Cuban ambassador brings socialist education to Oxford

Education stands as one of the fundamental pillars of the Cuban Revolution. Despite the severe hardships caused by the illegal U.S. blockade, Cuba remains unwavering in its commitment to providing free education and healthcare to all its citizens—from cradle to grave. Remarkably, half of Cuba’s national budget is dedicated to education, health, and social security, reflecting the government’s prioritization of human welfare over militarization or corporate profits.

During a recent visit to Oxford, Cuba’s Ambassador to Britain, H.E. Ismara Mercedes Vargas Walter, emphasized this point, stating: “The make-up of any country’s budget tells you everything about the priorities of the country.” Her comments came shortly after the UK government announced plans to slash international development funding in favor of military spending—a decision that prompted the resignation of Oxford East MP Anneliese Dodds from the British Cabinet.

Exchanging Knowledge: Cuba and the UK

Organized by the Oxford Cuba Solidarity Campaign (CSC) and the National Education Union (NEU) Oxfordshire, the ambassador’s visit included a tour of Cheney School, a historic institution founded in 1797. Serving 1,700 students aged 11-18, the school is notable for its diversity—33% of its students speak English as an additional language—and its emphasis on student leadership. The delegation also explored England’s first school-based museum, the Rumble Museum, accredited by the Arts Council.

Following the tour, Ambassador Vargas Walter engaged in a lively discussion with sixth-form politics students, who asked probing questions about Cuba’s strained relations with the U.S. and its education system. She explained how Cuba’s educational success is rooted in popular support and state commitment, contrasting it with the U.S. trend of defunding public education—a policy choice she diplomatically declined to critique, stressing respect for national sovereignty.

Oxford Brookes University: A Hub for Progressive Education

Next, the delegation visited Oxford Brookes University, a university with working-class origins dating back to 1865. In an informal discussion led by Professor Patrick Alexander, research students explored Cuba’s values-driven education model, including its emphasis on social responsibility. Ambassador Vargas Walter highlighted a core revolutionary principle: “Share what we have, not just what we might have left over.”

This philosophy underpins Cuba’s international medical brigades and its universal education access, even amid crises. During the COVID-19 pandemic, despite over 400 educational websites being blocked due to U.S. sanctions, Cuba ensured all students had free online materials and community access to computers.

A distinctive feature of Cuban education is the expectation that graduates give back to society—whether through rural medical service, factory work, or teaching. This model fosters collective responsibility, a stark contrast to the individualistic, profit-driven systems dominant in many Western nations.

Solidarity Against the Blockade

The visit concluded with a reception at Lula’s Ethiopian restaurant, attended by trade unionists, activists, and Oxford’s Lord Mayor, Mike Rowley. Ambassador Vargas Walter expressed gratitude for British solidarity against the U.S. blockade, denouncing Cuba’s unjust designation as a “state sponsor of terrorism”—a label that ignores Cuba’s long history of humanitarian aid and its status as a victim of U.S.-backed terrorism.

She reaffirmed Cuba’s commitment to global cooperation, citing its medical missions, literacy programs, and disaster relief efforts. “Cuba’s only ‘guilt’ is defending its right to sovereignty,” she declared, urging supporters to visit the island and witness its realities firsthand.

Building Bridges for the Future

The visit strengthened Cuba-UK friendship and laid the groundwork for future exchanges, including a potential follow-up event on healthcare. Ambassador Vargas Walter emphasized that engaging young people—as seen in Oxford—is key to countering Cold War-era propaganda and fostering mutual understanding.

As Cuba continues to resist illegal sanctions and misinformation, international solidarity remains crucial. By showcasing its achievements in education and healthcare, Cuba proves that another world is possible—one where human welfare trumps geopolitical aggression.

Change will come when more people see Cuba for what it truly is: a nation of resilience, solidarity, and hope.