“Every citizen has the real right to receive general education and professional training at no cost, something that the United States has not been able to ensure for all its inhabitants.”
- August 13, 1926 – November 25, 2016
- Cuban
- Revolutionary, Prime Minister and President of Cuba, Communist Leader
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Quote
“Every citizen has the real right to receive general education and professional training at no cost, something that the United States has not been able to ensure for all its inhabitants.”
Explanation
This quote underscores Fidel Castro’s pride in Cuba’s education system, particularly its principle of universal, free access to all levels of schooling, including professional and technical training. By declaring that “every citizen has the real right” to such education, Castro emphasizes that this is not just a theoretical promise, but a practical guarantee embedded in the structure of the Cuban state. His comparison to the United States—“something that the United States has not been able to ensure”—serves to contrast socialist commitment to public welfare with the inequalities of capitalist systems, where higher education often depends on personal wealth or debt.
Historically, Cuba made dramatic gains in literacy and educational access following the 1959 revolution, including the renowned National Literacy Campaign of 1961. Education became a cornerstone of the revolution, seen as both a right and a tool of empowerment, with the goal of eliminating illiteracy, promoting social mobility, and supporting national development. Castro framed this not only as a domestic achievement, but as a moral and political distinction in a world where education is often treated as a privilege.
In today’s context, the quote remains highly relevant in global debates over student debt, educational inequality, and access to opportunity. It challenges policymakers and societies to consider whether basic education should be a market commodity or a public good. Castro’s words argue that true freedom and justice begin with the ability to learn and grow without financial barriers, and that a society’s commitment to education is a reflection of its values, priorities, and vision for equality.
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