Childhood in Cuba

• Childhood in Cuba

If you could choose where to spend my childhood, I would not hesitate to chose Cuba. Judge for yourself - the country is one of the leading places in Latin America, the level of human development, the literacy rate is among the highest in the world (99, 8%), high quality free medical care and universal access to higher education. And the sun, the ocean, beaches and so on. N. Well, not a paradise on the earth !?

The Cuban children are without a doubt one of the happiest children in the world, because they live in a state that from an early age taking care of them. From birth to 6 years, they are entitled to free milk. However, there are faults with it, but because every day to drink and not eat, so sometimes it is possible to suffer a week or two.

The products are worth mere pennies. Let the selection in Cuban stores is small - almost never candy and soda only currency, but after all it is harmful to health. But almost always have bread, eggs and fruit! Of course, some products should be bought on the card, but it's little things, too.

Cuban medicine was recognized as the best in the world (and this is no joke, and the official decision of the World Health Organization in 2012). Of course, to get an appointment to see a doctor, have to take their turn before dawn. But in the morning is not hot, and to hurry up so early.

Education in Cuba is free too. In addition, school supplies and children form as provided by the state. Children from dysfunctional and broken families receive financial assistance to ensure a level playing field with their peers from more affluent Cuban families.

The system of education from an early age instills a love of country and the government. Already in kindergarten students get acquainted with the glorious history of the Cuban Revolution, exploring the state anthem of Cuba and attend lessons on discipline.

The primary and basic school children are proud to wear the uniform with a red tie and prepare for adult life.

After all, without exception, have the opportunity to continue their studies at university or go to college to become a strong professional.

After school the children enjoy visiting the clubs and sports clubs. Especially popular among boys enjoyed boxing and baseball.

And for girls - volleyball and athletics. In many areas of Havana can be found public children's playgrounds, furnished caring hands of those who sincerely wants to make Cuban childhood happy and full.

But childhood tends to end. In adult life, the way of yesterday's teenagers disperse. Some people have more luck - they will serve the tourists to take them to a taxi, offer them girls and cigars, rent rooms and earn 200, 300 or even $ 500 per month.

Those who are not lucky, have nothing to do in public institutions for $ 30-50 a month. Most doctors will be unlucky, and for the same money they would have to work without a chance to travel outside of their country.

In the meantime, they are children who do not know the social networks, McDonald's, fashion gadgets and just enjoy life on his small island paradise - live chatting with friends, yard fun, swimming in the ocean, first love and other simple but sincere joy that once filled and my Soviet childhood.

And yet, in spite of the haven, the Cuban population is decreasing. Children born less, as the adults quickly leave their homeland in search of a better life. Since 1959 the country immigrated about 2 million Cuban citizens. It seems that the shore of the island paradise of freedom appear only as long as children believe in miracles, gifts from Santa Claus and a speedy victory of communism.