The inhuman price of high literacy in Cuba

Taught the marvels of the revolution by day, Cuban students go home to experience food shortages, cramped quarters, lack of transportation and the overwhelming need for U.S. dollars.

Yes, Cuba's system yields high literacy rates, and the children pay dearly for it. Schools teach them to read but don't want them to think, at least not independently. The entire program -- including mandatory summer-school work camps in the countryside -- is geared to groom loyal nationalists who revere Cuba's totalitarian version of Communism. Hating the United States is in the lesson plans. Children's political orientation is their most important grade.

Many parents, if not the majority, are quite aware of the system's moral bankruptcy. Some resort to ``deprogramming,'' as does the Havana dissident who tells his kids, ``Everything that they taught you in school today is a lie.'' Other parents tell their kids to pretend to believe what they learn at school because the alternative is so much harsher.

But no parent can send their child elsewhere. Private schools are forbidden.

Discipline is simple. Kids who ask critical questions or drop out of the countless political activities are harassed by teachers as well classmates. Even spying on classmates and parents is encouraged. Ostracizing those who disagree is thus yet another early lesson. Regardless of academic performance, students will be denied university slots, scholarships and other opportunities unless they demonstrate their revolutionary zeal through word and action. The same is dished out to kids whose parents are considered politically incorrect -- because of religious or dissident activities, or simply for having tried to leave Cuba. It's political indoctrination, totalitarian Cuba style.

Would any freedom-loving parent wish that education for his or her children?

Clearly U.S. schools have problems enough, including violence. Yet we heatedly debate reforms, curriculum, prayer, even fire safety. Americans unhappy with their public schools can criticize, vote against incompetent school-board members and, ultimately, choose private or home schooling for their kids.

Cubans parents have no choice, and not only in education. No free vote, no criticism, no alternative is allowed. Only Cuba's regime sets policy. And it systematically violates the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, including Article 26: ``Education shall be directed to the full development of the human personality and to the strengthening of respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms.''

Ms. Ocaña's meticulously documented report reveals the ugly side of the education system that Cuba's state-controlled media would never show, and most other media overlook while gushing over high literacy rates.