“Independence is not a flag, or an anthem, or a coat of arms; independence is not a question of symbols, but independence depends on development, independence depends on technology, it depends on science in the world today. How can we achieve that without education?”
“Robots are replacing soldiers; media are replacing educators and governments start to be overtaken by events without knowing what to do. The desperation that prevails among many international political leaders is an evidence of their powerlessness to solve the many problems that pile up in their working offices and at the ever more frequent international meetings.”
"At the same time, education has always been, from the very moment of the triumph of the Revolution, and will always be, one of the fundamental objectives in our epic struggle for a truly just, free and humane society. The experience we have gained and the results we have achieved more than fully justify this decision.
“It seems to me that one of the best things that is being done in our country is the revolution we are carrying out in education, which includes a general comprehensive education, that includes not just the professional knowledge a person must possess but the minimum of cultural knowledge in order to possess an artistic culture, a general culture and a political culture.[…].”
"When in the today uncertain future of humanity truly profound, imperishable revolutions and social changes are discussed, no one can overlook the achievements that bring us together here. Our people are proud of you."
“A Revolution educates, a Revolution fights ignorance and the lack of culture because ignorance and the lack of culture are the pillars sustaining the entire structure of lies, the entire structure of poverty, the entire structure of exploitation.”
“Today we are seeking for what should be and will be, in our judgment, an educational system that increasingly corresponds to the equality, full justice, self-esteem and moral and social needs of all people in the type of society that Cubans have decided to build.”
“We will turn these military barracks into a school! So we will turn these military barracks into a school that will be attended by hundreds of children, because our true military barracks are in the people; our Revolution is defended by the people! And if we have to fight against a foreign enemy, the whole people will be ready to defend it!”
“…What an extraordinary people this one will be! What a people this one will be, moving along with other peoples of the world! What a people this one will be, which will also be helping, through its own example, many other peoples that are still living in darkness, that are still living in ignorance, that are still living under exploitation!”
“We should proclaim with all of our energies that we have the right to breath pure air, to drink uncontaminated water, to feed ourselves with healthy food….we have the right to be educated, to receive medical assistance, to be less poor when others are ever richer.”