. In addition, Trades Councils and other union branches including ASLEF, CWU and Unite have supported the appeal with pledges of more to come.

There has been a wonderful response from members and supporters, with individual donations making up more than £15,000 of the total figure.

Many donations have come with messages of support. J. Sayers said: ‘I am sorry it isnʼt more. I visited Cuba to celebrate my retirement from teaching and was so impressed at the quality of education there.’ Roy Williamson sent his donation ‘to support Cuba, its children and young people. End the illegal blockade!’

Others have been made to commemorate lost loved ones, with donations made in memory of James Bellsham-Revell, Mary Power and Alexandra Jane Steel.

The ongoing blockade, along with the extra sanctions brought in by Trump and maintained by Biden, have hit Cuba’s education sector hard. The pandemic and ensuing collapse of tourism has further complicated the economic situation. However, no school has been closed and no teacher has lost their job.

Viva la Educación will provide much needed educational supplies including stationery, special educational resources, arts and sports equipment, as well as items to help SNTECD’s work with teachers across the island.

Support the appeal
Aside from donating to the appeal, you can help by organising fundraising and awareness raising events. The Cuba Solidarity Campaign is happy to advise and assist with any activities or provide speakers for local group, union or other meetings. We can also support your events through the appeal’s website and provide leaflets and resources. Please get in contact if you wish to get involved.