London, November 15: -The conference “Long Live Education!” was held on Saturday, November 15, at Hamilton House, the historic headquarters of the British education movement. The meeting, organized by the Campaign for Solidarity with Cuba (CSC) and the National Education Union (NEU), brought together educators, activists, and specialists to celebrate the long-standing solidarity and collaboration between Cuba and the British education sector.
The conference was a deeply inspiring space in which key issues related to universal access to education, the role of teachers, global challenges, and the importance of defending education as a fundamental human right were addressed.
The Cuban delegation was made up of educators Liuska Surós Áreas, Miladys Thoma Tamayo, and Dr. Lissette Rubio Mederos, who participated in panels and workshops on primary education, the arts, inclusion, climate change, and innovative teaching practices. Their presentations generated widespread interest among attendees, who recognized the quality and humanism of the Cuban educational model.
The day ended with a closing speech by Ambassador Ismara Vargas Walter, who thanked the NEU and the British movement supporting Cuba for their constant solidarity. In her speech, the ambassador emphasized that: "In a world where education is too often treated as a commodity, Cuba proudly defends its status as a fundamental human right. Our education system, which is free from preschool to doctoral level, is one of the pillars of our social justice."
During the meeting, the Cuban delegation shared the challenges facing the national education system as a result of the economic, commercial, and financial blockade imposed by the United States, which directly affects students' and teachers' access to basic technologies, equipment, and resources.
In this context, the ambassador emphasized the Cuban people's deep gratitude for solidarity initiatives such as the “Viva la Educación” campaign, which sends essential materials such as pencils, notebooks, computers, and Braille machines to schools in Cuba. These actions, she said, are "a true act of love and an example.
Also participating were First Secretary for Commercial Affairs Soima Méndez Lazo, who spoke on a panel about special education in Cuba, and First Secretary for Consular Affairs Carlso Rafael Rodríguez, who spoke about Cuban solidarity in support of the Cuban education system. Both highlighted the impact of the blockade on all levels of education, prompting recognition of Cuba among the participants who spoke.
The Cuban Embassy expressed its gratitude to the NEU, the CSC, and all participants for their sustained commitment to strengthening educational cooperation between the two countries. The conference served to reaffirm the importance of unity, social sensitivity, and the defense of universal access to education as an instrument of justice and emancipation.
The event concluded with a call to continue building bridges of understanding and mutual support, celebrating the bonds of friendship that unite the Cuban people with the British educational community.