Artemisa, Cuba - National and international media highlight during these days the Cuban medical cooperation, not only to face the current Ebola virus outbreak in Africa , but in other fields of cooperation.
However, Cuba’s solidarity to several countries comprises many sectors including culture, sports and education. Reinier Martinez, a young teacher from Artemisa has become an example of Cuban altruism in Angola since April 2013.
Martinez, a Telecommunications and Electronics engineer is part of the first group of teachers participating in a collaborative project between the Ministry of Higher Education in Angola and the University of Informatics Sciences (UCI) in Cuba.
Since his arrival Reinier has taught different subjects for telecommunications and informatics careers in ISUTIC, a university in Luanda. Some of these subjects are Analog Electronics I, Electric Circuits II & Networking II.
"People welcome us in many places with respect because we are Cuban . We get along with Angolan teachers who work with us and the students admire us due to our mastery of subjects.
"Subjects in Angolan universities are very similar to Cuban. But here we only meet when it is needed, and make very clear the gap between students and teachers. That is why sometimes students see us inaccessible."
One of the biggest problem we had to face was the language. "At first it was difficult. I overcame that through planning and teaching lessons . At present we speak Portuguese with Angolans .Some of them have also learned a little Spanish with us. We speak without difficulties both at school and outside. "
Twenty-eight Cuban teachers work in the education facility where Reinier teaches. Many others work in several provinces of the African country. All over the nation there are Cuban collaborators from different sectors who contribute with their knowledge and experience.
"In this city there are collaborators from Health, Construction, Culture sectors ... I've met some of them. When it comes to Cuba’s historical celebration days, such as July 26 we make activities and invite representatives of all brigades , "said the young man.
Sometimes Reinier has been homesick. He only visits Cuba on vacations, in January and February because the school year in Angola begins late February and finishes in December.
“ At the beginning my mother did not want me to fulfill an international mission , but at the end she, my brothers and my father supported me. They always tell me not to worry and focus on my job, that everything is ok with the family. I know they miss me and I miss them too.
Reinier will be with his family again very soon. He will finish the mission on December 24 but he will come on February 17, the date they book the trip . His next goal after the mission, is to have a family.
Meanwhile, in Angola , a country where many Cuban gave their lives fighting for the national freedom, there is a Cuban teacher who trains engineers to support Angola’s economic future. Reinier teaches them subjects such as: networks, electric circuits and above all , the value of solidarity.
Translated by LMMS
