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 fun.