This is a primary school in a poor area of Old Havana, of 264 children with 14 teachers, 5 of whom are young reachers in training under the new programme whereby they study outside school hours and train on the job.
There are 10 - 20 children in each class. It is situated in a dilapidated colonial building and comprises a nursery. Director of the School is now Rosa Valencia.
Julio Antonio Mella (1903 - 1929) was an early Cuban revolutionary who was assassinated in Mexico in January 1929 on the orders of the US puppet President Gerardo Machado. He is seen as a role model for Cuban children.
Education is free and universal in Cuba and standards are high yet the school is short of books, pens, pencils, soap and detergent.
In recent years our group has equipped all the classrooms with electric fans, provided a sound system and video player. Regular supplies of educational materials are sent or taken by members of the group.
Three years ago we bought the school a computer, colour monitor and printer which was purchased on behalf of this group by members on a visit to Cuba.
In the last two years $440 of cleaning materials and $100 towards electric fans in the classrooms.