HAVANA, September 13 (Héctor Maseda, Grupo Decoro) – The
selection of students for university based on their political-ideological
beliefs as well as their academic achievements has resulted in a drop in
enrolment, according to official statistics.
During the 1999-2000 academic year, 6,976 students applied for admittance to
university and 4,919 were accepted.
During the 1990-91 academic year, there were 17,746 applications and 8,684
acceptances.
One can see an appreciable reduction in applications even though the number
of students graduating from high school continues to increase. It is estimated
that 30,000 students graduate from high school each year.
If fewer than 5,000 out of 30,000 enter university, it is difficult to
understand why the country’s educational authorities feel so satisfied with
such results.
A commission of the education ministry passes judgment on the students in
grades ten through twelve, including their political ideology, which, in the
final analysis, bears more weight than academic marks.
This mechanism guarantees the fulfillment of the government principle that
holds, "University is only for revolutionaries." This principle
encourages a double moral standard among the young men and women of tomorrow.
It would be interesting to have the education ministry explain the rules
under which students are selected for university.
As it is, more than 80 percent of young Cubans who annually meet the
requisites for university know that their hopes will earn them no prize other
than frustration.
Versión
original en español
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