Holguín's School Network Recovering One Year After Hurricane Melissa

Reynaldo Pupo Caballero, head of the investments group of the General Directorate of Education in the territory, informed ACN that during the passage of the phenomenon more than 500 schools were affected, mainly in the municipalities of Holguín, Sagua de Tánamo, Urbano Noris, Banes, and Mayarí.

Currently, the official highlighted, the restoration includes infrastructure damaged by leaks, roof detachments, and partial or total collapses of roofs.

The official noted that recovery is advancing with the support of solidarity organizations such as the United Nations Children's Fund, which has contributed more than 1,800 zinc tiles and rolls of waterproofing blanket, resources that benefit more than 70 facilities.

Among the completed works are the sealing of the roof of the Sueño de Camilo daycare center in Cacocum; the repair of the René Guzmán primary school in Calixto García; and of the José de la Luz y Caballero special school in Rafael Freyre.

So far, the official added, only Rafael Freyre, Cacocum, and Frank País have completed the rehabilitation of all their centers, where the 2026-2027 school year is developing normally.

Actions continue in institutions with more complex damage, according to available resources, although some remain unusable, so the teaching process is reorganized in facilities with better conditions, located within or near the communities, the official explained.

Sagua de Tánamo presents the most serious panorama in the educational sector after Hurricane Melissa, with 10 total roof collapses in schools located in hard-to-access areas, while another roof collapse is recorded in Cacocum.