A Venezuelan solidarity brigade arrived Friday in the westernmost Cuban province to help reconstruct schools damaged by Hurricanes Ike and Gustav.

Ciro Alfonso, coordinator of the group, told Prensa Latina that the Rivas Mission made the call to support restoration works at Cuban schools.

A large number of Venezuelans responded to the call, and one hundred were chosen to work in Bahia Honda, Consolacion del Sur, Los Palacios, and San Cristobal, the four hardest hit municipalities.

"All the Venezuelans that have come have the necessary experience and knowledge for the task, but the most important thing is the will to support these friendly people," he stressed.

Alfonso affirmed the voluntary work in this province is a way to thank Cuba for the aid offered in education and health.