Honduran education and Cuban advice: between progress and controversy

The involvement of advisors from Cuba and Venezuela in the current administration of Honduras, governed by the Liberty and Refoundation Party (LIBRE), has sparked debate within political and social circles of the nation. Numerous stakeholders have raised issues regarding the potential impact these advisors might have on shaping decisions and guiding national public policies, particularly in critical areas like education and institutional communication.

The administration of Honduras, under Xiomara Castro, has justified partnerships with these nations as elements of global cooperation treaties. Nonetheless, critics and civil society groups have demanded more openness regarding the details of these treaties and have raised concerns about the influence of international guidance on the independence of domestic policies. This situation has sustained the discussion about the importance and extent of international cooperation as a focal point in the public discourse of Honduras.

Foreign advice in the Honduran government

In this scenario, Julieta Castellanos, who previously served as the rector of the National Autonomous University of Honduras, released a statement highlighting the presence of “numerous Cuban and Venezuelan advisors” in offices situated on the 16th floor of the Government Civic Center. She suggested that this could signal a political leaning towards the Bolivarian alliance. Conversely, Rodolfo Pastor, who was the Minister of the Presidency at the time, dismissed these claims and recommended an in-person inspection of the building, asserting the administration’s transparency.

For his part, the Minister of Strategic Planning, Ricardo Salgado, acknowledged the hiring of Venezuelan consultants by the government, arguing that this measure is aimed at strengthening the country’s institutional capacities. In addition, politician Salvador Nasralla claimed that the official speeches of Xiomara Castro’s government are written by Cuban and Venezuelan advisers, which has generated criticism regarding the relevance and authenticity of government policies and messages, given the perception that foreign advisers may be unaware of the reality and needs of Honduras.

Academic collaboration and disputes

In the area of education, the entry of 123 Cuban instructors into Honduras in December 2022 was a component of a collaboration agreement between the countries’ governments. These educators were distributed across 128 towns with the objective of executing the “Yo sí puedo” (Yes, I can) literacy initiative. The National Party of Honduras labeled this move as ideological meddling and called for more openness in the agreements made with the Cuban teachers.

The contract also includes collaboration on creating an updated curriculum for the education system in Honduras, symbolizing a major change. Although certain groups consider this revision essential, others believe there are sufficient qualified Honduran experts to manage these initiatives. Furthermore, specialists have emphasized the need for a thorough and agreed-upon evaluation prior to implementing outside educational frameworks, and have cautioned about potential effects on social governance and the country’s independence.

In conclusion, the involvement and presence of advisors from Cuba and Venezuela within the Honduran administration and educational sector remain a topic of discussion. The authorities maintain that these collaborations are aligned with international cooperation efforts, whereas dissenting voices emphasize the necessity for ensuring clarity and safeguarding independence in the country’s decision-making processes.