Japanese lawmaker observes impact of U.S. sanctions on Cuban education

Japanese lawmaker Kenji Isezaki visited a public primary school in Havana to observe the effects of United States economic sanctions on Cuban education. Accompanied by Marta del Carmen Mesa Valenciano, a member of the National Assembly and president of the National Commission for Education, Culture, and Science, Isezaki noted the ‘grave impact’ these measures have on students.

Isezaki reported that the sanctions affect the availability of teaching materials, supplies, electricity, and transportation. Despite these severe restrictions, he noted that the school continues to work hard to maintain in-person classes.

During his visit, Isezaki also met with Esteban Lazo, president of the National Assembly of Cuba, to discuss cooperation between the two parliaments. Isezaki is a specialist in conflict prevention and a professor at the Tokyo University of Foreign Studies.