The path to a free Cuba begins with regime change and economic reform, but the long-term stability of democracy and a free economy will require an educational approach to ensure another dictator does not find their way into power in the coming years.
For 67 years, the dream of a free and independent Cuba has lived in the minds and hearts of Cuban-Americans. Over the last several months, renewed pressure from President Donald J. Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio has given many Cuban-Americans reason to believe that change in Cuba may finally be possible.
Since 1959, the Cuban regime has not just destroyed Cuba’s economy, infrastructure and its democratic fabric, it has also decimated the education system. It has imposed curriculum and educational programs that have glorified its leaders and falsely portrayed its socialist policies as paths to salvation. The proven economic failures of “la revolución” pale in comparison to the destructive effects of its multi-generational indoctrination.
Cuba’s geography has aided the ability of total control of information by the regime. As an island, Cuba is not like other nations that have had the misfortune of finding themselves under tyrannical rule, its beautiful 360-degree waters have allowed for the government’s propaganda machine to serve as the sole source of information.
Over three quarters of the 11 million people in Cuba, have been born under the regime’s tyrannical rule, with the rest of the population being too young to truly remember or appreciate past realities. They have never witnessed or seen what Cuba was or could be.
As the hope for a free Cuba has been reignited, the conversation about assistance and rebuilding has dominated the news. Investors are on the ready to land on Cuban shores and help rebuild an island that has fallen victim to neglect for nearly seven decades.
The internal reconstruction of its people, however, must also be a priority. The preparation for that reformative change must start now.
History has shown us that societies emerging from decades of authoritarian rule face many challenges. Nations that have invested in civic education, economic literacy, and leadership development have been far more successful at securing long-lasting democracy and free market economies. Failing to do so allows for the onset of instability, corruption, and the rise of new “leaders” promising easy solutions to the difficulties faced by the people.
A free Cuba will require much infrastructure and private investment. However, it will also require citizens who understand the responsibilities of liberty, entrepreneurs who understand the free market, public servants committed to accountability and transparency, and community leaders who are equipped to rebuild civil society.
Ultimately, the future of a free Cuba will be secured through education.
Recognizing this need, we at CUBATEC have started exploring ways to prepare Cubans for life in a free society. We are developing an education initiative focused on providing the Cuban people with the knowledge, tools and resources necessary to help build and sustain a democratically elected government and economic opportunity. Through partnerships with institutions of higher education, educators, business leaders, policy experts, faith-based organizations, and members of the Cuban diaspora, the initiative seeks to help prepare future generations for the opportunities and responsibilities that freedom will bring.
Success of Cuba’s regime change will be found in cultivating a culture of liberty, personal responsibility, civic engagement, and economic opportunity that can sustain a free Cuba for generations to come.
Many efforts are planned and expected for economic and government reforms. Yet unless a free Cuba is met with a robust educational transformation, democracy itself may find its foundations weakened.
The fall of the Cuban regime is an event. The rebuilding of a free society is a generation-long endeavor.
For nearly seven decades, the Cuban people have been taught what to think. The challenge we face is ensuring future generations are taught how to think, how to lead, how to innovate, and how to live as free people.
Our responsibility will not end when freedom finally returns to Cuba, it will only be beginning.
Ariel Fernandez
Chief Executive Officer