UNICEF contributes to early childhood care in eastern Cuba

HOLGUIN, Cuba, November 11 (ACN) The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) is contributing to preschool education in the eastern province of Holguin with a donation of early stimulation kits and equipment as part of its collaboration in the sector's recovery following Hurricane Melissa.

With the aim of strengthening the psycho-emotional support of young children in the areas affected by the hurricane, the international organization delivered 70 kits, which will be distributed among the 65 preschools in the province, Yaima Cruz de la Cruz, head of this educational level at the General Directorate of Education in the province, told Cuban News Agency.

These kits, comprised of materials for arts and crafts, games, expression, and cognitive development, also include hygiene supplies and resources for caregivers to stimulate creativity and learning, contributing to the children's overall development.

Each kit will benefit 50 children, so its distribution will also extend to daycare centers, two community councils, and a home for children without parental care, she commented.

The donation is complemented by appliances intended to optimize care at the institutions, including refrigerators, electric stoves, microwave ovens, freezers, fans, and digital scales.

Cruz de la Cruz explained that, after the hurricane passed through eastern Cuba and the recovery phase began, around 26 daycare centers were certified by Public Health and resumed operations, while the rest will reopen gradually depending on the availability of water and other necessary conditions that guarantee the children's well-being.

Currently, the educators are working on the rehabilitation of these centers, 18 of which have some type of damage, mainly to the roofs and staff areas, requiring the provision of waterproof tarpaulins and other repair materials.

The administration indicated that the daycare centers will reopen gradually, once they receive health certification, allowing families to return to work with the peace of mind that their children are in a safe environment.

General Education in Holguín, comprised of more than 1,200 schools, has resumed classes in semi-boarding schools and centers that were not affected by Hurricane Melissa. Of these, 360 schools sustained minor, partial, or total damage.