Reading Education and Literacy
TBD, 2023
Delegation Leader: Douglas Fisher, Ph.D
This Preliminary Schedule of Activities represents the initial plans for the delegation as developed in cooperation with your delegation leader, your professional counterparts, and our research team. The Final Schedule of Activities, published approximately 30 days prior to your delegation convening, will be adjusted to reflect the composition of the delegation, unique opportunities, and scheduling with your professional counterparts.
Day 1 Sunday
Morning departure from the Miami International Airport, U.S. for Jose Marti International Airport, Havana, Cuba.
Upon arrival, your will be met by your Delegation Manager and local guides. Travel to the Fortress of San Carlos de la Cabaña, across the bay of Havana and enjoy a beautiful view of the city. The Fortress of Carlos de la Cabaña, a UNESCO World Heritage site, was erected in the 18th century, between 1763 and 1774. The fortress served to protect weakest spot of the city’s defense system. Enjoy traditional Cuban cuisine at the historic La Divina Pastora restaurant.
Check in to the Grand Aston Hotel La Habana. Located in the heart of the Malecón, with a view of the Habana Bay. The Malecón is a 7 km-long stone seawall, where the life of Havana can be experienced. Nightly, Cubans gather along the wall to share in the cooling sea breeze with music and dancing.
Before dinner, the Delegation will gather for an informational briefing and introduction. Later, get your first introduction to Old Havana at one of th iconic restaurants of Havana.
Day 2 Monday
We will start the morning with an introduction to Cuba’s National Education System. Presented by representatives of the Ministries of Education and Superior Education. Discussions will cover the history of the education system, post revolution (1959), the addition of adult and special education and teacher education. The officials will share the ministry structure for resource allocation across rural and urban communities and will give history of the post revolution literacy movement. Learn about the priorities and plans to advance Education and specifically evolving reading education and literacy in Cuba.
Following lunch, visit the National Literacy Museum, meet with the director, and learn how when Cuba’s transformed their access to education throughout the country, through the 1960s Cuban Literacy Campaign.
Later, the delegation will be briefed on the role of the Cuban government and US relations by a representative of the Cuban Institute of Friendship with the Peoples, ICAP.
The Delegation will enjoy dinner at a tradition Cuban Paladar (family-run restaurant, often in the owner’s home).
Day 3 Tuesday
Start the morning with a visit to a primary school in Havana. Discuss the continued emphasis on reading and literacy beginning with early home education programs and continues through primary, basic secondary, advanced secondary, and higher education.
Later, visit as secondary school in Havana. Meet with the administrators and teachers, and observe a classroom. Discuss how students are selected for remedial literacy support and advanced student programs. Learn about the curriculum and how supporting exceptional students with limited resources is accomplished.
Visit and afterschool program and learn how these community programs support literacy development. also learn about how these community centers support adult literacy.
Tonight, say goodbye to Cuba and your delegation members at the farewell dinner. Later your Delegation Manager will help with arrangements for those who wish to attend a variety of optional cultural activities.
Day 4 Wednesday
Transfer from Jose Marti International Airport, Havana, Cuba to Miami International Airport.