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A Bolton teacher used his half-term break to embark on a humanitarian mission to Cuba. Robert Poole, who is the assistant district secretary of the Bolton District of the National Education Union (NEU) travelled with 24 teachers and member of the union, taking with them essential education supplies to support the country, which has been severely impacted by recent power cuts and a hurricane . This included 17 braille machines, 15 violins, along with suitcases full of exercise books, pens, crayons and power banks.
Cuba has suffered under an US blockade which has made it difficult for the country to receive much-needed resources. The General Assembly only last week reiterated its call on the United States to end its economic, commercial and financial embargo against Cuba, as Cuba’s Minister for Foreign Affairs called the blockade against his Government “commercial warfare” and “a crime of genocide”. READ MORE: Cuba’s grid goes offline with massive blackout after a major power plant fails Tropical Storm Oscar dumps heavy rain on Cuba as it heads for Bahamas Bolton teacher wins Ron Todd Foundation Award Mr Poole says the mission aims to address this critical shortage of resources in schools with these items being invaluable in helping Cuban students and educators continue their learning and teaching despite the challenges they face.
He said: "I am deeply honoured to have had this opportunity to support the people of Cuba during this difficult time. "Education is a fundamental human right, and it is essential that students and teachers have the resources they need to succeed. I hope that my efforts will make a positive difference in the lives of Cuban children and young people.
" "I'd like to thank all the trade unionists in Bolton who have made donations and made this possible and also call upon our MPs to do more to work towards an end to the blockade and to remove the island from the list of state sponsors of terrorism" The NEU Bolton District said it was proud to support Mr Poole's humanitarian mission and commends his dedication to making a difference in the world. Mr Poole said that Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla Foreign Minister of Cuba spoke about his appreciation, stating: "This noble action is an important support to people with disabilities." Mr Poole will be speaking about the aid delivered at Bolton Socialist Club on November 29 at 7.
30pm. To support the campaign by making a donation to the Cuba Viva medical appeal at https://www.cubavive.
org.uk/.
