How does Cuba’s public education system work?

Cuban education is free and completely controlled by the state. On paper, it sounds great. In reality, the quality is atrocious.

Students face political indoctrination from a young age, and criticizing the government can have serious consequences. Children under 12 years old often face threats like "imprisoning their families" or "damaging their records so that they can never find a job". As students get older, the political pressure becomes even more obvious.

Schools are in terrible condition, with broken desks, chairs and blackboards, poor food, and no air conditioning or even fans. Schools still rely on outdated textbooks and materials that have not changed since 1965 - 1970.

So yes, education is very public and very free, but free has never meant good and this case is no exception. The system has become a combination of deteriorating infrastructure, shortages, outdated materials, low-paid teachers, and heavy political indoctrination. Disgusating.

(It's hard to find photos that portray the actual conditions of the schools since the regime only uploads the best they have to offer online. But I've never been to a classroom without a hole on the blackboard)